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Air Fryer Pumpkin Dumplings

Name: Air Fryer Pumpkin Dumplings
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; ⅓ cup butter; 8 ounces Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent rolls; ½ cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix); 2 oz cream cheese (cut into 8 pieces); 1/4 cup apple juice

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Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite autumn treat: Air Fryer Pumpkin Dumplings!

These delightful bites combine the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin with a crispy, golden exterior, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer.

Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp dumpling, revealing a sweet and spiced pumpkin filling that melts in your mouth. These pumpkin dumplings are incredibly easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive holiday gatherings.

Why You Will Love Air-Fried Pumpkin Dumplings

Quick and Easy: Ready in just minutes, these dumplings are perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Healthier Option: Using the air fryer means less oil and fewer calories, so you can indulge guilt-free.
Versatile and Delicious: Enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with a caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Pumpkin Dumplings

Here are the simple ingredients, to make a batch of homemade air fryer pumpkin dumplings:

Remember the step-by-step directions, full recipe, and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that gives the dumplings their rich, autumnal flavor and smooth texture.
Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses to the pumpkin filling, enhancing the overall flavor.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that infuses the filling with classic fall flavors.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to balance the sweetness of the pumpkin filling.
Crescent Rolls: Serve as the outer shell of the dumplings, becoming crispy and golden when air-fried.
Butter (melted): Used to brush the dumplings before air frying, helping them achieve a golden, crispy finish.

How To Make Pumpkin Dumplings In Air Fryer

Here are the step-by-step directions for making pumpkin dumplings in air fryer:

Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray an 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

Make the Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside.

Prepare the Crescent Dough: Separate the crescent dough into eight triangles. Spread 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree on the widest side of each triangle. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the sugar mixture.

Place a piece of cream cheese on the wide side of each triangle and roll towards the opposite point, tucking in the ends. Place each rolled triangle into the prepared baking dish.

Add Remaining Ingredients: Repeat the rolling process for the remaining seven triangles. Sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture over the filled crescents. Pour apple juice evenly over the crescents in the baking dish.

Air Fry the Dumplings: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. Place the baking dish in the air fryer and set cook time for 8-10 minutes or until the crescents are golden brown and baked through.

Cool and Serve: Let the dumplings stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips Air Fryer Pumpkin Dumplings Recipe

Use Cold Butter: Ensure the butter is cold when cutting it into the sugar mixture. This helps create a crumbly texture that enhances the filling and topping.
Seal the Edges Well: When rolling the crescent dough, make sure to seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before placing the baking dish inside. This ensures even cooking and a consistent temperature.
Avoid Overcrowding: Place the dumplings in a single layer without overcrowding them in the baking dish. This allows hot air to circulate around each dumpling for even cooking.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the dumplings during the last few minutes of cooking, as air fryers can vary in cooking times. Adjust the time as needed to avoid overcooking or burning.
Cooling Time: Let the dumplings cool for about 10 minutes after cooking. This allows the filling to set and makes them easier to handle and serve.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with additional flavors in the filling, such as adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth and spice.
Serve with a Drizzle: For an extra touch, drizzle the cooked dumplings with caramel sauce or honey before serving. This adds sweetness and complements the pumpkin flavor.

Homemade Air Fryer Pumpkin Dumplings Recipe Faqs

Can I use store-bought crescent dough for pumpkin dumplings? Yes, store-bought crescent dough works perfectly for this recipe. It’s convenient and yields a flaky, golden crust when air-fried.

What type of pumpkin should I use for the filling? Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin puree provides the natural pumpkin flavor without added spices and sweeteners.

Can I prepare the dumplings ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dumplings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. This makes it convenient for entertaining or meal prep.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking? Ensure the edges of the crescent dough are well-sealed and tuck in the ends securely. This helps contain the filling and prevents leaks.

What temperature should I set my air fryer to for cooking the dumplings? Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures the dumplings cook evenly and develop a golden brown exterior.

How long should I cook the pumpkin dumplings in the air fryer? Cook the dumplings for 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through and turning if necessary, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Can I add other spices to the pumpkin filling? Yes, you can customize the pumpkin filling with additional spices such as nutmeg, ginger, or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

What should I serve with pumpkin dumplings? Pumpkin dumplings can be served with a drizzle of caramel sauce, honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar. They make a great dessert or snack.

How do I store leftover pumpkin dumplings? Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Can I freeze the dumplings? Yes, you can freeze the assembled dumplings before cooking. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

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