Easy Crispy Rosemary Garlic Air Fryer Gnocchi
If you’re craving a quick, crispy, and savory side dish, this Easy Crispy Rosemary Garlic Air Fryer Gnocchi is the perfect recipe! With golden edges, soft centers, and an irresistible blend of rosemary and garlic, this dish delivers all the cozy flavors of fall in just minutes.
Crispy rosemary garlic air fryer gnocchi started as a quick weeknight experiment, and it instantly became a delicious and quick dish that our family enjoys. I love how the gnocchi turns golden and crisp on the outside while staying perfectly soft on the inside.
And, serving it with my Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce takes it to another level. The warm, tomato-rich flavor pairs perfectly with the garlic and rosemary and turns this simple side into a cozy, satisfying meal.
Spotlight on These Easy Crispy Rosemary Garlic Air Fryer Gnocchi
- Make them in 20 minutes. Yes, you heard me right. They are a simple side dish that you can throw together when you are short on time. This is one of those air fryer recipes you can make in a pinch.
- They are delicious. I love how crispy they are on the outside but still soft on the inside. The best part is dipping them into marinara sauce or pesto. Yum!
- It’s a healthy side dish. Simple and wholesome ingredients are all you will find in this airy fryer recipe. You won’t find any seed oils, processed or dairy ingredients.
- It’s a family staple. All of my picky eaters enjoy crispy air fryer gnocchi believe it or not. I bet yours will, too. They are simple and have a great flavor.
- They are cheap to make. Grab a bag of gnocchi, a small bunch of fresh rosemary, and a few staples you probably already have at home. This is a simple recipe with few ingredients.
The Ingredients
Gnocchi: You’ll use one bag of store-bought gnocchi or homemade gnocchi for this recipe. Grab your favorite flavor and favorite brand which is sold at most grocery stores in the pasta aisle.
Avocado oil: You can use olive oil as well however whenever cooking at high temperatures, I like to use avocado oil.
Garlic: You’ll want to use fresh garlic for maximum flavor. You can definitely sub fresh garlic with 1/2 a teaspoon of garlic powder if you need to.
Rosemary: The best part of this recipe is the fresh herbs! Rosemary kicks up the flavor and makes this dish so delicious.
Nutritional yeast: I love this vegan cheese replacement. It really gives off a cheesy vibe without any dairy. Not to mention it contains many nutrients.
Sea salt and black pepper: Finish this dish with salt and black pepper to taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, any type of gnocchi will work! You can use cauliflower gnocchi, sweet potato gnocchi, plain gnocchi, etc. It’s totally up to you.
Absolutely! You’ll prepare it the same way but cooking time will be a few minutes longer. One of my favorites is Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi. *See notes below.
The outside has a crispy texture while the inside stays soft and chewy.
Fresh parmesan will work but add it after cooking.
I love dipping them into warm marinara sauce or pesto sauce.
Yes! Simply place them back into your oiled basket and at 350 degrees for 4-6 minutes.
Some store-bought gnocchi is naturally vegan, however it is important to check the ingredient list to confirm there is no egg in the recipe. Gnocchi is dairy-free and vegetarian naturally, however.
The Instructions
Step one: For best results, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spray the basket with cooking spray such as avocado oil spray or olive oil spray.
Step two: While the air fryer is preheating, cook the avocado oil mixture. Over medium heat, add avocado oil, garlic, and rosemary to a pan. Stir constantly for two minutes or so. You do not want the garlic to brown. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper.
Step three: Add the gnocchi to the pan and toss them until the gnocchi are evenly coated.
Step four: Place the seasoned gnocchi on the greased air fryer basket in a single layer. Sprinkle with additional salt and cook in the preheated air fryer for 11-14 minutes, if using shelf-stable gnocchi, or 13-16 minutes if using frozen gnocchi. *Do not thaw frozen gnocchi.
The key is to cook the gnocchi until golden brown but not burnt. Please note: toss the gnocchi at the halfway point. You may want to toss it over a cutting board because it can get messy.
Serve immediately with your favorite pasta sauce, like this homemade marinara.
Storage
The best way to enjoy this vegan gnocchi is to eat it right away. However, if you would like to save leftovers, place them in an airtight container and in the fridge for up to two days.
To reheat, place the leftover gnocchi back onto an oiled air fryer basket and cook at 350 degrees for 4-6 minutes.
Tips + Modifications
For even crispiness, give the air fryer basket a shake halfway through cooking. This helps the gnocchi brown evenly on all sides.
Cook in a single layer for best results. If the pieces overlap, they will steam instead of crisp.
Serve over sautéed spinach, roasted vegetables, or toss with pesto. Pairing it with your Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce also makes a simple and cozy dinner.
Air fryer gnocchi is crispiest right after cooking. Leftovers will not turn out as crispy but will still taste great.
More Delicious Vegan Side Dishes
Stovetop Lentil Broccoli Gnocchi
Stovetop Garlic Lemon Green Beans
Sweet and Spicy Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Delicata Squash with Sage Crema
Easy Crispy Rosemary Garlic Air Fryer Gnocchi
Equipment
- 1 air fryer and basket
- 1 medium pan
Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi shelf-stable or frozen (shelf-stable preferred)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional sauce for dipping such as marinara or pesto
Instructions
- For best results, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spray the basket with cooking spray such as avocado oil spray or olive oil spray.
- While the air fryer is preheating, cook the avocado oil mixture. Over medium heat, add avocado oil, garlic, and rosemary to a pan. Stir constantly for two minutes or so. You do not want the garlic to brown. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper.
- Add the gnocchi to the pan and toss it until the gnocchi are evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned gnocchi on the greased air fryer basket in a single layer. Sprinkle with additional salt and cook in the preheated air fryer for 11-14 minutes, if using shelf-stable gnocchi, or 13-16 minutes if using frozen gnocchi. *Do not thaw frozen gnocchi.The key is to cook the gnocchi until golden brown but not burnt. Please note: toss the gnocchi at the halfway point. You may want to toss it over a cutting board because it can get messy.
- Serve immediately with your favorite pasta sauce.
