How to air fry frozen dumplings so they stay juicy
An air fryer gives you the browned bottom of a potsticker with no pan to watch. The trick is protecting the top from drying out.
The method
Heat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C). Lightly oil the basket or a sheet of perforated parchment, and add the dumplings frozen in a single layer with a little space between them. Spray the tops with oil.
Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket once halfway. Thicker or larger dumplings need a couple more minutes. They are done when the bottoms are golden and the filling is hot in the middle.
Fixes for common problems
Most problems come from heat and moisture.
Dry or tough tops
Lower the temperature to 350°F and add a minute or two, or brush the tops with a little water before oiling.
Sticking
Oil the basket, and do not move the dumplings during the first few minutes.
Soggy bottoms
Do not stack. Cook in batches and let steam escape between rounds.
What to dip them in
Crisp dumplings suit a punchy sauce, like the soy-forward one in our dipping sauce guide. For a full meal, add sides from the what to serve guide.
Why air frying works and when it does not
An air fryer circulates dry heat, which browns the wrapper well. It works for potstickers, gyoza and pork buns. It does not work for soup dumplings, where the broth needs steam, or for very thin wontons, which dry out.
Batch size matters. A crowded basket steams instead of crisping. Cook in two rounds if you have more than a single layer.
Questions people ask
Do I need to thaw dumplings first?
No. Cook them from frozen.
Can I air fry soup dumplings?
Not recommended. They can burst and lose their broth. Steam them instead.
How long do frozen dumplings take in an air fryer?
About 8 to 10 minutes at 370°F, depending on size.