Air-Fried Dumplings: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Making dumplings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve crispy, golden dumplings without the need for a lot of oil. You can use frozen dumplings, or make your own from scratch, and cook them in batches to ensure they are evenly cooked. The key to getting crispy dumplings is to spray them with oil before cooking. You can use any type of oil, from olive oil to vegetable oil, and even cooking spray.

Oil the dumplings

Oil is an essential ingredient when making dumplings in an air fryer, as it helps to ensure the wrappers are crispy, rather than dried out, tough, and white. You can use a variety of oils, including vegetable, olive, canola, and sesame seed oil.

Before cooking your dumplings, you should preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes. Then, lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place your dumplings in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap, as this will allow the hot air to cook between them. You can then spray or brush the dumplings with a light coating of oil.

Once your dumplings are cooked, you can serve them with a dipping sauce. A popular choice is a combination of soy sauce and sesame seed oil, but you can also try something with a little chili garlic sauce or chili crisp for a spicier option.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket

When making dumplings in an air fryer, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Here are some reasons why:

Firstly, air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around it. Overcrowding the basket will restrict airflow, preventing the dumplings from cooking evenly and achieving the desired crispiness. Cooking in batches will ensure better airflow and faster, more effective cooking.

Secondly, dumplings should be cooked in a single layer in the basket. Stacking them will cause them to stick together, and they will not cook evenly. Cooking just enough dumplings to fill the basket in a single layer will ensure they cook properly. If you need to cook more, simply cook in batches.

Finally, overcrowding the basket can lead to steaming instead of crisping. This is because there is not enough space for the hot air to circulate and do its job. This is especially important when cooking dumplings, as you want them to have a crispy texture.

Cook in batches

When making dumplings in an air fryer, it's important to remember that you should cook them in batches. This is because air fryers cook food by producing and circulating hot air, so the dumplings need space to cook properly. If you try to cook too many dumplings at once, they will end up sticking together and won't cook evenly.

To cook in batches, start by placing a single layer of frozen dumplings in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping and have space in between. Then, spray the dumplings with oil to get those wrappers nice and crispy. This will also help to keep them moist. You can use a light spray of vegetable, olive, canola, or any other neutral oil.

Air fry the dumplings for 6-8 minutes at 380°F/193°C. Check on them after the first 6 minutes to make sure they don't burn. Some air fryers cook hotter than others, so you may need to adjust the timing.

After the first cook, flip the dumplings over and spray them with more oil if needed. Then, air fry for another 2-6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked to your desired doneness.

If you are cooking multiple batches, the following batches may cook quicker since the air fryer is already hot. You can always add a few more minutes if needed, depending on the size of your dumplings and your air fryer model.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the dumpling-making process. It's recommended that you preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 380°F (or 180°C) for 4 to 5 minutes. This will ensure your dumplings cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

Once preheated, remove the air fryer basket and lightly brush or spray it with a neutral oil, such as vegetable or olive oil. This step will help ensure your dumplings don't stick to the basket and will also contribute to that crispy texture.

After coating the basket with oil, it's time to arrange your dumplings. Place them in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap, as this will affect how evenly they cook. Leave some space between each dumpling to allow for proper air circulation.

If you're cooking for a crowd or making a large batch, you'll need to cook the dumplings in batches. Don't stack them in the air fryer, as this will result in uneven cooking. Just be patient and cook them in smaller batches to ensure perfect dumplings every time!

Use frozen dumplings

Using frozen dumplings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty snack or meal. It is also a healthier alternative to pan-frying, as it requires little to no oil, and there is no oil splatter to deal with.

To make frozen dumplings in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to between 320°F and 400°F. Place the frozen dumplings in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one so that the hot air can circulate. You can cook as many dumplings as you like, but be careful not to overcrowd the basket.

Next, spray the dumplings with oil. You can use an oil spray, or simply pour a teaspoon of neutral oil into your palm and rub the dumplings with your hands to ensure they are coated. This step is important, as it will ensure your dumplings don't dry out and will help them to crisp up.

Now, it's time to air fry the dumplings. The cooking time will depend on the size of your dumplings and your air fryer model, but generally, they will take around 8-15 minutes to cook. For crispier dumplings, you may want to air fry for a couple of minutes longer. You may also need to shake the basket or flip the dumplings halfway through the cooking time.

Finally, remove the dumplings from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. You can serve them as they are, or with a dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions