Air-Fryer Magic: Frozen Dumplings, Quick And Crispy

Cooking frozen dumplings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy dumplings without the mess of oil splatter. Dumplings can be cooked from frozen in under 15 minutes, and you can use different types of dumplings, such as potstickers, gyozas, and wontons. The key to getting crispy dumplings is to coat them in oil before placing them in the air fryer.

Dumpling types: potstickers, gyoza, wontons

Dumpling Types: Potstickers, Gyoza, and Wontons

Dumplings are a broad term for pieces of dough filled with meat or vegetables. They are a versatile food, able to be fried, boiled, or baked, and are found in many cultures. Here is a closer look at three types of dumplings: potstickers, gyoza, and wontons.

Potstickers

Potstickers are a type of Chinese dumpling called "guo tie". They are ""steam-fried" to make the bottom layer brown and crispy while keeping the insides juicy. They are made with a thin wrapper, which can be almost translucent. If you boil or steam potstickers, they are called "suijiao" and "zhengjiao", respectively.

Gyoza

Gyoza is the Japanese version of potstickers. They have a more consistent shape—long and thin—and a much thinner outer skin. They are typically made with ground pork, garlic, and green onions, fried crisp on the bottom, and steamed on top. The boiled version of gyoza is called "sui-gyoza".

Wontons

Wontons are another variety of Chinese dumplings, usually served in a broth. They use a different type of dough than potstickers and are shaped more like balls. The shrimp wontons commonly found in Hong Kong-style cuisine are served in soup.

Cooking Dumplings

When cooking dumplings in an air fryer, it is recommended to coat them in oil to get a nice crispy texture. Dumplings should be placed in a single layer, not stacked, to ensure even cooking. The ideal temperature seems to be around 375°F, with a cooking time of 8–10 minutes.

Dumpling fillings: meat, tofu, vegetables, fruit

Dumpling fillings: meat, tofu, vegetables, and fruit

Dumplings are a versatile dish that can be filled with various ingredients, including meat, tofu, vegetables, and even fruit. Here are some ideas for dumpling fillings and some tips on how to prepare and cook them:

Meat fillings

Meat, such as beef or pork, is a popular filling for dumplings. When using meat, it's important to ensure that the filling is juicy and not dry. One way to achieve this is by blending liquid into the ground meat. For example, you can use chicken or beef stock, or ginger and green onion-infused water. You can also add vegetables to your meat filling, such as carrots, corn, or peas, to add more flavour and texture.

Tofu fillings

For a vegetarian or vegan option, tofu is an excellent choice for dumpling fillings. Crumbled tofu can be cooked with seasonings such as sesame seeds, garlic, and green onion to create a tasty and easy filling. You can also add other vegetables, like mushrooms or carrots, to tofu fillings for extra flavour and texture.

Vegetable fillings

Vegetable dumplings can be incredibly delicious and satisfying. You can use a variety of vegetables, such as shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, and Chinese chives. It's important to cook the vegetables until they are tender and any liquid has cooked off before using them as a filling. Vegetable dumplings can be steamed, pan-fried, or boiled, depending on your preference.

Fruit fillings

Fruit dumplings are often served as a dessert rather than a main course. Baked fruit dumplings can be made with apples, pears, blueberries, or raisins and are typically served with vanilla ice cream. The fruit is wrapped in a dough made from flour, baking powder, butter, and milk, then baked in the oven until crisp and browned.

Oil types: EVO, vegetable, olive, neutral

When cooking frozen dumplings in an air fryer, it is important to consider the type of oil you use. Different oils have different properties and are suited to different cooking methods. Here is some information about four types of oil: EVO, vegetable, olive, and neutral.

EVO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

EVO oil is the acronym for extra virgin olive oil. It is the highest-quality olive oil product, obtained by cold-pressing olives without using any solvents or refining methods. EVO oil has a distinct olive taste and is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as tocopherols, carotenoids, and polyphenols. It has a smoke point of around 400°F (205°C), making it suitable for frying. EVO oil is also known for its health benefits, including heart health and cognitive function improvement.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a blend of oils from different plant sources, such as sunflower, corn, canola, soy, and safflower. It undergoes a lot of processing to create a neutral-tasting product, which removes many of the healthy micronutrients and plant compounds. Vegetable oil has a similar smoke point to EVO oil and is suitable for cooking practices like sautéing, frying, and making sauces. However, it is high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats, which can be pro-inflammatory and harmful to heart health if consumed in excess.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is made from pressed olives, and the extra virgin version is the least processed type. It retains more beneficial compounds, such as vitamins E and K, and has a distinct olive taste. Olive oil is suitable for cooking, with a smoke point of around 400°F (205°C), and is known for its heart health benefits due to its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids.

