There’s something about the crispy exterior and savory filling of dumplings that makes my heart sing. Recently, I found myself daydreaming of the delightful bites from my favorite takeout spot, Panda Express. But instead of waiting for delivery, I decided to embark on an adventurous kitchen experiment to recreate those delicious Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Fried Dumplings at home.
With a few simple ingredients and just 5 minutes of cooking time, I could enjoy a crowd-pleasing dish that’s far healthier than its deep-fried counterpart. Just imagining the aroma of garlic and ginger wafting through my kitchen was enough to lift my spirits! Plus, shaping the dumplings became a fun bonding moment with my kids, as they loved helping me fold the wrappers and form the perfect little pockets of joy.
Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this quick and flavorful recipe that will impress anyone lucky enough to share a plate with you!
Why are Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Fried Dumplings a Must-Try?
Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, making it perfect for anyone looking to whip up something delicious without the fuss.
Bold, Flavorful Filling: The blend of ground chicken, bok choy, and spices creates an explosion of flavor that rivals your favorite takeout dumplings.
Healthier Alternative: Air frying ensures a crispy texture without the excess oil of traditional frying, allowing you to indulge guilt-free.
Family Fun: Involve your kids in the kitchen—shaping dumplings is a charming way to create memories together!
Quick & Easy Cleanup: With just a bowl and an air fryer to clean, you’ll have more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans.
Elevate your dining experience and savor these quick delights that will keep everyone coming back for more!
Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Fried Dumplings Ingredients
For the Filling
• Ground chicken – a lean protein that adds rich flavor and moisture.
• Bok choy – offers a subtle crunch and vibrant color, perfect for freshness.
• Garlic – enhances the overall taste with its aromatic goodness.
• Scallion – provides a mild onion flavor, elevating the filling.
• Light soy sauce – adds umami taste, making the filling irresistible.
• Granulated sugar – balances the savory notes, bringing harmony to the flavors.
• Ginger – infuses warmth and a hint of spice, typical in dumpling flavors.
For Assembly
• Water – helps seal the dumpling wrappers to keep the filling secure.
• All-purpose flour – combines with water to form a paste for effective sealing.
• Dumpling wrappers – the perfect vessel for your tasty filling, ensuring bite-sized enjoyment.
Take the plunge into creating these flavorful Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Fried Dumplings; you won’t regret it!
How to Make Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Fried Dumplings
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Mix the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine ground chicken, minced bok choy, garlic, scallion, light soy sauce, granulated sugar, and ginger until everything is well incorporated and smells heavenly.
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Prepare the Paste: In a small bowl, whisk together the water and all-purpose flour to create a smooth paste that will help seal your dumplings later on.
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Set Up Your Wrappers: Work in batches with your dumpling wrappers, keeping the unused ones covered to prevent them from drying out as you fill and seal them.
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Fill the Dumplings: Place one tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Use your fingertip to apply the paste along the edges, then pinch and fold them tightly to ensure the filling is well sealed and no air is trapped inside.
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Arrange for Cooking: Lay the folded dumplings on a sheet tray lined with plastic wrap, covering them with another layer of plastic wrap while you prepare the remaining dumplings.
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Preheat and Spray: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil and arrange the dumplings inside, making sure they don’t touch—this is key for even cooking. Give the tops a quick spray of olive oil too.
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Air Fry to Perfection: Air fry the dumplings for 3 minutes, then flip them over, spray again, and continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
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Serve and Enjoy: Plate your golden dumplings and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. Delight in the crispy texture and savory flavors!
Optional: Serve with a side of soy sauce or a spicy dipping sauce for added zing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Fried Dumplings
Fridge: Keep leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will maintain their flavor and texture.
Freezer: For long-term storage, place uncooked dumplings on a sheet pan and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, air fry frozen dumplings at 380°F for about 8 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps them crispy and delicious.
Wrap Carefully: To avoid freezer burn, ensure the dumplings are well-wrapped in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer. Enjoy your Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Fried Dumplings any time!
Make Ahead Options
These Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Fried Dumplings are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply combine the ground chicken, bok choy, garlic, scallion, soy sauce, sugar, and ginger, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, the dumplings can be assembled and placed on a sheet tray lined with plastic wrap, covered, and refrigerated for up to 3 days. To maintain their quality, ensure the dumplings are not overcrowded and keep them well-wrapped to prevent drying out. When ready to cook, just follow the original cooking instructions, and you’ll enjoy delicious dumplings just as fresh and crispy as if made from scratch!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Fried Dumplings?
Enjoy the delightful crunch and savory filling of dumplings that are sure to steal the show!
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Soy Dipping Sauce: A classic choice, it elevates each bite with a salty, umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory filling.
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Szechuan Sauce: Add a kick of heat with this spicy, tangy sauce. Its boldness enhances your dumplings, bringing a satisfying twist.
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Scallion Pancakes: These golden, flaky pancakes provide a lovely texture contrast, complementing the chewiness of the dumplings.
