The Best Yumblink Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Hey there, food lovers! If you’ve been craving a dish that’s light, crispy, and packed with the fresh flavors of summer, then this Crispy Caprese Gnocchi is the perfect recipe to add to your rotation. The crispy gnocchi, paired with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy buffalo mozzarella, and fragrant pesto, makes this a dish you’ll want to have on repeat all summer long. Let’s dive into how to make this fun, crispy, and oh-so-delicious recipe!
Method
Season the Gnocchi
Start by placing the gnocchi in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the gnocchi, ensuring every piece is lightly coated. Then, add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Aleppo pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together, making sure the seasonings are evenly distributed and the gnocchi are well-coated. This is the key to infusing the gnocchi with delicious flavors before they hit the air fryer!
Air Fry the Gnocchi
Once the gnocchi is seasoned, transfer them into the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer to allow the hot air to circulate around each piece for that crispy texture. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through to ensure the gnocchi cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown, crispy outside while remaining soft inside. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid overcooking!
Prepare the Toppings
While the gnocchi is cooking, prep your fresh toppings. Halve the cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and set them aside in a bowl. Tear the buffalo mozzarella into smaller chunks to make it easier to scatter over the gnocchi once it’s done. Lastly, grab a handful of fresh basil leaves and tear them roughly by hand. Fresh basil will add a burst of aromatic flavor, and tearing it helps release its natural oils for a stronger flavor.
Assemble the Dish
When the gnocchi is perfectly crispy and golden brown, transfer it to a serving platter. Gently scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and torn buffalo mozzarella over the gnocchi. Then, add the fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. To finish it off, drizzle the fresh pesto generously over the top. Add a little extra olive oil for richness, sprinkle with flaky salt, and finish with a pinch of Aleppo pepper for that extra kick. This final touch brings together the bright flavors and gives the dish an irresistible finish.
Necessary Tools
- Large bowl
- Air fryer
- Serving platter
- Knife for halving tomatoes
- Spoon for drizzling pesto
Crispy Caprese Gnocchi
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: EasyServings
4
servingsPrep time
5
minutesCooking time
20
minutesTotal time
25
minutesIngredients
12 oz package of gnocchi (do not boil first)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 ball buffalo mozzarella, torn
Handful of fresh basil
1/3 cup fresh pesto
Directions
- Season the Gnocchi
Start by tossing the gnocchi in a large bowl with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Aleppo pepper, and salt and pepper. Make sure the gnocchi are coated well with the seasonings. - Air Fry the Gnocchi
Transfer the seasoned gnocchi into the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 375°F and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Give the basket a shake halfway through to ensure even cooking. - Prepare the Toppings
While the gnocchi cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and tear the buffalo mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. Set these aside along with a handful of fresh basil. - Assemble the Dish
Once the gnocchi is crispy and ready, transfer it to a serving platter. Top with halved tomatoes, torn mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and a few dots of fresh pesto. Drizzle everything with a little extra olive oil, sprinkle with flaky salt, and add a pinch of Aleppo pepper for an extra kick.
Notes
- Don’t overdo the olive oil While you want the gnocchi to be crispy, too much oil will make them greasy. Stick to the 2 tbsp as recommended.
- Air fryer size matters If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook the gnocchi in batches to ensure they get crispy without crowding each other.
- Timing is key Keep an eye on the gnocchi during the last few minutes of cooking. They can go from golden to overdone quickly, and nobody wants burnt gnocchi!
Serving Suggestions
This Crispy Caprese Gnocchi is perfect as a light meal, but it also makes a fantastic side dish to accompany grilled chicken or a refreshing summer salad. You can even pair it with a chilled glass of white wine for that perfect summer vibe.
Fun Fact
Did you know that gnocchi are traditionally made with potatoes? But here, we’re using them straight from the package to save time. They’re small Italian dumplings that are incredibly versatile, and air frying them makes them delightfully crispy on the outside while staying soft on the inside!
Conclusion
This Crispy Caprese Gnocchi is the perfect way to celebrate summer with its crisp texture and fresh, bold flavors. The creamy mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic pesto come together beautifully with every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your summer meal rotation. Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite, and keep it on repeat for the rest of the summer!
