Air-Frying Chinese Dumplings: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chinese dumplings are a delicious treat, but can you warm them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryers are a great way to cook dumplings, as they create crispy skins without the need for a lot of oil. You can cook dumplings from scratch or use frozen ones, and you don't need to defrost them first. Simply place them in the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and cook for around 8-15 minutes at 375-400°F. So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to warm up your Chinese dumplings, an air fryer is a perfect solution!

Dumpling fillings: meat, seafood, or vegetarian

Dumplings are a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences, whether you prefer meat, seafood, or vegetarian fillings. Here are some popular options for each category:

Meat fillings:

• Pork filling: Minced pork, cabbage, spring onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and white pepper.
• Chicken filling: Minced chicken, mushrooms, spring onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and black pepper.
• Beijing-style: Pork and Chinese leek.
• Sichuan-style: Minced pork with a spicy sauce.

Seafood fillings:

• Prawn filling: Cooked, peeled, and deveined prawns, water chestnuts, spring onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and white pepper.
• Cantonese dim sum-style: Prawns, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts.
• Shangdong-style: Spanish mackerels.

Vegetarian fillings:

• Mixed vegetables: Cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, spring onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and black pepper.
• Egg filling: Scrambled eggs, Chinese chives, wood ear mushrooms, salt, and sesame oil.
• Tofu filling: Soft tofu, pak choi, carrot, scallions, cooking oil, and white pepper.
• Cabbage and carrot: Cabbage, carrot, shiitake mushrooms, sesame oil, soy sauce, white pepper, and cilantro.

Dumpling types: Japanese gyoza, Korean mandu, Chinese dumplings, potstickers, or wontons

Yes, Chinese dumplings can be warmed in an air fryer. In fact, you can cook dumplings in an air fryer from scratch, or you can cook frozen dumplings.

Dumpling Types:

There are many types of dumplings, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most common types:

• Japanese Gyoza: Gyoza is a more recent innovation compared to its Chinese counterpart, having been created after World War II when the Japanese sought to recreate the Chinese jiaozi using local ingredients and preparation methods. Gyoza has a thinner wrapper and more finely chopped stuffing. It is typically pan-fried to create a crispy texture that enhances its flavours.
• Korean Mandu: Mandu is similar to Chinese dumplings but usually includes tofu, which is not commonly used in Chinese dumplings. They are also folded one more time, resulting in a more circular shape. Mandu is often served with a side of kimchi or vinegar for dipping.
• Chinese Dumplings: Chinese dumplings, also known as potstickers, are made with wheat flour dough and filled with meat and/or vegetables. They can be prepared in various ways, including steaming, pan-frying, deep-frying, or boiling. Chinese dumplings are often bite-sized and served as snacks or side dishes.
• Potstickers: Potstickers are a type of Chinese dumpling that gets their name from sticking to the pot or pan during cooking. They have a slightly thinner wrapper than other Chinese dumplings and are typically fried to create a crispy texture.
• Wontons: Wontons are typically associated with Chinese cuisine, but they are also enjoyed in other parts of Asia, such as Korea. They can be served in various ways, including in soups or fried.

Air fryer temperature: 375-400°F/190-200°C for 8-14 minutes

Cooking dumplings in an air fryer is a convenient method for those who want to avoid deep frying or the effort of watching a pan. It is also a healthier alternative to traditional methods of cooking dumplings.

To cook dumplings in an air fryer, first place the dumplings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced apart with about a 1/4 to 1/2-inch (1 cm) of room between them. Brush or spray the dumplings with a thin coat of oil. You can also rub the dumplings with oiled hands to ensure they are coated.

For air fryer temperatures between 375-400°F/190-200°C, the cooking time should be between 8-14 minutes. For the lower end of this temperature range (375-380°F/190°C), set a timer for 8-10 minutes. For the higher end of the range (400°F/200°C), cook the dumplings for 10-14 minutes.

If you are cooking a smaller number of dumplings, opt for the shorter end of the time range, as a less full air fryer basket will cook the dumplings faster. There is no need to preheat the air fryer; simply set the temperature and let it cook.

During the cooking process, there is no need to flip the dumplings. Simply let them cook until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once they are done, remove them from the basket and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

You can use this technique for Japanese gyoza, Korean mandu, or any Chinese dumpling, whether it is homemade or store-bought, fresh or frozen.

Oil: spray, brush, or rub dumplings with oil to get crispy skins

Oil is essential when warming Chinese dumplings in an air fryer to ensure they don't dry out and to achieve a crispy skin. You can spray, brush, or rub dumplings with oil.

If you don't have an oil spray, you can brush the dumplings with vegetable oil, olive oil, or any other neutral oil. You can also brush the air fryer basket with oil before placing the dumplings inside. If you don't have a brush, simply oil your hands and rub the dumplings all over to coat them.

Make sure to coat the dumplings completely with oil. This will prevent them from drying out or burning.

Dipping sauces: soy sauce, vinegar, chilli oil, or a combination

Dumplings are delicious on their own, but the right dipping sauce can take them to the next level. The perfect sauce for dumplings should have a balance of salty, sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces that you can make at home to accompany your air-fried dumplings:

Soy Sauce, Vinegar, and Chilli Oil

This sauce is a great choice if you like your dumplings spicy. It's easy to make and can be customised to your taste. Start by making the chilli oil:

• Hydrate dried chillies (such as Thai, Indian, or Mexican chillies) in boiling water for 20-30 minutes, or in cold water for a couple of hours.
• Mince the hydrated chillies and add them to a heat-safe bowl along with some minced garlic and ginger.
• Heat up some oil and pour it over the aromatics. You should hear a sizzle, cooking out the rawness of the ingredients without burning them.
• Add soy sauce and rice vinegar (or rice wine) to the chilli oil.
• Garnish with scallion greens (optional).

Soy Sauce, Vinegar, and Sesame Oil

This sauce has a nutty richness that pairs well with dumplings. It's easy to make and can be customised with additional ingredients like green onions, ginger, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes. Here's how to make it:

• In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This is your base sauce.
• Optional: add in any of the following ingredients, or a combination: sesame seeds, finely chopped green onions, chilli oil, white sugar, thinly sliced ginger, or red pepper flakes.

Soy Sauce, Vinegar, and Garlic

This sauce has a sharp, spicy kick from the raw garlic. It's easy to make and can be customised with additional ingredients like sesame seeds and sesame oil. Here's how to make it:

• Dissolve a teaspoon of sugar into a tablespoon of hot water.
• Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of chilli oil, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil.
• Stir to combine, and serve with your dumplings.

Customise Your Sauce

You can also get creative and combine some of the ingredients mentioned above to create your own unique dipping sauce. For example, you could combine soy sauce, vinegar, chilli oil or sesame oil, and add in ingredients like minced garlic, ginger, or sesame oil to taste. You can also adjust the spiciness of your sauce by adding more or less chilli or red pepper flakes. Experiment and have fun with it!

Frequently asked questions