Air Fryer Dumplings: How Long To Cook Them?

Cooking dumplings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve the perfect crispy texture without the mess of oil splatter. This guide will teach you how to make delicious dumplings in your air fryer in just a few simple steps.

Dumpling types: potstickers, gyoza, wontons, suet dumplings

Potstickers

Potstickers are a type of dumpling that is steamed and fried, resulting in a soft interior and crispy exterior. They are made with a slightly thinner wrapper compared to other dumplings, and the dough can sometimes be translucent.

To cook frozen potstickers in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the potstickers in a single layer, ensuring they are not stacked, and spray with oil. Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip and add more oil if needed. Cook for an additional 4-6 minutes until golden brown.

Gyoza

Gyoza are Japanese-style dumplings typically made with thinner pieces of dough. They are usually smaller and more delicate than potstickers, with finely chopped fillings.

To cook frozen gyoza in an air fryer, place them in the air fryer basket and spray generously with oil. Air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes. If you desire a crispier texture, shake the basket and continue air frying for an additional 2 minutes.

Wontons

Wontons are dumplings that are typically cooked by boiling or deep-frying. They are made with eggs instead of flour and water.

To cook frozen wontons in an air fryer, follow the same instructions as for gyoza. Place them in the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes. For crispier wontons, air fry for an additional 2 minutes after shaking the basket.

Suet Dumplings

Suet dumplings, also known as British or English dumplings, are often served with stews or casseroles. They are made with shredded suet, which gives them a wonderful beef flavour. Other ingredients include self-raising flour, grated cheddar cheese, dried parsley, and dried thyme.

To cook suet dumplings in an air fryer, mix the ingredients with lukewarm water to form a dough. Separate the dough into equal portions and roll them into balls. Place the dumplings in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 360 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius. Air fry for 10 minutes until ready to serve with your stew.

General Tips for Air Frying Dumplings:

• Do not thaw frozen dumplings before air frying.
• Ensure dumplings are in a single layer with space between them to allow hot air circulation.
• Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the dumplings and the model of your air fryer.
• For a dipping sauce, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds.

Oil: use a spray to prevent sticking

To prevent dumplings from sticking to the air fryer basket, it is recommended to lightly coat the basket with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of oil before placing the dumplings inside. This creates a non-stick surface and makes it easier to remove the dumplings once they are cooked.

When using oil, it is best to opt for a neutral type of oil, such as vegetable oil, but olive oil will also work. You can also use a cooking spray or oil spray. The additional light spray of oil helps to ensure that the dumplings get crispy without burning and drying out. Make sure to spray and completely coat the dumplings with oil so that the wrapper gets crispy rather than dry and hard.

If you don't use oil spray on the dumplings, they will likely cook dry and hard, and the wrappers will be tough and white. The oil spray helps to ensure the outside of the dumplings stays nice and crispy golden, while the inside is cooked perfectly.

Some sources recommend preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes before placing the dumplings inside. However, others suggest preheating to a lower temperature of 350°F (180°C).

Once you have prepared your air fryer with oil or cooking spray, arrange the dumplings in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even cooking.

Temperature: 375°F (190°C) or 380°F/193°C

Cooking dumplings in an air fryer is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before you start cooking your dumplings, it is important to preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature of 375°F (190°C). Preheating usually takes around 3-5 minutes, but this may vary depending on your air fryer model.

Step 2: Arrange the Dumplings

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your dumplings. You can use either homemade or store-bought dumplings. If using frozen dumplings, it is recommended to thaw them before cooking. Arrange the dumplings in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other, to promote even cooking and prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cook the Dumplings

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the dumplings. The cooking time can vary depending on the size and type of dumplings. For fresh dumplings, the average cooking time is around 10–12 minutes at 375°F (190°C). However, it is important to monitor the dumplings closely and adjust the cooking time as needed.

If you prefer a crispier texture, you can increase the temperature to 380°F/193°C and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes. This higher temperature will give your dumplings a crunchier exterior without drying out the filling.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

To ensure your dumplings are thoroughly cooked, it is important to check for doneness before serving. Cut open one dumpling and make sure the filling is hot and cooked through, and the wrapper is crispy and golden brown. If further cooking is needed, return the dumplings to the air fryer for an additional 1–2 minutes.

Some additional tips for cooking dumplings in an air fryer:

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Brush the dumplings with a little oil for a crispier texture.
• Experiment with different flavours and seasonings to enhance the taste.
• Use parchment paper or a non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Timing: 8-10 minutes, or 10 minutes for suet dumplings

The timing for cooking dumplings in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the type of dumplings, the size and thickness, and the temperature setting of your air fryer.

For Frozen Dumplings:

If you are cooking frozen dumplings in your air fryer, the cooking time will typically be longer than for fresh dumplings. It is recommended to cook frozen dumplings at around 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. However, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or the recipe you are following for the recommended cooking time.

For Fresh or Thawed Dumplings:

Fresh or thawed dumplings will generally require a shorter cooking time than frozen dumplings. At a temperature of 350°F (180°C), fresh or thawed dumplings should be cooked for 4-5 minutes. However, it is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the dumplings.

For Suet Dumplings:

Suet dumplings, a type of British dumpling made with shredded suet, take a bit longer to cook in the air fryer. At a temperature of 180°C/360°F, suet dumplings should be cooked for 10 minutes. If you plan to add the suet dumplings to a stew to finish cooking, you can air fry them for 8 minutes and then let them finish off in the stew.

Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Dumplings:

• Preheat your air fryer before adding the dumplings. This helps ensure even cooking and crispy results.
• Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a light coating of oil to prevent the dumplings from sticking.
• Arrange the dumplings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding for even cooking.
• Flip the dumplings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispness.
• Check the dumplings after the recommended cooking time and continue cooking for a few more minutes if they are not yet golden brown and crispy.

Frozen: cook straight from frozen

If you're cooking frozen dumplings in an air fryer, you don't need to thaw them first. Simply place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with a bit of space between each dumpling. You can use any type of frozen dumplings, including potstickers, gyoza, wontons, mandu, and vegetarian, chicken, or pork dumplings.

Next, you'll want to add some oil. You can brush or spray the dumplings with a thin coat of oil, or even just use your hands to rub the oil on—just make sure they're coated thoroughly. Some recipes also suggest adding a bit of water to the base of the air fryer to help the dumplings steam.

Now you're ready to air fry! The cooking time and temperature will depend on your air fryer and the size of your dumplings, but most recipes suggest cooking frozen dumplings for around 8-15 minutes at 350-400°F (180-200°C). For crispier dumplings, you can cook them for a little longer. It's also a good idea to flip the dumplings halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

And that's it! You can serve your dumplings with a dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions