Air Fried Gnocchi and Bacon Caesar Salad

You’re probably aware of the many talents of air fryers for preparing foods like pizza, wings, Brussels sprouts, and so on, but what about gnocchi? That’s right—these tiny potato pasta pillows take on a whole new (crispy) form when subjected to the evenly heated confines of an air fryer. And here’s even more news: they’re a perfect pairing for our Bacon Caesar Salad Kit, with its crunchy croutons, parmesan cheese shavings, smoky bacon pieces, and our creamy Caesar dressing. A generous portion of air-fried gnocchi adds a delightful and satiating crunch that turns an already hearty salad into a satisfying meal, all in under 15 minutes.

  • Total TIME:
  • 15 minutes

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. In a bowl, toss the gnocchi with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Place the seasoned gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the gnocchi are golden brown and crispy. Once the gnocchi are air-fried to perfection, let it cool for a few minutes.
  2. Gently toss the air-fried gnocchi into the prepared Bacon Caesar salad.
  3. If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. 
  4. Serve and enjoy!

Air Fryer Party!

While this salad recipe is certainly filling in its own right, it never hurts to let a few more dishes join the party. So, before you put away your air fryer, here are some easy sides you can consider frying up (or airing up?) and adding to your meal.

  • Garlic Breadsticks: Make a simple homemade version using pre-made dough, brushed with garlic butter, and baked in the air fryer for a quick, tasty side.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Toss some bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the air fryer for a flavorful and colorful side dish.
  • Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Season halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese, then roast them in the air fryer until tender and slightly crispy around the edges.
  • Herb-Roasted Potatoes: Chop baby potatoes and toss them with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Air fry until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

And just for good measure, here are a few quick ideas that don’t require frying of any sort but will still complement this salad recipe:

  • Caprese Salad Skewers: Alternate cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves on skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a light and refreshing side.
  • Bruschetta: Top slices of toasted baguette with a mixture of diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper for a vibrant and flavorful appetizer.

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