Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake

Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake is a dish that celebrates the flavors of fall, wrapping you in a cozy blanket of deliciousness. Picture this: golden gnocchi and tender pumpkin coming together in a warm, bubbling bake that fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering scent. What makes this dish even better? You’ll whip it up in your air fryer in no time!

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

This is the perfect recipe for those busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet effortless. The combination of creamy cheeses, nutty pecans, and fresh sage brings out the rich flavors of pumpkin, making every bite an adventure for your taste buds. With the air fryer’s quick cooking magic, you’ll get all the crunch without the hassle of a more elaborate cooking process.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on this delightful dish!

Why This Recipe Works

This Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake stands out for a few key reasons. First, it wonderfully combines creamy, cheesy, and nutty flavors that come together for a comforting experience. The air fryer plays a crucial role as it enables quick cooking, ensuring all the textures remain intact. Plus, the balance of crispy and soft components gives each bite a satisfying texture.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake

You’ll fall head over heels for this dish, especially on those autumn evenings when you want something cozy and heartwarming. It’s an easy-to-prepare recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you have unexpected guests dropping by. Plus, the delightful contrast of textures and colors not only pleases the palate but also makes for a gorgeous presentation!

Ingredients

• 350g pumpkin, peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes (about 3 cups)
• 500g gnocchi (about 4 cups)
• 50g blue cheese or soft goat’s cheese (about 1/4 cup)
• 6g sage leaves (about 1 tablespoon)
• 400ml vegetable stock (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/4 cup single dairy cream
• 50g mozzarella or cheddar cheese (about 1/2 cup)
• 30g pecans (about 1/4 cup)

Preparing the Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake

Dicing the Pumpkin

First things first, you need to dice the pumpkin. Cut it into small cubes, roughly 2cm wide. Ensuring a uniform size is essential for even cooking. This helps each piece become perfectly tender in the air fryer.

Air Frying the Pumpkin

Take your diced pumpkin and toss it into the air fryer basket along with 100ml of vegetable stock. Don’t forget to sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor. Set your air fryer to 170°C (340°F) and cook for about 15 minutes. By this point, your pumpkin should have softened slightly—the perfect start to our bake!

Adding the Gnocchi

Now, it’s time to bring in the gnocchi. After the pumpkin has had its time in the air fryer, add the remaining vegetable stock to the basket. Nestle the gnocchi among the pumpkin pieces, creating a blissful combination that will cook together beautifully.

Incorporating Cheese and Cream

Next, it’s time to get cheesy! Crumble the blue cheese or goat cheese over the mixture, adding a burst of flavor. Follow this with a pour of the single dairy cream. Gently stir everything together. The cream will help create that luscious, gooey texture we all love in a bake.

Cooking to Perfection

Set the air fryer to 220°C (430°F) and let it work its magic for about 12 minutes. During this time, the bake will bubble and cook through, creating that inviting aroma you can’t resist.

Adding Final Touches

To finish it off, sprinkle your choice of mozzarella or cheddar cheese and the pecans on top. Place it back in the air fryer for an additional 2 minutes. This final step melts the cheese and creates a gorgeous, golden crust.

Crisping the Sage

For the ultimate flavor, take your sage leaves and toss them with a drizzle of oil. Scatter the sage over the baked dish. Air fry for one more minute to crisp the leaves. The fragrance of crispy sage is simply divine and adds a lovely touch.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad drizzled with vinaigrette. The fresh greens balance the richness of the gnocchi bake beautifully. Alternatively, enjoy it with some crusty bread to mop up all those creamy, cheesy goodness.

Tips for Success

• Remember to monitor cooking times. Different air fryer models can vary, so adjust as necessary.
• Uniformly cut pumpkin pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

Variations

If you feel like switching things up, consider substituting butternut squash for a slightly different flavor profile. You could also mix it up with different cheeses, like feta or ricotta, for a unique twist that sparks joy at the dinner table.

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, just pop it back in the air fryer to reheat. This method helps preserve that delightful texture.

Pairing Ideas

Enhance your meal by pairing it with a crisp glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon does the job. For a balanced plate, some simply roasted vegetables on the side would fit right in.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes, you can! Just follow the oven instructions outlined in the recipe to achieve a delicious result.

2. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To keep it vegetarian-friendly, ensure the cheese you use is appropriate, and stick with vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can prepare the gnocchi bake ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, the Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake can be frozen, but keep in mind the texture may change slightly when reheating.

5. How long will this dish take to prepare?
Preparation and cooking time is about 30-40 minutes, making it a quick and easy option.

This Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake goes beyond being just a recipe; it’s a cozy experience for the autumn season. Its blend of wholesome ingredients and delightful textures ensures it becomes a family favorite you’ll cherish for years. Enjoy the ease of air frying while savoring the rich flavors that only the fall can provide!

Print