Description
This air fryer gnocchi with shrimp comes together in about 15 minutes with no boiling required. The gnocchi gets lightly crisp while the shrimp stays tender, then everything gets tossed in bright pesto for an easy weeknight dinner that feels special.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shelf-stable gnocchi
- 12 oz shrimp (med-large), peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons crème fraîche (optional, for creamier sauce)
- Zest from 1/2 lemon
- Fresh basil leaves
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch red chili flakes, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- In a medium bowl, toss the gnocchi with 1 tablespoon olive oil until evenly coated. Transfer to the air fryer basket in a mostly single layer. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- While the gnocchi cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss with the remaining ½ tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- After 8-10 minutes, arrange the shrimp in an even layer over the top of the gnocchi - don't shake or stir, just lay them on top. Air fry for another 4 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- While the gnocchi and shrimp finish cooking, add the pesto, crème fraîche (if using) and lemon zest to a large shallow bowl and stir to combine. Taste and adjust with a squeeze of lemon, salt, or pepper if needed.
- When the air fryer finishes, transfer the gnocchi and shrimp directly into the bowl with the pesto. (I recommend scooping out the contents of the air fryer basket, not tipping it over, as the shrimp will have released water during cooking that will spill into your pasta.) Toss gently until everything is coated.
- Divide between two plates. Top with chili flakes, basil, and Parmesan.
Notes
- Pat those shrimp dry. Any excess moisture will create steam instead of helping them get that nice golden color. Cooking shrimp will always release water...we're just trying to minimize it.
- The crème fraîche is optional but highly recommended - it mellows the pesto slightly and creates a silkier sauce.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Easy Recipe
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian