Frying Dumplings In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

If you're craving dumplings but don't want to deal with the hassle of traditional frying methods, then you'll be glad to know that air fryers offer a convenient and effective solution. Achieving that perfect crispy exterior and juicy interior is a breeze with this kitchen appliance. Whether you're working with fresh or frozen dumplings, the air fryer promises a tasty treat with minimal fuss.

How to prepare dumplings for the air fryer

Ingredients and Tools:

• Dumplings: Choose your favourite dumplings, whether they are homemade or store-bought.
• Air Fryer: If you don't have one, it's worth investing in this versatile kitchen appliance.
• Cooking Spray: Use a cooking spray to prevent the dumplings from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Steps to Prepare:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Prepare the Dumplings: If using frozen dumplings, you can choose to thaw them before frying, although this is not necessary.
• Grease the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Place the Dumplings in the Air Fryer: Arrange the dumplings in a single layer, leaving some space between each dumpling to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Fry the Dumplings: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes. For fresh dumplings, you can cook them for 10-12 minutes, and for frozen dumplings, 12-14 minutes. Flip the dumplings halfway through for even browning.
• Check for Doneness: After the recommended cooking time, check if the dumplings are golden brown and crispy. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
• Enjoy: Remove the dumplings from the air fryer and let them cool briefly before serving with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Oil: Brushing or spraying the dumplings with oil can help achieve a crispier texture, although this is optional.
• No Flipping: Some recipes suggest that flipping is not necessary, and you can simply let the dumplings cook without interruption.
• Water: Adding a small amount of water to the air fryer basket can help create a steaming effect, ensuring the dumplings don't dry out.

The benefits of using an air fryer

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. This handy kitchen appliance combines the functionality of a convection oven, deep fryer, and microwave, all in one compact, countertop device.

Healthier Cooking

Air fryers deliver the taste and texture of deep-fried foods with minimal oil. Traditional deep-frying involves submerging food in oil, adding unnecessary fat and calories to your meal. Air fryers, on the other hand, circulate hot air around your food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and juicy. This method cuts calories by 70-80% and significantly reduces the amount of fat in your food.

Juicy, Crispy Food

The way air fryers circulate hot air at high temperatures ensures your food is golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining moist and juicy on the inside. This applies to a wide variety of foods, from chicken and potatoes to vegetables and shrimp.

Quick and Easy

Air fryers heat up and cook food much faster than a conventional oven. They are also easy to use—simply put your food in, set the timer, and you're good to go. There's no need for constant supervision or flipping, and clean-up is a breeze.

Reheat Leftovers

Air fryers are perfect for reheating leftovers, such as pizza, grilled cheese, and chicken tenders. Your food will come out hot and crispy, without the sogginess that often occurs when using a microwave.

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers are more energy-efficient than traditional ovens and stovetops, helping you reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your electricity bill. They also don't require preheating, so you can start cooking right away.

Versatility

While air fryers are great for frying foods, they can also be used for baking, broiling, grilling, roasting, and even cooking frozen foods. You can prepare everything from crispy chicken wings and onion rings to roasted vegetables and desserts like cookies and fruit crisps.

So, can you fry dumplings in an air fryer? Absolutely! Air fryer dumplings deliver extra crunch without the hassle of deep-frying or the need to constantly watch a pan. You can cook them straight from frozen, and there's no need to worry about oil splatter. Simply brush or spray the dumplings with a thin coat of oil, add a bit of water, and air fry at 400°F/200°C for 10-14 minutes, depending on their size and whether they are fresh or frozen.

Now that you know the benefits of air fryers, will you be adding one to your kitchen arsenal?

Oil vs no oil

Air fryers are a great way to cook dumplings without the hassle of boiling, steaming, or pan-frying. They are also a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, as they require little to no oil. However, the question of whether to use oil or not when cooking dumplings in an air fryer is a matter of personal preference and the desired level of crispiness.

Oil

Using oil when cooking dumplings in an air fryer can help achieve a crispier texture. This can be done by lightly brushing or spraying the dumplings with oil before placing them in the air fryer. This step is entirely optional and depends on how crunchy you want your dumplings to be. It is worth noting that some dumpling varieties, such as potstickers, are meant to be fried and will benefit from the addition of oil. Oil can also help prevent the dumplings from sticking to the air fryer basket.

