Air-Fried Bao Buns: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Bao buns are a type of Chinese dumpling with a soft, bread-like texture and a variety of fillings. They are often steamed or pan-fried, but can you cook them in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, you can cook bao buns in an air fryer. In fact, the texture of bao buns lends itself well to being air-fried, giving them a crispy, golden exterior. They can go straight into the air fryer from frozen, and only take a few minutes to cook – much quicker than the traditional steaming method.

Cooking times and temperatures

Yes, you can cook bao buns in an air fryer. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type of bao bun you are preparing and the type of air fryer you are using.

For frozen bao buns, set the temperature to 300 °F and the cooking time to 18 minutes. Check and flip the bao buns at the 12-minute mark. The internal temperature should be around 170 °F. If you want to reduce the cooking time, you can set the temperature to 220 °F and the cooking time to 8–15 minutes.

If you are preparing non-frozen bao buns, you can cook them in the air fryer for 6–8 minutes at a temperature of 300–400 °F. This will give them a golden, crispy texture. If you prefer softer bao buns, you can steam them in the air fryer by adding water to the bottom of the air fryer and setting the temperature to 220 °F for 7–9 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your air fryer and the type of bao bun you are preparing. Always keep an eye on your bao buns while they are cooking to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Filling options

Bao buns are a type of Chinese dumpling with a bread-like texture, often called steamed buns and filled with meat or vegetables. They can be cooked in an air fryer, and this method gives them a crispy, golden texture.

Teriyaki Chicken

This filling is a tasty option, and you can pair it with a teriyaki dipping sauce. You can cook the chicken in the air fryer, basting it with the sauce, and then serve it in the steamed bao buns.

Hoisin Duck

Hoisin duck is another delicious option for a bao bun filling. You can cook the duck in the air fryer and serve it with hoisin sauce, which is readily available in Asian markets.

Char Siu Pork Belly

This filling is a quick and easy version of a traditional Chinese dish. You can marinate the pork belly in NOH seasoning and honey overnight or for a couple of days, and then cook it in the air fryer.

Gochujang Cauliflower

For a Korean twist, try using air-fried cauliflower coated in a spicy and tangy gochujang sauce. You can buy frozen bao buns and pre-cut cauliflower florets from your local Asian grocery store to save time.

Custard

For a sweet option, custard can be used as a bao bun filling. Panda custard buns are available at Costco and can be paired with a black sesame latte.

Vegetables

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can fill your bao buns with steamed or air-fried vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots.

Steaming vs air frying

Bao buns are a type of Chinese dumpling that has a bread-like texture. They are usually served warm and stuffed with a variety of fillings. They are often called steamed buns and are commonly found in Chinese restaurants and as street food.

While steaming is the traditional way of cooking bao buns, air frying has become an increasingly popular alternative method. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on the desired texture and taste of the buns.

Steaming

Steaming bao buns results in a soft and fluffy texture. This method involves placing the buns in a steamer basket above a pot of boiling water. The buns are then covered and allowed to steam for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Steaming is a gentle cooking process that preserves the moisture in the buns, resulting in a soft and tender texture.

Air Frying

Air frying, on the other hand, gives bao buns a crispy and golden exterior. To air fry bao buns, they are placed directly in the air fryer basket and cooked at a high temperature for a short period of time, typically around 8 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius or 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Air frying creates a crispy and browned exterior while keeping the interior of the buns soft and fluffy.

Comparison

The main difference between steaming and air frying bao buns lies in the texture and appearance of the cooked buns. Steaming produces soft and fluffy buns, while air frying gives them a crispy and golden exterior. Air frying is also generally faster than steaming, making it a more convenient option for those short on time. However, steaming is a more traditional method that preserves the moisture and softness of the buns.

Ultimately, the choice between steaming and air frying depends on personal preference and the desired texture and taste of the bao buns. Both methods are effective and can produce delicious results.

Frozen vs fresh bao buns

Bao buns are a type of Chinese dumpling with a bread-like texture, often referred to as steamed buns. They can be purchased fresh or frozen and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including pan-frying, steaming, microwaving, and, yes, air frying.

Frozen Bao Buns

Frozen bao buns are readily available in supermarkets and Asian grocers, and can be delivered by services such as Instacart. They are a convenient option for those who want to enjoy bao buns at home without the hassle of making them from scratch. Frozen bao buns can be cooked straight from frozen, with no need to defrost, making them a quick and easy option for a meal or snack. They can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as 6-8 minutes, although some recipes recommend a cooking time of up to 18 minutes. The air fryer gives the buns a crispy, golden exterior, although it is worth noting that this method may not be suitable for those who prefer a softer, steamed bun.

Fresh Bao Buns

Fresh bao buns can be purchased from local retailers or specialty stores, and some may also be available for delivery or pickup through services like Instacart. Cooking instructions may vary depending on the retailer, but fresh bao buns can be prepared in the same ways as frozen buns, including pan-frying, steaming, microwaving, or air frying.

Both frozen and fresh bao buns are easily accessible and offer a variety of cooking options. Frozen bao buns may be more convenient for those who want a quick and easy option, as they can be stored for longer periods and cooked straight from frozen. Fresh bao buns, on the other hand, may be preferred by those who prioritize freshness and have access to specialty stores. Ultimately, the decision between frozen and fresh bao buns may come down to personal preference and convenience.

Dipping sauces

Yes, you can cook bao buns in an air fryer. They will have a wonderful glow and crisp to the pastry, and the fillings will be spectacular. You can cook them from frozen, and they will be ready in 8 minutes. If you don't want them to be golden, reduce the cooking time to 6 minutes.

Now, onto the dipping sauces. There are many different sauces that you can use to dip your bao buns in. Here are some ideas:

Hoisin Sauce

A popular choice for bao buns, hoisin sauce is a versatile and flavorful sauce that can be used on its own or as a base for other sauces. It is especially great with Vietnamese rice paper rolls and spring rolls. If you want something creamier, add a bit of peanut butter. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for meats, such as Chinese roast pork belly or wings.

Asian Dipping Sauce

You can make an easy Asian dipping sauce by whisking together soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, honey, ginger, sesame seeds, and sesame oil in a bowl. This sauce tastes great with chicken balls, spring rolls, or dumplings.

Soy Sauce

A classic choice for dumplings, soy sauce can be used on its own or as a base for other sauces. If you want to make a more complex sauce, you can add ingredients such as garlic, vinegar, sugar, white pepper, or chili oil.

Black Vinegar

Black vinegar is a popular choice for dipping sauces, especially when mixed with ingredients such as soy sauce, chili oil, or garlic. It has a darker, bitter taste that can be a great addition to your bao bun.

Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is a great choice for chicken bao buns. It has a sweet and savory flavor that pairs well with the chicken and bun.

Feel free to experiment with different sauces and find the ones that you like best!

Frequently asked questions