It was a chilly autumn evening, and the aroma of roasted pumpkin filled our kitchen. After a long day, I craved a comforting, warm dish that wouldn’t take hours to prepare, and thus, this dish came to fruition! This Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake is exactly that— creamy, cheesy, nutty, and ready in under 40 minutes. It’s a delightful symphony of soft gnocchi and tender pumpkin, contrasted by crispy sage and crunchy pecans.
The air fryer truly works magic here, creating beautifully crisp edges and melting the cheese to golden perfection. It’s a quick and easy family meal, perfect for busy weeknights. So grab your ingredients, and let’s whip up this delightful autumnal bake together!
Why This Recipe Shines
This Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s an experience. The creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly complements the soft gnocchi and tender pumpkin, while the crisp sage and pecans add a delightful crunch. The air fryer method ensures a faster cooking time and gives the dish a satisfyingly crisp texture without sacrificing flavor.
Print
Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Enjoy a warm and comforting Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake on a chilly evening. This dish is creamy, cheesy, nutty, and ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The air fryer creates beautifully crisp edges and a golden, melted cheese topping.
Ingredients
- 350g pumpkin, peeled and diced
- 500g gnocchi (shelf-stable or fresh)
- 50g blue cheese or soft goat’s cheese
- 6g fresh sage leaves
- 400ml vegetable stock
- ¼ cup single dairy cream
- 50g mozzarella or cheddar cheese, shredded
- 30g pecans, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Prep the Pumpkin: Dice the pumpkin into small, bite-sized cubes.
- Air Fry the Pumpkin: Combine diced pumpkin, 100ml vegetable stock, salt, and pepper in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 170°C (340°F) for 15 minutes, or until slightly softened.
- Add Gnocchi and Cheese: Add remaining stock, gnocchi, crumbled cheese, and cream to the basket. Stir gently.
- Air Fry Until Golden: Increase temperature to 220°C (430°F) and cook for 12 minutes, or until tender and bubbling.
- Add the Final Touches: Sprinkle shredded cheese and pecans over the gnocchi. Air fry for 2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Crisp the Sage: Toss sage leaves in oil, scatter over the top, and air fry for 1 minute until crispy.
Notes
Ensure even cooking by not overcrowding the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook the recipe in batches. Adjust cooking times as needed, since air fryers can vary in temperature. For a richer flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast before serving. If fresh sage isn’t available, substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried sage, added along with the other seasonings in step 2.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Overview
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish:
- 350g pumpkin, peeled and diced
- 500g gnocchi (shelf-stable or fresh)
- 50g blue cheese or soft goat’s cheese
- 6g fresh sage leaves
- 400ml vegetable stock
- ¼ cup single dairy cream
- 50g mozzarella or cheddar cheese, shredded
- 30g pecans, roughly chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pumpkin
Dice the pumpkin into small, bite-sized cubes (roughly 2cm wide). Larger pieces may not cook through evenly in the air fryer.
Step 2: Air Fry the Pumpkin
In your air fryer basket, combine the diced pumpkin with 100ml of vegetable stock, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Air fry at 170°C (340°F) for 15 minutes, or until the pumpkin begins to soften. It should offer slight resistance when pierced with a knife.
Step 3: Add Gnocchi and Cheese
Add the remaining vegetable stock to the basket and nestle the gnocchi around the pumpkin. Crumble the blue cheese (or goat cheese) over the top and pour the cream over everything. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Air Fry Until Golden
Increase the air fryer temperature to 220°C (430°F) and cook for 12 minutes, or until the gnocchi and pumpkin are tender and the sauce is bubbling.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (or cheddar) and chopped pecans over the gnocchi. Continue air frying for another 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Step 6: Crisp the Sage
Toss the sage leaves in a small drizzle of oil. Scatter them over the cheesy pecan topping and air fry for a final minute until the sage is fragrant and crispy.
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, try using butternut squash instead of pumpkin. Check out our other delicious Dinner recipes for more inspiration!
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If needed, cook the recipe in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Keep a close eye on the dish, especially during the last few minutes of cooking, to prevent burning. Air fryers can vary in temperature, so adjust cooking times as needed.
Flavor Twists
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cream sauce for a touch of heat.
- Herby Goodness: Fresh rosemary or thyme can be used in place of sage for a different aromatic profile.
- Meat Lovers’ Version: Crumble cooked bacon or pancetta over the bake before serving for added richness. Or, try our collection of Lunch dishes.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the oven. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and roast the pumpkin for about 20 minutes. Then, follow the remaining steps, increasing the oven temperature to 220°C (430°F) and adjusting cooking times as needed.
What type of gnocchi should I use?
Both shelf-stable and fresh gnocchi work well in this recipe. If using shelf-stable gnocchi, be sure to follow the package directions for cooking.
Can I substitute the cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyère, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar would be delicious.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.
How to Serve
This Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake is a satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad. Try a crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber salad.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake is a true testament to the power of simple ingredients and clever cooking methods. The perfect combination of textures and flavors makes it an instant family favorite. You can find other air fryer dishes here.
Share your culinary creations with me on social media! Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
