Air Fryer Crispy Dumplings

My neighbor dropped by one evening with a bag of dumpling wrappers she'd bought on impulse, and we decided to wing it with whatever was in my fridge. That's when I discovered the magic of the air fryer for dumplings—no oil splattering on the stovetop, no awkward pan-frying timing, just golden, crispy results in under fifteen minutes. Now whenever I need something impressive but effortless, these are my go-to.

I made a double batch for my daughter's study group last semester, and one friend ate half of them without realizing it—then apologized profusely while reaching for more. That's when I knew the recipe was a keeper, because good food does that: it disappears without ceremony, leaves people happy, and makes you want to cook it again just to see their faces.

Ingredients

• Ground pork: This holds everything together and brings a savory depth, though ground chicken works beautifully if you want something lighter, or crumbled tofu if you're going vegetarian.
• Napa cabbage: It adds moisture and texture without being watery if you shred it fine and don't overload each dumpling.
• Green onions: These brighten everything up; don't skip them or replace them with onion powder, the fresh bite matters.
• Garlic and ginger: Both freshly minced or grated—this is not the place to use jarred versions, the flavor won't sing.
• Soy sauce and sesame oil: These are the backbone of the filling, so use decent quality versions you'd actually taste in a soup.
• Dumpling wrappers: Round ones make this easier than square ones for a first timer, and you'll find them in most grocery stores now.
• Soy sauce (for dipping sauce): Same principle as above—good soy sauce makes the difference between a good dipping sauce and one you'll actually crave.
• Rice vinegar: This cuts through the richness and keeps the sauce from being one-note.
• Honey: Just enough to round out the flavors; skip it if you're keeping things strictly savory.
• Red chili flakes: Completely optional, but they add a gentle warmth that sneaks up on you.

Instructions

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Mix your filling:

Combine the pork, cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl and stir until everything is evenly distributed—you want the filling to hold together, not be mushy. I use my hands because it's faster and you can feel when it's right.

Assemble the dumplings:

Place a wrapper in your palm, add a heaping teaspoon of filling to the center, then dip your finger in water and run it around the edge of the wrapper. Fold and press to seal, pleating the edge as you go if you're feeling fancy—honestly, they taste the same whether they're perfectly pleated or roughly sealed.

Prep your air fryer:

Set it to 375°F and let it preheat for a few minutes while you finish assembling. Lightly brush or spray each dumpling with oil—this is what makes them crisp, so don't skip this step.

Air fry with confidence:

Arrange the dumplings in a single layer in the basket with some space between them, then cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping them halfway through. They're done when they're golden brown and feel firm when you tap them.

Make the dipping sauce:

While the dumplings cook, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, green onion, and chili flakes if you're using it. Taste it and adjust the balance—if it's too salty, add a touch more vinegar; if it's too sharp, a tiny drizzle more honey helps.

Serve immediately:

Hot dumplings and a bowl of that sauce are all you need, though a small side of extra green onions or sliced chili is nice for people who like to customize their plate.

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There's something about watching dumplings puff up and turn golden in the air fryer that feels like a small kitchen victory every single time. My kids now ask me to make them at least twice a month, and I've started keeping frozen ones on hand for nights when I need to pull something together without fuss.

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

Vegetarian versions are easy—just swap the pork for crumbled firm tofu, add finely chopped mushrooms or grated carrots for texture, and season generously since tofu is neutral. I've also made a version with shrimp mixed into the pork, which adds a sweetness that plays beautifully with the ginger in the sauce. Once you get comfortable with the basic filling, you can honestly throw in whatever appeals to you that week.

Storage and Make-Ahead Wisdom

Assembled dumplings freeze brilliantly on a sheet tray before cooking—just transfer them to a freezer bag once they're solid, and you've got a 15-minute appetizer whenever you need one. Cooked dumplings are best enjoyed fresh and hot, but leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up.

Pairing and Serving Ideas

These feel fancier than they are, so they're perfect for entertaining without the stress of anything too complicated. Serve them alongside rice or noodles for a more substantial meal, or just offer them as-is with the dipping sauce as a standalone appetizer. They pair wonderfully with chilled white wine, jasmine tea, or even a light beer if you're in that mood.

• Make a double batch if you're feeding more than four people because they vanish faster than you'd expect.
• If anyone at your table has allergies, swap regular soy sauce for tamari and use gluten-free wrappers to keep things safe.
• The dipping sauce can be made a day ahead and tastes even better as the flavors meld overnight.

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These dumplings have become my quiet kitchen win—simple enough to make on a weeknight, impressive enough to serve to guests, and genuinely delicious without requiring any real skill. Once you make them, you'll understand why air fryer dumplings have become a staple in my house.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I achieve crispy dumplings in an air fryer?

Lightly brushing or spraying the dumplings with oil before air frying and arranging them in a single layer ensures even crispness and golden edges.

→ Can I substitute the pork filling for a vegetarian option?

Yes, firm tofu crumbled with extra vegetables like mushrooms or carrots makes a flavorful vegetarian filling alternative.

→ What temperature should the air fryer be set to for cooking?

Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) and cook dumplings for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.

→ How should the soy ginger dipping sauce be prepared?

Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, fresh ginger, thinly sliced green onions, and optional chili flakes in a small bowl and mix well.

→ Can these dumplings be frozen before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze assembled dumplings. When cooking from frozen, add 2–3 extra minutes to the air frying time.