Crispy Air Fryer Pesto Gnocchi with Burst Cherry Tomatoes & Mozzarella

Transform dinner with this unbelievably easy and incredibly delicious Air Fryer Pesto Gnocchi. Golden-crisp gnocchi, juicy burst cherry tomatoes, and melty mozzarella come together in under 35 minutes for a truly unforgettable meal. It's the perfect weeknight solution that tastes gourmet without the fuss, sure to be a new family favorite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb (500g) shelf-stable potato gnocchi
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 pint (approx. 2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into small pieces
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
• Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Allow it to fully reach temperature for best results.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the uncooked gnocchi, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently until the gnocchi are evenly coated.
3. Arrange the seasoned gnocchi in a single layer in your air fryer basket. For optimal crispiness, avoid overcrowding and cook in two batches if necessary.
4. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the gnocchi are golden brown and deliciously crispy on the outside.
5. While the gnocchi cooks, in the same bowl (no need to clean), gently toss the halved cherry tomatoes with the basil pesto.
6. Once the gnocchi is crispy, carefully transfer it back into the bowl with the pesto-tossed cherry tomatoes. Add the torn fresh mozzarella pieces.
7. Gently toss everything together until the gnocchi, tomatoes, and mozzarella are well combined and the mozzarella begins to soften from the residual heat.
8. Return the entire mixture to the air fryer basket for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the cherry tomatoes slightly burst and the mozzarella is gooey and fully melted.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and flavorful meal!

Chef's Note

For that perfect golden crisp on your gnocchi, ensure they are thoroughly coated in oil before air frying. Don't be shy with the shaking during cooking – it promotes even browning and a superior texture!

Make-Ahead Tips

This dish is best enjoyed fresh to savor the crispy gnocchi. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to help regain some of the crispiness.

Substitutions

**Vegetarian/Vegan:** Use vegan gnocchi, a dairy-free pesto, and plant-based mozzarella for a delicious vegan alternative.,**Cheese:** Crumbled feta, goat cheese, or a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan can replace fresh mozzarella.,**Pesto:** Sun-dried tomato pesto or a nut-free pesto can be used for different flavor profiles.,**Vegetables:** Add a handful of chopped spinach or bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of gnocchi air frying for extra veggies.