Bao buns, often referred to as steamed buns, are a staple of Chinese cuisine. These soft, fluffy buns are typically filled with savory meats and vegetables, offering a satisfying bite that’s perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a full meal. Thanks to the magic of air fryers, you can now make these fluffy buns crispy on the outside and tender on the inside in just minutes.
In this guide, we will explore how to make Air Fryer Bao Buns from frozen. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this method will have you enjoying delicious bao buns in no time.
What Are Bao Buns?
A bao bun is a type of Chinese dumpling made from dough that is typically stuffed with a variety of fillings. The dough is soft and slightly sweet, while the fillings can range from meats like pork, chicken, or beef, to vegetarian options like mushrooms or tofu.
These buns are often steamed to create their signature fluffy, light texture. However, using an air fryer can bring an entirely new twist to bao buns, resulting in a crispy golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and flavorful.
Fundamental of Bao Buns:
-
Dough: Soft and slightly sweet, made with flour, yeast, and a touch of sugar.
-
Fillings: Typically savory, but can be sweet. Popular fillings include pork belly, chicken, hoisin duck, or teriyaki chicken.
-
Cooking Method: Traditionally steamed, but can be air fried for a unique texture.
The Best Bao Buns for Air Frying
While you can make your own bao buns from scratch, for convenience, many people prefer using frozen bao buns available at supermarkets. These are typically pre-steamed and ready to be air fried. Some well-known brands include Itsu, Trader Joe’s, and Woolworths, each offering a variety of fillings that can be cooked straight from frozen.
If you’re new to air frying bao buns, you might want to start with the classic pork bao or explore options like teriyaki chicken or hoisin duck. These fillings provide a flavorful base that complements the crispy exterior achieved by the air fryer.
Why Use Frozen Bao Buns?
-
Convenience: No need to make the dough from scratch or worry about the steaming process.
-
Variety: Frozen bao buns come in many different flavors, so you can try a variety of fillings without much effort.
-
Consistency: Frozen bao buns are pre-steamed, so they maintain a consistent texture and flavor, ensuring a great result every time.
How to Make Air Fry Frozen Bao Buns
Cooking bao buns in the air fryer is straightforward, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly they turn crispy and delicious. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen bao buns in the air fryer.
Ingredients Needed:
-
Frozen Bao Buns: Choose your favorite brand or flavor (e.g., pork, chicken, hoisin duck).
-
Dipping Sauce (optional): Soy sauce, hoisin, or a teriyaki dipping sauce pairs wonderfully with bao buns.
-
Air Fryer: A reliable air fryer, like the Cosori or Ninja models, will ensure even cooking and crispy results.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Prepare the Buns:
-
Take the frozen bao buns out of the packaging. There’s no need to thaw them—air frying works best with frozen buns.
-
Arrange the bao buns in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure there is some space between them for proper airflow.
-
-
Air Fry the Bao Buns:
-
Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
-
Air fry the buns for 8 minutes. Check on them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are cooking evenly.
-
For a softer bun, reduce the cooking time to 6 minutes.
-
-
Serve & Enjoy:
-
Once cooked, remove the bao buns from the air fryer.
-
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or a homemade teriyaki sauce.
-
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bao Buns:
-
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each bun enough space for the hot air to circulate around it.
-
Monitor the cooking time. Depending on the size and brand of your bao buns, cooking time may vary slightly. Always check the buns halfway through to prevent overcooking.
-
If you’re using fillings like teriyaki chicken or hoisin duck, make sure they are well-heated before placing them in the buns to ensure the filling is hot and flavorful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the simplicity of cooking bao buns in the air fryer, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the result. Here’s how to avoid them:
-
Overcrowding the Air Fryer: When you place too many buns in the air fryer basket, the air cannot circulate properly, which can lead to uneven cooking. Always leave space between the buns.
-
Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures that the buns cook evenly from the start. Skipping this step can result in uneven textures.
-
Using Wet or Sticky Buns: If your frozen bao buns are wet or sticky from thawing, they might stick to the air fryer basket or not cook properly. Make sure they are fully frozen before cooking.
Bao Bun Fillings: Popular Choices
Bao buns are incredibly versatile, so you can experiment with various fillings based on your personal taste preferences. Some popular fillings include:
-
Pork Belly: A classic filling that pairs well with pickled vegetables and hoisin sauce.
-
Teriyaki Chicken: A flavorful, sweet, and savory choice that’s loved by many.
-
Hoisin Duck: A rich, savory option for those who prefer a deeper flavor.
-
Vegetarian Options: Try filling your bao buns with tofu, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables for a meat-free alternative.
Pro Tip: Try mixing and matching fillings for a creative twist. You could even pair different fillings in separate batches for a varied tasting experience!
How to Avoid Soggy Bao Buns
No one likes a soggy bao bun. To keep your bao buns crisp on the outside while maintaining a soft interior, follow these tips:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Always preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before cooking your bao buns. This ensures that the buns cook evenly and crisply from the moment they go into the air fryer.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
When cooking bao buns, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Give each bun enough space for the air to circulate properly. Overcrowding can cause the buns to cook unevenly, resulting in a soggy texture.
