Air Fryer Frozen Dumplings (Print Version)

Crispy dumplings enhanced with a sesame oil glaze using quick air frying techniques.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dumplings

01 - 20 frozen dumplings (pork, chicken, or vegetable; any preferred variety)

→ Glaze & Garnish

02 - 2 tablespoons sesame oil
03 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
04 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)
05 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
06 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Cooking Spray

07 - Nonstick cooking spray (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
02 - Place the frozen dumplings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spacing them apart; optionally, lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray for enhanced crispiness.
03 - Cook dumplings in the air fryer for 8 minutes.
04 - Combine sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
05 - Brush dumplings generously with the sesame oil mixture after the initial 8 minutes of air frying.
06 - Return glazed dumplings to the air fryer and cook for an additional 4 minutes, until edges are golden and crispy.
07 - Transfer dumplings to a serving plate, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions; serve immediately with extra soy sauce or preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're impossibly crispy on the outside without any of the oil-splatter mess that pan-frying demands.
  • The whole thing takes less time than ordering takeout, but tastes like you've been cooking all afternoon.
  • You can make them with whatever dumpling variety you have on hand, so there's no special shopping required.
02 -
  • Don't skip the preheating step, I learned this the hard way when my first batch came out unevenly cooked and slightly chewy in the middle.
  • The glaze needs to go on at the midway point, not before, or it'll burn and turn bitter by the time they're done.
  • Spacing matters more than you think, crowding them makes steam instead of crisp, so resist the temptation to maximize your batch.
03 -
  • If your dumplings are still slightly frozen in the middle after eight minutes, add an extra minute or two before the glaze and final cooking, they'll let you know by their appearance.
  • Make your glaze ahead of time and it'll be ready the moment you need it, removing one step from your actual cooking flow.
  • Keep extra soy sauce and a small bowl of chili crisp on the table so people can adjust flavors to their own taste without you having to ask.
Go Back