Air Fryer Frozen Mandu: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Mandu, also known as dumplings, potstickers, gyoza, or wontons, are a delicious treat that can be cooked in an air fryer from frozen. This method is perfect for a quick and easy meal or snack, with no thawing required. The air fryer is a great option for those who want to avoid the mess and hassle of oil splatter from pan-frying. By using an air fryer, you can achieve crispy mandu without the fuss. Simply place the frozen mandu in the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and cook for 8-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. For an extra crispy texture, some recipes recommend adding a small amount of water to the air fryer to create a steaming effect. With this handy appliance, you can enjoy mandu that's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside in no time!

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking mandu in an air fryer vary depending on the desired texture and the size of the dumplings. It is recommended to cook frozen dumplings at 375°F for 8 minutes and then shake the basket and continue cooking for another 2 minutes for crispier mandu. However, some sources suggest cooking at 356°F for a total of 9-10 minutes, or even 15 minutes, is ideal.

For a quick snack, you can cook the dumplings at 375°F for 8 minutes, and then 2 minutes more after shaking the basket. This method is perfect for those who like their dumplings crispy. The high temperature and short cooking time help achieve a crunchy texture without drying out the dumplings.

If you prefer your mandu to be softer and less browned, a lower temperature of 356°F for 9-10 minutes is recommended. This method allows the dumplings to cook through without browning too quickly. The lower temperature also helps prevent the dumplings from drying out, resulting in a softer texture.

Additionally, some people prefer to cook their dumplings at an even lower temperature of 320°F for a longer duration of 15 minutes. This method ensures that the dumplings are cooked evenly throughout without the risk of burning. It is also suitable for dumplings with thicker dough, as the extended cooking time allows the heat to penetrate the dough properly.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the dumplings and the specific model of the air fryer. For larger dumplings, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they are cooked through.

Some people also prefer to add a small amount of water to the air fryer to create a steaming effect, which can help prevent the dumplings from drying out. However, others disagree with this method, as they believe it affects the crispiness of the dumplings.

Overall, the ideal temperature and time for cooking frozen mandu in an air fryer depend on personal preferences for texture and crispiness, as well as the size of the dumplings and the specific air fryer model.

Oil splatter

When cooking frozen mandu in an air fryer, there is no need to worry about oil splatter. This is because the dumplings are cooked in an enclosed space, so you don't have to deal with the mess and hassle of oil splattering like you would with pan-frying.

To cook frozen mandu in an air fryer, simply place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not stacked, to allow hot air to circulate. Spray the dumplings generously with oil, ensuring all sides are coated. You can use any cooking spray, but a more neutral-tasting oil like rapeseed or avocado oil will allow the flavours of the mandu to shine through.

After spraying with oil, air fry the frozen mandu for 8 minutes at 375°F (190°C). If you want the mandu to be crispier, shake the basket and continue air frying for an additional 2 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your mandu and your air fryer model.

By following this method, you can enjoy crispy and tender mandu without the hassle of oil splatter.

Dipping sauces

Mandu, or dumplings, are a delicious treat and can be cooked from frozen in an air fryer with minimal effort. The air fryer is a great way to get crispy dumplings without the mess and hassle of oil splatter.

Now, onto the dipping sauces! A great sauce can really elevate your dumplings, and there are plenty of options to try. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to accompany your air-fried mandu:

Korean Sweet Tangy Soy Dipping Sauce

This sauce is a great option to pair with mandu. It is commonly used as a dipping sauce for Korean pancakes (buchimgae and pa-jeon) and is very versatile. The slightly sweet and tangy flavour complements the oiliness of the dumplings. You can adjust the spiciness to your preference by adding Korean chilli flakes or green/red chilli.

Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil

A simple yet classic combination, mixing soy sauce with sesame oil creates a delicious dipping sauce for your mandu. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra special touch.

Korean Dipping Sauce

This sauce is perfect for those who like to pour sauce over their dumplings. It is versatile and can be customised to your taste preferences. It pairs well with steamed dumplings, pan-fried mandu, tofu, noodles, and rice. You can prepare a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Habanero Salsa

For those who like a kick, habanero salsa is a great choice to dip your pork mandu in. It adds a spicy and fresh twist to your dumplings.

There are plenty of options to experiment with, so get creative and find your favourite combinations!

Microwave first, then air fryer

Mandu are delicious Korean chicken dumplings, and cooking them from frozen in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them. While it is possible to cook them from frozen in an air fryer, you can also microwave them first and then finish them off in the air fryer for a crispy texture.

First, place the frozen mandu in the microwave and cook them according to the packet instructions. This will reduce the cooking time in the air fryer and ensure the filling is cooked through. Once they are cooked in the microwave, transfer them to the air fryer basket. Be sure to spread them out in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together and to allow for even cooking.

Next, lightly spray the dumplings with olive oil or avocado oil. This will help achieve a golden-brown and crispy texture on the outside. Be sure to coat them evenly but avoid using too much oil, as this can make them soggy. You can also add a tiny bit of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket so the mandu steam and crisp up simultaneously.

Finally, cook the dumplings at 375°F for about 5-10 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of your dumplings and your desired level of crispiness. Halfway through the cooking process, shake the basket or use tongs to flip the dumplings to ensure all sides are evenly crisped. The dumplings should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the filling should be fully cooked. You can check this by ensuring they are steaming hot in the middle or using a food thermometer to see if the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Serve the cooked mandu hot, accompanied by your chosen dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Dumpling types and brands

Mandu dumplings, which originate from Korea, can be boiled, steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried. They are often filled with ground pork or beef and served with a side of kimchi.

Gyoza dumplings, which were introduced to Japan during World War II, are also pan-fried potstickers. They are usually filled with pork or seafood and served with a side of soy sauce.

Guo tie dumplings, also known as pot stickers, are another type of pan-fried dough dumplings. They are typically filled with ground meat and vegetables and served with a side of soy sauce for dipping.

Wonton dumplings, which are commonly found in wonton soup, can also be served deep-fried in chili oil or in a clear broth. They are usually filled with ground pork and shrimp, whole shrimp, or shrimp paste.

Xiao Long Bao dumplings, which originate from Shanghai, are a type of soup dumpling with a thin, translucent wrapper filled with soup-filled pork.

Other types of dumplings include Tibetan momo, Japanese shumai, Chinese har gow, and Jewish matzo balls.

When it comes to brands, Costco offers Korean Bibigo chicken dumplings that are well-suited for the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions