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.
Pair toasted gnocchi with your favorite fish and some broccolini, or this perfectly cooked Filet Mignon Steak.
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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.
Looking for more amazing air fryer recipes? Try these Crispy Fried Onion Strings or these trendy Air Fryer Pasta Chips.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: 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!
- Flavorful: Heating butter beyond its melting point will add an extra layer of rich flavor and color.
- 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.
Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Parmesan Ingredients
- Gnocchi: We prefer potato gnocchi. You could also try other soft dough dumplings like sweet potato or cauliflower gnocchi.
- Unsalted Butter: For preparing the luscious brown butter.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: To add nutty and savory notes to the dish.
- Olive Oil: For coating the gnocchi before air frying.
- Italian Seasoning: An Italian herb seasoning grinder works well.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Brown Butter: Can be replaced with melted butter if you prefer a less nutty flavor.
- Diet: For a gluten free option, use gluten-free gnocchi. You could also try cauliflower gnocchi as a low-carb alternative.
- Cheese: Try using different types of cheese, like Pecorino Romano or Gouda, for unique variations.
- 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 sauces. A creamy garlic parmesan, mushroom sauce, or pesto cream sauce would pair well.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi
STEP ONE: Prepare the Gnocchi
Begin by coating the shelf-stable gnocchi in olive oil, ensuring they are evenly covered. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper for seasoning.
STEP TWO: Air Fry the Gnocchi
Spread the seasoned gnocchi on the air fryer tray (or in air fryer basket), making sure they are in a single layer. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and air fry for 10-13 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
STEP THREE: Prepare the Brown Butter
While the gnocchi is air frying, take a saucepan and melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continuously whisk the butter until it turns a rich caramel color and releases a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately and pour the brown butter into a separate mixing bowl to cool slightly.
STEP FOUR: Coat the Gnocchi
Once the gnocchi are done air frying, add them to the mixing bowl with the brown butter. Gently toss the gnocchi in the brown butter until each piece is coated evenly. Serve immediately with freshly grated parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Shake the air fryer basket (or tray) halfway through the cooking time.
❌ DO NOT Overcrowd the air fryer tray; make sure the gnocchi are in a single layer.
Storage
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. This dish is not freezer-friendly. Reheating leftover gnocchi in the air fryer will help it retain its crispy texture.
Recipe FAQs
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.
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.
Yes! Just ensure the frozen gnocchi is thawed before coating and air frying.
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📖 Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Parmesan
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Cheese grater
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz. Box of Gnocchi
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 tablespoon Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- ¼ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, drizzle the gnocchi with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Lightly season with salt and black pepper. Spread the coated gnocchi evenly on the air fryer tray.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Air fry the gnocchi for 10-13 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- While the gnocchi is air frying, take a saucepan and place it over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter to the pan and continuously whisk it until it melts and starts to foam. Continue whisking until the butter turns a light caramel color, releasing a nutty aroma. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Immediately remove the pan from the heat and pour the brown butter into a separate mixing bowl to cool slightly. Once the gnocchi is done air frying, add it to the mixing bowl with the brown butter. Gently toss the gnocchi in the brown butter until each piece is coated evenly.
- Transfer the coated gnocchi to serving plates or a platter. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning over the top. Serve immediately while the gnocchi is still warm and enjoy!
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Notes
- Brown Butter - Can be replaced with melted butter if you prefer a less nutty flavor.
- Diet - For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free gnocchi.
- Cheese - Try using different types of cheese, like Pecorino Romano or Gouda, for unique variations.
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