Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Sweet potato gnocchi is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dumpling, offering a slightly sweet, earthy taste. When crisped to golden perfection using an air fryer, it offers a unique texture that will make your tastebuds sing. This article provides a step-by-step guide to making sweet potato gnocchi at home, with tips on achieving that much-desired crispy exterior.

Freshly made sweet potato gnocchi

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 500g)
  • 1 large egg
  • 200g all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 50g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Olive oil or cooking spray for air frying
Ingredients for sweet potato gnocchi

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork, place them on a baking tray, and roast for about 45 minutes, or until tender. Allow them to cool before removing the skin.
  2. Make the Dough: Mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl until smooth. Add the egg, flour, Parmesan cheese, salt, and nutmeg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Shape the Gnocchi: Place the dough on a floured surface. Knead briefly and divide into four equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope about 1 cm in diameter. Cut into 2 cm pieces and roll each piece along the back of a fork to create ridges.
  4. Pre-Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C. Lightly spray the gnocchi with olive oil or your preferred cooking spray.
  5. Air Fry the Gnocchi: Place the gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
  6. Serve: Enjoy your sweet potato gnocchi with your favourite sauce or a simple drizzle of olive oil and freshly cracked pepper. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan never goes amiss!
Crispy sweet potato gnocchi in an air fryer

Tips for Perfect Gnocchi

  • Don't Overwork the Dough: Over-kneading can lead to tough gnocchi. Mix just until everything is incorporated.
  • Test and Adjust: The moisture content in sweet potatoes can vary, so you might need to adjust the flour amount. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  • Batch Cooking: Cooking in batches may ensure even cooking and browning when using an air fryer.

With this simple yet delightful recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-quality gnocchi at home. Whether you're cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner, this sweet potato gnocchi will certainly impress!