Air-Fryer Dumplings: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making dumplings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this bite-sized treat without the guilt of using too much oil. Dumplings made in an air fryer are crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. The cooking time depends on the size, thickness, filling, and wrapper of the dumpling, as well as the intensity of the air fryer. On average, dumplings take about 10 to 14 minutes to cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to make crispy dumplings in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Dumpling wrappers
• Oil (canola, olive, or vegetable oil)
• Filling of your choice (e.g., ground pork, chicken, or fish)
• Salt
• White pepper

Method

• Prepare your filling by mixing your chosen ingredients in a bowl. For example, combine ground pork with salt and white pepper.
• Place a small amount of the filling (around 2 tsp) onto each dumpling wrapper.
• Seal the dumpling by wetting the edges and pressing them together. You can shape them into triangles or try a more complex pleated fan shape.
• Lightly brush the dumplings with oil. This will help achieve that crispy texture.
• Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 180-200°C.
• Place the dumplings into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
• Set the timer for 7-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of crispiness.
• Once the dumplings are golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or a combination of grated ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and lemon juice.

Tips:

• If you are cooking frozen dumplings, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply increase the cooking time as needed.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Always preheat your air fryer for best results.
• Do a test run with a single dumpling to determine the optimal temperature and timing for your air fryer.

The best oil to use for dumplings in an air fryer

When making dumplings in an air fryer, you can use a variety of oils to achieve the perfect crispy texture. Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing the best oil:

Type of Oil

A neutral oil with a high smoke point is recommended for air-frying dumplings. Avocado oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, and vegetable oil are all great choices. These oils have a mild flavour and can withstand the high temperatures of air frying without smoking or burning. If you want to add a subtle olive oil flavour to your dumplings, you can use it, but keep in mind that it has a lower smoke point.

Amount of Oil

When it comes to the amount of oil, a light coating or brushing is all you need. Using too much oil can make your dumplings greasy. You can brush the dumplings with oil before placing them in the air fryer, or you can spray them with oil using an oil mister or spray. This ensures an even and light coating.

Oil Temperature

Preheating your air fryer is crucial to achieving the perfect dumplings. Set your air fryer to around 350°F (180°C) and preheat it for about 5 minutes. This ensures that your dumplings cook evenly and efficiently.

Cooking Time and Technique

After brushing or spraying your dumplings with oil, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space for air to circulate. Avoid stacking them. Cook the dumplings for 2-4 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your dumplings and your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

Dipping Sauces

Air-fried dumplings go well with a variety of dipping sauces. You can serve them with sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, or even a special garlic chilli oil. Get creative and experiment with different sauces to find your favourite combination!

Dumpling fillings

When it comes to dumpling fillings, there are a variety of options to choose from, each with its unique flavour and taste. Here are some detailed instructions and ideas for creating delicious dumpling fillings for your air fryer dumplings:

Meat and Poultry Fillings:

• Ground Pork: This is a versatile option that can be used as a base for your filling. Simply season the ground pork with salt and white pepper to taste. You can also add other ingredients like chopped scallions, ginger, or garlic to enhance the flavour.
• Chicken: If you prefer a leaner option, ground chicken makes a great alternative to pork. You can season it similarly to the pork filling and even add some soy sauce or sesame oil for extra depth of flavour.
• Beef: For a heartier filling, try using ground beef or minced beef. Season it with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices, such as cumin or paprika. You can also add finely chopped onions or garlic to boost the flavour.

Seafood Fillings:

• Shrimp: Shrimp is a popular choice for dumplings, especially in Asian cuisines. Chopped or minced shrimp can be used as a filling, and you can add ingredients like scallions, ginger, and sesame oil to create a delicious seafood dumpling.
• Fish: For a lighter option, consider using fish as your filling. White fish, such as cod or halibut, can be flavoured with lemon juice, black pepper, and herbs like parsley or dill. You can also experiment with smoked fish for a more intense flavour.

Vegetable Fillings:

• Cabbage and Mushroom: For a vegetarian option, finely chop cabbage and mushrooms and mix them together. You can also add carrots, scallions, and garlic to this mixture. Season it with soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger for an umami-rich filling.
• Tofu and Vegetable: Crumbled tofu can be combined with finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots. Add some soy sauce, garlic, and chilli flakes for a spicy kick.

Remember, the key to a delicious dumpling filling is to ensure that the ingredients are finely chopped or minced so that they cook evenly and hold together well. You can also experiment with different combinations of ingredients and spices to create your own unique dumpling fillings!

How to fold dumplings

Folding dumplings can be an art form, but there are simple techniques to follow for homemade dumplings. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fold dumplings:

Firstly, prepare your dumpling filling and wrappers. If using store-bought wrappers, you will need to moisten the edges with water to seal them. If using homemade wrappers, they should have enough moisture to seal without the need for water, unless they have been dusted with lots of flour.

The simplest fold is the half-moon fold. Place your filling in the middle of the wrapper, fold over, and seal. If you want your dumplings to sit upright, press the bottom onto a flat surface to form a flat "seat".

For a more advanced fold, try the two-pleat. Fold the wrapper in half, pinching it together at the top. Take the side of the wrapper furthest from you and fold it in towards the middle, then do the same on the other side. Finally, press and seal to ensure it is airtight.

If you want to try something a little more challenging, the one-directional pleat is a great option. Start by pinching the wrapper together at one of the bottom corners, then pleat the side of the wrapper furthest from you towards the sealed corner. Continue pleating in that direction until you reach the other end, then seal the dumpling completely, adding water if necessary.

Finally, the bi-directional pleat is similar to the one-directional pleat but with a more elegant finish. Start by folding the dumpling in half and pinching the wrapper together at the top. Then, make two pleats on each side of the dumpling, starting with the inside (closest to the middle) and working your way out. Make sure all seams are sealed, adding water if necessary.

How long to cook dumplings in an air fryer

Air-fried dumplings are a convenient and tasty treat, but how long do they need in the air fryer? Well, that depends on a few factors.

Firstly, are your dumplings fresh or frozen? Frozen dumplings will need a little longer in the air fryer, and you should not thaw them before cooking. You can cook them straight from frozen. Secondly, the size of your dumplings will impact the cooking time. Smaller dumplings will be quicker, and larger dumplings may need a few minutes extra.

For frozen dumplings, the cooking time is around 8 to 14 minutes. For fresh dumplings, the cooking time is slightly less, at 6 to 10 minutes. It is important to note that you should not preheat the air fryer before adding fresh dumplings. However, for frozen dumplings, you should preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit.

Regardless of whether your dumplings are fresh or frozen, you should cook them at 200 degrees Celsius or 375 degrees Fahrenheit. You can cook them for a shorter time if you prefer them less crispy, or leave them in a little longer for extra crunch. It is worth noting that the dumplings will continue to cook a little once you have removed them from the air fryer, so bear this in mind when timing your batch.

Finally, remember to leave a little space between each dumpling in the air fryer basket. They should not be stacked, but they can touch.

Frequently asked questions