Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings

When I made these Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings, the sound of crisp crackling filled the kitchen.
They came out golden and crunchy on the outside, with warm, savory fillings tucked inside.
I remember dipping the first one in sauce and loving that light, crispy bite.

These dumplings are easy, quick, and fun to make.
They’re perfect for snacks, lunch, or a cozy dinner.

Let’s air fry them together—you’ll love how simple and crispy they turn out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: Air frying uses minimal oil compared to traditional frying methods.
• Packed with Vegetables: A colorful mix of carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and cabbage makes these dumplings nutritious.
• Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates a perfect golden crunch on the rice paper.
• Easy to Make: Simple folding technique that even beginners can master.
• Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, snack, or main dish with your favorite dipping sauce.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 37 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes about 12-15 dumplings, serving 4 people as an appetizer or 2-3 as a main dish. Want more? Simply double the ingredients.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for dinner parties.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Air fryer
• Large skillet or wok
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Shallow dish for dipping rice paper
• Kitchen towels
• Pastry brush

Ingredients

These colorful dumplings are packed with fresh vegetables and bold Asian-inspired flavors. The sesame oil adds richness, while the coconut aminos and soy sauce bring savory depth. Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delicious dumplings:

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, julienned or finely shredded
• 1 medium zucchini, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 cups pointed cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Chinese 5 spice
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• 12-15 rice paper sheets

For the Peanut Dipping Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2-3 tablespoons water (to thin)

Variations for Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings

• Add Protein: Mix in cooked shrimp, chicken, or crumbled tofu for extra protein.
• Spice It Up: Add fresh chili or increase the chili powder for more heat.
• Different Vegetables: Try mushrooms, snow peas, or bean sprouts for variety.
• Use Tamari: Swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Replace the peanut sauce with sweet chili sauce for dipping.

How to Make Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetable Filling

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Cook the Vegetables

Add the carrots, zucchini, red bell pepper, and cabbage to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have a slight crunch.

3. Season the Filling

Pour in the coconut aminos and soy sauce. Sprinkle the Chinese 5 spice and chili powder over the vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped spring onions. Let the filling cool slightly.

4. Prepare the Rice Paper

Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper sheet into the water for about 5-10 seconds until it becomes soft and pliable. Lay it flat on a clean kitchen towel.

5. Fill and Fold the Dumplings

Place 2 tablespoons of the vegetable filling in the center of the rice paper. Fold the bottom edge over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll tightly to seal, similar to wrapping a burrito. Repeat with remaining rice paper and filling.

6. Air Fry the Dumplings

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the dumplings with sesame oil. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

7. Make the Peanut Sauce

While the dumplings cook, whisk together peanut butter, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Serving and Decoration

Arrange the crispy dumplings on a serving platter. Garnish with extra chopped spring onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation. Serve the peanut dipping sauce in a small bowl alongside the dumplings. For an extra touch, add a lime wedge and fresh cilantro leaves.

How to Serve Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings

These versatile dumplings work perfectly in many ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve before Asian-inspired main courses.
• Party Snack: Great for gatherings and game nights.
• Light Lunch: Pair with a fresh Asian slaw or cucumber salad.
• Dinner: Serve alongside fried rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Bento Box: Pack in lunchboxes with the sauce in a separate container.

Storing Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings

• Uncooked Dumplings: Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Cooked Dumplings: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Dipping Sauce: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir well before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Don’t Over-Soak: Rice paper becomes sticky if soaked too long. Just a quick dip is enough.

• Work Quickly: Rice paper dries out fast, so fill and roll each one immediately after soaking.
• Keep Them Separated: Place parchment paper between uncooked dumplings to prevent sticking.
• Brush with Oil: A light coating of sesame oil helps achieve maximum crispiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Give dumplings space in the air fryer for even cooking.
• Check Often: Air fryer temperatures vary, so watch your dumplings during the last few minutes of cooking.

Nutrition

Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings FAQs