Air Fryer Dumplings: Can You Do It?

Air fryers are a great way to cook dumplings, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they turn out crispy and delicious. Dumplings are a broad term for a food made with filling enveloped in dough, which is then steamed or fried. Potstickers and gyoza are types of dumplings that are either steamed and fried or are Japanese-style dumplings made with thinner pieces of dough.

You can cook dumplings from frozen in an air fryer, and there's no need to defrost them first. Simply brush or spray the air fryer basket with a neutral oil like rapeseed or avocado, or use an oil spray, and place the dumplings in a single layer, leaving space between them. Preheat the air fryer to between 350°F and 375°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For an extra crispy finish, add a couple more minutes to the cooking time.

Air frying is a great way to cook dumplings with minimal mess and attention, and without the dreaded oil splatter!

Dumpling types: potstickers, gyoza, wontons

Dumpling Types: Potstickers, Gyoza, and Wontons

Potstickers

Potstickers are a variety of dumplings, with a slightly thinner wrapper. The dough can sometimes be almost translucent. You can make them with chicken, vegetables, or pork. They can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes.

Gyoza

Gyoza are smaller and more delicate than potstickers, with more finely chopped fillings. You can cook them in an air fryer in under 15 minutes.

Wontons

Wontons are usually filled with a mixture of shrimp and ground pork, with seasonings like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. They can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes.

General Tips for Air Frying Dumplings

• Use an oil spray to help the dumplings crisp up.
• Do not thaw the dumplings before air frying.
• Cook the dumplings in a single layer, leaving some space between each one so that the hot air can circulate.
• The ideal temperature for cooking dumplings in an air fryer is around 375°F (190°C).
• Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your dumplings and the model of your air fryer.

Oil spray for crispiness

To get the best results when cooking dumplings in an air fryer, it is important to coat them in oil. This can be done by brushing the dumplings with oil, spraying them with oil, or rubbing them with oiled hands. The oil helps to enhance the crispiness of the dumplings, giving them a golden-brown and crunchy exterior.

When it comes to the type of oil, a neutral-tasting oil like rapeseed or avocado oil is recommended. This allows the flavours of the dumplings to shine through. It is also important to note that the oil should be sprayed or brushed onto the dumplings before placing them in the air fryer. This helps to ensure that the dumplings do not dry out during the cooking process.

Some recipes also suggest adding a small amount of water to the base of the air fryer, in addition to oiling the dumplings. This creates a steaming effect, ensuring that the dumplings remain tender on the inside while crisping up on the outside.

For frozen dumplings, it is not necessary to thaw them before placing them in the air fryer. Simply coat them in oil and cook according to the desired level of crispiness. It is important to ensure that the dumplings are spaced apart in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.

By following these tips, you can achieve crispy and delicious dumplings with minimal effort and no oil splatter!

No need to defrost

You can cook frozen dumplings in an air fryer without defrosting them first. This method works for frozen potstickers, gyoza, and wontons, too.

To cook frozen dumplings in an air fryer, place them in the air fryer basket, spaced out with some room between each dumpling. Brush or spray the dumplings with a thin coat of oil. You can also add a bit of water to the base of the air fryer basket to help the dumplings steam and crisp up.

Air fry the dumplings at 356°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C) for 8 to 14 minutes, depending on whether they are fresh or frozen and their size. You don't need to preheat the air fryer.

You can also add a dipping sauce for extra flavor. Try soy ginger sauce, sweet chili sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, or chili garlic sauce.

Single layer for even cooking

Cooking dumplings in a single layer is essential for achieving even cooking and that coveted crispy texture. By spacing them out adequately in the air fryer basket, you allow the hot air to circulate evenly around each dumpling. This ensures that all sides of the dumplings are exposed to the heat, resulting in a uniform cooking process and a consistent texture.

When arranging the dumplings in the basket, make sure they don't touch or stack on top of each other. Leaving some space between each dumpling is crucial to achieving the desired crispiness. This technique is especially important if you're cooking frozen dumplings, as it prevents them from sticking together during the cooking process.

The single-layer arrangement also helps prevent overcrowding in the air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, as the hot air circulation is hindered, resulting in some dumplings being undercooked while others are overcooked. By cooking in batches if needed, you ensure that each dumpling has enough space to cook evenly.

Additionally, the single-layer method makes it easier to flip or turn the dumplings during cooking. Some recipes recommend flipping the dumplings halfway through to promote even browning and prevent them from drying out. With a single layer of dumplings, you can easily access and turn each dumpling without disturbing the others.

In summary, arranging dumplings in a single layer in the air fryer basket is a crucial step for achieving even cooking, preventing sticking, and producing crispy and delicious dumplings every time.

Flip halfway for even crispness

When cooking dumplings in an air fryer, it's important to flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even crispness on all sides. This technique is known as "flipping halfway" and is a common practice when cooking a variety of foods in an air fryer.

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the interior tender. However, if left unattended, the side of the food facing down towards the heating element may become overly browned or burnt while the side facing up remains pale and soft. Flipping the dumplings halfway through the cooking time allows both sides of the dumplings to be exposed evenly to the hot air circulation, resulting in a more uniform crispness.

The best time to flip your dumplings will depend on the size of your dumplings and the model of your air fryer, but a good rule of thumb is to flip them halfway through the total cooking time. For example, if you are cooking your dumplings for a total of 10 minutes, you would flip them after 5 minutes. This ensures that both sides of the dumplings get an equal amount of cooking time.

When flipping your dumplings, it's important to use a pair of tongs or a spatula to handle them gently, as they can be delicate and may break apart if handled too roughly. Additionally, be sure to follow any other specific instructions that come with your particular brand of dumplings, as some may have different cooking requirements.

By following the simple step of flipping your dumplings halfway through the cooking process, you can ensure that your dumplings come out perfectly crispy and golden brown on all sides. So, the next time you're cooking dumplings in your air fryer, remember to give them a quick flip!

Frequently asked questions