Neutral Oil

Neutral oils are often used for high-heat cooking methods like stir-frying and deep-frying. They have a neutral flavour and a high smoke point, typically above 400°F (205°C). Examples of neutral oils include avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and peanut oil. These oils are less likely to affect the flavour of your food and can be used for cooking at higher temperatures without breaking down.

When cooking frozen dumplings in an air fryer, it is recommended to use an oil spray to ensure even coating and help the dumplings crisp up. The type of oil you choose will depend on your personal preference, the desired flavour, and the health benefits you are looking for.

Air fryer temperature: 350-400°F

Air frying frozen dumplings is a quick and easy way to get a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect dumplings at 350-400°F:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. The ideal temperature for cooking frozen dumplings is around 375°F, but anywhere between 350-400°F will work. Preheating ensures an even cook and shortens the overall cooking time.

Step 2: Prepare the Dumplings

Place the frozen dumplings in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are in a single layer with space between each dumpling for the air to circulate. The dumplings should not be stacked or touching. You can cook as many dumplings as can fit in a single layer. If you have more dumplings, cook them in batches.

Step 3: Oil the Dumplings

Brush or spray the dumplings with a thin coat of oil on all sides. This step is crucial, as it helps the dumplings achieve a crispy texture. You can use a pastry brush, your hands, or an oil spray. A neutral oil, like vegetable or canola oil, is best, but olive oil will also work.

Step 4: Add Water (Optional)

Adding a bit of water to the air fryer can make a big difference in the final result. Using your fingers, sprinkle the dumplings with water, or pour it into the base of the air fryer basket. This step is optional but can help prevent the dumplings from drying out.

Step 5: Air Fry the Dumplings

Air fry the dumplings at 350-400°F for 10-14 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size and number of dumplings. For a smaller batch, air fry for closer to 10 minutes, and for a larger batch, go for the longer end of the range. There is no need to preheat the air fryer before adding the dumplings.

Step 6: Flip and Cook

You likely won't need to flip the dumplings during cooking, but you can do so halfway through if you wish. The dumplings are ready when they have a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the dumplings from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips:

• Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your dumplings, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• For a crispier dumpling, aim for a higher temperature and a slightly longer cook time.
• There is no need to thaw frozen dumplings before cooking.
• To reheat leftovers, air fry for 2 minutes at 350°F.

Cooking time: 8-14 minutes

Cooking Frozen Dumplings in an Air Fryer:

The cooking time for frozen dumplings in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the dumplings and the model of the air fryer. However, on average, it takes around 8-14 minutes to cook frozen dumplings in an air fryer.

Preparation:

Before cooking, it is important to note that you should not thaw or defrost the frozen dumplings. They should be cooked straight from the freezer. Additionally, ensure that you have an oil spray or a small amount of vegetable or olive oil to brush or spray onto the dumplings and the air fryer basket.

Cooking Steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 350-380°F (180-193°C). The ideal temperature seems to be around 375°F, as 400°F may be too high and cause the dumplings to brown too quickly, while 350°F may not be hot enough. Preheat for about 4-5 minutes.
• Place the frozen dumplings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch or stack, as this will affect even cooking. Leave about ½ inch of space between each dumpling to allow hot air to circulate.
• Spray or brush the dumplings generously with oil, ensuring all sides are coated. This step is crucial, as it ensures the dumplings get crispy and golden, rather than dry and hard.
• Air fry the dumplings for 8 minutes at 375°F. If using a higher temperature of 380°F, you may need to reduce the cooking time to 6-8 minutes to avoid burning.
• Shake the basket and continue air frying for an additional 2-6 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. For a crispier texture, air fry for closer to 6 minutes.
• Flip the dumplings over and air fry for another 2-6 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden on the outside.
• Check the internal temperature of the dumplings with an instant-read thermometer. For pork and beef dumplings, the internal temperature should be about 145°F, while for chicken dumplings, it should be 165°F.
• If desired, add another 2 minutes of cooking time for extra crispiness, and then serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand of dumplings and your specific air fryer model. Therefore, it is recommended to start with shorter cooking times and adjust as needed.
• If cooking a large batch of dumplings, you may need to cook them in multiple batches to ensure even cooking.
• To make a simple dipping sauce, combine soy sauce, water, maple syrup, garlic powder, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy frozen dumplings, cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

Frequently asked questions