Air-Fried Bao Buns: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Bao buns are a popular Chinese dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including steaming, pan-frying, baking, and even air frying. While traditional steaming is a common method, using an air fryer can give the buns a unique calzone-like consistency. This paragraph will discuss the process of making bao buns in an air fryer, offering a convenient and tasty alternative to traditional cooking methods.

Filling options: hoisin duck, teriyaki chicken

Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (1 lb)
• 2 eggs
• Cornstarch
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Soy sauce (½ cup)
• Grated ginger (1 tablespoon)
• Minced garlic cloves (2)
• Rice wine vinegar (1 tablespoon)
• Sesame oil (2 teaspoons)
• Brown sugar (4 tablespoons)
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Method:

• Cut the chicken into small cubes. Remove excess moisture by patting them with a paper towel until they feel dry.
• Place the cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs in a bowl, mix, and set aside.
• Beat the eggs in a small bowl. Dip the chicken into the eggs, then drop them into the panko mixture, ensuring the chicken is coated on all sides.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Spray the air fryer insert with a non-stick cooking spray and place the chicken inside. Do not overcrowd the insert; cook in batches if necessary.
• Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through. When done, remove the chicken from the air fryer and set it on a metal rack for several minutes.
• While the chicken is cooking, prepare the teriyaki sauce. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch to a medium saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until the mixture boils.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer until thickened (about 3 to 5 minutes). Then, remove from the heat and let it cool for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Place the cooked chicken in a large bowl and pour the sauce over it, tossing to combine.
• Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Hoisin Duck

Ingredients:

• Whole duck (3-4 lbs)
• Honey
• Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon)
• Salt and pepper
• Orange
• Apple
• Garlic cloves

Method:

• Defrost the duck in the fridge for a couple of days, uncovered, to dry out the skin.
• Score a diamond pattern on the duck breast. Be careful only to cut the skin, not the meat.
• Stuff the duck cavity with quartered orange, garlic, and apple.
• Season the duck with salt and pepper all over. Secure the legs with foil.
• Place the duck in the air fryer basket, breast side up. Fold the wings under the duck.
• Cook for 25 minutes at 300°F. Drain the fat from the bottom of the air fryer basket.
• Poke the skin with toothpicks. Mix honey and hoisin sauce together. Brush the duck with this mixture.
• Cook for another 20 minutes. Drain the fat again.
• Change the temperature to 375°F and cook for another 5-10 minutes to crisp the skin. Open the basket a couple of times to ensure the duck is not burning.
• Check the temperature with a meat thermometer. The USDA recommends a safe internal temperature of 165°F for duck.
• Allow the duck to rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to ensure maximum juiciness.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making bao buns in an air fryer can vary depending on the desired level of browning and crispiness, as well as the specific model of the air fryer. Here is a detailed guide:

When cooking frozen bao buns, it is not necessary to preheat the air fryer. Simply set the temperature to 180°C or 360°F and cook for 8 minutes for perfectly steamed buns. If you prefer your bao buns golden and crispier, extend the cooking time to 18 minutes at the same temperature. Remember to check and flip the buns at the 12-minute mark to ensure even cooking.

For cooking fresh, homemade bao buns, preheating the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) is recommended. Place the buns in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each bun, and cook for about 10-12 minutes. This will result in a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your air fryer. If you are unsure, it is advisable to start with a shorter cooking time and then add more time as needed. Additionally, different fillings and brands of bao buns may have slightly different cooking requirements, so be sure to refer to specific instructions if available.

To achieve a crispier texture, you can lightly brush or spray some oil on the surface of the buns before cooking. This will enhance the crispiness, especially if you are aiming for a golden and crispy exterior.

How to get a crispy texture

To get a crispy texture when making bao buns in an air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, make sure your air fryer is not overcrowded. Place the bao buns in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is adequate space between each bun for even cooking. This is important because proper air circulation is necessary to achieve the desired crispiness.

Before cooking, lightly brush or spray some oil on the surface of the bao buns. This step will enhance the crispiness of the buns. Additionally, you can coat the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray or brush a thin layer of oil onto it. This creates a barrier that prevents sticking and ensures the buns slide off easily.

When it comes to cooking time, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 350°F (175°C). Then, cook your bao buns for about 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to start with a shorter cooking time and adjust as needed.

For a tender wrapper and crispy bottom, you can also try using a non-stick pan on the stovetop. Add about 3 tablespoons of oil to the pan, making sure to coat the bottom evenly. Place the bao buns in the pan with some space between them, and add enough water to fully cover the bottom of the pan. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes over medium heat. Remove the lid and let the remaining water evaporate, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Take out the bao buns when the bottoms are golden and crispy, and enjoy!

Reheating in an air fryer

If you have leftover bao buns, you can easily reheat them in your air fryer to revive their texture. Preheat your air fryer to around 300°F (some sources suggest 350°F). Place the bao buns in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not stacked and have enough space to heat evenly. Reheat for approximately 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

You can also reheat frozen bao buns in the air fryer. Simply place them in the air fryer basket without preheating it first. Set the temperature to 300°F and the timer to 18 minutes. Check and flip the buns at the 12-minute mark. The internal temperature of the buns should reach around 170°F.

If you're short on time, you can also use a microwave to reheat your bao buns. Place the frozen bao buns on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat for 45-90 seconds, checking periodically to prevent overcooking. The internal temperature should also reach around 170°F.

For the best taste and texture, pan-frying or steaming your bao buns is recommended. However, the air fryer is a convenient alternative that can deliver tasty results, giving your bao buns a calzone-like consistency.

Storing cooked bao buns

Refrigerating Bao Buns:

If you plan to consume the bao buns within a few days, refrigeration is the best option. Here's what you need to do:

• Allow the cooked bao buns to cool completely. This step is crucial to prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the buns soggy.
• Individually wrap each bao bun in plastic wrap or place them in a resealable plastic bag. This helps prevent the buns from drying out or absorbing odours from other foods in the refrigerator.
• Place the wrapped bao buns in the refrigerator, preferably on a shelf where they won't be disturbed or crushed by other items.
• Consume the refrigerated bao buns within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and texture.

Freezing Bao Buns:

Freezing is ideal if you want to store the bao buns for an extended period. Here's the process:

• Ensure the cooked bao buns are completely cooled before freezing to prevent the formation of ice crystals, which can affect their texture.
• Arrange the cooled bao buns in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate, ensuring they don't touch or overlap. This step prevents them from sticking together during freezing.
• Place the sheet or plate with the bao buns in the freezer for about 30 minutes to flash freeze them. This technique allows you to easily remove and separate the buns later.
• Transfer the flash-frozen bao buns to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it tightly. Alternatively, wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a container.
• Label the container or bag with the date of freezing. Bao buns can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• When you're ready to enjoy the frozen bao buns, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them using one of the methods described in the next section.

Reheating Bao Buns:

To restore the soft and fluffy texture of stored bao buns, follow one of these reheating methods:

• Steam the bao buns: Use a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Place the bao buns inside, leaving some space between them. Steam for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Moisten a paper towel, wring out the excess water, and wrap it around the bao buns. Microwave for 20-30 seconds or until heated. Alternatively, use a microwave-safe plate, cover the bao buns with a damp paper towel, and heat for 45-90 seconds, checking periodically to prevent overcooking.
• Pan or oven method: Heat a small amount of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat or preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bao buns in the pan or on a baking sheet and cook for a few minutes until heated through, flipping them halfway through if using a pan.

Always monitor the reheating process to prevent overcooking or drying out the bao buns.

Storing Leftover Bao Buns:

If you have leftover bao buns after reheating, you can store them for another day:

• Allow the reheated bao buns to cool down to room temperature before storing.
• Individually wrap the cooled bao buns in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
• Refrigerate the wrapped bao buns for up to 2-3 days.
• When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the leftover bao buns using one of the methods described above.

Remember to check the quality of stored bao buns before consuming. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as mould or an off smell, discard them for food safety reasons.

Frequently asked questions