3. Keep the Fillings Light
If you’re using wet fillings like teriyaki sauce, be sure to drain excess liquid from the filling before adding it to the bao buns. Excess moisture can soak into the dough, leading to soggy results.
4. Air Fry in Batches
If you’re cooking a large batch of bao buns, it’s better to cook them in multiple smaller batches. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent sogginess.
How to Serve and Pair Bao Buns
Bao buns are incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are some ideas for pairing and serving them:
1. Bao Buns as Appetizers
If you’re serving bao buns as appetizers, keep the fillings simple and pair with dipping sauces like:
-
Soy Sauce: A traditional pairing for savory bao buns.
-
Hoisin Sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce that complements pork and duck bao buns perfectly.
-
Chili Sauce: If you like things spicy, a dash of chili sauce or sriracha can add the perfect heat.
2. Bao Buns as a Meal
For a full meal, consider serving bao buns with sides like:
-
Stir-Fried Vegetables: A light and crunchy side of stir-fried vegetables pairs well with bao buns.
-
Rice: Serve bao buns alongside steamed white or brown rice for a more filling meal.
-
Asian-Inspired Soup: A light miso or wonton soup can complement bao buns beautifully.
3. Bao Buns for Parties
If you’re serving bao buns at a party, consider offering a variety of fillings to cater to different tastes. Set up a bao bun station where guests can assemble their own bao buns with fillings and toppings.
Storing Leftover Bao Buns
If you have leftover bao buns, don’t worry! Here’s how to store them properly:
-
Refrigerate: Store leftover bao buns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
-
Reheat: To reheat, simply air fry them at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. This will help restore their crisp texture.
-
Freeze: You can also freeze leftover bao buns. To do so, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat in the air fryer
FAQs On Air Fryer Bao Buns
Can you put bao buns in the air fryer?
Yes, you can easily cook bao buns in an air fryer. The air fryer gives bao buns a crispy outer texture while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Simply place the frozen bao buns in the air fryer basket and cook them at 180°C (360°F) for 8 minutes for the best results.
Can you cook buns in an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can cook a variety of buns in the air fryer, including steamed buns, bao buns, and even regular bread rolls. Air frying gives them a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and warm. The air fryer is a great tool for quickly cooking buns from frozen or fresh dough.
How do you cook frozen bao buns?
To cook frozen bao buns in an air fryer, follow these simple steps:
-
Remove the bao buns from their packaging and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
-
Set the air fryer to 180°C (360°F) and cook for about 8 minutes.
-
Once done, remove the buns and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or filling.
Can I heat buns in the air fryer?
Yes, you can heat buns in the air fryer! Whether they’re frozen, refrigerated, or freshly baked, air fryers work great for reheating buns, giving them a nice crisp exterior without drying them out. Just place the buns in the air fryer basket and heat for 2-4 minutes at 180°C (360°F).
Can you cook pork buns in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook pork buns in an air fryer. Pork buns, including those with fillings like BBQ pork, can be cooked from frozen in the air fryer. Simply place the frozen pork buns in the air fryer basket and cook them at 180°C (360°F) for 8 minutes, or until they are golden and heated through.
Air Fryer Bao Buns Recipe Card
Ingredients:
-
1 pack frozen bao buns (such as Itsu or your favorite brand)
-
Optional fillings (e.g., teriyaki chicken, hoisin duck, or any preferred fillings)
-
Dipping sauce (e.g., hoisin sauce, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Bao Buns: Remove the frozen bao buns from their packaging and arrange them in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not stacked to allow for even cooking.
-
Air Fry the Buns: Set the air fryer to 180°C (360°F) and cook the bao buns for 8 minutes.
-
Check for Desired Texture: After 8 minutes, check the bao buns for a golden brown color and a slightly crisp exterior. If you prefer softer buns, reduce the cooking time to 6 minutes.
-
Serve: Once cooked, serve the bao buns with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Notes:
-
No Oil Needed: Frozen bao buns do not need to be sprayed with oil, as they naturally brown and crisp up in the air fryer.
-
Fillings: You can fill your bao buns with a variety of fillings, including meats like chicken or duck, or go vegetarian with tofu or veggies.
-
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer to 180°C (360°F) ensures even cooking and a crispier texture.
-
Customize: Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, chili oil, or garlic sauce, to complement your bao buns.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
-
Calories: 192 kcal
-
Carbohydrates: 34g
-
Protein: 7.8g
-
Fat: 2.5g
-
Saturated Fat: 0.7g
-
Fiber: 2.1g
Recipe Details:
-
Prep Time: 2 minutes
-
Cook Time: 8 minutes
-
Total Time: 10 minutes
-
Method: Air Fryer
-
Cuisine: Chinese
-
Servings: 2
-
Calories: 192 kcal per serving
-
Yield: 2 bao buns
