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Air fryer pink gnocchi served in a white bowl, lightly crisped on the outside and garnished with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese.
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Air Fryer Pink Gnocchi - Crispy Bites With Creamy Tomato Sauce

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for the basket)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or dried basil/oregano)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon (optional, to brighten)

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil the basket or line it with parchment designed for air fryers.
  • Season the gnocchi: In a bowl, toss gnocchi with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is well coated.
  • Air-fry until golden: Arrange gnocchi in a single layer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until edges are crisp and lightly browned. Thicker gnocchi may need an extra 2 minutes.
  • Start the sauce: While the gnocchi cook, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant, not browned.
  • Add tomatoes: Pour in passata or crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to slightly reduce and sweeten.
  • Make it pink: Lower heat. Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently for 2 minutes. The sauce should turn a warm pink color. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Cheese it up: Stir in parmesan until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or cream. Taste and adjust salt.
  • Toss and finish: Add the crispy gnocchi straight from the air fryer into the skillet. Toss to coat. Cook 1 minute to marry the flavors.
  • Brighten and serve: Add chopped basil or parsley. For extra lift, finish with a little lemon zest or a quick squeeze of lemon. Serve hot with more parmesan on top.