Crispy Chicken Rice Paper Dumplings

These are crispy, flavour-packed, and wildly satisfying. Think dumpling meets spring roll meets “why did I not make a double batch?” They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for when you want something that feels a little fancy without needing a culinary breakdown in the kitchen.

Makes: 6 rice paper dumplings
 Serves: 2
 Or 1, if you’ve had a long day and don’t believe in sharing.

Ingredients

For the dumplings:

• 450g chicken mince

• 4 spring onions, diced

• 2 garlic clove, finely chopped

• 20g ginger, finely chopped

• Small bunch of coriander, finely chopped (or, if you are like me, the whole bunch)

• 1 red chilli, seeds removed and finely chopped

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 8-10 rice paper sheets

• Black and white sesame seeds, for coating

• Oil spray

For the peanut sauce:

• 2 tbsp peanut butter

• 2 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• Juice of 1 lime

• 2 tbsp milk of choice

  • coconut milk works beautifully

• 1–2 tsp sriracha, depending on how brave you’re feeling

Method

1. Make the filling

In a bowl, mix together the chicken mince, spring onion, coriander, chilli, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.

Basically, toss it all in and give it a good mix. Nothing fancy. We’re not on Top Chef.

2. Soften the rice paper

Fill a tray or large plate with warm water. Soak one rice paper sheet for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until soft and pliable.

Not too long though. You want soft and workable, not “what in the sticky chaos is happening here?”

3. Fill and roll

Place the softened rice paper on a damp cutting board or clean surface. Add a heaped tablespoon of the chicken mixture, then gently but tightly roll it into a little parcel.

Repeat until all the filling is used up.

Try not to overstuff them. This is a dumpling, not a moving box.

4. Coat and air fry

Lightly spray each roll with oil, then coat in black and white sesame seeds.

Air fry at 200°C for 20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

You’re looking for that perfect crispy outside that makes a very satisfying crunch and immediately boosts your confidence.

5. Make the sauce

Add all peanut sauce ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

If you don’t feel like dragging out the blender, whisk it by hand and call it rustic.

Serving suggestion

Serve hot with the peanut sauce on the side and prepare to feel extremely smug about what you just made.

These are perfect as a light dinner, a fun appetizer, or a snack you “accidentally” eat standing at the counter before anyone else gets one.