Print

Rice Paper Dumplings with Crispy Pan-Fry and Air-Fry Options Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 8 reviews

These delicious Rice Paper Dumplings feature a savory filling of sautéed shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, and aromatic ginger and garlic wrapped in delicate rice paper. Crisped to perfection by pan-frying or air-frying, they make a perfect appetizer or snack served with a tangy, slightly spicy dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Filling

  • 8 oz coleslaw mix (finely shredded cabbage and carrots)
  • 3.5 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, diced small
  • 0.3 oz ginger, grated
  • 0.3 oz garlic, grated (about 2 medium cloves)
  • 3 bulb scallions, diced
  • 4 tbsp avocado oil, divided
  • ¼ tsp coarse sea salt (plus a small pinch, or to taste)
  • 1 tbsp coconut aminos (or low sodium soy sauce)
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil

Dumplings and Dipping Sauce

  • 10 pieces rice paper (Round 22cm / 8.67 inch per sheet)
  • 1.5 tbsp coconut aminos (or 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1-2 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • -¼ tsp sriracha sauce (optional)
  • Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables and shiitake: If your coleslaw mix isn’t finely shredded, slice it into long, thin strips. Add it to a bowl with the diced shiitake mushrooms. In a separate bowl, prepare the grated ginger, garlic, and diced scallions.
  2. Saute the vegetables: Preheat a large sauté pan over medium heat until warm. Add 1.5 tablespoons of avocado oil, then sauté the garlic, ginger, and scallions with a pinch of salt until fragrant, about 10 seconds.
  3. Season and let cool: Add the coleslaw and shiitake to the pan. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt, coconut aminos, and toasted sesame oil. Sauté for about 3 minutes—just until the vegetables release some moisture but remain crisp. Avoid overcooking. The filling should be softened but dry, not watery. Remove from heat and set aside to cool to room temperature before wrapping.
  4. Soften the rice paper: Dip each rice paper sheet in room temperature water for 5 to 10 seconds, turning until it becomes pliable but not too soft. The sheet will continue to soften after soaking. Prepare a lightly moistened surface or use a rice paper tray to prevent sticking.
  5. Fold the dumplings: Place a little more than 1 tablespoon of the cooled filling in the center of the rice paper wrapper. Fold the bottom half up over the filling, then fold in the left and right sides. Roll from the bottom to form an envelope shape. You can use one rice paper sheet per dumpling or two for extra support if desired. Place wrapped dumplings on a lightly oiled tray or plate and cover with a damp paper towel to keep moist.
  6. Pan-fry the dumplings: Preheat a ceramic or nonstick skillet over medium heat until warm. Add 1.5 tablespoons of avocado oil. Pan-fry the dumplings in batches, cooking 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Leave space between dumplings to prevent sticking. Add more oil as needed for the second batch.
  7. Alternative air-fry method: Grease the air fryer basket well with avocado oil. Arrange dumplings spaced apart and spray tops with oil. Air-fry at 380°F (193°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through to crisp both sides evenly.
  8. Prepare dipping sauce and serve: Mix coconut aminos (or low sodium soy sauce), rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and sriracha (optional) in a small bowl. Serve dumplings immediately with dipping sauce on the side. Best enjoyed hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Use room temperature water for soaking rice paper to prevent tearing and achieve pliability.
  • Do not over-soak rice paper; it should be pliable but not too soft as it will continue softening after.
  • For extra durable dumplings, use two layers of rice paper per dumpling.
  • Keep wrapped dumplings covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out before cooking.
  • To make the filling gluten-free and lower in sodium, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  • Pan-frying yields crispy, golden dumplings; air-frying is a great oil-light alternative.