Air Fryer Frozen Dumplings (Fast & Crispy)

I always keep a bag of dumplings tucked in the freezer because they are just very handy for a quick meal. This method for air fryer frozen dumplings shows you exactly how to make frozen dumplings in air fryer without any messy oil splatters. You don’t even need to thaw them (which is great if you are as impatient as I am), and they pair perfectly with my Easy Gyoza Dipping Sauce.

Why you’ll love this recipe

You’ll simply be cooking the dumplings using the air fry dumplings method with a tiny bit of oil and water, and voila, a delicious weeknight recipe ready in about 10 minutes.

• No oil splatter: Since you’re cooking dumplings in air fryer, you don’t have to worry about oil splatter like with pan-frying. It is a hands-off process, similar to making my Delicious Air Fryer Cod.
• Crispy & tender: If you follow the steps below, these air fryer frozen dumplings come out with a golden crunch on the outside but stay soft in the middle. 
• Fast: This frozen dumplings air fryer recipe is actually quicker than the usual steaming and frying. It is ideal for those nights when you are busy. My Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are another good option for a quick side.

Pair these dumplings with some delicious side dishes like Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli, Cauliflower Rice and Sauteed Broccoli.

Ingredients

You only need two simple ingredients to make air fryer frozen dumplings, not including the water used to steam them in the basket.

• Dumplings: Use any you like, from classic potstickers to gyoza in air fryer or wontons. They vary in size, so you might need to tweak the timer slightly. I love serving these with my Din Tai Fung Cucumber Recipe.
• Oil spray: A neutral oil like rapeseed works best to air fry frozen dumplings. It helps them brown evenly without changing the flavour, which is how I use it for my Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer as well.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations/ Adaptations

Since this recipe is so simple, there are only a few easy ways to adapt air fryer frozen dumplings depending on what you have in the freezer and how you like them cooked.

• Different frozen fillings: Chicken, pork, or veggie dumplings all work well for air fryer dumplings. Just keep an eye on the bigger ones as they might need an extra minute to heat through properly. I sometimes mix a few types if I am feeding a crowd and pair them with a simple dipping sauce like my Miso Dressing Recipe.
• Gyoza vs potstickers vs wontons: Thinner wrappers, like gyoza air fryer varieties, go very brittle and crunchy. Potstickers have a thicker dough that stays a bit softer. If you want something lighter but still dumpling-focused, you should try my Gyoza Soup. 
• Extra crispy finish: For crispier frozen dumplings, give them another quick spray with oil after flipping and air fry for another minute or two. This works especially well for thicker wrappers.

How to make Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Dumplings

1. Start by adding the water into the base of your airfryer. This will encourage the dumplings to partially steam, so that they don’t dry out whilst they crisp up (Image 1). 
2. Evenly distribute the dumplings across the airfryer and spray with oil. Heat for 5 minutes at 360°F (180°C)  (Image 2). 

3. Rotate the dumplings and cook for a further 4-5 minutes at 360°F (180°C) (Image 3). 

4. The dumplings will start to turn golden brown. Serve up and enjoy! (Image 4). 

Need inspiration for some main meal recipes? Try my Fish Burrito Bowl, Tabbouleh Inspired Chicken Salad and Vegetarian Burrito Bowl.

Serving suggestions

These air fryer frozen dumplings are tasty as-is but even better as part of a spread. Knowing how long to air fry frozen dumplings helps you time sides perfectly. They pair well with noodles, rice, or light Asian-inspired dishes.

Try them with:

• Quick Yaki Udon
• Wagamama’s Chicken Ramen
• Easy Air Fryer Spring Rolls {Crispy and Homemade!}
• Singapore Fried Rice (Simple & Easy)
• Spicy Tomato Rice topped with Halloumi and Coriander

Leftover Storage and Reheat Instructions

Although air fryer frozen dumplings are best eaten straight from the air fryer, leftovers can still be enjoyed later – including frozen gyoza air fryer varieties.

Refrigerator: Put them in a tub once they are cool. They stay good for 3 or 4 days.

Freezer: I wouldn’t recommend freezing them again because the texture goes a bit weird.

Reheat: Give them 2 or 3 minutes in the air fryer at 180°C with a quick spray of oil.

FAQs

Pair these dumplings with one of these mains for an even tastier meal: Wagamama’s Chicken Ramen, Spicy Chili Oil Ramen Noodles or Chilli Oil Udon Stir Fry.