Making cauliflower gnocchi in the air fryer is fast, easy, and probably one of the best ways to get a crispy outside, while keeping a soft, pillowy inside. Try using Trader Joe’s or another brand for a delicious meal or appetizer that can be made in about 15 minutes.

The Trader Joe’s freezer section has a great variety of food perfect for quick and delicious meals. After making their orange chicken in the air fryer I knew I had to try their frozen cauliflower gnocchi using this cooking method.

While traditional gnocchi is made with potatoes and eggs, this is made with primarily cauliflower and cassava flour making it gluten-free, egg and dairy-free. So if you are wanting to sneak in more veggies to your meals, this is a great option.

The air fryer has become my favorite way to cook frozen foods like Alexia sweet potato fries, frozen fried okra, and even frozen soft pretzels. Frozen cauliflower gnocchi is no exception, it cooks up in about 15 minutes with a beautiful golden brown, crispy texture on the outside while staying warm and soft inside.

How to make Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi in air fryer

I used Trader Joe’s brand for this recipe but it will work for other brands. If you choose to use a room temperature, vacuum sealed gnocchi, you will need to reduce the cooking time by 3-4 minutes.

This can be cooked straight from frozen so no need to thaw.

Step one: Pour the frozen gnocchi into the air fryer basket. Spread out into a single layer. Lightly spritz the gnocchi with olive oil using an oil mister. Air fry at 390 degrees F for 6 minutes.

Step Two: Shake the gnocchi to toss. Air fry again at 390 degrees for another 6-10 minutes depending on how crispy you like the gnocchi.

Step 3: Carefully remove the cooked gnocchi from the basket and serve warm.

How to serve

Air fryer cauliflower gnocchi can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few of our favorites:

• With a sauce: Try tossing the gnocchi in your favorite sauce like a cheese sauce, marinara sauce, green sauce, or garlic butter sauce.
• With a dip: Serve as a finger-food appetizer with a dip like ranch or marinara.
• As a side dish: Serve as a side to things like chicken, steak, even meatloaf.

Recipe tips

• I’m using a Cosori 5.8 quart for this recipe. This method will also work using an air fryer toaster oven.
• Don’t use an aerosol cooking spray on the air fryer basket because it could cause the coating to chip. Use an oil mister to lightly spray the gnocchi. If you don’t have a mister you can also toss the gnocchi in a little olive oil before cooking.
• If you want the gnocchi extra crispy, mist them again with oil halfway through cooking.
• You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or even coconut oil.
• It will take less cooking time if cooking room temperature gnocchi. Try checking around 10 minute mark.

How to store leftovers

This recipe serves 2-4 people depending if you are serving as an appetizer or main dish. If you do have leftovers, let them completely cool and then store in airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

They can be reheated in the air fryer at 390 for 3-4 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

More air fryer frozen food

• Frozen waffles in air fryer
• Air fryer frozen chicken patties
• Waffle fries in the air fryer
• Frozen curly fries in air fryer
• Frozen popcorn chicken in the air fryer