Pin It I found myself staring at a bag of frozen dumplings in my freezer last winter, wondering if there was a way to make them taste like the crispy ones from that late-night spot downtown without hauling out the wok and dealing with splattering oil. The air fryer experiment that followed was one of those happy kitchen accidents that made me wonder why I'd ever bothered with traditional pan-frying at all.
My roommate walked in during the first batch and immediately asked what takeout place I'd discovered. The look on her face when I pulled them out of the air fryer was pure confusion followed by delighted recognition. Now they're our go-to Friday night comfort food, eaten straight from the basket while watching movies on the couch.
Ingredients
- 20 frozen dumplings: Any variety works here, pork, chicken, or vegetable, just keep them frozen until they hit the basket to prevent sticking together
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: This is what creates that gorgeous golden finish and authentic restaurant flavor, don't skip it
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds the perfect salty depth to balance the rich sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Optional but recommended for cutting through the oil and adding brightness
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds: For that final crunch and nutty garnish that makes everything look intentional
- 2 green onions: Thinly sliced for fresh color and mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness
- Nonstick cooking spray: Helps achieve maximum crispiness but isn't strictly necessary if your air fryer is well-seasoned
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Set it to 375F for about 3 minutes while you gather everything, a hot basket means better crisping from the start
- Arrange the dumplings:
- Place them in a single layer with space between each for air circulation, light spray helps but don't crowd them
- Start the first cook:
- Air fry for 8 minutes undisturbed, this initial cook phase defrosts and starts the crisping process
- Mix the glaze:
- Whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until emulsified
- Brush and glaze:
- After 8 minutes, brush each dumpling generously with the mixture, this is where the magic happens
- Finish crisping:
- Return to the air fryer for 4 more minutes until golden and gorgeously crispy at the edges
- Garnish and serve:
- Transfer to a plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, serve immediately while they're still hot and audibly crispy
Pin It These became my contribution to every potluck and game night after the first time I brought them and watched the plate disappear in minutes. Something about dumplings makes people gather around, grabbing them with their fingers and reaching for seconds before they've even finished the first one.
Make Them Your Own
Once you've got the basic method down, the variations are endless. Try swapping in chili crisp oil instead of plain sesame oil for a spicy version that'll wake up your whole palate. A drizzle of garlic-infused oil works beautifully too, especially if you're serving these as part of a larger Asian-inspired spread.
The Gluten-Free Question
The air fryer method itself is naturally gluten-free, so you just need to check your dumplings and swap in tamari for the soy sauce. Most Asian grocery stores carry excellent gluten-free dumpling options these days, and they crisp up just as beautifully as the regular ones.
Serving Strategy
These disappear fast, so I always make double what I think I need. They work beautifully as an appetizer, but honestly, they're satisfying enough to be a light dinner with a simple salad on the side. Have extra dipping sauce ready, someone always wants more.
- A simple chili oil dipping sauce takes these over the top
- Keep them warm in a 200F oven if you're making multiple batches
- Pair with a crisp cold beer or dry white wine for the perfect casual dinner
Pin It Simple enough for a Tuesday night but impressive enough for company, these dumplings have become one of those recipes I can make without even thinking. That's always the sign of a keeper.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get dumplings crispy in the air fryer?
Arrange dumplings in a single layer and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Air fry at 375°F, then brush with sesame oil glaze and continue cooking to achieve a crispy finish.
- → Can I use different fillings for these dumplings?
Yes, pork, chicken, vegetable, or your preferred frozen dumplings work well with this method and glaze.
- → What does the sesame oil glaze add to the dish?
The sesame oil glaze adds a rich, nutty aroma and enhances the dumplings with savory depth and a glossy finish.
- → Are there alternatives to soy sauce in the glaze?
For gluten-free options, tamari can replace soy sauce without compromising flavor.
- → Can this method be used without an air fryer?
While designed for the air fryer, pan-frying with similar glaze application can also yield tasty results, though texture may differ.