Step 1: Prep and Crisp the Gnocchi

Toss your gnocchi with the olive oil and kosher salt until evenly coated. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Air fry at 350ºF for 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-6 minutes to ensure all sides get golden brown and crunchy. If you do not have an air fryer, simply arrange the gnocchi on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425ºF for 25-30 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the gnocchi is in the air fryer, remove the casings from your chicken sausages. Add the meat to a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the sausage for a few minutes, then break it apart into smaller crumbles with a spatula. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Add Peas and Sauce

Add the frozen peas and water to the pan with the cooked sausage. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the peas are tender and the water has mostly evaporated. Lower the heat to low and stir in the pesto and grated parmesan, folding gently until the sauce is creamy and well-combined.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add your crispy air-fried gnocchi directly into the skillet with the sausage mixture. Fold everything together gently to coat the gnocchi. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan, black pepper, chili flakes, or fresh basil for a bright finish.

Pro Tips

• Do not boil the gnocchi before air frying; adding them dry ensures they become crispy rather than gummy.
• Keep the pan heat low when adding the pesto to prevent the sauce from separating.
• Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce feels too thick when mixing in the parmesan.
• Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to cut through the richness of the pesto.