Chicken and dumplings is one of those classic comfort foods that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—creamy chicken stew topped with fluffy dumplings. Traditionally, it simmers on the stovetop or bakes in the oven, but did you know you can make it right in your air fryer?
This Air Fryer Chicken and Dumplings recipe gives you all the creamy, hearty flavor of the classic dish, but with a modern twist. Using frozen vegetables, cooked chicken, and a quick dumpling dough, you’ll have a bubbling, golden, comforting dinner ready in less than 40 minutes.
It’s cozy, it’s filling, and it’s the perfect recipe when you want homestyle comfort without hovering over the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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⏱️ Faster than traditional methods: No long simmer—your air fryer handles everything in stages.
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🥘 One-dish meal: The veggies, chicken, and dumplings cook together for minimal cleanup.
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🍴 Classic comfort, modern method: All the flavor of grandma’s recipe, but quicker.
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👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Creamy stew base + fluffy dumplings = everyone happy at the table.
Print your Air Fryer Chicken N Dumplings recipe here:
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Filling:
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1 tablespoon olive oil – keeps veggies tender.
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1 cup frozen carrots, diced – easy shortcut for prep.
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1 cup frozen peas – classic chicken and dumplings veggie.
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½ onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth.
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3 tablespoons flour – thickens the filling.
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2 cups chicken stock – savory base for the stew.
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2 cups shredded cooked chicken – rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
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½ teaspoon salt & pepper – for seasoning.
For the Dumplings:
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1 cup flour – base for fluffy dumplings.
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2 tablespoons baking powder – gives dumplings their lift.
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½ teaspoon salt – enhances flavor.
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1 egg – helps bind dough.
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⅓ cup milk – creates soft texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the veggies
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). In an oven-safe dish, combine carrots, peas, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil, toss, and cook for 8 minutes, stirring halfway, until onions soften.
Step 2: Make the creamy base
Remove the dish, sprinkle the flour over the veggies, and stir to coat. Slowly pour in chicken stock, stirring well. Return to the air fryer for 6–7 minutes, stirring once, until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 3: Add the chicken
Stir in the shredded chicken, salt, and pepper. Smooth the top of the mixture in the dish.
Step 4: Mix dumpling dough
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add egg and milk, stirring until a thick dough forms.
Step 5: Top with dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of dough evenly over the chicken mixture. Lightly press them so they’re half-submerged in the filling.
Step 6: Air fry to golden perfection
Lower air fryer temp to 320°F (160°C). Cook 12–15 minutes until dumplings are puffed, golden, and cooked through when tested with a toothpick.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken & Dumplings
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Check dumplings early: Every air fryer cooks a little differently—check at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking.
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Don’t overcrowd: Leave small gaps between dumpling spoonfuls for even puffing.
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Make it creamy: For extra richness, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream with the chicken.
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Add herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley in the dumpling dough adds more flavor.
Variations
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Vegetable boost: Add corn, green beans, or celery with the peas and carrots.
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Spicy twist: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for heat.
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Low-carb version: Swap dumplings for a cauliflower mash topping.
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Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for both the filling and dumplings.
Storage & Reheating
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 320°F until hot, or microwave individual portions.
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Freeze: The filling freezes well, but dumplings are best made fresh. If freezing, store filling separately and add dumplings right before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
Yes—prepare the dough up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
What kind of dish works best in the air fryer?
Any oven-safe ceramic, metal, or glass dish that fits in your basket. Make sure it has high sides to hold the filling.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches—air fryers work best when dishes aren’t overcrowded.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Chicken and Dumplings recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to take all day. With tender veggies, shredded chicken, a creamy base, and fluffy golden dumplings, you’ll have a hearty dinner that feels homemade—without the long simmering pot.
It’s quick, cozy, and perfect for weeknights when you need a warm, filling meal the whole family will love.
✨ Once you try it in the air fryer, you’ll never go back to stovetop chicken and dumplings again!
Air Fryer Chicken N Dumplings
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup frozen carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ½ teaspoon salt and pepper
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup milk
Directions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the carrots, peas, and onion in a heat-safe dish that fits inside your air fryer basket (ceramic or metal works well). Drizzle with olive oil, toss, and air fry for 8 minutes, stirring halfway, until onions begin to soften.
- Remove the dish and sprinkle the 3 tablespoons flour evenly over the vegetables. Stir to coat. Slowly pour in the chicken stock, stirring well. Return dish to the air fryer and cook at for 6–7 minutes, pausing to stir once, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, salt, and pepper. Smooth the top of the mixture in the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, & salt. Add the egg & milk, stirring until a thick dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough evenly over the chicken mixture. Lightly press them down so they’re half-submerged.
Lower the air fryer temperature to 320°F (160°C). Cook for 12–15 minutes, until dumplings are puffed, golden on top, and cooked through when a toothpick is inserted.
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