Name: Air Fryer Gnocchi Bites
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: 1 package (16 ounces) gnocchi; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ cup (25 g) parmesan cheese, (grated); fresh basil, (chopped (for garnish)); Marinara sauce, (for serving)

Crispy Gnocchi Bites are the ultimate easy (like, really easy!) appetizer or snack! Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, these golden, crunchy gnocchi are tossed in olive oil and savory seasonings, and then air-fried to crispy perfection. (You can also bake them in the oven.) And, they are ready in under 20 minutes! Once you start snacking on these, it will be hard to stop! If you love quick and crispy air fryer recipes like these gnocchi bites, you’ve got to try my Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites next.

Skillet of Gnocchi Bites on a wooden table from overhead.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Gnocchi: I used fresh potato gnocchi for this recipe. Gnocchi are small, soft dough dumplings made from potatoes, flour, and sometimes eggs. They are often boiled and added to a sauce. But, in this recipe, I air fry them until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. So easy and so good!
Seasonings: I kept things simple with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You probably already have these ingredients on hand, making this recipe even easier!
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan takes these crispy gnocchi bites to the next level. It adds a salty, cheesy finish that melts just slightly over the hot gnocchi, so every bite has that extra layer of flavor. It can be optional, but I highly recommend it!
Basil: A little chopped fresh basil goes a long way. I like how it adds a pop of color and a fresh bite. Sprinkle it on with the Parmesan right after air frying for the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use chopped parsley for a milder, fresh-tasting garnish, or a small pinch of dried basil. Just know that dried herbs are more concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
Marinara Sauce: Marinara is the perfect match for these gnocchi bites. I also have a five-cheese marinara sauce that would be delicious!

Skillet of Gnocchi Bites with a ramekin of marinara sauce.

Do I Need to Boil Gnocchi Before Air Frying?

Nope! You don’t need to boil gnocchi before air frying. Just toss it with oil and seasonings, then air fry it straight from the package. Boiling first can make it too soft and harder to crisp. Air frying gives you golden, crispy bites with a soft center, no pot of water needed!

Best Type of Gnocchi to Use in the Air Fryer

Fresh potato gnocchi works best in the air fryer. These soft, doughy dumplings get crispy on the outside and stay tender inside. You don’t need to boil them first; just toss them with oil and seasonings and they’re ready to cook. You can also use shelf-stable gnocchi (the kind you find in vacuum-sealed packages). It crisps up well too.

Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi in the air fryer! For best results, let it thaw for a few minutes so it cooks more evenly. Then toss it with oil and seasonings, and air fry like usual. If you skip thawing, just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time and make sure to shake the basket often.

Fork dipping a piece of fried gnocchi into marinara.

What to Serve with Gnocchi Bites

These crispy gnocchi bites are great as a snack, appetizer, or easy side dish. Serve them with warm marinara or a cheesy dipping sauce (like my cheddar cheese sauce). They also pair well with a fresh salad, grilled chicken, or even a bowl of soup. Want to turn them into a meal? Add them to a pasta dish or top them with more cheese and herbs for a fun (and delicious!) twist on loaded fries!

How to Store and Reheat Gnocchi

To store leftover air fryer gnocchi bites, first, let the gnocchi cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop the gnocchi back in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes, or until hot and crispy again. You can also warm it in the oven or a skillet, but the air fryer gives the best crunch.

Skillet of Gnocchi Bites on a wooden table.

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Air Fryer Gnocchi Bites

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 13

Total Time 18

Try these Air Fryer Gnocchi Bites for a quick, crispy snack! Ready in under 20 minutes and perfect with marinara sauce.

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Ingredients

▢ 1 package (16 ounces) gnocchi
▢ 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper
▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
▢ ¼ cup (25 g) parmesan cheese, grated
▢ fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
▢ Marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).*
In a bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
Place gnocchi in the air fryer basket in a single layer. (Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.)
Air fry for 13-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 minutes, or until the gnocchi are golden and crispy on the outside.
Immediately sprinkle with parmesan and chopped basil.
Serve with warm marinara for dipping.

Notes

*Oven Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Toss the gnocchi with oil and seasonings just like you would for the air fryer.
Spread the gnocchi out in a single layer.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the outside.

They won’t get quite as crisp as in the air fryer, but they’ll still be delicious—especially when served with dips like marinara or ranch.