Imagine transforming a simple package of cauliflower gnocchi into a restaurant-worthy dish with just minutes of prep and the magic of an air fryer. This Italian-inspired recipe promises a golden, crispy exterior and a tender interior that will make you forget all about traditional potato gnocchi. Whether you're a busy home cook or a health-conscious foodie, this quick and easy recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package cauliflower gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Remove the cauliflower gnocchi from the package and let it thaw for 1-2 minutes at room temperature if frozen.
- Lightly pat the gnocchi dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier texture.
- Drizzle olive oil over the gnocchi and gently toss to ensure even coating, which will help promote golden browning.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the gnocchi, distributing seasonings evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- Arrange the gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook the gnocchi for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispy exterior.
- Check the gnocchi for a golden brown color and crisp exterior. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
- Once done, carefully remove the gnocchi from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot gnocchi and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Always pat your gnocchi dry before cooking to ensure a perfectly crisp exterior.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each gnocchi piece some space to allow hot air to circulate and create even browning.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get that beautiful golden color.
- Experiment with seasonings - try adding garlic powder, Italian herbs, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture and temperature.
- If your gnocchi is frozen, let it thaw slightly but not completely to maintain its structure.
- Use a light hand with olive oil - just enough to help seasonings stick and promote browning, but not so much that the gnocchi becomes greasy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
