Crispy Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake: Air Fryer Recipe

Welcome to a cozy autumn evening with a delightful dish that embodies the essence of the season – the Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake. This recipe is a harmonious blend of pillowy gnocchi, sweet roasted pumpkin, tangy blue or goat’s cheese, crunchy pecans, and fragrant sage, all coming together in a golden cheesy crust. Each bite is a symphony of flavors that will warm your soul and elevate your dinner table.

The beauty of this Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake lies in its simplicity and heartiness, making it a perfect choice for a comforting meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at holiday gatherings, this bake has you covered. The crispness of the sage leaves against the creamy cheese and tender pumpkin creates a delightful contrast that will keep you coming back for more.

From family dinners to potluck favorites, this bake has become a beloved staple in many households. Leftovers are a treat in themselves, reheating beautifully to offer you another round of comfort and flavor. Embrace the seasonal charm of pumpkin with this Italian-inspired dish, elevated by the convenience of the air fryer. Get ready to savor the warmth and richness of this Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake that promises to be a delightful addition to your fall culinary repertoire.

Quick Benefits

• Convenient Meal Option: One-dish recipe perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings, requires minimal effort for a comforting autumn meal.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily customizable with swaps like butternut squash, different cheeses, nuts, or herbs to suit personal taste preferences or seasonal availability.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both adults and kids, even those skeptical of pumpkin, thanks to the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful combination of ingredients.
• Make-ahead and Freezer-friendly: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to two months, allowing for easy reheating and serving at a later time.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake: Air Fryer Recipe Recipe

• One-dish Wonder: This recipe is a complete meal in one dish, making it perfect for a quick, cozy autumn dinner without a lot of cleanup.
• Comforting and Creamy: The creamy texture of the pumpkin, gnocchi, and melted cheese creates a comforting dish that is perfect for chilly evenings.
• Versatile Ingredients: From the pumpkin to the cheese to the nuts, this recipe offers a range of flavors and textures that blend beautifully together.
• Effortless Elegance: Impress guests at holiday gatherings or potlucks with this dish that looks and tastes sophisticated but is actually quite easy to make.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will love the combination of sweet pumpkin, melty cheese, and crispy sage in every bite.
• Seasonal Adaptability: With ingredient swaps and seasonal variations, this recipe can be enjoyed year-round, making it a versatile addition to your menu rotation.
• Make-ahead and Freezer-friendly: Prepare in advance and freeze for up to two months, perfect for busy days or planning ahead for gatherings.
• Italian Roots with a Twist: Inspired by Italian flavors, this dish incorporates seasonal pumpkin for a unique twist on classic gnocchi, making it a fusion of old-world charm and modern convenience.

Ingredients for Crispy Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake: Air Fryer Recipe

Main

• 12.3 ounces pumpkin, peeled and diced into 3/4-inch cubes
• 17.6 ounces potato gnocchi

Cheeses

• 1.8 ounces mozzarella or cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.8 ounces blue cheese or soft goat cheese, crumbled

Herbs and Nuts

• 1.1 ounces pecans
• 0.2 ounces fresh sage leaves

Liquids

• 1/4 cup single dairy cream
• 1 2/3 cups vegetable stock

Pantry

• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for tossing sage leaves

Pro Tips for Crispy Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake: Air Fryer Recipe

Pro Tip 1: When making the Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake, ensure the pumpkin and gnocchi are cut to a similar size for even cooking. This will help create a harmonious texture in every bite.

Pro Tip 2: For a twist on the original recipe, try using butternut squash instead of pumpkin. Both vegetables work well in this dish and offer a similar flavor profile, making for a delicious variation.

Pro Tip 3: To elevate the dish further, consider adding sautéed mushrooms in the winter months or blanched peas or spinach during spring for extra depth of flavor and seasonal freshness. These additions can bring new dimensions to the bake throughout the year.

How to Make Crispy Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake: Air Fryer Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Pumpkin

Cut the pumpkin into 3/4-inch pieces and season with salt and pepper. Combine with 100 ml (slightly more than 1/3 cup) vegetable stock in the air fryer basket or an oven-safe dish that fits the air fryer.

