If you think healthy meals have to be bland and boring think again! This High Protein Fajita Chicken Gnocchi is one of my favorite easy dinners that checks all the boxes tasty, simple, balanced, and barely any washing up. I whipped this up using my @salteruk Fuzion Dual Air Fryer, and let me tell you, it made the whole process a breeze. Plus, my multifunctional food chopper helped me prep everything in minutes total game changer!
This dish is loaded with flavor from fajita spices, colorful veggies, cheesy gnocchi, and juicy chicken. The best part? It’s packed with 40g of protein per serving and still super cozy and comforting. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week!
Method
Prep the Chicken and Veggies
Begin by placing the diced raw chicken breast into one side of your dual-drawer air fryer. To infuse it with deep, smoky flavor, coat the chicken thoroughly using half of the fajita seasoning this is essential for developing the signature taste of this dish. Once the chicken is seasoned, add in the finely chopped red onion and mixed bell peppers. Using a spatula or your hands, mix the contents within the drawer to ensure all pieces are evenly coated and distributed. This step is vital not only for flavor but also for even cooking. The natural moisture from the vegetables will help keep the chicken juicy while the air fryer roasts them to perfection.
Add the Gnocchi
In the second drawer of your air fryer, add the uncooked gnocchi. Lightly spray it with oil to encourage crisping and prevent sticking. This small touch is crucial for achieving that golden, slightly crunchy exterior while keeping the interior soft and pillowy. Set both drawers of the air fryer to 190°C and cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Make sure you occasionally shake the drawers (if your air fryer model allows) to promote even browning and prevent clumping.
Make the Sauce
While the chicken, vegetables, and gnocchi are cooking, take this time to prepare the sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 150g of passata or tinned tomatoes, 90g of salsa, the juice of half a lime, and the remaining half of the fajita seasoning. Stir this mixture well until all components are fully blended. The acidity from the lime brightens the dish, while the salsa adds texture and depth. This flavorful sauce will bring everything together in the final stage.
Combine and Melt the Cheese
Once the initial air frying is complete, transfer the cooked gnocchi into the same drawer as the chicken and vegetables (or into a large mixing bowl if space is limited). Gently mix them together so the gnocchi gets coated in the juices released by the chicken and peppers. Then, pour in the prepared sauce and add one-third of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend. Stir again to distribute the sauce and melted cheese evenly throughout the mix. Once combined, top the dish with the remaining two-thirds of the cheese to create a gooey, crispy topping. Return the drawer to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes just long enough for the cheese to melt and start bubbling with golden brown edges.
Finish It Off
To complete the dish, remove it from the air fryer and immediately top with fresh coriander and chopped spring onions. These fresh toppings add brightness and contrast to the rich, cheesy gnocchi and savory fajita chicken. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting layers of texture and flavor in every bite.
Necessary Tools
- Dual drawer air fryer (like the Salter Fuzion!)
- Sharp knife or food chopper
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring scale or cups
High Protein Fajita Chicken Gnocchi (Air Fryer Style!)
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy3
servings10
minutes15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
500g gnocchi
350g raw diced chicken breast
1 small red onion
1 pepper (I used a mix of red, green, and yellow)
20g fajita seasoning
150g passata (or tinned tomatoes)
90g salsa
Juice of ½ a lime
70g mozzarella/cheddar cheese mix
For topping
Fresh coriander
Chopped spring onion
Directions
- Prep the chicken and veggies
Toss the diced chicken with half the fajita seasoning in one side of your air fryer. Add in the chopped onion and peppers and give it all a good mix. - Add the gnocchi
Place the gnocchi in the other drawer of the air fryer and spray lightly with oil. Set both drawers to 190°C for 20–25 minutes. - Make the sauce
While everything is cooking, mix the passata, salsa, lime juice, and the rest of the fajita seasoning in a bowl. - Combine and melt the cheese
Once the gnocchi and chicken/veggies are done, mix everything together in one air fryer drawer or a large bowl. Add 1/3 of the cheese to the mix and stir it through. Then top with the remaining cheese and air fry again for 3–5 minutes until melty and slightly crispy. - Finish it off
Top with fresh coriander and chopped spring onion. Now grab a fork and dig in!
Notes
- Make sure your chicken pieces are all similar in size so they cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the oil spray for the gnocchi it helps crisp it up!
- Avoid overmixing once the cheese is in or it can go a bit gloopy.
- Don’t crowd the air fryer drawer spread everything out for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it with a side salad (like crunchy lettuce with lime dressing).
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess.
- For a spicy kick, toss on some jalapeño slices or chili flakes.
- Meal prep it in containers it reheats like a dream!
Fun Fact
Did you know gnocchi is actually a type of Italian dumpling? It’s usually made with potatoes and flour, and it’s super filling without needing loads of extra fat or oil. Perfect for building up that energy and keeping full longer!
Conclusion
This High-Protein Fajita Chicken Gnocchi is one of those recipes that’s fun to make, full of flavor, and keeps you feeling strong and satisfied. Whether you’re feeding the family or just want a no-fuss, cozy meal, this one delivers every time. Try it once and you’ll definitely want it on repeat!
