Steaming Dumplings: Air Fryer Magic

Air fryers are a convenient way to make dumplings, whether you're steaming or frying them. You can use frozen dumplings, or make them from scratch, and the process is super easy. All you need to do is add water to the bottom of the air fryer, place the dumplings in the air fryer basket, and flip them halfway through. You can also add oil to the dumplings to make them crispy. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes, and you can serve your dumplings with a variety of sauces, such as chilli oil, soy sauce, or black rice vinegar with honey.

Dumpling types: potstickers, gyoza, wontons

Yes, you can steam dumplings in an air fryer. You can also cook frozen dumplings in an air fryer without having to thaw them first. This method works for frozen potstickers, gyoza, and wontons.

Now, here's a detailed description of the dumpling types: potstickers, gyoza, and wontons.

Potstickers

Potstickers are Chinese pan-fried dumplings, also known as "guo tie" in Chinese. They are "steam-fried" to preserve their juiciness and to make the bottom layer brown and crispy. When boiled or steamed, they are called "suijiao" and "zhengjiao", respectively. Potstickers are typically medium-sized and eaten in two to three bites. They have thick, often homemade wrappers that crisp up nicely while remaining soft and juicy inside. The name "potsticker" comes from the Chinese "guo tie", which literally means "stuck to the wok".

Gyoza

Gyoza is the Japanese version of potstickers. They are usually long and thin and have a much thinner outer skin. Gyoza is typically smaller than a potsticker, eaten in one to two bites. They are often made from pre-fabricated wrappers, and the filling is more finely textured. The boiled version of gyoza is called "sui-gyoza".

Wontons

Wontons are another type of Chinese dumpling, typically served in a broth. They usually have a more balled shape and are made with a different type of dough than potstickers. The shrimp wontons commonly found in Hong Kong-style soup are a well-known example of wontons. Some people consider wontons to be boiled potstickers, but there is no clear distinction between the two.

Oil spray for crispy dumplings

To get crispy dumplings in your air fryer, it's important to use oil spray. This helps the dumplings to crisp up without needing to be flipped every few minutes. It's best to use a neutral-tasting oil spray like rapeseed or avocado, so the flavour of the dumplings can shine through. You can also use avocado oil, which has a high smoke point and works well in this recipe.

When placing the dumplings in the air fryer, ensure they are in a single layer and not stacked, so the hot air can circulate. Spray the dumplings generously with oil, making sure to get all the sides. You can then air fry the dumplings for 8-10 minutes at 350-375°F. If you want them crispier, you can shake the basket and air fry for an additional 2 minutes.

You can also add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer, so the dumplings steam and crisp up at the same time. This method works well with frozen dumplings, as it means you don't need to worry about thawing them first.

No need to defrost

You can cook frozen dumplings in an air fryer without defrosting them first. In fact, it is recommended that you don't thaw dumplings before air frying, as this can make them stick together.

To cook frozen dumplings in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Then, place the dumplings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Spray the dumplings generously with oil, and air fry for 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you want crispier dumplings, you can cook them for an additional 2 minutes.

You can also steam frozen dumplings in an air fryer. To do this, add about 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the air fryer, then place the air fryer rack inside and put the dumplings on top. Cover the dumplings with aluminium foil and air fry at 400°F for 8-12 minutes.

Single dumpling test

Before you cook a whole batch of dumplings in your air fryer, it's a good idea to test one dumpling first to see if you like the results. Not all air fryers work the same way, and you may need to adjust the time and temperature settings to get the best results.

To conduct a single dumpling test, follow these steps:

• Prepare your air fryer by spraying the basket with oil. This will help prevent sticking and ensure your dumpling comes out crispy.
• Place a single frozen dumpling in the air fryer basket. Make sure it's not stacked on top of or touching any other dumplings, as this can affect the cooking process.
• Set your air fryer to the recommended temperature. Most sources recommend a temperature between 350°F and 380°F for cooking dumplings.
• Cook the dumpling for 6-8 minutes. This is the average cooking time for a single dumpling, but you may need to adjust this depending on your air fryer model and the size of your dumpling.
• Check on the dumpling. If it's not done to your liking, put it back in the air fryer for an additional minute or two.
• Once the dumpling is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before tasting.
• Evaluate the texture and taste of the dumpling. If you're happy with the results, you're ready to cook a full batch. If not, you may need to adjust your air fryer settings or try a different cooking method.

Remember, it's always better to start with a single dumpling test to ensure you don't waste a whole batch of dumplings. By testing first, you can perfect your cooking method and enjoy delicious, crispy dumplings every time.

Steam with pizza pan and bamboo steamer

Yes, you can steam dumplings in an air fryer using a pizza pan and a bamboo steamer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, boil some water in a kettle or pot.

Next, take a pizza pan and a bamboo steamer. Line the bamboo steamer with parchment paper, which should have holes in it. Place the bamboo steamer on top of the pizza pan, and pour boiling water into the pan.

Now, add your dumplings to the bamboo steamer and cover the steamer with aluminium foil. Do not use the bamboo lid as it may burn.

Place the pizza pan with the bamboo steamer on top of a grill pan and put it inside the air fryer. Using a grill pan makes it easier to move the setup in and out of the air fryer due to its low sides.

Finally, steam the dumplings for 8-10 minutes if they are thawed, or 10-12 minutes if frozen. Remove the foil and take the bamboo steamer out of the air fryer. Serve immediately.

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