Toasted Air Fryer Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Parmesan

Name: Toasted Air Fryer Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Parmesan
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 16oz. Box of Gnocchi; 4 tbsp Butter; 1 tbsp Grated Parmesan; 2 tbsp Olive Oil; 1/4 tsp Italian Seasoning; 1/8 tsp Salt; 1/8 tsp Pepper

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Crispy and perfectly toasted, this Air Fryer Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Parmesan makes a great side dish when you want delicious food in a hurry. Slice open some store-bought gnocchi, lightly cover it in oil, toast to perfection, and then toss it in rich, flavorful brown butter sauce. Gnocchi pairs well with almost anything, so serve it with your favorite protein and some greens for an easy, weeknight meal.

Close up of toasted air fryer gnocchi with brown butter and parmesan

Gnocchi is an Italian dumpling that is traditionally made with potatoes, wheat flour, and egg. There are many variations of gnocchi including sweet potato gnocchi, pumpkin gnocchi, and cauliflower gnocchi. It is often served as a main dish in place of pasta, but could also be paired with protein as a quick and easy side.

Brown butter is made when butter is melted over medium heat and milk solids separate and turn browner in color. Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to baked goods and savory sauces.

Why we love this recipe:

It's quick - Crack open a package of shelf-stable gnocchi, coat the little guys in oil, and air fry in under 15 minutes. It doesn't get much easier than that!
It's tasty - Heating butter beyond its melting point will add an extra layer of rich flavor and color.
It's kid-friendly - With supervision, kids can help create this side dish. Have them coat the gnocchi in oil before toasting or let them mix in the prepared brown butter when finished. Even your most picky eaters will love the buttery, potato flavor.

Looking for more amazing air fryer recipes? Try these Crispy Fried Onion Strings or these trendy Air Fryer Pasta Chips.

Toasted Air Fryer Gnocchi was inspired by these Air Fryer Potato Wedges for an easy potato side. If you have a Sous Vide Cooker, then pair this recipe with this incredible Sous Vide Filet Mignon.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Substitutions
Variations
Equipment
Storage
Top Tips
More Recipes
FAQ
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Food Safety

Ingredients

Gnocchi - Use the store shelf variety for best results.
Butter - Unsalted butter is preferred.
Parmesan - We prefer freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano over the pre-grated variety.
Olive Oil - Just enough to lightly coat.
Italian Seasoning - An Italian herb seasoning grinder works well.
Salt - Just a pinch (or to taste)
Pepper - Just a pinch (or to taste)

Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.

Gnocchi tossed in olive oil blue mixing bowl

Instructions

How to Make Toasted Gnocchi in the Air Fryer

STEP ONE: Prepare the Gnocchi

Begin by coating the gnocchi in 2 tbsp. of olive oil. Lightly dust with salt and pepper.

STEP TWO: Toast Gnocchi until Slightly Browned

Spread out the gnocchi in your air fryer tray. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees and toast gnocchi for 10-13 minutes, or until toasty brown.

STEP THREE: Prepare the Brown Butter

In a saucepan on medium heat, whisk butter until browned. Remove from heat immediately, then pour into a mixing bowl.

STEP FOUR: Toss and Serve

Remove gnocchi from the air fryer when fully cooked and put it in the mixing bowl with the brown butter. Toss to coat. Serve immediately with freshly grated parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.

Substitutions

Brown Butter - Can be replaced with melted butter if you prefer a less nutty flavor.

Variations

Flavor - Add garlic, sage, or other herbs to the brown butter sauce for extra flavor.
Protein - Mix in some cooked Italian ground sausage and spinach to make this side dish a meal.
Method - Don't have an air fryer? Toast the gnocchi on the stove with a little olive oil over medium heat. A cast iron skillet works best.
Sauce - Experiment with other sauces. A creamy garlic parmesan, mushroom sauce, or pesto cream sauce would pair well.

Equipment

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Storage

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

This dish is not freezer friendly.

Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.

Top Tips

Reheating leftover gnocchi in the air fryer will help it retain its crispy texture.

Close up of toasted air fryer gnocchi with brown butter and parmesan feature

More Recipes

Have leftover ingredients?

Combine leftover gnocchi with some spinach and mushrooms for another side dish idea.

In the mood for a similar dish?

Easy Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Need something to pair this with?

Pair toasted gnocchi with your favorite fish and some broccolini, or this perfectly cooked Filet Mignon Steak.

A picture of broiled barramundi, toasted gnocchi, and broccolini.

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FAQ

Brown Butter vs. Burnt Butter. What is the difference?

Brown butter is the color of caramel and it has a rich, nutty flavor. Burnt butter is darker in color and does not taste good. Brown butter can turn to burnt butter in a matter of seconds, so it is important to whisk continuously and remove it from the pan immediately when cooked.

When should I use brown butter as a substitute for regular melted butter in recipes?

Brown butter is often used in French cuisine. Use brown butter in savory sauces or sweet desserts when you want a rich, nutty flavor and a little color.

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