Air Fryer Frozen Dumplings (Printable Version)

Frozen dumplings become crispy bites with a savory sesame oil glaze using the air fryer.

# What You Need:

→ Dumplings

01 - 20 frozen dumplings (pork, chicken, or vegetable variety)

→ Glaze & Garnish

02 - 2 tablespoons sesame oil
03 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
04 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)
05 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
06 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Cooking Spray

07 - Nonstick cooking spray (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
02 - Place frozen dumplings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spacing evenly. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray if desired for enhanced crispiness.
03 - Cook dumplings in the air fryer for 8 minutes.
04 - Combine sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar (if using) in a small bowl, mixing well.
05 - Brush dumplings liberally with the sesame oil mixture after the initial cooking.
06 - Return dumplings to the air fryer and cook for an additional 4 minutes, until edges are golden and crisp.
07 - Remove dumplings and transfer to serving plate. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot with additional soy sauce or preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in under 20 minutes with almost zero fuss, perfect for those moments when you need something impressive but have no time.
  • The sesame oil glaze transforms humble frozen dumplings into something that tastes intentional and gourmet.
  • Works for any dumpling variety you have on hand, making it endlessly adaptable to whatever's in your freezer.
02 -
  • Don't skip the spacing between dumplings in the basket, or steam will trap them and you'll lose that crispy exterior you're after.
  • The glaze needs to go on halfway through cooking, not at the end, so it can caramelize and set into those little pockets and folds.
03 -
  • Don't thaw the dumplings before air frying; the frozen state actually helps them cook evenly with a tender interior and crispy exterior.
  • Keep a pastry brush dedicated to this task because that glaze is the secret, and you want to apply it generously and evenly when the moment comes.
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