Emilie Meyer
Shumai, or siu mai, is a traditional Chinese dumpling, often made with pork and shrimp, and is a popular dish in dim sum restaurants. While shumai is usually steamed, it can also be cooked in an air fryer, offering a delicious and crispy twist on the classic dish. This method is also a great way to use up any leftover pork or chicken.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you cook siu mai in an air fryer? | Yes |
| Type of siu mai | Pork, chicken, or shrimp |
| From frozen | Yes |
| Thaw before cooking | No |
| Preheat air fryer | Yes |
| Temperature | 350°F |
| Cooking time | 10-12 minutes |
| Oil spray | Yes |
| Overcrowding | Avoid |
| Flipping | May be required |
| Reheating | Possible |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking siu mai from frozen
First, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 4 minutes. This step is important as it helps to crisp up the dumplings. Then, place your frozen siu mai into the air fryer basket, leaving some space around each dumpling to allow hot air to circulate. Spray the dumplings with cooking spray or avocado oil to enhance crispness.
Set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the siu mai for 10 to 12 minutes. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to flip the dumplings halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. When the timer goes off, remove the basket from the air fryer and transfer the siu mai to a plate. Serve the dumplings while they are hot and crispy on the outside, with a juicy and tender filling.
For an extra crispy texture, you can add 5 minutes to the cooking time. It is important to note that air fryer models may vary, so the timing and temperature settings can be adjusted according to your specific appliance. Additionally, siu mai are typically steamed rather than fried, so adding oil to the wrappers before air frying helps achieve a similar crispy texture as deep-frying.
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Reheating leftover siu mai
Air fryers are a great way to reheat leftover siu mai, also known as shu mai or siomai, and give them a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil.
To reheat leftover siu mai, first preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 4 minutes. Then, place your frozen siu mai into the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space around each dumpling for the hot air to circulate. Spray the dumplings with cooking spray or avocado oil to help them crisp up. Set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until they are fully reheated. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to flip the dumplings halfway through the cooking process.
If you prefer a crispier siu mai wrapper, you can add an additional 5 minutes to the cooking time. It is important to note that air fryer models vary, so the timing and temperature may need to be adjusted slightly.
You can also reheat siu mai by steaming them. To do this, use a saucepan with a metal strainer that can sit around the rim without touching the bottom. Add about an inch of water to the pan, place the strainer over the pan, fill with siu mai, and steam for 10 to 15 minutes.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for siu mai in an air fryer depend on whether the siu mai is cooked from frozen or fresh, and whether it is made from chicken or pork.
For frozen pork shu mai, preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 2 to 4 minutes. Then, place the shu mai into the air fryer basket and spray with cooking spray. Set the temperature to 350°F and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. If you want the shu mai to be more golden and crispy, you can add an additional 5 minutes to the cooking time.
For frozen chicken shu mai, the cooking process is similar. You can cook them from frozen, but you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they are fully cooked through. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. The chicken shu mai is done when it is golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature should be 165°F when fully cooked.
If you are cooking fresh pork belly Char Siu, cut the pork belly into strips and toss it with garlic and Char Siu sauce. Let the mixture marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Then, lay the pork belly in the air fryer basket and spoon some of the extra marinade on top. Set the temperature to 375°F and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the pork belly, spoon the rest of the marinade over the top, and air fry at 375°F for another 5 minutes.
It is important to note that air fryer models vary, so the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted slightly depending on your specific appliance.
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Preventing siu mai from sticking to the air fryer basket
Yes, you can cook siu mai in an air fryer. The air fryer is a terrific option for creating crispy foods without using a lot of oil. To cook siu mai, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees for 2 to 4 minutes. Then, place your frozen siu mai into the air fryer basket. Spray some cooking spray or avocado oil on it for extra crispness. Set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 to 12 minutes.
To prevent siu mai from sticking to the air fryer basket, follow these steps:
- Preheat your air fryer: Allow your air fryer to preheat for a few minutes before adding the siu mai. This helps to evaporate excess moisture and create a non-stick surface.
- Season the basket: Before adding any food, season your basket with a thin layer of high-heat cooking oil, such as avocado oil or canola oil. Use a paper towel or brush to apply the oil evenly.
- Use parchment paper: Cut parchment paper to size and line the basket before adding the siu mai. Parchment paper creates a barrier between the food and the basket, preventing sticking.
- Spray cooking oil on the siu mai: A quick spray of non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of oil on the siu mai can provide additional lubrication, making it easier to remove them from the basket.
- Shake the basket during cooking: Gently shake the basket every few minutes to redistribute heat and prevent the siu mai from sticking to the basket's surface.
- Do not overcrowd the basket: Ensure there is enough space around the siu mai to allow hot air to circulate freely. This will help cook the siu mai evenly and prevent them from sticking.
- Adjust cooking time and temperature: If the siu mai is sticking, you may need to adjust the cooking time or temperature. Experiment with different settings to find the optimal conditions for your air fryer.
- Clean the basket regularly: Wipe down the basket with a clean towel after each use to remove excess oil and food residue. This will help maintain the non-stick properties of the basket.
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Serving suggestions
Siomai, shu mai, or siu mai can be cooked in an air fryer. They are a type of traditional Chinese dumpling, usually made with pork and shrimp, and are a popular dish in dim sum restaurants.
When serving siu mai, it is important to consider the side dishes and sauces that will complement the flavours of the dumplings. Here are some suggestions:
- Dipping sauces: A variety of dipping sauces can be served with siu mai, such as soy sauce, chilli oil, or a spicy Sichuan peppercorn sauce. These sauces add extra flavour and moisture to the dish.
- Vegetables: Steamed or stir-fried vegetables can be served as a side dish, adding colour, texture, and nutritional value to the meal. Chopped spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers are especially good options.
- Rice: Cooked rice, such as steamed white rice or fried rice, can be served as a side dish to siu mai. It provides a neutral base to balance the flavours of the dumplings and sauces.
- Noodles: Stir-fried noodles, such as chow mein or lo mein, can be served as a hearty side dish. They provide a chewy texture and can absorb the flavours of the siu mai and sauces.
- Soup: A light and brothy soup, such as egg drop soup or hot and sour soup, can be served as an appetiser before the main course of siu mai. It can help to cleanse the palate and prepare the taste buds for the flavours to come.
- Dim Sum: Siu mai is often served as part of a dim sum meal, which includes a variety of small dishes and bite-sized portions. Other dim sum options may include har gow (shrimp dumplings), char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), and spring rolls.
When serving siu mai, it is recommended to arrange them neatly on a platter or individual plates. Garnishes such as chopped green onions or sesame seeds can be sprinkled on top to enhance the presentation. It is also important to serve the dish while it is still hot, as this is when the dumplings are at their crispy and juicy best.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook siu mai in an air fryer. You can cook them from frozen and they will have a crispy and delicious texture.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 2-4 minutes. Place the siu mai in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space around each one. Spray with cooking spray or oil for extra crispness. Cook for 10-12 minutes.
The siu mai will be done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, which should read 165°F when fully cooked.
Yes, you can reheat leftover siu mai in the air fryer. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
