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Crispy Air Fried Rice Paper Dumplings

A stack of golden brown, crispy rice paper dumplings, one cut open showing vegetable filling.

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You get restaurant-quality crunch with these easy rice paper dumplings. This recipe uses an air fryer for a quick, golden, and addictive appetizer that works well for weeknights or parties. This method keeps the preparation simple and delivers maximum texture contrast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 sheets rice paper wrappers
  • 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms (cremini or shiitake)
  • 1 cup finely shredded cabbage
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot
  • 1/2 cup firm tofu, crumbled (or ground chicken/pork for non-vegan)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten free)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (oil of choice)
  • For Dipping Sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon sriracha

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped mushrooms, cabbage, carrot, crumbled tofu (or meat), soy sauce (or tamari), sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  2. Set up your dipping station: Fill a shallow dish with warm water large enough to submerge one rice paper sheet. Prepare a clean, flat surface (like a cutting board) for assembling the dumplings.
  3. Soften the rice paper: Dip one rice paper sheet into the warm water for about 15 to 20 seconds, just until it becomes pliable. Do not over-soak, or it will tear easily. Lay the softened wrapper flat on your work surface.
  4. Fill and fold: Place about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the filling near the bottom center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom edge up over the filling. Fold in the left and right sides toward the center. Roll the dumpling upward tightly, like a spring roll, to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
  5. Air fry the dumplings: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the assembled dumplings on both sides with cooking spray.
  6. Cook in batches: Arrange the dumplings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the rice paper is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Make the dipping sauce: While the dumplings cook, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and sriracha in a small bowl.
  8. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can pan-fry these dumplings in a thin layer of neutral oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
  • If you are making these gluten free, confirm your soy sauce is tamari or use coconut aminos.
  • To achieve that restaurant-style crunch, make sure you spray the wrappers generously with oil before air frying.

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