Trust me—this is about to become your favorite way to cook Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi. Air frying frozen cauliflower gnocchi yields a delightfully crispy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. It works perfectly as a snack, appetizer, or side dish and comes together quickly with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Recipe
- Versatile: enjoy it as a quick snack, an easy weeknight dinner, or a shareable appetizer or side.
- Effortless: simply toss frozen gnocchi with a little oil and seasoning, then let the air fryer do the rest.
- Wonderful texture: crunchy edges give way to a tender, pillowy center that’s addictive.
- Lower-carb option: cauliflower gnocchi offers a lighter alternative to traditional potato or wheat-based pasta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 bag frozen Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi (about 12 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 2–3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: marinara sauce for dipping
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
How To Make This Cauliflower Gnocchi Air Fryer Recipe
- In a large bowl, combine the frozen gnocchi, oil, Parmesan, and garlic powder. Toss gently until the gnocchi are evenly coated.
- Arrange the gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding so they crisp evenly.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes and using tongs to separate any pieces that stick together.
- When golden and crisp, transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired, and serve with marinara for dipping.
Recipe Variations
- Switch up the seasoning: try Italian seasoning, dried basil, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes for heat.
- If you prefer a cheesier finish, cluster the cooked gnocchi together, top with shredded mozzarella, and air fry 1–2 minutes more until melted.
- Use regular potato gnocchi with the same method—adjust times slightly based on size and brand.
Tips and Notes
- This method was tested with Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi, but other frozen cauliflower gnocchi brands should work similarly—cook times may vary.
- No need to thaw the gnocchi before air frying; cook them straight from frozen.
- Separate any pieces that are stuck together before cooking so each piece gets crisp edges.
- Serve immediately for best texture—gnocchi are crispiest right out of the air fryer.
Cauliflower gnocchi is made largely from cauliflower and offers a vegetable-based alternative to traditional pasta. It can be a lighter option depending on ingredients and portion size.
No. Air fry the gnocchi directly from frozen for best texture and convenience.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes or until warmed through to help retain crispiness.
Recipe
Cauliflower Gnocchi (Air Fryer)
Ready in under 30 minutes, this air fryer cauliflower gnocchi is crispy on the outside and soft inside. Serve with marinara, pesto, or a cheesy sauce for a satisfying snack or side.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (12 oz) frozen Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 2–3 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: marinara for serving, parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the frozen gnocchi with oil, Parmesan, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Place gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket; avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes and separating any pieces that stick together.
- Top with extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve immediately with marinara for dipping if desired.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 249 kcal | Carbohydrates: 27 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 12 g | Fiber: 8 g | Sodium: 643 mg
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