Step 2: Cook Pumpkin in Air Fryer

Air fry pumpkin at 340°F for 15 minutes until slightly softened but still slightly firm.

Step 3: Add Gnocchi and Cheese

Distribute the remaining vegetable stock around the pumpkin. Arrange gnocchi on top of the pumpkin, then sprinkle crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese over it. Pour single cream evenly over the dish and gently mix to combine.

Step 4: Air Fry Main Dish

Cook in the air fryer at 430°F for 12 minutes until the gnocchi and pumpkin are cooked through and the mixture is bubbling.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Top the gnocchi with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese and pecans, then air fry for 2 minutes until the cheese is golden and melted.

Step 6: Finish with Sage

Coat sage leaves in olive oil, then sprinkle over the dish. Air fry for 1 minute until sage is crispy and fragrant.

Step 7: Oven Method (Alternative)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare ingredients in an oven-safe dish. Roast pumpkin with vegetable stock at 430°F for 20 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and bake for 10–15 minutes. Top with cheese and pecans and bake for an additional 2–3 minutes. Finish with oiled sage and bake for 1 minute to crisp.

Storage Tips

Once you have enjoyed your Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to reheat, use either the air fryer or oven for the best texture. If the dish looks dry, simply add a splash of broth or cream before reheating to restore moisture and creaminess.

For longer storage, you can prepare the bake up to the step before adding fresh sage, then let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container to freeze for up to two months. To reheat from frozen, simply bake it in the oven or air fryer until it is bubbling hot, and finish by crisping up fresh sage leaves as a garnish.

This versatile and comforting dish is perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings. Consider customizing it by incorporating seasonal ingredients like sautéed mushrooms in winter, blanched peas or spinach in spring, or swapping sage for basil or chives in the summer for a fresh twist. Enjoy this creamy and savory bake with its golden cheesy crust whenever you crave a taste of autumn.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have pumpkin on hand, butternut squash is an excellent substitute. Dice it into similar-sized cubes for even cooking and a similar flavor profile in the dish. The butternut squash will provide a sweet and nutty flavor similar to pumpkin.

For a milder flavor profile, you can swap the blue cheese with creamy feta or even a dollop of ricotta. This substitution will tone down the tanginess of the dish, making it more approachable for those who prefer a less intense cheese flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.

If you prefer a different type of nut or have walnuts on hand instead of pecans, feel free to use them in this recipe. Walnuts bring a similar richness and crunch to the dish, complementing the creamy textures of the cheese and pumpkin. Just substitute them in equal amounts for a delicious variation.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting the Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake in individual mini cast-iron skillets for a charming and rustic touch. This not only makes for a visually appealing presentation but also allows each guest to enjoy their own personalized portion of this cozy autumn dish.

Another fun idea is to serve the Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake in small hollowed-out mini pumpkins or squash as edible bowls. This adds a festive flair to the meal and creates a unique dining experience for special occasions or holiday gatherings. Guests can scoop out some of the pumpkin or squash flesh along with each bite of the creamy gnocchi bake, enhancing the seasonal flavors even further.

FAQs for Crispy Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake: Air Fryer Recipe

Can I substitute butternut squash for pumpkin in this recipe?

Yes, butternut squash works wonderfully as a substitute. Dice it to a similar size to ensure even cooking.

Do I need to precook the gnocchi before baking in the air fryer?

No, the gnocchi cooks perfectly with the pumpkin and liquids during air frying or baking.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this preparation is naturally vegetarian. Just check your cheese for non-animal rennet to ensure suitability.

How do I crisp the sage leaves for the topping?

Lightly coat the sage leaves with oil, then air fry or bake for a minute until crispy and aromatic.

Conclusion

As you savor each creamy bite of this indulgent Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake, let its comforting flavors warm your heart and inspire your culinary creativity. Whether you’re seeking a cozy weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for gatherings, this bake promises to delight with its rich textures and harmonious blend of seasonal ingredients.

The beauty of the Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake lies not only in its simplicity but also in its adaptability. Feel free to customize with your favorite cheeses, nuts, or seasonal vegetables to make it uniquely yours. Embrace the joy of cooking and sharing this delicious bake with loved ones, creating lasting memories around the table. Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of the joys of home-cooked meals and the comfort they bring.