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    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

    Vegan Air Fryer Gnocchi

    Published: May 2, 2023 · Modified: Mar 10, 2025 by Romy · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If you're on the hunt for a fun and tasty way to enjoy gnocchi, you've hit the jackpot with this Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe! Seriously, if you're as obsessed with your air fryer as I am, you're going to want to make this dish ASAP.

    Using fresh or frozen gnocchi, we'll toss them in a yummy vegan red pesto that's providing an extra layer of flavor before they are air fried. This air fryer gnocchi recipe is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor and an exciting, crunchy texture.

    And trust me, these air fried gnocchi are fantastic little bites on their own, but you can take it up a notch by pairing them with a vegan dip. I'm a big fan of creamy dips made from whipped vegan cream cheese, vegan sour cream or even Vegan Cottage Cheese. Yum!

    A bowl filled with air fryer gnocchi on a white table with a whipped cream cheese dip and fresh basil next to it.

    Whether you're just starting out with air frying or are already a total air fryer pro, this recipe is a must-try! So, get ready to whip up a dish that's sure to become one of your new favorites!

    And whilst you're giving your air fryer a good spin, check out these crispy Air Fryer Oyster Mushrooms by my friend Louise over at The Vegan Larder. They’re absolutely delicious and make for the perfect side dish!

    ❤️ What's Amazing About This Recipe:

    • It's 100% vegan-friendly!
    • Whip it up in no time with the air fryer for ultra-fast cooking
    • That crunchy breadcrumb coating? Absolutely fantastic!
    • Super easy to make, even for beginners.
    • You can use either homemade or store-bought gnocchi - your choice!
    • Totally customizable with simple ingredient swaps (check out the details below!)
    • Serve it up in a bunch of tasty ways - I've got some delicious ideas for you in the post!
    • Leftovers? No problem! Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    • Prefer the oven? You can make this recipe there too!

    This air fryer gnocchi recipe is a total game-changer for anyone craving a tasty, vegan-friendly meal in a flash. The crispy gnocchi paired with zesty red pesto is already a winning combo, but when you add a delicious dip - like your favorite sauce, a Spicy Butter Bean Dip or vegan whipped cream cheese - it really takes this dish to a whole new level!

    Close up of a bowl filled with vegan air fryer gnocchi.
    Close up of a hand holding an air fryer gnocchi.

    Why Make This Recipe in an Air Fryer

    Air fryers are a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy food, but healthier! They cook by circulating hot air around your food, giving you that delicious crunch with minimal oil - it's pretty magical!

    Whether you’re whipping up Sweet Potato Fries, Tater Tots or Burgers - or even baking Cinnamon Rolls - air fryers are super versatile and easy to use. If you want to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor, an air fryer is definitely worth having in your kitchen!

    For more tips and tricks on getting the most out of your air fryer, check out my detailed post on Best Practises for Using an Air Fryer or find out whether you can put water in an air fryer.

    Affiliate Links:

    If you're in the market for a new air fryer, let me tell you that I absolutely love my Ninja Foodi! I've had it for years and it's a fantastic all-rounder that it great not only for air frying but also for baking, grilling, dehydrating and roasting.

    I especially love the large air fryer basket that it comes with, and I can only recommend this air fryer! Click here to purchase it on Amazon UK or Amazon US.

    🌱 Ingredients & Notes

    • Vegan-friendly gnocchi - You can use any brand of vegan-friendly gnocchi, or make your own at home! This recipe also works wonderfully with sweet potato gnocchi, carrot gnocchi, or spinach gnocchi - both homemade or store-bought.
    • Vegan red pesto - Choose any store-bought or homemade vegan-friendly red pesto. I used Zest Red Pesto for this recipe, but you can easily swap it for vegan basil pesto if you prefer.
    • Breadcrumbs - I used golden breadcrumbs for a delicious crunch, but feel free to substitute them with Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
    • Salt & Pepper - Season to taste! I like to use sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor.
    • Oil spray - For best results, use rapeseed oil spray or avocado oil spray. If you don’t have those, olive oil spray works well - just ensure it's suitable for high temperatures.
    • Fresh basil - Fresh basil leaves make a perfect garnish. If basil isn't available, fresh parsley or oregano can also add a lovely touch.
    • Tomato sauce to serve - Pair the crispy air fryer gnocchi with your favorite marinara sauce, or whip up a delicious homemade dip, like vegan whipped cream cheese, for dunking!
    Ingredients for air fryer gnocchi on a tray.

    Not sure where to find gnocchi? Your local grocery store is a great starting point, and many stores carry both fresh and frozen options. For a quick and convenient choice, try shelf-stable gnocchi like Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi. Feeling adventurous? Homemade gnocchi - whether classic potato or sweet potato - is a fantastic option and works perfectly with this recipe!

    And if you’re a gnocchi fan, don’t miss out on my Gnocchi Carbonara Recip. It’s creamy, vegan-friendly, and a must-try for your meal plan this week!

    🥣 Equipment

    • Air Fryer - I used my Ninja Foodi Air Fryer for this recipe.
    • Mixing Bowl - a large bowl to toss the gnocchi with pesto and breadcrumbs.
    • Measuring Spoons - To measure out the ingredients.
    • Serving Dish - A plate or bowl to serve the air fryer gnocchi alongside a delicious dip!

    🔪 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

    This recipe can be made in 3 simple steps:

    Step 1 - Cook your gnocchi according to packaging instructions until they are soft but not mushy.

    Adding gnocchi into boiling hot water.
    Lifting cooked gnocchi out of hot water with a slatted spoon.

    Step 2 - Toss them with red pesto and breadcrumbs until evenly coated.

    Vegan red pesto being added to a bowl of cooked gnocchi.
    Pesto coated gnocchi being sprinkled with breadcrumbs.

    Step 3 - Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray them with oil. Cook for 13-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until they're all crispy and golden brown.

    Crumb coated gnocchi in a bowl up close.
    Crumb coated gnocchi in an air fryer in a single layer.
    Close up of air fried gnocchi in air fryer.

    This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for an easy way to enjoy gnocchi in a new way. Try it out today and let me know what you think in the comments below!

    🍽️ Serving Suggestions

    Here are some tasty serving suggestions for air fryer gnocchi:

    • Dipping: Dip those crunchy gnocchi into whipped vegan cream cheese, vegan sour cream, or hummus for a creamy twist. Feeling adventurous? Try pairing them with a spicy dip like this fiery Butter Bean Dip!
    • Sautéed Greens: Toss the gnocchi with sautéed spinach and garlic for a healthy and flavorful side dish that complements the crispy texture beautifully.
    • Roasted Veggies: Serve the gnocchi alongside a medley of roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, eggplant, or asparagus, for a colorful and nutritious plate.
    • Extra Garnish: Top the gnocchi with a sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add a burst of flavor and freshness.
    • Salad Sidekick: Pair the gnocchi with a simple, dressed salad for a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the dish.
    • Comfort Combo: Enjoy the gnocchi alongside a hearty vegetable soup or stew for a warm, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

    Feel free to get creative and experiment with your own serving ideas - there are no limits to how you can enjoy these tasty little bites!

    Hand picking up an air fryer gnocchi.
    A crispy air fryer gnocchi being dipped into a bowl full of vegan whipped cream cheese.

    ✨ Creative Recipe Variations

    • Use different sauces - Instead of red pesto, try using a different sauce for the gnocchi, such as basil pesto or chili pesto.
    • Make it spicy - Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the coating before air frying or serve the gnocchi with a drizzle of sriracha sauce for a bit of heat.
    • Experiment with other seasonings - You can also add dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, or any other spices you like - or use a store-bought seasoning mix, such as Everything Bagel, Italian, ranch, cajun, Jamaican jerk or taco seasoning.
    • Make it sweet - Gnocchi are wonderfully versatile! Why not try making a sweet crispy gnocchi version by adding sugar and cinnamon before air frying, and serving them alongside a delicious chocolate dip?

    📦 Storage

    Store any leftover cooked air fryer gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through and crispy. Do not freeze cooked gnocchi, as they may become mushy when thawed.

    💡 Expert Tips

    Here are a few extra tips to make the best gnocchi in your air fryer:

    • Use cooking spray to prevent sticking: Before adding your food to the air fryer basket, lightly coat it with cooking spray. This will help prevent your food from sticking to the basket and make cleanup easier. The best way is to use rapeseed or avocado oil spray. For an even easier clean up, get an air fryer liner!
    • Preheat the air fryer: Just like with an oven, it's important to preheat your air fryer before cooking. This will ensure that your food cooks evenly and comes out crispy.
    • Don't overcrowd the basket: It can be tempting to fill the air fryer basket to the brim, but overcrowding can prevent your food from cooking properly. Place the gnocchi into the basket in a single later, leaving some space between them to allow for proper air circulation and ensure that everything cooks evenly.
    • Shake the frying basket every 5 minutes to ensure the gnocchi is cooked evenly.

    ⚠️ Note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on your gnocchi to ensure they don't burn.

    A bowl full of air fried gnocchi looking crunchy and delicious.

    ❓ FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make this recipe with homemade gnocchi?

    Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi in this recipe. Simply cook the gnocchi until they're soft and then follow the recipe as written.

    Can I make this recipe with frozen gnocchi?

    Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi in this recipe. Simply thaw the gnocchi and then follow the recipe as written.

    Can I make this recipe in the oven?

    Yes, you can absolutely make this recipe in the oven! Simply preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the gnocchi on a lined baking sheet for roughly 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
    Note that the cooking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the gnocchi to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

    🔜 Related Recipes

    Check out the the blog for more easy and delicious air fryer recipes that you can try at home! Here are a few of my personal favorites:

    • Air Fryer Tater Tots
    • Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
    • Air Fried Beyond Meat Burgers
    • Popped popcorn kernels can be seen in a black air fryer basket on the kitchen counter with the air fryer standing behind.
      Air Fryer Popcorn
    • Easy Vegan Cauliflower Wings
      Vegan Cauliflower Wings
    • A hand is dipping a vegan gluten free chicken nugget into ketchup.
      Vegan Chicken Nuggets
    • Sliced air fryer flatbread pizza on a serving board.
      Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza
    See more Air Fryer →

    📌 If you love Pinterest you can pin any of the images to your boards!

    🧑‍🍳 Recipe

    Here's a handy recipe card that you can print out and keep in your kitchen for easy reference:

    📖 Recipe Card

    Crispy air fryer gnocchi shown up close in a bowl with a white parchment underneath.

    Air Fryer Gnocchi

    Romy
    Get ready for some crispy and indulgent comfort food with this air fryer gnocchi recipe! Tossed in red pesto and a crispy breadcrumb coating, these gnocchi are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Simply divine on their own or dipped into your favorite sauces!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine American, Italian
    Servings 2 servings
    Calories 350 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 air fryer
    • 1 measuring cups and spoons
    • 1 medium mixing bowl
    • 1 serving dish

    Ingredients
      

    • 8.8 oz gnocchi (250g) vegan-friendly
    • 4.2 oz red pesto (120g) vegan friendly
    • 1 oz breadcrumbs (30g) golden
    • oil spray rapeseed oil or avocado oil
    • fresh basil for garnish
    • salt and pepper to taste

    For serving

    • marinara sauce optional

    Instructions
     

    • Cook the gnocchi in a large pot of water until they are soft but not mushy. Drain the gnocchi and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
    • Toss the gnocchi with the red pesto and breadcrumbs until evenly coated and season to taste with sea salt and pepper if needed.
    • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the gnocchi into the air fryer basket in a single layer and lightly spray them with oil.
    • Air fry the gnocchi for 13-15 minutes, shaking the air fryer basket every 5 minutes, until they are crispy and golden brown.
    • Transfer the air-fried gnocchi to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh basil and enjoy alongside your favourite marinara sauce or homemade dip!

    Notes

    • Nutritional information for reference only. These are estimates and may vary depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.
    • If you don't have an air fryer, you can also bake the gnocchi in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
    • Add a sprinkle of garlic powder to the breadcrumbs for a garlicky twist!
    • For best results, use rapeseed or avocado oil spray.
    • Keep an eye on your gnocchi while they're cooking to ensure they don't burn. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer.
    • Use an air fryer liner for easy clean up.
    • Leftover gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through and crispy. 
    • Experiment with different sauces to dip the gnocchi in, such as marinara sauce, spicy butter bean dip, hummus, whipped vegan cream cheese or vegan alfredo sauce!
    Keyword air fryer, air fryer gnocchi, air frying, gnocchi

     © 2025 Romy London / Romina Callwitz | All images, videos, wordings and content are copyright protected and belong to Romina Callwitz. Please do not use any of my content without prior permission. If you wish to re-publish any (part of my) content, please get in touch via email. Thanks for your support!

    *Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links and sponsored links that earn me a small commission, at no additional cost to you. You can find more information in my Privacy Policy.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Jen

      May 02, 2023 at 11:39 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely love these crispy gnocchi, such a fab recipe!

      Reply
      • romylondonuk

        May 02, 2023 at 12:46 pm

        So glad to hear you like this recipe - thank you for leaving a review!

        Reply

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