Trader Joe’s Air Fryer Stuffed Gnocchi

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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).

gnocchi and sauce on an oval plate

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

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ingredients for air fryer stuffed gnocchi on a white countertop

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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Ingredients

  • 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.
shredding parmesan for chicken parmesan pasta bake

How to Make It

  1. 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. 
  2. Warm the Marinara – While the gnocchi cooks, heat the marinara on the stovetop, and spread it out on a serving platter. 
  3. Serve – Plate the crispy stuffed gnocchi over the marinara. Then, add a generous sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy warm! 
stuffed gnocchi in an air fryer basket

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

How do you store leftover stuffed gnocchi? 

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. 

Can I freeze stuffed gnocchi? 

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. 

How do I reheat stuffed gnocchi without making it mushy? 

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

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air fryer stuffed gnocchi and marinara sauce on an oval platter
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Trader Joe’s Air Fryer Stuffed Gnocchi

Okay, Trader Joe’s fans – here’s another quick, super easy dinner to add to the repertoire. Cook stuffed gnocchi in the air fryer until golden and crisp. Then serve it over your favorite marinara sauce so that it stays crisp and tender. Top it with parmesan cheese or fresh basil, or both!
Prep: 3 minutes
Cook: 14 minutes
Total: 17 minutes
Servings: 2

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

Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 1363mg | Potassium: 739mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1158IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 182mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
Cost: $6.00
Calories: 170
Keyword: easy dinner, easy pasta dinner, easy, weeknight-friendly, Italian, kid-friendly recipe, Trader Joe’s Recipe, weeknight-friendly
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About Jess Smith

Jess is the recipe creator and photographer at InquiringChef.com. She spent nearly a decade as the Chief Recipe Developer for the award-winning meal planning app Cook Smarts. Her colorful, healthyish recipes have been featured in popular online publications including Parade, Hallmark, and HuffPost.

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