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

If you're a fan of dumplings, you'll know that a crispy exterior and juicy interior are a match made in heaven. Using an air fryer is a great way to achieve that perfect texture. In this article, we'll guide you through the simple steps of frying dumplings in an air fryer, so you can enjoy this tasty treat in no time.

Choosing your dumplings

When it comes to choosing your dumplings, you have a variety of options. You can opt for homemade or store-bought, fresh, or frozen dumplings. The type of dumpling you select will depend on your personal preference and the amount of time you want to spend preparing them. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your dumplings:

• Type of Dumpling: Different types of dumplings include potstickers, gyozas, wontons, and suet dumplings. Potstickers are both steamed and fried, giving them a crispy texture. Gyozas are similar to potstickers but are the Japanese version, often made with thinner dough. Wontons are also dumplings that can be cooked in an air fryer. Suet dumplings, also known as British or English dumplings, are made with shredded suet and are commonly served with stew.
• Fillings: Dumplings come with a variety of fillings, including vegetables, meat such as pork, chicken, beef, or shrimp, seafood, and tofu. You can choose the filling that appeals most to your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
• Fresh or Frozen: You can choose between fresh, frozen, or thawed dumplings. If you're short on time, frozen dumplings are a convenient option as they can be cooked directly from the freezer without the need for thawing. Fresh dumplings may require some preparation time, but they can also be cooked in the air fryer.
• Brand: When selecting store-bought dumplings, you can choose from various brands such as Ling Ling, Pagoda, Bibigo, Whole Foods, Costco, and Trader Joe's. These brands offer a range of dumpling varieties to suit different tastes and preferences.
• Crispiness: If you prefer your dumplings to have a crispy texture, opt for varieties that are meant to be crispy, as the air fryer will enhance their crispiness. Additionally, brushing or spraying the dumplings with oil before air frying can help achieve a crispier texture.
• Size and Thickness: Consider the size and thickness of the dumplings, as this will impact the cooking time. Smaller and thinner dumplings will cook faster, while larger and thicker dumplings may require a longer cooking time.

Once you've chosen your dumplings, you can follow the previous instructions to cook them in your air fryer. Remember to preheat your air fryer, prepare the dumplings, grease the air fryer basket, and arrange the dumplings in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Enjoy your crispy, delicious dumplings!

Preparing your air fryer

Firstly, preheating your air fryer is essential. Set your air fryer to 350°F to 375°F (180°C to 190°C) for about 5 minutes. This step helps to ensure even cooking and that desirable crispy texture. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your dumplings. If you're using frozen dumplings, there's no need to thaw them beforehand; you can cook them straight from frozen. However, if you're using homemade or store-bought dumplings, ensure they are thawed before frying.

The next step is to grease the air fryer basket. This step is crucial to prevent your dumplings from sticking to the basket. Lightly coat the basket with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of oil. You can use a neutral vegetable oil or olive oil for this.

Now you're ready to arrange the dumplings in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. This ensures even cooking and allows the hot air to circulate properly. If you're cooking a large batch, you might need to cook the dumplings in batches.

Once your dumplings are in the air fryer, you can set the temperature. For most recipes, a temperature of 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C) is recommended. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of dumplings you are using, but on average, it will take around 8 to 10 minutes. Don't forget to flip your dumplings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness.

Finally, check if your dumplings are done. They should be golden brown and crispy. If they need a little more time, you can continue cooking for a few more minutes. Once they're cooked to your liking, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a moment before serving.

Oil and seasoning

The oil you use for your dumplings will depend on your preference. A neutral oil, like vegetable oil, is recommended, but olive oil will also work. You can also use an oil spray to coat the dumplings.

When using an air fryer, you don't need to use a lot of oil. A light coating or a few sprays will be enough to help the dumplings achieve a crispy texture. If you're using frozen dumplings, the oil will also help to ensure that the wrappers don't dry out and become tough.

