If you’re craving a quick and tasty dish with a bit of a spicy kick, this crispy gnocchi with pesto is the perfect recipe! Made in the air fryer in just 12 minutes, it’s crunchy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. The perfect balance of paprika, garlic, and the boldness of chilli pesto makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as a snack or a side dish, it’s sure to please!
Method
To start making your crispy gnocchi with chilli pesto, first, you’ll need to prepare the gnocchi. In a large mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil to make sure each piece is well-coated. This will help the seasoning stick and give the gnocchi that crispiness when cooked. Once the gnocchi is evenly coated, it’s time to season. Sprinkle in the paprika, garlic granules, dried basil, and sea salt. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the gnocchi is seasoned on all sides.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (or 400°F). While it’s heating up, place the seasoned gnocchi into the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket to ensure that the gnocchi cook evenly and become crispy all around. Set the air fryer to cook for 12 minutes. About halfway through, take the basket out and give it a shake to help the gnocchi crisp up on all sides.
Once the gnocchi is golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. This is where the magic happens! Top them with the chilli pesto – just add a few dollops and let the warmth from the gnocchi melt it into a creamy, flavorful sauce. Then, sprinkle with parmesan to add a cheesy finish. For an extra burst of freshness and color, you can garnish with fresh parsley or basil.Finally, serve and enjoy these crispy gnocchi bites! They’ll be crunchy, spicy, and so flavorful, making for a perfect snack or side dish to complement any meal.
Necessary Tools
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Serving plate or bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs or spatula (for shaking halfway through)
Crispy Gnocchi with Pesto: A Delicious Air-Fried Delight!
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes12
minutes17
minutesIngredients
500g Gnocchi
2 tbsp Olive oil
1 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Garlic granules
1 tsp Dried Basil
1/2 tsp Sea salt (or to taste)
2 tbsp Olive oil
Chilli pesto (to taste)
Parmesan (for topping)
Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Start by tossing the gnocchi in olive oil in a large bowl. Make sure they’re all coated well. Now, sprinkle in the paprika, garlic granules, dried basil, and sea salt. Toss everything again to make sure the gnocchi is evenly seasoned.
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Place the gnocchi in the air fryer basket, and cook them for 12 minutes. Be sure to give the basket a shake halfway through the cooking time for an even crunch.
- Once they’re golden and crispy, take them out of the air fryer. Add a few generous dollops of chilli pesto, sprinkle on some parmesan, and top with fresh parsley or basil for that extra burst of flavor.
- Dig in and enjoy these crispy gnocchi bites with a spicy kick!
Notes
- Keep an eye on the gnocchi while they cook. Depending on your air fryer’s model, they may cook faster or slower than expected. Adjust the cooking time as necessary.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. For the crispiest results, spread the gnocchi in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece.
- Be careful when removing the gnocchi from the air fryer, as they will be hot. Use tongs or a spatula to avoid burns.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your crispy gnocchi with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a light meal.
- Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish to make it a main course.
- Add a drizzle of extra chilli pesto or a dollop of sour cream for a creamier twist.
Fun Fact
Did you know that gnocchi is an Italian classic? Gnocchi translates to “dumplings” in Italian, and they’ve been enjoyed for centuries. The crispy texture from the air fryer brings a modern twist to this old favorite!
Conclusion
This crispy gnocchi with pesto is the perfect combination of cheesy, spicy, and crunchy, all made quickly and easily in the air fryer. Whether you’re in need of a tasty snack or a fun side dish, this recipe will hit the spot. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked on the crispy goodness!
