Air-Fryer Dumplings: Frozen To Crispy In Minutes

Frozen dumplings can be cooked in an air fryer, and it only takes about 10 minutes. This method works for frozen potstickers, gyoza, and wontons. You can use any type of dumplings, such as chicken, vegetarian, shrimp, etc. The air fryer is a healthier alternative to frying, easier than steaming or pan-frying, and crispier than baking. It is also quicker than any of these other methods.

To cook frozen dumplings in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes. Then, spread the dumplings out in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray them with oil. Heat for 5 minutes at 360°F (180°C). Rotate the dumplings and cook for another 4-5 minutes at the same temperature.

How to cook frozen dumplings in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen dumplings
• Oil spray or a small amount of vegetable oil
• Water

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.
• Add a small amount of water to the base of the air fryer basket. This will create steam and prevent the dumplings from drying out.
• Place the dumplings in the air fryer basket, leaving a small amount of space between each dumpling.
• Spray the dumplings with oil or use your hands to coat them in oil. Make sure all sides are covered.
• Air fry the dumplings for 8-10 minutes at 350°F (180°C).
• Flip the dumplings and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can use any type of frozen dumpling, such as potstickers, gyoza, or wontons.
• No need to thaw the dumplings before cooking.
• For crispier dumplings, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or chili garlic sauce.

The benefits of cooking frozen dumplings in an air fryer

No thawing required

You can cook frozen dumplings straight from the freezer, which saves time and effort. There's no need to plan ahead or wait for them to defrost.

Quick and easy

Air frying frozen dumplings is a fast and convenient way to cook them. It takes less time than steaming or pan-frying, and you don't have to worry about oil splatter. It's a great option when you're short on time or want a hassle-free meal or snack.

Crispy and tender

The air fryer produces dumplings that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The hot air circulation ensures a consistent texture, and you don't need to flip them constantly to achieve an even crisp.

Less mess

Air frying frozen dumplings means no oil splatter, so you avoid the mess associated with pan-frying. It's a cleaner and more convenient way to cook, especially if you're short on time or don't want a stack of dishes to deal with afterward.

Healthier option

Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying or pan-frying. It requires only a tiny bit of oil, reducing the amount of fat and calories in your dumplings. This method can be a healthier way to enjoy your favourite snack or meal without compromising on taste and texture.

Versatile

You can use the air fryer for various types of dumplings, including potstickers, gyoza, wontons, and mandu. It's a versatile cooking method that delivers crispy and tasty results, regardless of the dumpling variety.

Tips for cooking frozen dumplings in an air fryer

Frozen dumplings can be cooked in an air fryer in a few simple steps. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

Space out the dumplings

Spread the dumplings out in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each dumpling. This allows the hot air to circulate and crisps up all sides of the dumplings. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the dumplings in multiple batches to ensure proper spacing.

Oil

Lightly coat the dumplings with oil. You can brush or spray the dumplings with oil, or even use oiled hands to rub the dumplings. This helps the dumplings to crisp up and ensures they do not dry out.

Water

Adding a small amount of water to the base of the air fryer basket can help to create a steaming effect, preventing the dumplings from drying out. You can also dip the dumplings in water before placing them in the air fryer. However, some sources suggest that this method does not create enough steam to effectively cook the dumplings.

Temperature and Timing

The ideal temperature for cooking dumplings in an air fryer seems to be around 350-375°F (180°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the dumplings and your air fryer model, but on average, it takes about 8-15 minutes to cook frozen dumplings in an air fryer. For fresh or thawed dumplings, the cooking time is reduced to 4-5 minutes.

Do not thaw

There is no need to thaw the dumplings before placing them in the air fryer. Cooking them straight from frozen yields the best results.

Flip halfway through

For even cooking and browning, flip the dumplings halfway through the cooking process.

Dipping sauce

Dumplings can be served with a variety of dipping sauces such as soy ginger sauce, sweet chilli sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, or chili garlic sauce.

The best frozen dumplings to cook in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen dumplings. They are convenient, require very little supervision, and can produce a crunchy texture without deep frying. The key to getting the best results is to ensure that the dumplings don't dry out. This can be achieved by adding a bit of water to the air fryer and making sure that the dumplings are coated with oil before cooking.

Types of dumplings

The air fryer method works for Japanese gyoza, Korean mandu, Chinese dumplings or potstickers, and wontons. You can also use pork, chicken, beef, or seafood fillings.

Temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking dumplings in an air fryer seems to be around 370-375°F (187-190°C). At this temperature, the dumplings will take around 10 minutes to cook, but this will depend on the size of the dumplings and the air fryer model. For a crispier texture, you can cook them for an additional 2 minutes.

Step-by-step guide

• Place the dumplings in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between each dumpling so that hot air can circulate.
• Brush or spray the dumplings with oil to help them crisp up.
• Add a small amount of water to the air fryer. This will help to prevent the dumplings from drying out and will create a tender bottom and a crunchy top.
• Air fry at 370-375°F (187-190°C) for 10-12 minutes if using fresh dumplings, or 12-14 minutes for frozen dumplings.
• Remove the dumplings from the basket and let them sit for 2 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Do not thaw the frozen dumplings before cooking.
• Use pre-packaged dumplings from the frozen section for the best results.
• Completely coat the dumplings with oil to prevent them from drying out or burning.
• Flip the dumplings halfway through cooking and add more oil if needed.
• Make a dipping sauce to enhance the flavors of the dumplings.

How to reheat frozen dumplings in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Before you start cooking, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for around 5 minutes. You can also lightly brush the air fryer basket with vegetable oil or a similar neutral oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dumplings

Place your chosen dumplings in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space around each dumpling for the air to circulate. You can use any type of frozen dumplings, such as potstickers, gyozas, or wontons.

Step 3: Add Oil and Cook

Lightly brush or spray the dumplings with oil. You can also use oiled hands to ensure an even coating. Cook for 2-4 minutes at 350°F (180°C), then flip the dumplings and cook for another 2-4 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Your dumplings are now ready to serve! Enjoy them with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• For an extra crispy texture, add a small amount of water to the base of the air fryer basket before cooking. This will create a steaming effect, ensuring the dumplings are tender and moist.
• You can also sprinkle the dumplings with a small amount of water before cooking, replicating the traditional pan-fried method.
• Depending on your air fryer and the size of your dumplings, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
• There is no need to defrost the dumplings before cooking; they can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer!

Frequently asked questions