Air-Fryer Dumplings: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Cooking dumplings in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty alternative to pan-frying or steaming. The air fryer method is especially useful for those who want to avoid the hassle of oil splatter and constant supervision that comes with pan-frying. While the air fryer may not produce the same level of crispiness as pan-frying, it offers a hands-free approach that delivers moist, tender dumplings with a unique, bubbly exterior.

How to make dumplings in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Dumplings (fresh or frozen)
• Oil (neutral-tasting oil like rapeseed or avocado is recommended)
• Water

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Pastry brush (optional)

Method

• Place the dumplings in the air fryer basket, leaving a small amount of space between each one. If using frozen dumplings, there is no need to thaw them before cooking.
• Brush or spray the dumplings with a thin coat of oil. Alternatively, you can oil your hands and rub the dumplings to coat them.
• Sprinkle the dumplings with water using your fingers and a flicking motion. For any areas that remain dry, pour a small amount of water directly into the basket.
• Air-fry at 400°F/200°C. Fresh dumplings will take 10-12 minutes, while frozen dumplings will take 12-14 minutes. Smaller batches of dumplings will cook faster, so adjust the timing accordingly.
• Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice. Soy ginger sauce, sweet chilli sauce, vinegar, and soy sauce all pair well with dumplings.

Tips

• You can use this method for Japanese gyoza, Korean mandu, Chinese dumplings, or wontons—either homemade or store-bought.
• If you want crispier dumplings, increase the temperature and cooking time.
• There is no need to preheat the air fryer before adding the dumplings.

Tips for making crispy dumplings

Avoid Overcrowding

Give your dumplings some breathing room! Spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket so that the hot air can circulate and hit all sides of the dumplings. This will help to ensure an even crisp.

Oil is Essential

Coating your dumplings in oil is key to achieving that crispy texture. You can brush or spray the dumplings with oil, or even rub them with oiled hands. If you're using frozen dumplings, make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry before adding oil.

Temperature Control

The ideal temperature for cooking dumplings in an air fryer seems to be around 350-400°F/180-200°C. However, this may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your dumplings. Experiment with different temperatures and timings to find the perfect balance for your desired level of crispiness.

Don't Forget the Water

Adding a small amount of water to the base of the air fryer basket can help to create a steaming effect, ensuring that your dumplings don't dry out. This is especially important if you're cooking frozen dumplings, as they tend to have more moisture.

Flip and Rotate

For even cooking and crispiness, it's a good idea to flip or rotate your dumplings halfway through the cooking process. This will ensure that all sides of the dumplings get exposed to the hot air and will help to prevent burning.

Experiment with Different Types

Not all dumplings are created equal when it comes to air frying. Potstickers, gyoza, wontons, and various types of frozen dumplings are all worth trying in your air fryer. You may find that certain types work better with this cooking method, so don't be afraid to experiment!

The benefits of using an air fryer

Air fryers have several benefits when it comes to cooking dumplings. Firstly, they are a convenient and hands-free option, requiring very little supervision during the cooking process. This means you can tend to other tasks without worrying about constantly monitoring or flipping your dumplings as they cook. Air fryers also eliminate the issue of oil splatter, which is common when pan-frying dumplings, making them a cleaner and safer option.

Another advantage of using an air fryer is the ability to achieve a unique crispness and texture that differs from traditional pan-fried or steamed dumplings. Air fryers produce dumplings with a crunchy ridge of pleats that satisfy any crunch cravings without the need for deep frying. This method is perfect for those who prefer an extra crispy texture without the hassle and mess of oil.

Additionally, air fryers offer a built-in timer that automatically stops the cooking process, reducing the risk of overcooking or burning your dumplings. This feature provides peace of mind and ensures that your dumplings are cooked evenly and consistently every time.

Using an air fryer is also a versatile cooking method, as you can cook various types of dumplings, including Japanese gyoza, Korean mandu, Chinese dumplings, potstickers, or wontons. It is suitable for both homemade and store-bought dumplings, whether they are fresh or frozen.

Overall, air fryers offer convenience, ease of use, and a unique crispy texture that makes them a valuable tool for cooking dumplings with minimal effort and maximum crunch.

The best dumplings to use

You can use any dumplings you like when cooking with an air fryer. This includes Japanese gyoza, Korean mandu, Chinese dumplings, potstickers, or wontons—store-bought or homemade, fresh or frozen.

Some dumpling varieties that have been recommended by air fryer users include:

• Bibigo chicken dumplings from Costco
• Kubla Khan potstickers from US Chef Store
• Ling Ling dumplings from Costco
• Dumplings from H-Mart

Dumplings with a thinner dough are better suited to the air fryer, as they will cook and crisp up more effectively. Dumplings with a ticker dough, such as those meant to be boiled, may come out dry and inedible.

If you are making dumplings from scratch, you will need to cook the filling first before placing them in the air fryer.

How to prevent dumplings from drying out

Dumplings cooked in an air fryer can sometimes turn out dry. Here are some tips to prevent that from happening:

Firstly, ensure that you add water to the base of your air fryer. This will help the dumplings to steam and prevent them from drying out. Adding water is a traditional Chinese cooking method that can be applied to air frying. The dumplings will still come out crispy, but the bottom will be more tender.

Secondly, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Dumplings need enough space between them to cook evenly and get crispy. If you are cooking a large batch, consider cooking the dumplings in batches.

Thirdly, don't forget to add oil to the dumplings. You can brush or spray the dumplings with oil, or even rub them with oiled hands. This will help with browning and enhance the flavour.

Finally, keep an eye on the cooking time. Different air fryer models may require slight adjustments in cooking time. Check your dumplings a minute or two early to prevent them from drying out.

Frequently asked questions