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Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings Recipe


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4.4 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Eve
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

These Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings are a deliciously crispy and healthy appetizer or snack made with a vibrant mix of stir-fried vegetables wrapped in delicate rice paper. Served with a creamy, tangy peanut dipping sauce, they offer a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Quick to prepare and versatile, these dumplings can be air fried for a low-fat version or pan-fried for an extra crispy finish.


Ingredients

Vegetable Filling

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (+ a little extra for brushing air fryer and wraps)
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 small-medium carrots, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 small pointed cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
  • 1 tsp Chinese 5 spice
  • 1/2 tsp mild chili powder
  • 8 rice paper sheets (or 16 if using double)
  • 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

Peanut Dipping Sauce

  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2-4 tablespoons water, to adjust consistency


Instructions

  1. Prep Vegetables: Thinly slice all the vegetables (onion, carrots, zucchini, red bell pepper, cabbage) to ensure they cook evenly and fit nicely into the dumplings.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp of sesame oil in a medium-large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
  3. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, Chinese 5 spice, and mild chili powder; sauté for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors.
  4. Cook Vegetables: Add the carrots, zucchini, and red bell pepper along with 3 tbsp coconut aminos or soy sauce. Cook for 10 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  5. Add Cabbage: Incorporate the sliced cabbage and stir-fry for 5 minutes until all vegetables are tender but still retain some bite.
  6. Soften Rice Paper Wrappers: Fill a large bowl with cold water. Submerge one rice paper sheet fully for 1-2 minutes until it becomes pliable but not overly soft. Place the softened sheet on a plate.
  7. Assemble Dumplings: Place a spoonful of the stir-fried vegetables in the center of the softened rice paper sheet and sprinkle with thinly sliced spring onions. Fold the bottom edge up first, then fold one side over, followed by the other side, and roll the dumpling up tightly to seal. Place the seam side down. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
  8. Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and let it preheat while you prepare the dumplings for cooking.
  9. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly brush the air fryer basket with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
  10. Air Fry Dumplings: Arrange the dumplings in a single layer in the basket. Lightly brush the tops with sesame oil. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping the dumplings halfway through at 5 minutes, until they are crispy and golden brown.
  11. Alternative Pan-Fry Method: Heat 1.5 tbsp sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Place dumplings in a single layer and fry for 3-5 minutes on each side until crispy and golden.
  12. Make Peanut Dipping Sauce: In a bowl or food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili powder, ginger powder, and garlic powder. Blend or stir until smooth. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time to achieve desired consistency.
  13. Serve: Serve the crispy dumplings warm with the peanut dipping sauce. Optionally garnish the sauce with toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, crushed peanuts, or green onions.

Notes

  • For extra crispy dumplings, double wrap the rice paper sheets before filling.
  • You can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder in both the filling and the dipping sauce.
  • If you prefer gluten-free, ensure the soy sauce or coconut aminos you use are certified gluten-free.
  • The dipping sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Vegetables can be substituted with your favorite crunchy vegetables like bean sprouts, mushrooms, or snap peas.
  • Careful not to over-soak the rice paper sheets as they become too fragile to handle easily.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion