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Crispy Pan Fried Gnocchi

Published: Feb 7, 2022 · Modified: Apr 5, 2023 by Ali

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This crispy pan fried gnocchi is a simple and quick recipe to make only 20 minutes for an easy weeknight meal. Crispy gnocchi coated in a light sauce made with garlic, herbs, butter and parmesan.

Close up view of 3 pieces of crispy pan fried gnocchi covered in garlic parmesan sauce on a wooden spoon.
Jump to:
  • What Is Gnocchi?
  • Pan Fried vs. Boiled Gnocchi
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • FAQ
  • Expert Tips
  • 📖 Recipe

What Is Gnocchi?

Gnocchi is an Italian dish. They are small lumps of dough that most commonly contain either cheese or potato. They are pressed to create ridges on the edge, which give gnocchi their classic look.

Overhead view of pan fried gnocchi in a dark grey saucepan being stirred with a wooden spoon.

Pan Fried vs. Boiled Gnocchi

Traditionally, gnocchi are boiled in water before being served with sauce.

Boiling gnocchi is technically faster (about 3 minutes) than pan frying gnocchi. However, when you add in the time it takes for the water to reach a boiling point, there is not that much difference between the two methods.

Boiling gnocchi results in a softer gnocchi. When fried on a pan, gnocchi become crispier and have a slight crunch which tastes delicious.

Overhead view of a pan filled with fried gnocchi, on a dark brown table.

Ingredients

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make the crispy gnocchi.
  • Gnocchi: Use your favorite type of gnocchi. I used potato gnocchi for this recipe.
  • Herbs: You can substitute these herbs for any combination of dried herbs that you like. A savory mix of herbs would also work well with this recipe.

Instructions

Melt the butter on the saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add in the gnocchi.

Cook the gnocchi for about 15 minutes, flipping them occasionally, until they are slightly golden brown on the outside.

Up close view of cooked crispy gnocchi, which are slightly golden brown on the outside.

In a separate pan, melt the remaining butter. Add in the garlic and herbs and cook until fragrant.

Metal saucepan filled with garlic butter sauce.

Once the gnocchi are done, pour the sauce over them and stir to coat. Add in the parmesan and mix. Serve immediately!

FAQ

Can you pan fry fresh gnocchi?

Yes you can use homemade gnocchi for this recipe. However, you may need to boil the gnocchi first before frying it to help it hold its shape better.

What sauces go with gnocchi?

There are many flavors that go well with gnocchi. Typically light sauces that won’t overpower the gnocchi are the best options to choose.

A pan filled with cooked gnocchi covered in sauce, with a wooden spoon in the pan.

Expert Tips

  • Keep the gnocchi in a single layer. When frying the gnocchi, spread the gnocchi into a single layer on the pan so they will cook evenly.
  • Adjust the level of crispiness. Some people prefer gnocchi crispier than others. If you want these gnocchi extra crispy, cook them for a few extra minutes until they are more golden brown on the outside.
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📖 Recipe

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Close up view of 3 pieces of crispy pan fried gnocchi covered in garlic parmesan sauce on a wooden spoon.

Crispy Pan Fried Gnocchi


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 12 reviews

  • Author: Ali
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

This crispy pan fried gnocchi is a simple and quick recipe to make in only 20 minutes for an easy weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp + 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 package (500g) gnocchi*
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 3 tbsp parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the gnocchi and cook them for about 15 minutes until they are crispy and slightly golden on the outside. Keep the gnocchi in a flat layer so they cook evenly. Stir occasionally to change their position.
  2. When the gnocchi are almost done cooking, start making the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the garlic, oregano and thyme and cook for about 2 minutes, until fragrant. Don’t burn the garlic.
  3. Pour the sauce over the gnocchi and stir to coat. Keep the gnocchi on low heat. Add the parmesan and stir until it is melted. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

  • *If you are using homemade gnocchi, you may need to boil the gnocchi before frying them to keep them from falling apart.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 560
  • Sugar: 1.1g
  • Sodium: 297mg
  • Fat: 26.4g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8.4g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 69g
  • Fiber: 3.4g
  • Protein: 11.7g
  • Cholesterol: 114mg

Leave a comment if you tried this recipe!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sara Welch

    September 27, 2023 at 7:08 pm

    This is my kind of comfort food! Hearty, delicious and crispy; easily, a new favorite recipe!

    Reply
  2. Anjali

    September 27, 2023 at 6:06 pm

    This is definitely my new favorite way to make gnocchi! It turned out crispy, cooked through and had a great texture too!

    Reply
  3. Carrie Robinson

    September 27, 2023 at 5:51 pm

    I have a packaged of gnocchi in the fridge right now that I need to use soon! 🙂 I am loving the idea of this simple sauce.

    Reply
  4. Jess

    September 27, 2023 at 5:23 pm

    Loving the slight crunch frying gives the gnocchi!

    Reply
  5. Liz

    August 07, 2023 at 9:33 am

    I loved thow crispy this gnocchi was!! I'll definitely make this my default method for gnocchi now!

    Reply
    • Missy

      November 24, 2024 at 2:30 pm

      Loved this. Love gnocchi pan fried anyway, add these spices and made it extra special. And easy.

      Reply
  6. Ned

    August 07, 2023 at 9:27 am

    I love this so much! Simple yet delicious! Can't wait to make this again for lunch later this week.

    Reply
  7. Dannii

    August 07, 2023 at 9:17 am

    This was the best way to cook gnocchi. I am never going to boil it again.

    Reply
  8. Anjali

    July 16, 2023 at 10:07 pm

    This is my new favorite way to make gnocchi at home! Usually when I buy store bought gnocchi and boil it, it gets mushy. This method gave the gnocchi great texture while cooking it perfectly!

    Reply
  9. Kerri

    July 16, 2023 at 7:53 pm

    Love this recipe! The sauce is especially delicious on the gnocchi. Will be making this again!

    Reply
  10. Elisa

    July 16, 2023 at 5:00 pm

    Love this crispy pan fried gnocchi recipe, is easy and looks delicious. Will try and make it for dinner, my daughter likes to eat gnocchi and this can do it herself. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  11. Art French

    August 24, 2022 at 2:06 pm

    Hi;
    I tried this recipe earlier this year and it was a definite star. Tonight I'm doing it again and adding a tomato sauce at the end. Fried gnocchi is the best. 5 stars.
    Thanks for the recipe
    Art

    Reply
  12. Angie

    February 23, 2022 at 5:25 pm

    These were delicious, fast and easy! I hadn’t tried frying gnocchi before and they are way more delicious this way than boiling! This will definitely be one of my last minute yummy dinners!

    Reply

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Ali in a white tank top wearing sunglasses, with trees with yellow leaves in the background.

Hi, I'm Ali! Full-time nurse, lifetime foodie. Join me as I create, eat and drink the most delicious brunch, cocktail & dessert recipes! More about me —>

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