Save Last winter I discovered a bag of frozen dumplings hidden in the back of my freezer during one of those nights when cooking felt like too much effort. The air fryer was still warm from roasting vegetables, so I tossed them in on a whim, not expecting much. Ten minutes later, my entire apartment smelled like a dim sum restaurant, and those dumplings came out with this incredible crispy bottom that rivaled restaurant takeout. Now it is my go-to when I want something that feels special but requires almost zero effort.
My friend Sarah came over for wine and movies last month, looking exhausted after a brutal week at work. I made these dumplings as a quick snack, and she literally stopped mid-sentence after the first bite, eyes wide, asking if I had secretly ordered them from our favorite Chinese place. We ended up sitting on the kitchen floor eating them straight from the plate, forgetting about the movie entirely.
Ingredients
- 20 frozen dumplings: Any variety works here—pork, chicken, or vegetable—so pick whatever you keep stocked in your freezer for emergencies
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: This creates that gorgeous glossy finish and adds the nutty aroma that makes everything smell incredible
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds just the right amount of salty depth to balance the rich sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: A splash of acidity cuts through the richness and brightens the whole glaze
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds: These little seeds add a nutty crunch that makes each bite more interesting
- 2 green onions: Fresh onion flavor and pop of green color make the final dish look intentional and cared for
- Nonstick cooking spray: Helps the dumplings get extra crispy without using excessive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Set it to 375°F and let it run empty for about 3 minutes so the cooking surface is properly hot when the dumplings go in
- Arrange the dumplings:
- Place them in a single layer with space between each one so hot air can circulate and crisp every surface evenly
- Start the air frying:
- Cook for 8 minutes to thaw and begin crisping the dumpling skins
- Make the glaze:
- Whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until combined
- Add the flavor:
- Brush the dumplings generously with the glaze, making sure to coat every exposed surface
- Finish crisping:
- Cook for another 4 minutes until the glaze has caramelized slightly and edges are golden brown and crispy
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions while still hot so everything sticks to the oily surface
Save These became my comfort food during a lonely stretch when I was working late nights and eating dinner over the sink. Something about the ritual of brushing the glaze, the smell filling the apartment, and that first satisfying crunch made me feel taken care of even on the hardest days.
Make It Your Own
I started adding chili crisp to the glaze after my sister left a jar at my place, and now I cannot make them without it. A spoonful stirred into the sesame oil mixture adds heat and texture that takes these dumplings from good to can-not-stop-eating-them.
Serving Ideas
Sometimes I serve these alongside a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar to cut through the richness. Other times I just put out multiple dipping sauces—spicy chili oil, black vinegar, extra soy sauce—and let people customize each bite.
Freezer Management
The beauty of this recipe is that everything can be shelf-stable or frozen, making it perfect for those nights when you cannot get to the store. I always keep a bottle of toasted sesame oil and soy sauce in my pantry exactly for moments like these.
- Double the glaze recipe and store the extra in a small jar in the fridge for up to two weeks
- Buy dumplings in bulk when they go on sale and freeze multiple bags so you are always prepared
- Keep a container of toasted sesame seeds in your freezer to prevent them from going rancid
Save Hope these bring you as much joy and comfort as they have brought me on countless tired nights and happy gatherings alike.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different fillings for the dumplings?
Yes, pork, chicken, vegetable, or any preferred frozen dumpling varieties can be used with equal success.
- → Is it necessary to use cooking spray in the air fryer?
Lightly spraying the basket can help achieve extra crispiness, but it’s optional depending on your air fryer model.
- → How does the sesame oil glaze enhance the dumplings?
The sesame oil mixed with soy sauce and rice vinegar adds a savory, nutty flavor and helps create a glossy, flavorful finish.
- → Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, by selecting gluten-free dumplings and using tamari instead of soy sauce, it can suit gluten-free diets.
- → How long should I air fry the dumplings for best results?
Air fry frozen dumplings for 8 minutes first, then brush with glaze and cook an additional 4 minutes until edges are crispy.