Air Fryer Dumplings: Can They Work?

can dumplings go in the air fryer

Cooking dumplings in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this versatile dish. Dumplings can be baked, steamed, boiled, air-fried, or pan-fried, and the air fryer method is said to give them an irresistible crunch. You can cook frozen dumplings in an air fryer, and you can also prepare homemade dumplings this way, too. So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook dumplings with a crispy exterior and juicy interior, the air fryer could be the perfect appliance to try.

Characteristics Values
Dumpling type Potstickers, gyoza, wontons, mandu, shumai, steamed buns, homemade or store-bought, fresh or frozen
Oil type Neutral oil, vegetable oil, olive oil, oil spray
Temperature 350°F (180°C) to 400°F/200°C
Timing 4-14 minutes
Preparation Place dumplings in a single layer, brush or spray with oil, sprinkle with water

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Dumpling types suitable for air frying

Air fryers are a great way to cook dumplings, and you can use this technique for Japanese gyoza, Korean mandu, or any Chinese dumpling or potsticker—either homemade or store-bought, fresh or frozen. You could also do this with frozen wontons!

Dumplings are a broad, general name for dough wrapped around a filling, which is then steamed or fried. Potstickers are a variety of dumplings, which is why the term is sometimes used interchangeably. Gyoza is the Japanese version of potstickers, often made with a thinner dough layer.

When cooking dumplings in an air fryer, it is best to use dumplings that are meant to be crispy, as the air fryer will crisp them up. You can use different types of dumplings, such as potstickers, gyozas, and wontons. Some good brands to use are Ling Ling, Pagoda, Bibigo, Whole Foods, Costco, and Trader Joe's. They can be fresh, frozen, or thawed.

  • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.
  • Take out the air fryer basket and brush it with a small amount of oil.
  • Place the dumplings in the basket, leaving some space between each dumpling so the hot air can circulate.
  • Brush or spray the dumplings with a thin coat of oil. You can also use an oil spray or rub the dumplings with oiled hands to coat them.
  • Sprinkle the dumplings with water using a flicking motion.
  • Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 2-4 minutes.
  • Flip the dumplings and air fry for another 2-4 minutes.
  • Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!

It is important to note that cooking time may vary depending on the size of your dumplings and your air fryer model. Additionally, if you are cooking more dumplings, you may need to cook them in batches.

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Oil types and how to apply

When cooking dumplings in an air fryer, you can use a variety of oils to help them crisp up. A neutral oil, like vegetable, avocado, canola, sunflower, or another oil with a high smoke point, is recommended. Olive oil can also be used, but it may impart a different flavor to the dumplings. If you don't want to use a lot of oil, you can use an oil spray instead.

To apply the oil, you can brush it on the dumplings, use an oil spray, or simply rub the dumplings with oiled hands to ensure they are coated.

Recipe 1: Air Fryer Frozen Dumplings

This recipe recommends using avocado oil, but any neutral oil with a high smoke point will work. You can also use an oil spray. First, place the frozen dumplings in the air fryer. Then, spray or drizzle the oil over the dumplings. Air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes. If you want them crispier, shake the basket and air fry for an additional 2 minutes.

Recipe 2: Air Fryer Dumplings

For this recipe, a neutral oil is recommended, but olive oil will also work. You can use a brush to apply the oil, or use an oil spray. First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes. Then, remove the air fryer basket and brush it lightly with oil. Next, spread out your dumplings in a single layer, leaving space for air to circulate. Air fry for 2-4 minutes, flip the dumplings, and then air fry for another 2-4 minutes.

Recipe 3: Air Fryer Dumplings (From Fresh or Frozen)

This recipe calls for 1-2 tablespoons of neutral oil. You can brush or spray the oil onto the dumplings, or simply rub it on with your oiled hands. First, place the dumplings in the air fryer basket, leaving about a 1/4 to 1/2-inch (1 cm) of space between them. Then, apply the oil to all sides of the dumplings. Finally, air fry at 400°F/200°C for 10-12 minutes if using fresh dumplings, or 12-14 minutes for frozen dumplings.

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Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for cooking dumplings in an air fryer depends on the type of dumplings you are cooking, the quantity, and the size of the dumplings.

For frozen dumplings, the temperature should be set between 375°F and 400°F. The dumplings should be cooked for 8 minutes, and then the basket should be shaken. For crispier dumplings, continue to air fry for another 2 minutes.

For fresh dumplings, the temperature should be set at 400°F/200°C and cooked for 10-12 minutes. For frozen dumplings, increase the cooking time to 12-14 minutes.

If you are cooking for one person, a smaller number of dumplings, reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes. There is no need to preheat the air fryer.

For dumplings that are not frozen, cook at 400°F for about 6 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of your dumplings and the model of your air fryer. It is recommended to do a test run with 1-2 dumplings to adjust the temperature and duration accordingly.

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How to avoid dry dumplings

Dumplings cooked in an air fryer can be dry, but there are several ways to avoid this.

Firstly, it is important to oil the dumplings. This will ensure that the outside of the dumplings stays nice and crispy golden, and the inside is cooked perfectly. If you don't oil them enough, the wrappers will be dried out, tough and white. You can use a pastry brush to oil the dumplings, or an oil spray. If you don't have either, just oil your hands and rub the dumplings all over.

Secondly, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. The dumplings should be placed in a single layer with some space between each dumpling so that the hot air can circulate. If you are cooking a lot of dumplings, you will need to cook them in batches.

Thirdly, it is important not to overcook the dumplings. With an air fryer, you can sometimes overcook your food and really dry it out. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your dumplings and your air fryer model, but generally, dumplings will take around 10-14 minutes to cook at 400°F/200°C. If you don't care as much about the crunch, you can reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes.

Finally, you can add a bit of water to the air fryer to create some steam, which will help to ensure that the dumplings don't dry out.

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Dipping sauces

There are many different sauces that can be used for dipping dumplings. Here are some ideas:

  • Soy sauce mixed with a little sesame seed oil or black vinegar
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Sweet and sour sauce
  • Hot mustard
  • Hot sauce
  • Peanut dip
  • Low-sodium soy sauce with crushed ginger
  • BBQ sauce
  • Sriracha mayo (mix sriracha with mayo)
  • Chili oil
  • Chili garlic sauce or chili crisp

You can also make a simple dipping sauce by whisking together soy sauce, water, maple syrup, garlic powder, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Add sesame seeds if desired.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, dumplings can be cooked in an air fryer. They can be cooked from frozen or fresh, and it is a healthier alternative to frying.

Dumplings should be cooked in an air fryer for 6-14 minutes, depending on their size and whether they are fresh or frozen.

The ideal temperature for cooking dumplings in an air fryer is between 350°F (180°C) and 400°F (200°C).

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