How to use your air fryer to cook frozen dumplings. Everything you need to know to make deliciously crispy, juicy and moist dumplings the first time! So much faster and better than ordering takeout!!
Craving some dumplings? We have you covered. No need to go to an expensive restaurant- like Benihana or P.F. Chang's. This is a fool proof recipe to cook restaurant quality dumplings right at home, faster than they can be delivered to your doorstep!
Why this recipe works
- A faster result with half the bother! When it comes to quickly cooking frozen dumplings, the air fryer is your best friend. Compared to the traditional steaming followed by frying method - the air fryer not only cooks dumplings in minutes but also results in a deliciously crispy outside with a moist, juicy inside.
- For perfect dumplings, coat them with a tiny bit of oil before cooking. This creates the crispy, golden "pan-fried" crust. The easiest way to do this is to use an oil sprayer or brush and oil. If you skip this step the crust will have a dry texture and floury taste.
- A healthier option. Air frying uses less oil than deep frying, reducing any excess oil in the dumplings.
This is one of my favorite air fryer recipes because the circulating hot air ensures that the dumplings have very crispy skins.
Ingredients
- Frozen dumplings (any type works with this recipe) can be found in the frozen food section of large supermarkets or specialty grocery stores like Costco, and Whole Foods. Target, for example carries P.F. Chang brand frozen dumplings. Trader Joe's gyoza is a family favorite. They are also sometimes sold at local Chinese restaurants. If you are up to making them fresh - try our Chicken and Shrimp Fried Wonton recipe.
- A little bit of oil is used to coat the dumplings to get that crispy golden-brown skin that is a hallmark of tasty Asian style dumplings. You can use olive oil, avocado oil spray or any type of vegetable oil.
- Sriracha and soy sauce are optional - they are examples of readily available sauces that can used as as a dipping sauce.
How to cook air fryer frozen dumplings (potstickers)
Step One: Line the air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper for easy clean-up (optional).
Step Two: Coat the dumplings with a thin layer of oil. The easiest way to do this is to use a cooking spray or a pastry brush dipped in vegetable oil. The oil ensures that the dumplings crisp and will not have a dry and hard texture.
Step Three: Place the frozen dumplings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches, if needed.
Step Four: Air fry at 380°F for about 8-10 minutes. About half-way, flip the dumplings with a tong to ensure even cooking. Adjust the cooking time as needed so that the dumpling is cooked to your preference.
Note: If you cook more than two batches at a time, its a good idea to reduce the overall cooking time by about a minute or so after the second batch, as the air-fryer will cook faster as it is now fully warmed up. The same cooking time will result in a far crispier dumpling than prior rounds.
Step Five: Use a tong or spatula to remove the crispy dumplings from the air fryer. Serve hot with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for making deliciously crispy, juicy dumplings
- Any type of frozen dumplings work.
- Always cook frozen. There is no need to thaw the dumplings prior to cooking. Thawed dumplings tend to stick to fingers and any surface that they are on - especially glass.
- Place the dumplings in a single layer in the air-fryer. Do not overlap as they tend to stick to each. Fused dumpling skin tends to tear when pulled apart.
- Lightly coat the frozen dumplings in oil. The oil helps the outer shell to turn crisp up and turn golden brown. Without the oil, the dumpling shell remains white and cooks to a very dry, hard texture. To coat the dumplings in oil, use an oil spray or pastry oil dipped in vegetable oil.
- Line the air fryer with a perforated piece of parchment paper. This helps with easy clean-up.
- Check the dumplings halfway through the cooking process. This allows you to adjust the cooking time as needed. Dumplings will cook differently depending on the brand of air fryer and the type and size of the dumpling. This is especially a good idea if you are new to air frying.
About the dipping sauce
A tasty dipping sauce can make a world of difference to your dumpling eating experience. The most common dipping sauce is plain soy sauce (any variety). Other popular sauces include hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, soy ginger sauce, Chili-garlic sauce (Sriracha) and sweet and sour sauce. You can also make a fancy Chinese dumpling sauce by combining brown sugar, ginger, scallions, rice vinegar and water with the soy sauce.
How to serve dumplings
I always like having a pack of frozen dumplings in my freezer for those nights when I want something savory and don't feel like cooking. Air fryer dumplings can be a main dish, a delicious snack or a side dish. They are fantastic for picnics and school lunches because they hold up really well over long periods of time and also work well for game day parties and holiday festivities.
A great way to garnish a plate of dumplings is with a little sesame oil or lime juice. For added flavor and color, you can also sprinkle with black and white sesame seeds or chopped scallion.
Storage and re-heating cooked dumplings
Dumplings are best eaten hot and fresh. However, if you do have some leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 1-2 days. To reheat the dumplings, air fry them at 380°F for about 2-3 minutes checking half-way through.
Freezing cooked dumplings
Stored correctly, both cooked and uncooked dumplings can be stored for about 2-3 months. To store dumplings, first line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Place the cooled dumplings in a single layer on a tray. Put the tray in the freezer, uncovered for a few hours or until the dumplings are completely frozen. Transfer the frozen dumplings into a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing. Freeze.
Nutrition values will vary based on the type of frozen dumplings and amount of oil used.
A typical serving of Air Fryer Frozen Dumplings has about 290 calories, 16g of fat and 26g of carbohydrates.
This Air Fryer Frozen Dumplings recipe yields approximately 5 servings. We assume each serving size is made up of 7 dumplings. The nutrition information is based on typical frozen dumplings purchased in my local grocery store. The nutrition guidance and is intended for informational purposes only. Please use it as a general guideline. If the nutrition information is important to you, you should independently verify it using your preferred tool.
Dumplings and potsticker are basically the same in that a savory meat or vegan filling is stuffed into a small pouch made of thinly rolled pastry. Dumplings are typically steamed or fried while potstickers are pan-fried until golden brown. Dumplings typically have a thinner skin than potstickers.
Perforated parchment paper is basically a piece of parchment that has been cut to the size of the bottom of the air fryer with small holes cut in.
Air Fryer Frozen Dumplings (Potstickers)
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds frozen dumplings any variety
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil to coat the dumplings
Instructions
- Line the air fryer with perforated parchment paper for easy clean-up (optional)
- Coat the dumplings with a thin layer of oil. The easiest way to do this is to use a vegetable oil spray or a pastry brush dipped in vegetable oil. The oil ensures that the dumplings crisp and will not have a dry and hard texture.
- Place the frozen dumplings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches, if needed.
- Air fry at 380°F for about 8-10 minutes. About half way, flip the dumplings to ensure even cooking. Adjust the cooking time as needed so that the dumpling is cooked to your preference.Note: If you cook more than two batches at a time, its a good idea to reduce the overall cooking time by about a minute or so, since the air-fryer will cook faster as it is now fully warmed up. The same cooking time will result in a far crispier dumpling than prior rounds.
- Use a tong or spatula to remove the crispy dumplings from the air fryer. Serve hot with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Video
Notes
- Any type of frozen dumplings work.
- Always cook frozen. There is no need to thaw the dumplings prior to cooking. It actually makes it more difficult because thawed dumplings tend to stick to fingers and any surface that they are on - especially glass.
- Place the dumplings in a single layer in the air-fryer. Do not overlap as they tend to stick.
- Lightly coat the frozen dumplings in oil. The oil helps the outer shell to turn crisp up and turn golden brown. Without the oil, the dumpling shell remains white and cooks to a very dry, hard texture. To coat the dumplings in oil use an oil spray or pastry oil dipped in vegetable oil.
- Line the air fryer with a perforated piece of parchment paper. This helps with easy clean-up.
- Check the dumplings halfway through the cooking process. This allows you to adjust the cooking time as needed. Dumplings will cook differently depending on the brand of air fryer and the type and size of the dumpling. This is especially a good idea if you are new to air frying.
- You may need to reduce the cooking time for multiple batches. If you cook more than two batches at a time, its a good idea to reduce the overall cooking time by about a minute or so, since the air-fryer will cook faster as it is now fully warmed up. The same cooking time will result in a far crispier dumpling than prior rounds.
Storage and re-heating cooked dumplings
Dumplings are best eaten hot and fresh. However if you do have some leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 1-2 days. To reheat the dumplings, air fry them at 370°F for about 4 minutes checking half way through.Freezing cooked dumplings
Stored correctly, both cooked and uncooked dumplings can be stored for about 2-3 months. To store dumplings, first line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Place the cooled dumplings in a single layer on a tray. Put the tray in the freezer, uncovered for a few hours or until the dumplings are completely frozen. Transfer the frozen dumplings into a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing. Freeze.Nutrition
Nutrition values will vary based on the type of frozen dumplings and amount of oil used. A typical serving of Air Fryer Frozen Dumplings has about 290 calories, 16g of fat and 26g of carbohydrates. This Air Fryer Frozen Dumplings recipe yields approximately 5 servings. We assume each serving size is made up of 7 dumplings. The nutrition information is based on typical frozen dumplings purchased in my local grocery store. The nutrition guidance and is intended for informational purposes only. Please use it as a general guideline. If the nutrition information is important to you, you should independently verify it using your preferred tool.Other great appetizers
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Anjali
This is the best way to make frozen dumplings! Mine turned out perfectly, they didn't even taste like they had been frozen beforehand!
Sharon
Yum! These dumplings were perfect for our dinner party. I love new air fryer recipes and I can't wait to make this again.
kushigalu
These air fryer version of dumplings looks delicious. Thanks for sharing
Katherine
I love how the air fryer gets the dumplings so crispy outside but soft and tender inside. Yum!
Ieva
We always have a bag of gyozas in the freezer but always cook them in the pan! This was a great way to change things up. Loved how crispy they turned out! Will definitely use your method again!