Gnocchi, Sausage, and Vegetables: (20 minutes, makes 3-4 servings)

Have you ever gotten a late night craving? For me, it’s usually for something savory, crunchy, or salty. I never really want something sweet. Crispy chicken nuggets, or salty french fries are the best night caps for me. Especially after a night out with friends, a little extra taste of something fried hits the spot. What’s bad is the guilt afterwards. I know I shouldn’t, but the cravings sometime are too strong.

Here’s the air fryer for the win. Less guilt when it’s (slightly) healthier. There’s less oil involved, but you still get the crispiness you want. In less than 20 minutes I have a guiltless snack that also pairs well with veggies for an even healthier option as a meal. You can play with the protein on this one. I recommend shrimp since they cook fast, but pre-cooked chicken, sausage, or tofu work well too. Shrimp are a good lean source of protein. A 3-ounce serving of cooked shrimp provides around 20 grams of protein, and is low in calories. They cook well in the air fryer, but you do have to check on them to make sure you don’t end up with a rubbery texture. I add shrimp in for the last 5 to 7 minutes of this recipe to ensure they are cooked through, but not so they are tough.

The best part of this is the gnocchi. I sometimes add shredded Pecorino cheese for a layer of sharpness to the dish once it’s done. Be sure to use shelf-stable gnocchi. There’s no need to boil them as they will sometimes become sticky afterwards. In the air fryer, they will get a glorious crunchy texture on the outside, and will still be soft on the inside. They are great alone, but with the added vegetables and protein they make a good dinner or next day lunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable gnocchi
• 1 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined (or whatever protein you like, pre-cooked)
• 1 large bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small zucchini, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Combine pasta and add ins: In a large bowl, combine the gnocchi, any pre-cooked protein like chicken or sausage, bell pepper, and zucchini. If you are using shrimp, peel and devein first, then set aside.
2. Add the Seasonings: Drizzle the mixture with olive oil, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated. Season the shrimp to be added in later.
3. In the Basket to Cook: Place the mixture in a single layer in your air fryer basket as much as possible. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. If using shrimp, wait until there are about 7 minutes left of cooking time, then add in the shrimp to mix and continue cooking. Check the shrimp to ensure doneness and that they have the right texture.
4. Enjoy: Cook until the gnocchi is crispy and the vegetables are tender. Serve hot.