Air Fried Pork Dumplings (Print version)

Golden air fried pork dumplings paired with a spicy chili dipping oil for bold, flavorful bites.

# Required ingredients:

→ Filling

01 - Ground pork, 9 oz
02 - Spring onions, 2 whole, finely chopped
03 - Garlic cloves, 2, minced
04 - Fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon, grated
05 - Soy sauce, 2 tablespoons
06 - Sesame oil, 1 tablespoon
07 - Shaoxing wine, 1 tablespoon
08 - Sugar, 1 teaspoon
09 - White pepper, 1/2 teaspoon
10 - Napa cabbage, 1/2 cup, finely shredded
11 - Cornstarch, 1 tablespoon

→ Dumplings

12 - Round dumpling wrappers, 24
13 - Water, as needed for sealing
14 - Cooking spray or vegetable oil, as needed

→ Chili Oil

15 - Chili oil, 4 tablespoons
16 - Soy sauce, 1 tablespoon
17 - Black vinegar or rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon
18 - Toasted sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon
19 - Spring onion, 1 teaspoon, finely chopped

# How to make it:

01 - In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chopped spring onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, sugar, white pepper, shredded napa cabbage, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly until well combined and the mixture reaches a slightly sticky consistency.
02 - Place a dumpling wrapper in your palm. Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of filling into the center of the wrapper.
03 - Dip your finger in water and moisten the edge of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half and pinch the edges firmly to seal, creating pleats if desired for aesthetic appeal.
04 - Repeat the filling and sealing process with all remaining wrappers and filling. Cover completed dumplings with a damp cloth to prevent the wrappers from drying out.
05 - Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
06 - Lightly spray or brush all dumplings with oil on all sides. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
07 - Air fry the dumplings for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy on the exterior.
08 - While the dumplings cook, combine chili oil, soy sauce, black vinegar, toasted sesame seeds, and chopped spring onion in a small bowl. Mix until fully integrated.
09 - Transfer the hot dumplings to a serving plate and present the chili oil dipping sauce on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Crispy without deep-frying: The air fryer delivers a beautifully golden crust with minimal oil.
  • Bold, savory filling: Ground pork, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil come together for a deeply flavorful bite.
  • Quick and approachable: With store-bought dumpling wrappers, assembly is straightforward even for beginners.
  • Crowd-pleasing dipping sauce: The chili oil sauce is punchy, tangy, and utterly addictive.
  • Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and cook from frozen whenever the craving strikes.
  • Dairy-free: Naturally free from dairy, making it suitable for a wide range of diets.
02 -
  • Don't overfill: Use only about 1 teaspoon of filling per wrapper to ensure a clean seal and even cooking.
  • Seal tightly: Press and pleat firmly so no filling escapes during air frying — a little water on the edges helps enormously.
  • Single layer only: Always arrange dumplings in a single layer in the air fryer basket for maximum crispiness.
  • Turn halfway: Flip the dumplings at the halfway point to ensure even browning on both sides.
  • Freeze for later: Freeze uncooked dumplings on a tray first, then bag them — cook straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.
  • Allergen check: Always verify store-bought wrappers and sauces for wheat, soy, and sesame allergens before serving to guests.
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