Air-Fryer Chinese Dumplings: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Chinese dumplings are a versatile dish that can be boiled, steamed, or fried. With the rise of modern kitchen appliances, many are curious about whether Chinese dumplings can be cooked in an air fryer. The answer is yes, you can cook Chinese dumplings in an air fryer! This method provides a healthier, more convenient way to enjoy dumplings without sacrificing taste or texture. Air-fried dumplings have a crispy exterior and a steaming interior, making them a delightful treat.

Cooking times and temperatures for Chinese dumplings in an air fryer

Chinese dumplings can be cooked in an air fryer, and it is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Air fryers use a mechanism called rapid air technology, which circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and succulent.

The cooking time and temperature for Chinese dumplings in an air fryer depend on various factors, such as the size of the dumplings, the power of the air fryer, and personal preferences for doneness. On average, it takes about 10 to 14 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to cook dumplings in an air fryer. However, it is important to monitor the dumplings, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to avoid burning them.

When cooking Chinese dumplings in an air fryer, it is essential to arrange them in a single layer, leaving space between each dumpling to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of the air fryer basket, you may need to cook the dumplings in batches to ensure even cooking.

For frozen dumplings, there is no need to thaw them before cooking. Simply place them in the air fryer basket, spray them generously with oil, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). If you prefer crispier dumplings, you can shake the basket and continue cooking for an additional 2 to 6 minutes.

For homemade or fresh dumplings, preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for about 5 minutes. Place the dumplings in the basket, leaving space for air circulation, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

How to make Chinese dumplings from scratch

Chinese dumplings are a tasty treat and can be made easily from scratch. The process is simple and the end result is delicious. The best way to cook them is in an air fryer, which gives a gorgeous golden, crispy skin without the need for lots of oil.

First, make the dough. Place flour in a large bowl and gradually stir in warm water until a dough forms. You can use all-purpose plain flour or special dumpling flour, which produces a smoother texture and whiter appearance. The flour-water ratio is about 2:1 by weight. On a floured surface, knead the dough with your hands for 5-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.

Next, make your filling. This is a chance to be creative and use your favourite ingredients. A good filling has a mix of protein and vegetables, with common seasonings including soy sauce, oyster sauce, ground Sichuan pepper, Chinese five-spice powder, white pepper, sesame oil, salt, and sugar. You can use any type of meat, seafood, eggs, or soy-based ingredients like tofu. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well combined.

Now you are ready to assemble your dumplings. Scoop about a tablespoon of filling and place it in the centre of the wrapper. Be careful not to let the filling touch the sealing area, as the dumpling will fall apart. After placing the filling, press the edges to seal the dumpling. You don't need to worry about making them look beautiful, just ensure they hold their shape.

Finally, it's time to cook. Place the dumplings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space for the air to circulate. Brush or spray the dumplings with oil—this is the key to achieving that crispy skin. Air fry at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the dumplings over halfway through. They are ready when they are golden brown and cooked through.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade Chinese dumplings!

How to reheat leftover Chinese dumplings in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat leftover Chinese dumplings in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

First, place your dumplings in the fridge in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days.

When you are ready to reheat them, take the dumplings out of the fridge and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each dumpling. This ensures that the hot air can circulate effectively and cook the dumplings evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook the dumplings in batches.

Next, spray the dumplings generously with oil. This step is crucial, as it will give your dumplings a nice crispy exterior. You can use a variety of oils, such as canola, olive, or vegetable oil.

Now, it's time to air fry! Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the dumplings for 2 minutes. After that, increase the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for another 8 minutes.

At this point, you can flip the dumplings over and spray them with more oil if they look dry. Continue cooking for 2 to 6 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Finally, remove the dumplings from the air fryer and let them cool for about 2 minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy, delicious leftover dumplings!

Some additional tips:

• If you want crispier dumplings, you can cook them for an additional 2 minutes after the initial 10 minutes.
• Always monitor your dumplings, especially towards the end of the cooking process, to avoid burning.
• Serve your dumplings with a dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or black vinegar, for extra flavor.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness and color.
• If you're cooking from frozen, increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit.

Filling options for Chinese dumplings

Chinese dumplings are incredibly versatile, with a wide range of filling options to suit all tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you prefer meat, seafood, or vegetarian fillings, you can easily adapt your dumplings to your liking. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Meat fillings

Ground pork is the most common filling for dumplings across China. You can combine it with various vegetables, such as napa cabbage, Chinese chives, or Chinese leek. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding minced ginger or spring onion to your pork filling for an extra kick of flavour. For a spicy option, try Sichuan spicy dumplings, which are made with minced pork and served with a spicy sauce. Alternatively, you can make Beijing-style dumplings with a filling of pork and Chinese leek.

If you're not a fan of pork, chicken is another popular option. Chicken zucchini dumplings are a great choice, with a delicate flavour that's sure to please a crowd. For something more substantial, try chicken and mushroom dumplings, using dried shiitake mushrooms for a rich flavour. If you're craving something spicy, buffalo chicken potstickers are a perfect game day snack or party appetizer.

In Northern China, where pork consumption is lower, you'll find beef or lamb dumplings. Try making beef dumplings with lots of chopped scallions, or go for lamb dumplings, which are popular in the Chinese Muslim community, and pair them with carrots or Chinese cabbage.

Seafood fillings

Seafood dumplings are a delicious option, especially for special occasions. Shrimp, fish, and crab are all popular choices. Har gow, a famous Cantonese dim sum dish, is filled with prawns, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts. For a taste of the coastal province of Shandong, try Bayu dumplings, which feature Spanish mackerel. If you're feeling indulgent, steamed crab roe dumplings are a speciality of Yangzhou in Jiangsu province.

Vegetarian fillings

Vegetarian dumplings are a great option, even for meat-eaters. You can use a variety of vegetables, such as Chinese cabbage, Chinese chives, fennel leaves, courgette, carrot, daikon, stem lettuce, aubergine, tomato, cucumber, celery, spinach, coriander, or bamboo shoots. For extra flavour and moisture, add scrambled eggs to your filling. To make your dumplings extra crispy, add chopped mung bean vermicelli or sweet potato glass noodles to the filling.

Dipping sauces for Chinese dumplings

Chinese dumplings are a delicious treat, and even more so when cooked in an air fryer, which gives them a golden crispy skin without the need for excessive oil. But what about the dipping sauce?

A good dumpling sauce should have a balance of flavours: salty, sweet, spicy, and a little tangy or sour. The base of the sauce is usually soy sauce, providing saltiness, which is then balanced out with a little sugar and hot water. The sourness comes from a dash of rice vinegar, while chilli oil or fresh chilli adds spice, and garlic gives it a sharp lift. You can also add sesame seeds and sesame oil for a nutty fragrance and richness.

If you want to get creative, you can try a speciality from Xi'an: boiled dumplings served in a tangy soup. This calls for homemade spiced vinegar, or you can use regular black rice vinegar. You could also try a Tibetan sauce, with garlic, fresh chilli, and green onions for a tangy and spicy kick.

For a quick and easy sauce, you can simply splash some black vinegar or chilli sauce on your dumplings, or even just use soy sauce on its own. However, taking a few minutes to make a proper sauce will really take your dumplings to the next level!

Frequently asked questions