Air-Fryer Dumplings: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat?

Cooking dumplings in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this dish. It's a hands-free method that requires little supervision and avoids the mess of oil splatter. The result is a moist, meaty centre with a delicate, crunchy exterior. You can use this technique with any type of dumpling, whether it's Japanese gyoza, Korean mandu, Chinese dumplings, or wontons. They can be homemade or store-bought, fresh or frozen. The key to success is adding a bit of water to the air fryer to create steam and prevent the dumplings from drying out.

How to prepare dumplings for the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook dumplings with minimal supervision and a crunchy texture without deep frying. You can use this technique with any store-bought or homemade dumpling, including Japanese gyoza, Korean mandu, or any Chinese dumpling or potsticker.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Dumplings for the Air Fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Dumplings

Start with either fresh or frozen dumplings. If using frozen dumplings, there is no need to thaw them before cooking. Place the dumplings in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each dumpling to allow for even cooking and proper air circulation.

Step 2: Add Oil

Lightly brush or spray the dumplings with a thin coat of oil. This will help them crisp up and prevent them from drying out. You can also use oiled hands to rub the oil onto the dumplings if you don't have a brush or spray.

Step 3: Add Water (Optional)

For extra moisture and to create a steaming effect, you can add a small amount of water to the air fryer basket. This can be done by sprinkling water over the dumplings with your fingers or pouring it directly into the base of the basket.

Step 4: Air Fry

Set the air fryer temperature and time depending on your dumpling type and preferences. For fresh dumplings, air fry at 400°F/200°C for 10-12 minutes. For frozen dumplings, air fry at the same temperature for 12-14 minutes. Adjust the time as needed depending on the size and number of dumplings.

Step 5: Serve

Once the dumplings are golden brown and crispy, they are ready to be served. You can serve them as-is or with a dipping sauce such as soy ginger sauce, sweet chilli sauce, vinegar, or soy sauce. Enjoy your delicious air-fried dumplings!

Oil types and application methods

When cooking dumplings in an air fryer, you can brush or spray the uncooked dumplings with a thin coat of oil. You can also just rub the oil all over the dumplings with your hands.

The type of oil you use is important. A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, or vegetable oil, is recommended. Olive oil can also be used, but it may impart a different flavour to the dumplings. If you want to reduce the amount of oil used, you can use an oil spray.

It is also important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Space the dumplings apart, leaving about a 1/4 to 1/2-inch (1 cm) of room between them to allow the hot air to circulate.

After applying oil to the dumplings, you can sprinkle them with a small amount of water using a flicking motion. This helps to create a tender bottom and a super crunchy ridge of pleats on the top of the dumplings.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking dumplings in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of dumplings, the size of the dumplings, and the number of dumplings being cooked.

For frozen dumplings, it is recommended to cook them at a temperature between 356°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C) for 8 to 15 minutes. For example, one source suggests cooking frozen dumplings at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, while another recommends 400°F/200°C for 10-14 minutes. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and number of dumplings. For a smaller number of dumplings, air fry them for a shorter time, as they will cook faster.

For fresh dumplings, the cooking time will be slightly shorter. One source suggests cooking them at 400°F (200°C) for about 6 minutes, while another recommends 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.

It is recommended to flip the dumplings halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Additionally, some recipes suggest adding a small amount of water to the air fryer to create a steaming effect and prevent the dumplings from drying out.

Dumpling types and brands

There are many types of dumplings around the world, with most cultures having some form of dumpling as a staple in their cuisine. Here is a list of some popular dumpling types and brands:

Xiao Long Bao

Also known as soup dumplings, Xiao Long Bao dumplings are a dim sum staple that originated in the Chinese province of Jiangnan. They are delicate, chewy, and complex, with a soup filling usually made from pork gelatin and collagen. They are best served steaming hot in a bamboo basket and have a devoted following among dumpling enthusiasts.

Har Gow

Har Gow is another dim sum staple that is as delicious as it is beautiful. It has an almost translucent wrapper made from tapioca and wheat starch, enclosing a light pink shrimp filling flavoured with oyster sauce, white pepper, and ginger. While the filling is straightforward, the wrapper is more challenging to perfect.

Jiaozi

Jiaozi dumplings are deeply embedded in Chinese cuisine and are commonly filled with pork and seasoned with ginger and scallions. However, they can be filled with various ingredients. Jiaozi plays an essential role in Chinese celebrations, especially the Lunar New Year, as their shape resembles gold ingots, symbolising wealth and good fortune.

Wontons

Wontons are another type of dumpling that originated in China. They are typically filled with pork, shrimp, or tofu and are often served in a bowl of wonton soup. Wontons can also be deep-fried, resulting in a delightful crispiness that makes them chewy, soft, and crunchy.

Bao Buns (Baozi)

Baozi, also known as bao buns, are made with yeast-based dough, which causes them to rise and become fluffy when steamed. While they are often filled with pork, they can be stuffed with various ingredients, including chocolate or mushrooms.

Gyoza

Gyoza, which resembles Chinese jiaozi, originated in China and is now a famous Japanese dumpling. They are typically pan-fried and can be filled with just about anything. Gyoza is also known as potstickers and can be cooked in multiple ways, but getting a crispy, alluring brown crust is always a good option.

Mandu

Mandu dumplings are a Korean delicacy and can be served in various ways, including steamed, boiled, pan-fried, or deep-fried. They are commonly filled with ground pork or beef and served with a side of kimchi. For an enhanced taste experience, pair Mandu dumplings with a mildly spicy sauce.

Banh Bot Loc

Banh Bot Loc dumplings are a Vietnamese staple, typically filled with shrimp and pork belly. They are wrapped in tapioca and served with sweet chilli fish sauce, creating an incredible taste combination. Remember that dumplings are best enjoyed fresh, as they do not have a long shelf life.

Costco Bibigo

According to a user comment on Reddit, the Costco brand Bibigo chicken dumplings are excellent in the air fryer. They have a thin dough that crisps up nicely, and you don't have to deal with oil splatter.

Ling Ling

Another user on Reddit mentions that the Ling Ling brand of dumplings from Costco does not work well in an air fryer, as the wrapper has no oil, which is essential for crisping up in the air fryer.

H-Mart

A user on Reddit recommends the dumplings from H-Mart, a Korean grocery store. They mention that the wrapper already has some oil on it, which helps it cook and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Kubla Khan

A comment on Reddit mentions that the Kubla Khan brand of potstickers cooks great in the air fryer. They recommend cooking them at 400°F for 9 minutes for the best results.

Costco Korean Bibigo

Costco carries the Korean Bibigo brand of dumplings, which are excellent in the air fryer. They have thin dough that crisps up well, and you can find air fryer instructions right on the bag.

Dipping sauces

There are many different sauces you can use to dip your air-fried dumplings in. Here are some ideas:

Soy Sauce

You can mix soy sauce with a variety of other ingredients to make a delicious dip for your dumplings. Try adding some sesame seed oil, black vinegar, maple syrup, garlic powder, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, or sesame seeds. You can also mix soy sauce with hot sauce, sriracha, or chilli garlic sauce for a spicier option.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a common dipping sauce that can be found in most grocery stores. It is a sweet and salty sauce that pairs well with dumplings.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Sweet and sour sauce is a popular choice for dumpling dipping sauce. It has a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavours that complement the dumplings well.

Peanut Dip

You can easily find pre-made bottles of peanut dip in the market, which would go well with your air-fried dumplings.

Low-Sodium Version

If you are watching your sodium intake, you can make a simple, low-sodium dip by mixing low-sodium soy sauce with some crushed ginger.

Other Options

Other sauces that you can use for dipping your dumplings include BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or chilli garlic crunch. You can also make a sriracha mayo dip by mixing mayo with sriracha.

Frequently asked questions