Save to Pinterest The air fryer changed my relationship with frozen dumplings forever. I used to pan fry them on the stove, standing guard while oil splattered and half the dumplings stuck to the pan. One Tuesday night, craving crispy bottoms without the mess, I tossed frozen dumplings into the air fryer on a whim. They came out golden and blistered, better than the takeout I ordered weekly. Now I keep at least three bags in my freezer at all times.
My friend Jen stayed over during a particularly brutal winter, exhausted from a new job. I made these dumplings while she curled under a blanket. She took one bite, eyes wide, and asked what restaurant I ordered from. We ate the entire batch standing at the counter. Now whenever she visits, she asks for those dumplings.
Ingredients
- 20 frozen dumplings: Pork, chicken, or vegetable work beautifully. Buy the ones you already love because the air fryer makes them better.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil adds that nutty, aromatic depth that makes dumplings taste like they came from a restaurant kitchen.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: The salty base balances the rich sesame oil. Use tamari if you need gluten free.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Optional but lovely. It cuts through the oil and adds brightness.
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds: These add the final crunch and visual pop that makes plated dumplings look impressive.
- 2 green onions: Fresh oniony flavor and a gorgeous green contrast against the golden dumplings.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Helps achieve extra crispy skins, especially if your air fryer tends to stick.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set to 375°F and let it run empty for 3 minutes. A hot basket starts crisping immediately.
- Arrange the dumplings:
- Place them in a single layer with space between each. Crowding leads to steaming instead of frying.
- First crisping round:
- Air fry for 8 minutes. Resist opening the basket early or you will lose precious heat.
- Make the glaze:
- Whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until combined.
- Brush with flavor:
- After 8 minutes, open the basket and brush each dumpling generously with the oil mixture. This is the secret step.
- Final crisping:
- Return to the air fryer for 4 more minutes. Watch through the last 2 minutes so they do not burn.
- Finish and serve:
- Transfer to a plate and immediately sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve while they are sizzling hot.
Save to Pinterest These became my solo dinner ritual during a month when I worked late every single night. Something about the process calmed me down. Sprinkling those green onions felt like putting the final touch on a long day.
Freeze Extra Stock
I buy dumplings in bulk when they go on sale. The air fryer handles freezer burn better than boiling, making old frozen bags taste fresh again.
Sauce Experiments
Chili crisp oil instead of plain sesame oil creates a spicy version that disappeared in record time at my last party. Garlic infused oil works beautifully too.
Pairing Ideas
These make a perfect first course or standalone snack. I serve them alongside a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar.
- Try dipping in chili oil mixed with soy sauce
- A cold beer pairs surprisingly well
- Make double because they disappear fast
Save to Pinterest Frozen food does not have to feel like a compromise. Sometimes the best dinners start with a freezer raid and end with something better than takeout.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get dumplings crispy in the air fryer?
Arrange dumplings in a single layer, leaving space between each, and air fry at 375°F. Brushing with a sesame oil mixture halfway enhances crispiness.
- → Can I use different types of frozen dumplings?
Yes, pork, chicken, vegetable, or any preferred frozen dumplings work well with the sesame glaze and air frying method.
- → What does the sesame oil glaze add?
The sesame oil combined with soy sauce and rice vinegar adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the dumplings and enhances their texture.
- → Is nonstick cooking spray necessary?
It’s optional but helps achieve extra crispiness and prevents sticking during air frying.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free dumplings and tamari instead of soy sauce to maintain flavor while avoiding gluten.