If you're making suet dumplings, you can use a light oil instead of suet to make them vegetarian-friendly.

For seasoning, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or you can get creative and experiment with different spices and herbs. For example, you could try adding dried parsley and thyme to your dumpling mixture for some extra flavour.

• Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray before adding the dumplings to prevent sticking.
• Make sure the oil coats all sides of the dumplings.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space between each dumpling to allow hot air to circulate and ensure even cooking.
• Flip the dumplings halfway through the cooking process to crisp them evenly.
• If you want your dumplings to be extra crispy, you can air fry them for an additional minute or two after shaking the basket.

Remember, the amount of oil and seasoning you use can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Happy cooking!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for frying dumplings in an air fryer depend on the type of dumplings you are using, as well as your specific air fryer model. Here is a step-by-step guide with detailed instructions on cooking time and temperature:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before placing the dumplings in the air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the appliance. You can do this by setting your air fryer to a temperature of 350°F (180°C) to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Dumplings

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your dumplings. You can use homemade or store-bought dumplings, fresh, frozen, or thawed. If using frozen dumplings, there is no need to thaw them beforehand; you can cook them directly from frozen. However, if using frozen dumplings, ensure they are of similar sizes to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Grease the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of oil. This step helps prevent the dumplings from sticking to the basket and creates a non-stick surface for easy removal once they are cooked.

Step 4: Place the Dumplings in the Air Fryer

Arrange the dumplings in a single layer in the greased air fryer basket, leaving some space between each dumpling. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the dumplings in multiple batches.

Step 5: Set the Temperature and Cooking Time

For cooking the dumplings, a temperature setting between 350°F (180°C) and 380°F (193°C) is generally recommended. The cooking time can vary depending on the type of dumplings and your air fryer model, but it typically ranges from 8 to 15 minutes. For example, fresh or thawed dumplings may take 4-5 minutes, while frozen dumplings can take 6-8 minutes.

Step 6: Flip the Dumplings Halfway

To ensure even cooking and browning, it is recommended to flip the dumplings halfway through the cooking process. You can pause the air fryer after the first few minutes of cooking and flip the dumplings, then continue cooking for the remaining time.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

After the initial cooking time, check if the dumplings have reached your desired level of doneness. They should be golden brown and crispy. If they need more time, you can continue cooking in small increments until they reach the desired texture and colour.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are cooked to your liking, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool briefly. Serve them hot with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the dumplings, so keep an eye on them and adjust the time accordingly.
• If you are cooking frozen dumplings, start with a shorter cooking time, such as 6-8 minutes, and then add more time as needed.
• For extra crispiness, you can spray or brush the dumplings with oil before placing them in the air fryer.
• To prevent sticking, ensure that the dumplings are in a single layer and not stacked on top of each other.
• If cooking in multiple batches, the subsequent batches may cook faster since the air fryer is already preheated.

By following these steps and adjusting the cooking time and temperature based on your specific dumplings and air fryer, you can achieve perfectly crispy and delicious fried dumplings.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve your air-fried dumplings. Here are some suggestions:

• As an appetiser: Serve a platter of dumplings with some raw veggies on the side for a healthier option.
• With rice: Fried rice, brown rice, or any type of grain bowl goes well with dumplings.
• With salad: Serve dumplings on a bed of fresh lettuce for a refreshing dumpling salad.
• As a wrap: Wrap your dumplings in lettuce for a healthy, low-carb option.
• With a dip: Dumplings are great on their own, but even better with a dip. Try sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce with sesame seed oil or black vinegar, chilli garlic sauce, hoisin sauce, peanut dip, or a simple mix of crushed ginger and low-sodium soy sauce. For a spicier option, add some sriracha to mayo.
• As part of a stew: Suet dumplings are a great addition to a comforting bowl of stew. Try beef stew, lamb stew, or mince with suet dumplings.

Frequently asked questions