Name: Air Fryer Frozen Dumplings
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 14 min
Ingredients: 12 frozen dumplings (potstickers or gyoza); 1 tsp avocado oil (or spray); Optional dipping sauce

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I’ll be honest. The first time I tossed frozen dumplings into my air fryer, I expected disappointment. You know the kind — dry wrappers, sad filling, and that weird “almost crispy but not really” texture. But wow… I was wrong. Like, cancel-takeout-wrong.

If you’ve ever stared at a bag of frozen dumplings at 9:30 p.m. and wondered if the air fryer could save dinner, you’re in the right place. I’ve tested this more times than I’d like to admit (pork, chicken, veggie, gyoza, potstickers — all of it). I burned a few batches, learned a few tricks, and landed on a method that works every single time.

Let me show you how I do it — plus a few tips I wish someone had told me earlier.

Why I Keep Coming Back to Air Fryer Frozen Dumplings

Some nights, I just want food now. Not in 40 minutes. Not after washing three pans. Now. That’s where frozen dumplings + an air fryer become pure magic.

Here’s why this combo works so well:

Crispy outside without oil overload
Juicy filling stays locked in
Zero thawing required
Cleanup takes about 30 seconds

IMO, this beats pan-frying on busy weeknights. And yes, I still love steaming — but when I want crunch? The air fryer wins.

Ever wondered why dumplings crisp so evenly in the air fryer? Hot circulating air + compact size = perfection.

Choosing the Best Frozen Dumplings (This Matters)

Not all frozen dumplings behave the same way in an air fryer. I learned this the hard way after one batch exploded open like tiny food grenades :/

Dumplings That Work Best

Potstickers
Gyoza
Wontons
Vegetable dumplings
Chicken or pork dumplings

Dumplings That Need Extra Care

Soup dumplings (xiao long bao)
Ultra-thin wrappers
Oversized dumplings

Pro tip: If the package says “pan-fry or steam,” you’re good to air fry with small tweaks.

My Air Fryer Setup (Quick Reality Check)

Before we cook, let’s talk tools. Any air fryer works, but basket-style ones make life easier.

I use the COSORI Pro LE 5-Qt Air Fryer
👉 https://amzn.to/3M2kc5k

Why I like it:

Even heat
Wide basket = no overcrowding
Easy temp control

FYI, overcrowding ruins dumplings faster than bad timing. Space is everything.

How to Cook Frozen Dumplings in an Air Fryer (My Go-To Method)

Step-by-Step (No Guessing Required)

Temperature: 375°F
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

Step 1: Preheat

I always preheat for 3 minutes. Cold air fryer = uneven browning. Trust me.

Step 2: Light Oil Spray

I lightly spray dumplings with avocado oil. Not soak. Just a mist.

I like this oil sprayer:
👉 https://amzn.to/3M3aK1D

Step 3: Single Layer Only

Lay dumplings flat. No stacking. No crowding. This isn’t rush hour.

Step 4: Shake Halfway

At the 5-minute mark, I shake the basket. This prevents sad pale spots.

Step 5: Finish & Check

Pull one out. If the wrapper looks golden and feels crisp, you’re done.

How I Keep Dumplings Crispy (Without Drying Them Out)

This part took trial and error.

My Best Tips

Don’t skip oil — dry wrappers crack
Avoid 400°F — burns outside before inside heats
Let them rest 1–2 minutes after cooking

That short rest seals in moisture. Ever bitten into a dumpling too fast and lost filling to the plate? Yeah… this fixes that.

Dumpling Dipping Sauces I Always Make

Crispy dumplings deserve a good dip. Store-bought works, but homemade tastes better and takes 30 seconds.

My Favorite Quick Sauce

2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
Chili crisp (to taste)

I’m obsessed with Lao Gan Ma Chili Crisp
👉 https://amzn.to/3O192OM

A tiny spoonful goes a long way 🙂

Common Mistakes (I’ve Made Them All)

Let’s save you the frustration.

Overcrowding = soggy dumplings
No oil = cracked wrappers
Too hot = burnt edges
Skipping the shake = uneven cooking

Ever had one dumpling perfect and the next one sad? This is why.

Are Air Fryer Dumplings Healthier?

Short answer: yes — usually.

You use:

Less oil
No deep frying
Controlled portions

Calories depend on filling, but air frying cuts fat compared to pan-frying. I don’t count calories every time, but I definitely feel better after these.

My Favorite Dumpling Brands for Air Frying

I rotate between these:

Bibigo Mandu
Trader Joe’s Gyoza
Wei Chuan Potstickers
Feel Good Foods Veggie Dumplings

They all crisp beautifully with this method.

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