How To Air Fry Frozen Dim Sum?

To air fry frozen dim sum, preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C), arrange the pieces in a single layer, and cook for 8-15 minutes.

Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and a delicious crispy finish, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety (USDA).

TL;DR:

• Air fry frozen dim sum for a quick, crispy snack.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F.
• Cook for 8-15 minutes, flipping once.
• A light oil spray helps with crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket for best results.

How To Air Fry Frozen Dim Sum?

You can easily air fry frozen dim sum by cooking them at 350-375°F (175-190°C) for 8-15 minutes.

This method gives you a wonderfully crispy exterior and a perfectly cooked, tender filling every time.

Picture this: you’ve had a busy day, and that craving for something savory, warm, and perfectly bite-sized hits you. Sound familiar?

Frozen dim sum waiting in your freezer might just be your hero. But how do you turn those little frozen treasures into a crispy, golden delight without a steamer or deep fryer?

The answer, my friend, is your air fryer! It’s a game-changer for convenience and results, making your dim sum experience truly special.

Getting Your Dim Sum Ready

Before you even think about pushing buttons, let’s talk about preparation—it’s super simple.

First, grab your favorite frozen dim sum from the freezer. We’re talking dumplings, potstickers, maybe even some mini bao buns.

Many experts say there’s no need to thaw your dim sum first. Research shows that cooking from frozen actually helps maintain their shape and prevents them from becoming mushy.

This means less waiting around and a quicker path to your delicious snack!

Your Step-by-Step Air Frying Guide

Ready to make some magic? Here’s the straightforward path to perfectly air-fried dim sum.

Preheating is Key

Don’t skip this step! Many air fryer experts agree that preheating is vital for achieving a consistently crispy texture.

Aim for 350-375°F (175-190°C) and let your air fryer run for about 3-5 minutes. Think of it like preheating your oven; it gets the cooking surface nice and hot.

Proper Arrangement

This part is important. You want your dim sum to cook evenly and get that beautiful crispy crust, right?

Always arrange your frozen pieces in a single layer in the basket. Avoid stacking them, or they will steam instead of fry. We want crisp, not soggy!

Temperature and Time Setting

Set your air fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C). For most frozen dim sum, you’ll need to cook them for a total of 8-15 minutes.

The exact time can vary based on your air fryer model and the size of your dim sum. Start with the lower end of the time range and adjust as needed.

The Important Flip

Halfway through the cooking time, give your air fryer basket a good shake or use tongs to flip each piece.

This ensures both sides get exposed to the circulating hot air, resulting in even browning and crispiness on all surfaces. Don’t forget this step!

Expert Tips for Best Results

Want to go from good to exceptional? These tips will help you perfect your air-fried dim sum every time.

Don’t Overcrowd

We touched on this, but it bears repeating: resist the urge to pack too many pieces into the basket.

Air needs to circulate freely around each dim sum for proper cooking and crisping. If you have a lot, cook in batches. It’s worth the wait for better results.

A Spritz of Oil

While air frying uses less oil than deep frying, a light spritz of cooking oil can make a world of difference.

A little avocado oil or olive oil spray before cooking helps the dim sum achieve an even crispier, more golden exterior. Research suggests this tiny bit of oil aids in heat transfer for browning.

Checking for Doneness

How do you know when your dim sum is ready to eat? It should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.

For items with fillings, especially those containing meat or seafood, it’s vital to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety (USDA guidelines).

Your Air Frying Dim Sum Checklist:

• Preheat air fryer to 350-375°F.
• Spray dim sum lightly with oil.
• Place in a single layer in the basket.
• Cook for 8-15 minutes.
• Flip halfway through.
• Check for golden brown color.

Air Frying Times by Dim Sum Type

Different types of dim sum might need slightly different love in the air fryer. Here’s a quick guide to help you out.

Dim Sum Type	Approximate Cook Time (350-375°F)	Notes
Potstickers/Dumplings	10-15 minutes	Achieve a nice crispy bottom.
Shu Mai (open-faced)	8-12 minutes	Can dry out easily, check frequently.
Har Gow (shrimp dumplings)	8-10 minutes	Delicate skins, watch for burning.
Mini Bao Buns (steamed type)	5-8 minutes	Mostly for warming and slight crisp.

Remember, these are starting points. Always keep an eye on your dim sum as it cooks, as air fryers can differ quite a bit.

Conclusion

Air frying frozen dim sum is a truly excellent way to enjoy a quick, flavorful snack or appetizer.

With just a few simple steps, you can transform those frozen bites into crispy, golden perfection, often in less time than it takes to order takeout.

So, the next time that dim sum craving hits, don’t hesitate. Your air fryer is ready to help you create a delicious, convenient meal that tastes like you spent much longer cooking!

Can I air fry dim sum without oil?

Yes, you absolutely can air fry dim sum without oil. While a light spray of oil helps achieve a crispier, more golden exterior, your dim sum will still cook through and be edible without it. The texture might be slightly less crispy, but it will certainly be healthier.

How do I prevent my dim sum from sticking to the air fryer basket?

To prevent sticking, you can lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray before adding the dim sum. Alternatively, placing a piece of parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers in the basket can also work wonders.

Can I cook different types of dim sum at the same time in the air fryer?

You can, but it requires careful monitoring. Since different types of dim sum might have varying cooking times and ideal temperatures (as shown in our table), it’s often best to cook similar items together. If you mix them, check the more delicate or smaller pieces earlier to prevent overcooking.

My dim sum is getting dry, what am I doing wrong?

If your dim sum is drying out, you might be cooking it for too long or at too high a temperature. Try reducing the cooking time slightly or lowering the temperature by 25°F (15°C). A light spritz of water before cooking can also sometimes help retain moisture, especially for items like shu mai.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover air-fried dim sum?

To reheat leftover air-fried dim sum, place it back in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This low and slow reheat helps bring back some of its crispiness without drying it out, making it taste almost as good as fresh.