Trader Joe’s Air Fryer Stuffed Gnocchi
Published May 12, 2025
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Ever looked at those frozen stuffed gnocchi at Trader Joe’s and wondered if you could cook them in the air fryer? You’re not alone. I tested this method and loved the results! See below for my Trader Joe’s Air Fryer Stuffed Gnocchi including all of my tips and how to serve it to keep the gnocchi crisp (hint: serve it over the sauce).

Welcome Trader Joe’s friends! Here we are with another recipe straight from the aisles of TJ’s. And really, who else could possibly come up with something as creative as stuffed gnocchi? But this is totally the sort of meal that works best tucked into the freezer and ready in a pinch when you need dinner fast. The air fryer is the key here.
And if you’re here and love a good Trader Joe’s trip, before you go be sure to take a peek at all of my Trader Joe’s Recipes. Or maybe you’re looking for more ways to use your air fryer? Try Air Fryer Potstickers, Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas, and Air Fryer Falafel.
What You’ll Love
Served on a plate over marinara and topped with parmesan and basil, this stuffed gnocchi recipe looks like it came from the kitchen of a five-star restaurant.
Even better, you can have it on the table in less than 20 minutes, and every bite is bursting with delicious savory flavor. All you have to do is pop the gnocchi in the air fryer, warm up the sauce, and enjoy.
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Pin It NowIngredients
- Outside In Gnocchi – A specialty Trader Joe’s product, these are pillowy gnocchi pieces stuffed with tomato sauce and mozzarella. If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s nearby any stuffed gnocchi will work.
- Olive Oil – This coats the gnocchi, helping create the crisp, golden exterior we want.
- Marinara Sauce – To save time, I use store-bought marinara. Choose any variety you like best.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – For the ultimate melt factor, buy a block of parmesan and grate it yourself.
- Basil Leaves – Sprinkled on top of the finished dish, these add a pop of color and a bright, refreshing taste.
How to Make It
- Cook the Gnocchi – Toss the gnocchi in olive oil, coating the pieces completely. Air fry until crisp, shaking the air fryer every 2-3 minutes to ensure the gnocchi cooks evenly and crisps up all around.
- Warm the Marinara – While the gnocchi cooks, heat the marinara on the stovetop, and spread it out on a serving platter.
- Serve – Plate the crispy stuffed gnocchi over the marinara. Then, add a generous sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy warm!
Serving Suggestions
I often serve this recipe as a main course, with a side of Garlic Bread Hawaiian Rolls and an Italian House Salad. However, it also makes for a fantastic appetizer with options like Spaghetti Squash Bowls with Marinara and Italian Sausage, Pizza Salad, or Caramelized Onion Pizza.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is best served right away while the stuffed gnocchi is still crisp. However, if you have leftovers, you can store the gnocchi and marinara in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Yes, you can freeze leftover gnocchi (without the marinara sauce) for up to 3 months. To do so, arrange the pieces on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container to store.
Thaw leftover gnocchi pieces in the fridge. Then, reheat in the air fryer just until crisp. You can also warm them in a skillet with a bit of oil over medium heat, but they won’t be quite as crisp.
More Trader Joe’s Shortcut Recipes
Favorite Tools
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Pin It NowTrader Joe’s Air Fryer Stuffed Gnocchi
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Air Fryer
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce bag Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Toss the gnocchi in olive oil until evenly coated.
- Air fry the gnocchi at 400° for 14-16 minutes or until crisp, shaking the air fryer basket 2-3 during the cooking process.
- Just before serving, warm the marinara sauce on the stovetop and spread it out on a serving plate.
- Top the marinara sauce with crispy stuffed gnocchi and then sprinkle the plate with parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.