Air-Fryer Magic: Frozen Dumplings, Perfectly Crispy

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen dumplings, and they come out crispy and tender in under 15 minutes. You can use any type of frozen dumplings, such as potstickers, gyoza, or wontons, and you don't need to worry about thawing them beforehand. Simply place them in the air fryer basket, spray them with oil, and cook at around 350-375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method gives you crispy dumplings without the hassle and mess of oil splatter.

How to make frozen dumplings in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen dumplings
• Oil spray (neutral-tasting oil like rapeseed or avocado is recommended)
• Water (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 350 °F and 375 °F.
• Place the frozen dumplings into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not stacked, with a little space between each dumpling.
• Spray the dumplings generously with oil, ensuring all sides are coated.
• Air fry for 8-10 minutes.
• (Optional) Shake the basket and continue to air fry for another 2-5 minutes for crispier dumplings.
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• You can add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking to create steam and prevent the dumplings from drying out.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your dumplings and your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• You can use any type of frozen dumplings, such as potstickers, gyoza, or wontons.
• For an extra crispy texture, spray the dumplings with more oil during cooking.

Tips for making the best air fryer dumplings

Air-fried dumplings are a quick, easy, and delicious meal. You can use frozen dumplings straight from the freezer, and you don't need to worry about oil splatter. Here are some tips to help you make the best air fryer dumplings:

Spread the dumplings out

Dumplings need to be in a single layer in the air fryer basket to create a crispy exterior. The hot air needs to be able to circulate and hit all sides of the dumplings, so make sure to leave enough space between each dumpling.

Temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking dumplings in an air fryer is around 350-375°F. The cooking time will depend on the size of your dumplings, but it usually takes around 8-15 minutes. Check the dumplings regularly to make sure they don't overcook.

Don't thaw the dumplings

There is no need to thaw frozen dumplings before air frying. Simply toss them straight into the air fryer with a bit of water and oil.

Use oil

Coat the dumplings with oil before cooking to prevent them from drying out and to help them crisp up. You can use an oil spray or rub the dumplings with oil using your hands. Make sure they are thoroughly coated to avoid any uncoated spots drying out.

Flip the dumplings

Halfway through the cooking time, flip the dumplings or rotate the basket to help crisp up the bottoms and ensure even cooking.

Try different types of dumplings

You can use different types of frozen dumplings in the air fryer, such as potstickers, gyoza, wontons, or vegetarian, chicken, or pork dumplings. Experiment with different brands and types to find your favorite.

The difference between dumplings, potstickers, gyoza, and wontons

Yes, you can cook frozen dumplings in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to make dumplings without the mess of oil splatter. You can also cook frozen potstickers, gyoza, and wontons in an air fryer.

Now, here's the difference between dumplings, potstickers, gyoza, and wontons:

Dumplings are a broad term for pieces of dough filled with meat or vegetables. They can be fried, steamed, or cooked using a combination of methods. Nearly every culture has its own version of the dumpling, but the Chinese dumpling is perhaps the most iconic. Chinese dumplings are nearly 2,000 years old and are said to have been introduced by a healer named Zhang Zhongjing. The dumplings were meant to boost the immune system and promote blood flow.

Potstickers are a type of Chinese dumpling that is pan-fried to create a crispy, golden bottom layer and a juicy interior. They are also known as "guo tie." If boiled or steamed, they are called suijiao and zhengjiao, respectively.

Wontons are another type of Chinese dumpling, usually served in a broth. They have a more balled shape and use a different dough than potstickers. Wontons are typically cooked by boiling or deep-frying, and they are made with eggs instead of flour and water.

Gyoza are Japanese-style dumplings, typically made with thinner pieces of dough. They are similar to potstickers but have a more consistent long and thin shape and a thinner outer skin. The boiled version of gyoza is called sui-gyoza.

In summary, all of these dumplings have their unique characteristics, but they all fall under the delicious category!

Why you should use an air fryer for frozen dumplings

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen dumplings. They are quick, easy, and create a unique kind of crispiness that is different from pan-fried dumplings. Here are some reasons why you should use an air fryer for frozen dumplings:

Quick and Easy

Air fryer frozen dumplings are a fast and simple way to cook dumplings. There is no need to thaw the dumplings beforehand, and the cooking time is relatively short, usually around 8 to 15 minutes. This makes air fryers ideal for a quick meal or snack.

Less Mess and No Oil Splatter

Air frying frozen dumplings means no more dealing with oil splatter, which can be a hassle when pan-frying. The enclosed air fryer also means less mess to clean up afterward.

Crispy and Tender

Air fryers create a unique texture for dumplings. The dumplings come out crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. The air fryer produces a delicate blistering on the exterior with a crunchy seam along the top, giving it an egg roll-like texture.

Hands-Free Cooking

With air frying, there is no need to constantly monitor and flip the dumplings as you would with pan-frying. Simply place the frozen dumplings in the air fryer, set the temperature and timer, and let the air fryer do the work.

Variety of Dumpling Types

You can use the air fryer for various types of frozen dumplings, including potstickers, gyoza, wontons, and more. It works with different fillings such as chicken, pork, shrimp, and vegetarian options. Just be sure to follow the specific instructions for each type of dumpling, as cooking times and temperatures may vary.

Crunchy Texture

If you prefer a crunchy texture for your dumplings, the air fryer is a great option. The circulating hot air at high speeds creates a super crispy outer layer, similar to deep-fried dumplings, without the need for a large amount of oil.

So, if you're looking for a convenient, mess-free, and delicious way to cook frozen dumplings, the air fryer is definitely the way to go!

How to adjust the recipe for different brands of dumplings

The cooking time and temperature for your air fryer dumplings will depend on the brand of dumplings you are using, as well as the size of the dumplings and your air fryer model.

It is recommended to cook dumplings at a temperature of between 350°F and 400°F. A temperature of 375°F is considered a "sweet spot" by some, as 400°F may brown the exterior too quickly, and 350°F may not be hot enough.

The cooking time varies depending on the source, with estimates ranging from 8 to 14 minutes. It is generally agreed that dumplings should be cooked for longer if they are frozen. Some sources suggest cooking dumplings for 8 minutes at 375°F, and then for a further 2 minutes if you would like them to be crispier. Another source recommends cooking dumplings at 400°F for 10-14 minutes, or 12-14 minutes if frozen.

It is important to note that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the brand of dumplings you are using. For example, one source notes that the Ling Ling brand from Costco does not work well in an air fryer, whereas the Costco Bibigo brand does. Therefore, it is recommended to test out one dumpling first to see if you are happy with the results, and make adjustments as needed.

Frequently asked questions