No Oil

On the other hand, one of the advantages of using an air fryer is that it cooks food using hot air circulation, eliminating the need for oil. Cooking dumplings without oil can be a healthier option, as it reduces the amount of oil used in traditional frying methods. It is also a more convenient choice, as it eliminates the need to deal with oil splatter during and after cooking.

Tips for Best Results

Whether you choose to use oil or not, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results:

• Space out the dumplings in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and crispiness.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the dumplings, as this helps ensure even cooking and crispier results.
• Depending on the type of dumpling, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature. Frozen dumplings, for example, may require a longer cooking time.
• If you want to add moisture to your dumplings, you can add a small amount of water to the air fryer basket, as this will help steam the dumplings and prevent them from drying out.

How to prevent dumplings from sticking to the air fryer basket

To prevent dumplings from sticking to the air fryer basket, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Dumplings

Before placing the dumplings in the air fryer, ensure they are frozen. Do not thaw or defrost them beforehand. If you are making dumplings from scratch, cook the filling first and assemble the dumplings before placing them in the air fryer.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional)

Some air fryer models may require preheating, while others can be used without preheating. Check your air fryer's instructions to determine if preheating is necessary. If preheating is required, set your air fryer to the desired temperature for about 4 minutes.

Step 3: Arrange the Dumplings in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the frozen dumplings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each dumpling. This arrangement ensures that hot air can circulate effectively. Avoid stacking the dumplings as it can lead to uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the dumplings in batches.

Step 4: Apply Oil to the Dumplings

Generously spray or brush the dumplings with oil on all sides. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure a crispy texture. You can use an oil spray or brush each dumpling with a thin coat of oil. If you don't have a spray or brush, simply oil your hands and rub the dumplings to coat them evenly.

Step 5: Add Water (Optional but Recommended)

Adding a small amount of water to the air fryer can make a significant difference in the final result. Use your fingers to sprinkle about 1/4 cup of water onto the dumplings using a flicking motion. For any remaining water, simply pour it into the base of the air fryer basket. This step helps prevent the dumplings from drying out and promotes a tender texture.

Step 6: Air Fry the Dumplings

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and time based on the type of dumplings you are cooking. For frozen dumplings, air fry at 370-400°F for 8-14 minutes, depending on the size and number of dumplings. For fresh dumplings, reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes. There is no need to flip the dumplings during cooking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cooking time is complete, remove the dumplings from the air fryer basket and let them cool down slightly before serving. You can serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy your crispy and delicious air-fried dumplings!

How to get dumplings crispy in the air fryer

If you want to cook dumplings in an air fryer, you're in luck! It's a convenient method that requires very little supervision and gives you dumplings with a crunchy texture. You can use this technique with any store-bought or homemade dumpling, including Japanese gyoza, Korean mandu, or any Chinese dumpling or potsticker. You can also use frozen dumplings without needing to thaw them first.

• Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a thin coat of oil to prevent the dumplings from sticking.
• Prepare the Dumplings: While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your dumplings. If using frozen dumplings, there is no need to thaw them before cooking. You can use them straight from the freezer.
• Place the Dumplings in the Air Fryer: Arrange the dumplings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each dumpling. This ensures even cooking and allows the hot air to circulate. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
• Add Water: Adding a small amount of water to the air fryer basket can help create a steaming effect, preventing the dumplings from drying out. You can sprinkle a small amount of water over the dumplings or pour it directly into the base of the air fryer.
• Cooking Time and Temperature: Set the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook the dumplings for approximately 8-12 minutes for fresh dumplings or 12-14 minutes for frozen ones. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and number of dumplings, so adjust accordingly.
• Flip Midway: To ensure even crisping, pause the air fryer midway through the cooking time and flip the dumplings. This step is optional, as some people prefer to cook the dumplings without flipping.
• Check for Doneness: After the recommended cooking time, check if the dumplings are golden brown and crispy. If they need more time, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
• Serve and Enjoy: Once the dumplings are cooked to your desired level of crispness, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

By following these steps, you should be able to achieve crispy and delicious dumplings cooked in your air fryer. Enjoy the convenience and the crunchy texture of this cooking method!

Frequently asked questions