The easiest way to cook Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi is in the air fryer. Air-fried cauliflower gnocchi cooks straight from frozen, requires only a few ingredients, and makes a quick, gluten-free weeknight meal. This method yields crispy edges and pillowy centers with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Simple pantry staples are all you need: a bag of frozen cauliflower gnocchi (Trader Joe’s or your favorite brand), an oil spray such as avocado or olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. These few ingredients give great texture and flavor without fuss.
How to Make Cauliflower Gnocchi in the Air Fryer
Start by placing the frozen gnocchi into a medium bowl. Lightly mist the gnocchi with avocado or olive oil spray. Sprinkle with garlic powder and salt, then toss gently so each piece is evenly coated.
Arrange the gnocchi in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding heavy overlapping so hot air can circulate. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook for 9 minutes, then pull out the basket, shake or flip the pieces, and spray lightly with oil again. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 9 minutes, or until the gnocchi are golden and crisp to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Air-fried cauliflower gnocchi is versatile. Serve it plain with a dipping sauce like marinara, pesto, or a garlicky yogurt dip. For a fuller meal, toss the cooked gnocchi with your favorite pasta sauce and a protein—grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or chickpeas work well. You can also add the gnocchi to soups as a noodle substitute for a lighter, gluten-free option.
Here are a few ideas to pair with your gnocchi: mix into a hearty tomato sauce, serve with a creamy Bolognese-style ragù, or toss with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness.
Recipe Details
- Servings: about 3
- Prep time: 1 minute
- Cook time: about 18 minutes (divided into two 9-minute cycles)
- Diet: Gluten Free, meatless option
- Method: Air fryer
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cauliflower gnocchi (frozen)
- Avocado oil spray or olive oil spray
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Place frozen gnocchi in a medium bowl and lightly spray with oil.
- Toss with garlic powder and salt until evenly coated.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 9 minutes.
- Shake or flip the gnocchi, spray lightly with oil, then return to the air fryer.
- Cook another 9 minutes, or until crisp and golden to your liking.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, add a few minutes to the second cooking interval and monitor closely to avoid over-browning.
- If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the second cooking interval slightly.
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