Hey there, food lovers! If you’re craving a deliciously crispy gnocchi dish that’s full of flavor and easy to whip up, you’re in the right place! This recipe combines the soft, pillowy goodness of gnocchi with caramelized butternut squash, creamy burrata, and crispy sage butter. It’s the perfect meal for cozy nights in, and trust me, it’s sure to make your taste buds do a happy dance. Let’s dive in!

Method

Prepare the Butternut Squash

Start by prepping the butternut squash. First, peel and cube the squash into bite-sized pieces. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, add half of the dried rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder. To elevate the flavor even more, add a pinch of cinnamon, along with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the squash is evenly coated in the oil and spices. Next, transfer the squash into your air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the squash is soft, caramelized, and has a slightly golden exterior.

Prepare the Gnocchi

While the squash is air frying, you can move on to the gnocchi. Don’t boil the gnocchi first; we want to keep it dry to achieve that crispy texture. In the same bowl you used for the squash, add the uncooked gnocchi. Drizzle it with the remaining olive oil, and sprinkle the rest of the rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder over it. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to ensure the gnocchi is evenly coated in the oil and spices. Once the squash is finished, remove it from the air fryer and set it aside. Place the gnocchi in the air fryer at 375°F and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the gnocchi is golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Make the Brown Butter

As the gnocchi cooks, it’s time to make the brown butter with crispy sage. In a small pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter begins to melt, add the fresh sage sprigs to the pan. Stir the butter frequently to ensure it doesn’t burn. The butter will start to bubble and foam this is when it’s slowly turning brown. Keep stirring until the butter reaches a rich golden-brown color and the sage becomes crispy. The nutty aroma of the browned butter will tell you when it’s ready. Remove it from the heat once it’s done.

Plate the Dish

Now it’s time to assemble your crispy gnocchi dish! On a large serving platter, add the crispy gnocchi. Then, layer the caramelized butternut squash on top. Tear the burrata into pieces and scatter it across the dish. Finally, drizzle the browned butter and crispy sage over the entire platter for that perfect finishing touch. The warm, creamy burrata will melt into the crispy gnocchi and squash, making each bite absolutely irresistible.

Necessary Tools

Medium bowl
Air fryer
Small pan
Serving platter

Crispy Gnocchi

Recipe by Justin SelkCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

hour

Ingredients

1/2 small butternut squash, cubed
12 oz package of gnocchi (do not boil first)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp butter
A couple sprigs of fresh sage
8oz ball of burrata

Directions

Prepare the Butternut Squash In a medium bowl, combine the butternut squash cubes with 2 tbsp of olive oil, half of the dried rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder. Add a pinch of cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss until the squash is well coated. Air fry at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until the squash is soft and caramelized.
Prepare the Gnocchi While the squash cooks, add the uncooked gnocchi to the same bowl. Toss the gnocchi with the remaining olive oil and spices. Season with salt and pepper. Once the squash is done, air fry the gnocchi at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Make the Brown Butter In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sage sprigs and cook, stirring often, until the butter is browned and the sage becomes crispy.
Plate the Dish Add the crispy gnocchi to a serving platter, followed by the caramelized butternut squash. Tear the burrata into pieces and layer it on top. Drizzle with the brown butter and crispy sage. Enjoy!

Notes

Air fryer timing Keep an eye on both the butternut squash and gnocchi while they’re air frying. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your squash pieces and the model of your air fryer. Adjust the time slightly if needed.
Gnocchi texture Make sure to use dry, uncooked gnocchi for the best crispy results. If you use pre-boiled gnocchi, the texture will be different.
Brown butter alert Don’t leave the butter unattended when browning. It can go from perfect to burnt quickly, so keep stirring and watch for a golden-brown color.

Serving Suggestions

This crispy gnocchi dish pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables. You could also serve it as a main dish for a vegetarian dinner or as a side to a meat-based meal like roasted chicken or steak. Don’t forget a nice glass of white wine, such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors!

Fun Fact

Did you know that gnocchi is an Italian dish that dates back to the Roman era? These soft, little dumplings were traditionally made from breadcrumbs, but nowadays, they’re most commonly made with potatoes, just like the ones we use in this recipe!

Conclusion

This crispy gnocchi with butternut squash and burrata is an irresistible dish that combines crispy, creamy, and savory flavors in every bite. It’s a fun, flavorful recipe that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a meal to impress your friends and family. Give it a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!