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Stir-Fried Vegetables: A medley of colorful, crisp veggies brings freshness to your plate. Their vibrant flavors balance out the richness of the dumplings.
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Coconut Rice: Serve your dumplings on a bed of creamy coconut rice. The subtle sweetness and richness make every bite feel like a tropical getaway.
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Egg Drop Soup: This warming, comforting soup is a light addition, making your meal cozy and wholesome.
Bring that restaurant vibe home and create a delightful spread that everyone will love!
Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Fried Dumplings Variations
Feel free to jazz up this recipe with these fun and tasty swaps that will delight your taste buds!
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free dumpling wrappers and tamari in place of soy sauce for a celiac-friendly option. You’ll still enjoy a delightful crunch!
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Veggie-Packed: Substitute the ground chicken with a mix of mushrooms and finely chopped carrots for a hearty vegetarian version. Adding a variety of colors will make your dumplings visually stunning as well!
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Spicy: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili paste to the filling mixture to spice things up. This adds a delightful kick that spice lovers will adore!
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Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil into the filling for aromatic freshness. It gives your dumplings a vibrant twist and elevates their flavor profile!
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Creamy Surprise: Add a small dollop of cream cheese or ricotta cheese into the filling for a rich and creamy texture. Don’t be surprised if these become a family favorite!
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Coconut Flavors: Use ground chicken that’s been infused with coconut milk for a tropical twist. This variation will bring an exotic flavor that takes your dumplings to the next level.
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Sweet & Savory: Add a teaspoon of hoisin sauce to the filling for a sweet and tangy depth. The combination makes for an absolutely irresistible dumpling!
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Quick Dipping Sauce: For an easy dipping sauce, combine soy sauce with honey and a splash of vinegar. A quick stir gives you a delectable complement to your crispy dumplings!
Unleashing these variations will not only enhance your dumpling experience but also spark creativity in your kitchen. Enjoy the journey of flavor exploration!
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Fried Dumplings
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Seal with Care: To avoid leaks during cooking, ensure you seal the dumpling edges tightly and remove any trapped air.
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Batch Cooking: Air fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
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Perfectly Crispy: Adjust the cooking time based on your air fryer model for perfect crispiness—check them frequently to avoid overcooking.
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Flavor Boost: Customize the filling by adding your favorite vegetables or spices; bok choy can be swapped with cabbage or mushrooms for variety.
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Dipping Delight: Experiment with homemade dipping sauces such as soy sauce mixed with sesame oil and chili flakes for extra flavor!
Embrace these tips while making your Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Fried Dumplings, ensuring a delightful experience that will leave everyone eager for seconds!
Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Fried Dumplings Recipe FAQs
What type of bok choy should I use for the dumplings?
Absolutely! You can use baby bok choy for its tenderness and subtle flavor or regular bok choy. Just ensure it’s fresh, with bright green leaves and firm white stems. Avoid bok choy with yellowing leaves or dark spots for the best results!
How should I store leftover dumplings?
Very! Store any leftover cooked dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow them to cool completely before sealing them in, to keep them fresh and tasty!
Can I freeze uncooked dumplings?
Of course! To freeze your dumplings, first arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until they’re solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months. Just ensure they aren’t touching in the freezer to avoid sticking together.
How do I reheat the dumplings for the best texture?
To reheat frozen dumplings, place them in an air fryer preheated to 380°F for about 8 minutes or until they’re heated through. This method helps maintain their crispiness while warming the filling perfectly. You can also spray them lightly with olive oil before reheating for an extra crunch!
Are these dumplings suitable for people with allergies?
I recommend being cautious! These dumplings contain soy sauce, which has gluten, and may not be suitable for those with gluten allergies. You can easily swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari to make them allergy-friendly. Always check your ingredients for potential allergens!
What if my dumplings won’t seal properly?
No worries! If your dumplings aren’t sealing well, make sure to thoroughly wet the edges with the flour and water paste before pinching them closed. If the wrappers are too dry, they’ll struggle to adhere. You can also try warming them slightly before filling to make them more pliable!
Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Fried Dumplings You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine ground chicken, minced bok choy, garlic, scallion, light soy sauce, granulated sugar, and ginger until everything is well incorporated and smells heavenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the water and all-purpose flour to create a smooth paste that will help seal your dumplings later on.
- Work in batches with your dumpling wrappers, keeping the unused ones covered to prevent them from drying out as you fill and seal them.
- Place one tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Use your fingertip to apply the paste along the edges, then pinch and fold them tightly to ensure the filling is well sealed and no air is trapped inside.
- Lay the folded dumplings on a sheet tray lined with plastic wrap, covering them with another layer of plastic wrap while you prepare the remaining dumplings.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil and arrange the dumplings inside, making sure they don’t touch. Give the tops a quick spray of olive oil too.
- Air fry the dumplings for 3 minutes, then flip them over, spray again, and continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
- Plate your golden dumplings and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. Delight in the crispy texture and savory flavors!