Air Fryer Dumplings

Skip the takeout menu and make air fryer dumplings in minutes!

Dumplings, gyoza, potstickers – whatever you want to call them –  these bite-sized treats are insanely addictive. And they’re completely fuss-free.

 

Air Fryer Dumplings

Forget the pan, oven, and steamer baskets. The best way to make dumplings is with the air fryer. 

You get those gorgeous golden crispy skins without a ton of oil. Plus, it’s insanely easy. 

Simply throw the frozen dumplings in the basket and let it do its thing. 

The best part? You won’t need to thaw them beforehand. They’ll cook beautifully even when frozen.

Just pick your favorite savory dumpling and start air frying. In about 15 minutes, they’re ready!

How Do I Cook Frozen Dumplings?

Start by placing the dumplings in the air fryer basket.

Arrange them in a single layer and make sure they’re not stacked or overlapping. They need space to cook!

Next, spray the dumplings with oil. This is the key to those crispy skins. I like using either canola or olive oil.

Air fry the dumplings at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes, then shake the basket or flip the dumplings over.

If they’re looking dry, spray them with more oil.

Cook the dumplings for 2 to 6 more minutes, or until the skins are golden brown.

Remove from the basket and let them cool for 2 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Dumplings

With just two ingredients, air fryer dumplings couldn’t get any easier. That said, I have some tips to make sure they turn out crisp and succulent.

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air fryers cook food by producing and circulating hot air. So the dumplings need space to cook properly. 

• Cook in batches. Making a bunch of dumplings for a party or dinner? Don’t stack them. Instead, cook them in batches to ensure they cook evenly.

• Spray the dumplings with oil. This helps get those wrappers nice and crispy. The oil also keeps the dumplings moist.

• Preheat the air fryer. Otherwise, you’ll have to adjust the cooking time.

• For better results, do a test run. Air fryers are created differently. So do a test run with 1 to 2 pieces. Adjust the temperature and duration as needed.

• Keep a close eye. To avoid burning, watch the dumplings, especially towards the end.

• Pair with a dipping sauce. A complementary dipping sauce takes dumplings to the next level. I like combining grated ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and lemon juice. But choose your favorite.

How Long Do You Cook Dumplings in an Air Fryer?

It depends on the size, thickness, filling, and dumpling wrapper. The intensity of your air fryer is also another factor. 

Some air fryers run hotter than others, but on average, it takes about 10 to 14 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit to cook dumplings.

Since there are various factors affecting the cooking time, be sure to monitor the dumplings especially at the latter part of cooking. 

Other Names for Dumplings 

They’re called dumplings in general, but they also go by many names, depending on where you’re from.

Here in the United States, we refer to them as potstickers. The Polish and Italians know them as pierogi.

They’re called gyoza in Japan and siomai in the Philippines.

In China is where things get a little confusing.

The Chinese have an extensive array of dumplings with varied fillings, wrappers, and cooking methods. 

Now, I won’t pretend to be an expert, but here’s what I know.

Chinese dumplings are mainly divided into two: the crescent-shaped gao and the round bao.

Among the most popular Chinese dumplings include the soup-filled xiao long bao and my personal favorite, the shrimp-filled har gao.

Fun Facts About Dumplings

According to Chinese legend, the first dumpling was created by physician Zhang Zhongjing during the 3rd century.

He made ear-shaped dumplings filled with lamb and herbs and fed them to villagers who suffered from frostbitten ears.

Dumplings were cooked by peasants as a way to stretch their limited supply of meat.

By stuffing it into a flour-based dough, the meat became more filling.

Dumplings are meant to be eaten in one bite.

That’s the only way to enjoy the full dumpling experience, from the crispy and chewy to the tender and flavorful filling.

While they’re often confused for one another, dim sum and dumplings are not exactly the same.

Dim sum refers to a variety of small Cantonese dishes eaten for breakfast and lunch. 

That said, all dumplings are dim sums, but not all dim sums are dumplings.

Common Chinese dim sum includes chicken skin, beef balls, and pork ribs.

How to Store Air Fryer Dumplings

Got leftover dumplings? Pop them in the fridge. Then all you have to do is reheat for a quick snack.

To Store: Place the dumplings in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To Reheat: Air fry them for 2 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love

Air Fryer Dinner Recipes
Air Fryer Ribs
Air Fryer Biscuits
Air Fryer Corn Dogs
Air Fryer Desserts