An airgap cooling system (140) for an electric machine (100), the electric machine (100) including a rotor assembly (102) rotatably mounted within a stator assembly (120) and defining an airgap (130) therebetween, wherein the stator assembly (120) comprises a lamination stack (124). The airgap cooling system (140) includes a plurality of distribution passages (142) that extend through the lamination stack (124); a plurality of discharge passages (150) that extend between the plurality of distribution passages (142) and the airgap (130); a cooling manifold (160) defining an annular distribution plenum (164) in fluid communication with the plurality of distribution passages (142), wherein the cooling manifold (160) is configured for receiving a cooling fluid (144) and directing the cooling fluid (144) into the distribution plenum (164), through the distribution passage (142) and the discharge passage (150), and into the airgap (130).