Air Fryer Frozen Bao Buns

If you love steaming bao buns, then these air fryer frozen bao buns will change your mind. These frozen bao buns taste so great when cooked in the air fryer that you cannot stop at one.

I love Bao buns, and they are such fun appetizers. I like to serve this during game nights or weekends while we watch the movies.

Do not ignore the fact that bao buns look gorgeous, making them very aesthetically pleasing, especially when serving guests.

Since I bought frozen Bao Buns, they look really pretty, and cooking them in the air fryer gave them a nice crispy exterior and a juicy and veggie-filled interior.

Air frying bao buns gives them a crispy exterior and a soft and juicy interior, making it one of the best texture combinations ever.

I got a veggie-filled frozen bao buns, but you can get the chicken or pork ones, too, and they taste really good.

So, what exactly is a Bao Bun….

what are bao buns?

Bao buns, also known as baozi or steamed buns, are a popular staple in Asian cuisine, particularly in China and Taiwan.

These fluffy, pillowy buns are typically made with a dough that typically consists of flour, yeast, sugar, and water. They are then filled with a variety of savory or sweet ingredients, making them incredibly versatile and delicious.

Traditionally, bao buns are steamed, resulting in a soft and tender texture that complements the flavorful fillings inside. However, they can also be cooked using other methods, such as pan-frying or baking.

Bao buns can be filled with a wide range of ingredients, including tender meats like pork belly, chicken, or beef, along with vegetables, tofu, or sweet fillings like red bean paste(I have not tried this let me know if you have!) or custard.

The fillings are often seasoned with a combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other spices, adding depth and complexity to the flavors.

These delightful little buns are enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course in many Asian cuisines. They are often served steamed alongside dim sum dishes or as part of a larger meal.

Bao buns have gained popularity worldwide for their unique combination of soft, doughy texture and flavorful fillings, making them a comfort food.

Ingredients

1. Frozen bao buns- You can use any brand of frozen Bao Buns for this recipe. Just make sure they fit in the air fryer, and when you place all the bao buns in the air fryer, they have some space in between them for hot air circulation that helps with even cooking.

2. Cooking spray or oil for spraying (optional)

How to make air Fryer frozen Bao Buns?

1. Arrange Bao Buns: Place the frozen bao buns in the air fryer basket, leaving some space around each bao, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Spray the tops of these bao buns with cooking oil or brush them with a thin layer of oil for added crispiness.

2. Cook: Air fry the bao buns at 200°C (390°F) for 6 minutes. No need to flip or turn them during cooking.

3. Check for Doneness: After 6 minutes, carefully remove one bao bun from the air fryer and check for doneness. The buns should be golden brown and heated through.

4. Adjust Cooking Time if Necessary: If the bao buns are not fully cooked or golden brown after 6 minutes, return them to the air fryer and cook for an another minute or two, checking regularly until they reach the desired level of crispiness. Do not go over 8 mins of cook time. Keep an eye on your buns.

5. Serve: Once the bao buns are golden brown on top, remove them from the air fryer and serve them with a dipping sauce.

How to serve Bao Buns

1. Asian-Inspired Salads: Serve a refreshing Asian-inspired salad as a side dish. Consider options like a sesame cucumber salad, a Thai papaya salad, or coleslaw with a ginger sesame dressing.

2. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Stir-fried vegetables make a delicious and nutritious accompaniment to bao buns. Opt for a colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

3. Rice or Noodles: Serve steamed white or brown rice, fried rice, or noodles alongside bao buns for a more substantial meal. Consider options like jasmine rice, garlic noodles, or stir-fried chow mein.

4. Dim Sum Selection: Expand your meal with a selection of dim sum dishes. Offer classics like steamed dumplings, potstickers, spring rolls, or shrimp toast to complement the flavors of the bao buns.

5. Soup or Broth-Based Dishes: Pair bao buns with a comforting soup or broth-based dish for a cozy meal. Choose options like hot and sour soup, miso soup, ramen, or noodle soups loaded with vegetables and protein.

6. Fried Rice or Lo Mein: Serve bao buns alongside fried rice or lo mein for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Combining fluffy buns with savory fried rice or noodles perfectly balances textures and flavors.

7. Potstickers or Gyoza: Add potstickers or gyoza to your meal for a tasty appetizer or side dish. These crispy and flavorful dumplings pair well with bao buns and offer a delightful contrast of textures.

8. Sauces and Condiments: Go for various sauces and condiments to accompany the bao buns and side dishes. Include options like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha, chili oil, or sweet chili sauce for dipping and drizzling.