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

If you're a fan of dumplings, you'll know that a crispy exterior and juicy interior are a match made in heaven. But can you achieve that perfect texture in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air frying frozen dumplings is a great way to get that irresistible crunch without the oil splatter of pan-frying. It's also a lot less hands-on, as you don't need to flip them every few minutes. You can even cook them straight from frozen, without having to thaw them first. The air fryer gives you crispy dumplings with a moist, meaty centre – and there's a lot less mess to clean up afterwards.

Air fryer dumplings from frozen

Ingredients

Frozen dumplings, oil spray, dipping sauce of your choice (optional).

Method

• Place the frozen dumplings into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer with some space between each dumpling so the hot air can circulate. Do not stack the dumplings.
• Spray the dumplings generously with oil, making sure to coat all sides. You can also brush the dumplings with oil or rub them with oiled hands.
• Air fry the dumplings at 375°F-400°F/193°C-200°C for 8-14 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the size of your dumplings. Shake the basket halfway through and continue air frying for a further 2-6 minutes if you want crispier dumplings.
• Serve with a dipping sauce if desired.

Tips

• You don't need to thaw the dumplings before air frying.
• Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your dumplings and your air fryer model.
• If you are cooking a large batch of dumplings, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• If you want to add moisture to your dumplings, you can sprinkle them with a small amount of water before air frying.

Oil spray for crispness

Using an oil spray is a great way to get your dumplings extra crispy in the air fryer. It's important to note that not all oils are suitable for air frying, as some have lower smoke points and can burn at high temperatures.

The best oils for air frying have high smoke points, which means they can withstand high temperatures without burning. Some examples of high smoke point oils are:

• Avocado oil
• Peanut oil
• Sunflower oil
• Light olive oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Refined coconut oil

When preparing dumplings for the air fryer, you can spray them generously with oil to get that crispy texture. You can also spray the air fryer basket to prevent sticking, but make sure to use a non-aerosol, non-stick cooking spray that won't damage the coating.

• Use a high smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed oil.
• Spray the dumplings generously on all sides with oil.
• Don't thaw frozen dumplings before air frying, as this can affect the texture.
• Cook at a temperature between 350-400°F for 8-14 minutes, depending on the size and number of dumplings.
• For crispier dumplings, shake the basket and air fry for an additional 2 minutes.
• If using fresh dumplings, you may need to reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• If your air fryer has a non-stick surface, you may not need to spray the basket.
• You can also toss the dumplings in a bowl with oil before placing them in the air fryer.

No flipping required

If you're looking for a hands-free, no-fuss way to cook dumplings, then the air fryer is your answer. No flipping is required when using an air fryer, making the process much easier than pan-frying.

When cooking dumplings in a pan, you need to flip them regularly to ensure even cooking and crispiness. With an air fryer, you can simply place the dumplings in the basket, add a bit of oil and water, and let the machine do the work. The hot air circulates around the dumplings, cooking them evenly without the need for flipping.

The air fryer is especially useful if you want to avoid the mess and hassle of oil splatter that comes with pan-frying. It's also a safer option, as there's no risk of hot oil popping and causing burns.

While the air fryer may not create the same crispy texture as pan-frying, it does result in a unique and delicious blistered shell with a crunchy seam along the top. The dumplings are moist, juicy, and tender on the inside, with a delicate, crispy exterior.

To cook dumplings in an air fryer, simply place them in the basket with some space between each dumpling. You can brush or spray them with oil, or even use oiled hands to coat them. Adding a bit of water to the basket can help create steam and prevent the dumplings from drying out.

Cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the type of dumpling and your air fryer model, but generally, you'll cook them for around 10-15 minutes at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. There's no need to preheat the air fryer, and you can serve the dumplings straight from the fryer for a crispy, tasty treat.

Cooking times and temperatures

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

For frozen dumplings, it is recommended to cook them for 8 to 14 minutes, depending on the size and number of dumplings. For example, for a smaller number of dumplings, cook them for 8 to 10 minutes at 375°F. If you are cooking a larger batch, increase the cooking time to 12 to 14 minutes at 400°F.

If you are cooking fresh dumplings, the cooking time will be slightly shorter. Cook them for 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F.

It is important to note that you should not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave about a 1/4 to 1/2-inch gap between each dumpling to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Additionally, there is no need to preheat the air fryer before adding the dumplings. Simply place them in the basket, brush or spray with oil, and cook according to the recommended times and temperatures.

For crispy dumplings, you can increase the temperature and cooking time. For example, cooking at 400°F for 12 to 14 minutes will result in crunchier dumplings. On the other hand, if you prefer your dumplings less crispy, you can reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.

It is also recommended to flip the dumplings halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.

When cooking frozen dumplings, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply place them in the air fryer basket directly from the freezer and follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures.

Different types of dumplings may require slightly different cooking times and temperatures, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your dumplings during the cooking process to ensure they don't overcook or dry out.

Steaming vs air frying

The Traditional Method

Steaming dumplings is the traditional way to cook dumplings. This can be done by boiling them in water or adding water to a non-stick skillet and steaming them that way. This method ensures that dumplings retain their moisture and don't dry out.

The Air Fryer Method

Air frying dumplings is a more modern approach. It is a hands-free, convenient method that requires very little supervision. You can cook dumplings from frozen without having to thaw them first. The air fryer method is also a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it requires less oil.

Pros and Cons

The main benefit of steaming dumplings is that they will retain their moisture and not dry out. However, this method requires more supervision and can be messier due to oil splatter.

The main advantage of using an air fryer is that it is more hand-off and convenient. You can also cook dumplings straight from frozen without having to worry about them being soggy. However, dumplings cooked in an air fryer may come out drier and crispier than steamed dumplings.

Ultimately, the method you choose will depend on your personal preference and how much time and effort you want to put into cooking your dumplings.

Frequently asked questions