Air Fryer Frozen Dumplings: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking frozen dumplings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy dumplings without the mess of oil splatter. The cooking time varies depending on the size of your dumplings and the model of your air fryer, but generally, dumplings will be cooked within 10-15 minutes. Dumplings should be cooked in a single layer to ensure even cooking, and it is recommended to use frozen dumplings straight from the freezer for the best results.

Dumpling types: potstickers, gyoza, wontons

Potstickers

Potstickers are a type of dumpling with a slightly thinner wrapper, which can sometimes be translucent. They can be cooked in an air fryer at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 9 to 11 minutes. It is important to flip them halfway through cooking and spray them with oil to prevent them from drying out.

Gyoza

Gyoza are Japanese dumplings that are typically smaller and more delicate than potstickers, with more finely chopped fillings. They can be cooked in an air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes, then flipped and cooked for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.

Wontons

Wontons are typically cooked in a steamer or deep fryer, but they can also be made in an air fryer. Cook frozen wontons in a single layer in the air fryer basket at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes.

General Tips for Air Frying Dumplings

When air frying dumplings, it is important to:

• Use a single layer of dumplings, without stacking them.
• Coat the dumplings with oil to prevent them from drying out.
• Add water to the air fryer to create steam and ensure the dumplings are tender and juicy.

Oil spray for crispness

To get the best results when air-frying frozen dumplings, it's important to coat them in oil. This helps the dumplings to crisp up and ensures they don't dry out. You can use a variety of oils, such as avocado, olive, canola, sunflower, or vegetable oil.

How to Apply the Oil

The best way to apply the oil is to use an oil spray. This ensures an even coating and helps to prevent the dumplings from sticking to the air fryer basket. If you don't have an oil spray, you can brush the oil onto the dumplings, but make sure to get all sides.

Tips for Crispy Dumplings

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the dumplings in a single layer, leaving some space between each dumpling so that the hot air can circulate.
• Flip the dumplings halfway through cooking and apply more oil if needed.
• The type of dumpling wrapper can affect the crispness. Dumpling wrappers that are thinner and already have some oil on them tend to crisp up better in the air fryer.
• Experiment with different oils and oil sprays to find the one that gives you the best results.
• Some people recommend preheating the air fryer, while others say it's not necessary. Get to know your air fryer and adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed.

Final Thoughts

Air-frying frozen dumplings is a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy dumplings without the mess of oil splatter. By using an oil spray and following the tips above, you can achieve delicious, crispy dumplings every time.

No need to defrost

There is no need to defrost dumplings before cooking them in an air fryer. In fact, one source recommends against it, as using freshly made dumplings in the air fryer with this recipe might overcook them.

Step 1:

Preheat your air fryer. Different sources recommend preheating to different temperatures, including 320°F, 356°F, 360°F, 370°F, and 400°F/200°C.

Step 2:

Place the frozen dumplings in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between each dumpling. They should not be stacked, but some sources say it is okay for them to touch.

Step 3:

Spray the dumplings with oil. This will help them to crisp up and ensure they do not dry out. You can also rub the dumplings with oil using your hands.

Step 4:

Some sources recommend adding a small amount of water to the base of the air fryer, or flicking water over the dumplings with your fingers. This will help to steam the dumplings and prevent them from drying out.

Step 5:

Air fry the dumplings. Different sources recommend different cooking times and temperatures. One source recommends cooking dumplings at 400°F/200°C for 10-14 minutes, depending on whether they are fresh or frozen, and their size. Another source recommends cooking dumplings at 360°F for a total of 13 minutes, turning them over halfway through. Other sources recommend cooking times of 8-10 minutes at temperatures of 375°F or 350°F.

Step 6:

Check that the dumplings are cooked. You can do this by measuring their internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer—they should be at 145°F for pork and beef, and 165°F for chicken. Alternatively, pierce a dumpling with a fork. If it is easy to pierce and steam comes out of the holes, they are ready to eat.

Step 7:

Serve the dumplings. They can be served with a dipping sauce, such as soy ginger sauce, sweet chilli sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, or chili garlic sauce.

Tips:

• Use frozen dumplings straight from the freezer.
• Use oil spray to prevent the dumplings from sticking and to help them crisp up and brown.
• Cook the dumplings in batches, in a single layer, to ensure they cook evenly.
• If you are using a new brand of dumplings, cook them in 5-minute increments to avoid overcooking.
• Turn the dumplings over halfway through cooking to ensure each side cooks properly.

Single layer for even cooking

Cooking dumplings in a single layer is important for ensuring they cook evenly and don't stick together. It also allows the hot air to circulate properly, which is key to the air fryer's functionality.

When cooking dumplings in an air fryer, it's best to cook them in batches. This means that you can ensure you are only cooking a single layer at a time. It also means that you can adjust the cooking time for each batch, as the air fryer will already be hot, so you won't need as much cooking time for the second batch.

It's also important to note that you should not stack the dumplings in the air fryer. This will cause them to stick together. It's better to be patient and cook just enough dumplings to fill your basket or rack.

If you are cooking a large number of dumplings, you can keep the cooked dumplings warm in an oven while you cook the rest in batches.

When cooking dumplings in a single layer, make sure to leave space between each dumpling. This will help to ensure they cook evenly and don't stick together. The exact amount of space will depend on the size of your dumplings and your air fryer, but a good rule of thumb is to leave about 1/2 inch (or a couple of centimetres) of space between each dumpling.

In addition to cooking in a single layer, it's important to spray the dumplings with oil before cooking. This will help them to crisp up and turn golden brown. It will also help to prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket. You can use a variety of oils, such as avocado, coconut, canola, vegetable, or olive oil.

Finally, when cooking dumplings in a single layer, it's important to keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn. All air fryers cook a little differently, so it's important to check your dumplings regularly, especially if you are cooking them for the first time.

Temperature and timings

The cooking time will depend on the size of your dumplings and the model of your air fryer. As a general guideline, cook the dumplings for 8 to 15 minutes. For smaller dumplings, 8 to 10 minutes should be sufficient. For larger dumplings, you may need the full 15 minutes or slightly longer.

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature.
• Place the frozen dumplings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space between each dumpling. Do not stack them.
• Spray the dumplings generously with oil, making sure to coat all sides. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
• Air fry the dumplings for 8 minutes at 375 °F.
• Shake the basket and continue air frying for an additional 2 minutes if you prefer crispier dumplings.
• Check the dumplings' internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked. The ideal temperature is 145 °F for pork and beef, and 165 °F for chicken.
• If you want them even crispier, add another 2 minutes to the cooking time.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Remember, cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on your dumplings to avoid overcooking or burning. Enjoy your delicious, crispy air-fried dumplings!

Frequently asked questions