Printed September 1, 2026
Anti-Gravity Gnudi with Burnt Butter Mist
Ricotta and Parmesan become impossibly light dumplings that seem to float rather than fall. The air fryer browns them without weighing them down with oil, while burnt butter adds nutty sophistication.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh ricotta, drained overnight
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 8 fresh sage leaves
- Cooking spray
Preparation
Gnudi—naked ravioli—are traditionally poached, which leaves them dense and heavy. Air frying them is borderline heretical, but the results speak for themselves: exteriors that develop a delicate crust while interiors stay cloud-like. The hot air circulation creates something between a dumpling and a soufflé.
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, mix drained ricotta, Parmesan, egg yolks, flour, nutmeg, salt, and white pepper until just combined. The mixture should be soft but shapeable.
- Dust a work surface with flour. With floured hands, gently shape the mixture into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Don't overwork them.
- Place gnudi on a floured plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange gnudi in a single layer, not touching.
- Air fry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown with darker spots. They should be slightly puffed.
- While gnudi cook, make burnt butter: melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add sage leaves and cook until butter turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
- Remove gnudi from air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes—they'll firm up slightly.
The reveal: When you cut into these, they should be pillowy and light, not dense. The exterior provides just enough structure to hold the airy interior. Drizzle with burnt butter and fried sage, and finish with extra Parmesan. The contrast between the crispy bottom and the soft interior is the hallmark of perfect gnudi.
