Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, flavor-packed meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than the Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake. This dish brilliantly combines pillowy gnocchi with tender cubes of pumpkin, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a delightful crunch from toasted pecans and crisp sage leaves. Perfect for autumn evenings or anytime you want a comforting Italian-inspired dish with a unique twist, this bake is as simple to put together as it is irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with the Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake is a breeze thanks to its straightforward ingredients, each playing a special role in balancing the flavors and textures. From creamy cheeses to fragrant sage and crunchy pecans, every component brings something wonderful to the table.

• 350g pumpkin: Peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes to ensure quick, even cooking and a naturally sweet flavor.
• 500g gnocchi: Soft and pillowy, these little dumplings soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
• 50g blue cheese or soft goat’s cheese: Adds a tangy richness that complements the pumpkin’s sweetness perfectly.
• 6g sage leaves: Tossed in oil and crisped for an herby, aromatic crunch that elevates the dish.
• 400ml vegetable stock: Gives moisture and depth of flavor, making the bake tender and savory.
• 1/4 cup single dairy cream: Creamy and luscious, it binds the ingredients with velvety goodness.
• 50g mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Melts into a golden, gooey topping that’s impossible to resist.
• 30g pecans: Provides a satisfying nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft gnocchi.

How to Make Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake

Step 1: Prepare and Air Fry the Pumpkin

Start by peeling and dicing your pumpkin into pieces about 2 centimeters wide—this size is key because it ensures the pumpkin cooks fully within 30 minutes without becoming mushy. Toss the cubes into your air fryer basket or a dish that fits snugly inside your air fryer along with 100ml of vegetable stock, plus a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Air fry at 170°C for 15 minutes. You’ll know the pumpkin is ready when you can easily pierce it with a knife but still feel a slight firmness, which keeps the texture just right in the bake.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Add Gnocchi

Next, add the rest of your vegetable stock to the air fryer basket, then nestle the gnocchi evenly among the pumpkin cubes. Crumble your choice of blue cheese or soft goat’s cheese over the mix and drizzle the dairy cream on top. Gently stir everything to combine the flavors without breaking up the gnocchi. This is where the magic begins as the sauce slowly comes together.

Step 3: Air Fry the Bake

Set the air fryer to 220°C and let it work its charm for about 12 minutes. By now, the gnocchi and pumpkin will be tender, and the sauce bubbling with all the savory deliciousness melding together.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Pecans for a Beautiful Finish

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese along with pecans over your bake. Pop it back into the air fryer for another 2 minutes so the cheese can melt to golden perfection and the pecans toast lightly, adding irresistible texture.

Step 5: Crisp the Sage Leaves

Finally, coat the sage leaves in a small drizzle of oil then scatter them atop the bake. Air fry for a further minute until the sage crisps up nicely, releasing that herbaceous aroma which perfectly balances the richness in the dish.

How to Serve Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake

Garnishes

For garnishes, fresh sage leaves always shine, especially when crisped as we did here—they add that elegant herbaceous bite. You can also sprinkle extra crumbled blue cheese or a handful of toasted pecans for added texture and flavor bursts with every bite.

Side Dishes

This bake is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a light mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables balances the richness wonderfully. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette makes a fantastic accompaniment for mopping up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, serve the Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake straight from the air fryer basket or transfer it to a rustic ceramic dish. You could also portion it into individual ramekins for a charming, restaurant-style touch that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making for even tastier bite-sized lunches or dinners.

Freezing

If you want to keep this bake for longer, freezing is a great option. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just make sure to leave some space for expansion to avoid sogginess on thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the bake gently in the air fryer at 170°C for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. This method preserves that lovely crispiness of the pecans and sage leaves, unlike microwaving which can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this bake?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully and makes this recipe super quick and easy, yet still delicious. Just choose fresh or frozen gnocchi and adjust cooking time slightly if frozen.

What type of pumpkin is best to use?

Throwing any firm, sweet pumpkin or even butternut squash into this bake is a winner. Just make sure to cut the cubes uniformly so they cook evenly within the air fryer’s timing.

Can I substitute the blue cheese?

Yes, you can swap blue cheese for soft goat cheese or even ricotta if you prefer milder flavors. Each option gives a slightly different creamy tang but all work well in the bake.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The classic gnocchi usually contains wheat, so this recipe isn’t gluten-free as is. However, you can find gluten-free gnocchi at many supermarkets if you want to make this suitable.

How can I add protein to this dish?

For an extra protein boost, try draping thin slices of ham like Serrano or Parma over the pumpkin while air frying to crisp it up. Then crumble the crispy ham over the bake when serving for that perfect salty crunch.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comfort food warmth of the Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake to bring friends and family together. Its rich, creamy layers, combined with fresh herbs and crunchy pecans, create a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and indulge in this wonderfully cozy meal that’s bound to become one of your favorites!

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