Xiaomi Mi Smart Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen assistant that can replace a frying pan, an oven, even a steam cooker. But can you make dumplings that are as good as a classic pot of water? The answer is yes, and the result will exceed expectations: crisp bottom, juicy mince inside, and no sticky test shell.
In this article, we will discuss 3 proven methods of cooking dumplings in Xiaomi aerogrill (including models 3.5L and 5.5L), discuss in detail the nuances of temperature and time, and reveal the secrets to avoid common mistakes, such as why dumplings stick together or why minced meat remains raw despite the blush crust, if you have already tried to cook them in an aerogril and were not satisfied with the result, here you will find a solution.
What dumplings are suitable for Xiaomi aerogrill
Not all dumplings perform equally well in aerogrills.
- π₯ Dough thickness: optimally - 1.5-2 mm Too thin dough can break from the flow of hot air, and too thick - do not baked inside.
- βοΈ Product condition: fresh dumplings (from the refrigerator) are better than frozen ones, the latter require pre-thawing or an increase in cooking time by 3-5 minutes.
- π The type of minced meat: classic pork/beef or mixed mince (with onions, peppers) are equally well cooked, but dumplings with fish or chicken can turn dry β they are better cooked with added oil.
If you buy ready-made dumplings, pay attention to the packaging: products labeled "fry" or "grill" will be perfect. For example, dumplings "Siberian Collection" or "Favorite Traditions" often have the optimal dough thickness, but cheap "economy" options with thin dough can fall apart.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use liquid-filled dumplings (such as juice or broth inside) in the aerogril they will burst and the liquid will evaporate, leaving dry ground.
For experiments, you can make dumplings yourself, increasing the proportion of eggs in the dough (by 500 g of flour - 2 eggs instead of 1), which will make the shell more elastic and resistant to high temperatures.
Preparation of Xiaomi aerogrill for cooking
Before you load the dumplings, you need to set the air grill right.
Wash the basket and grille with warm water (without detergents)
Wash dry with paper towel
Put the basket in place and close the lid
Connect to the network and turn on for 2-3 minutes to warm up (optional)
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Pay special attention to lubricating the basket. Despite the non-stick coating, a thin layer of oil (sunflower, olive or cream) will prevent dumplings from sticking. It is best to use a baking spray or brush. Avoid excess oil - this will lead to burning.
If your Xiaomi model supports Preheat, turn it on 180Β°C for 3 minutes, which will reduce the overall cooking time and improve the texture of the crust. In non-heating models (such as the first generation Mi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L), this step can be skipped.
| Model aerogrill | Max, temperature. | Recommended regimen for dumplings | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L | 200Β°C | 180Β°C, 10-12 minutes | Compact size β load no more than 20 dumplings at a time |
| Xiaomi Mi Smart Air Fryer 5.5L | 200Β°C | 175Β°C, 12-15 mins | A larger volume allows you to prepare a portion for 2-3 people |
| Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer Pro | 220Β°C | 170Β°C, 10-12 min (Air Fry mode) | Dehydrate function is not suitable for dumplings |
In models with Shake Reminder (shake reminder), it should be turned off - dumplings do not need to be stirred during cooking.
Method 1: Classic dumplings with crispy crust
This is the most popular method, which mimics roasting in a pan, suitable for lovers of dumplings with golden crust on the bottom and juicy mince.
Instructions:
- Freeze the dumplings (if frozen) at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. They should remain cold, but not icy.
- Lubricate the aerogrill basket with oil (best refined sunflower).
- Put the dumplings in one layer without touching each other. The optimal distance is 0.5 cm.
- Set the temperature at 180Β°C and the time at 10 minutes (for 3.5L) or 12 minutes (for 5.5L).
- After 5 minutes, open the lid and spray the dumplings with spray water (1-2 puffs) to prevent dough from drying out.
- Wait until the program is over. The finished dumplings should be easily separated from the basket.
If the crust is not sufficiently rosy, add another 2-3 minutes at 190Β°C. But make sure that the dough does not burn!
β οΈ Warning: Donβt use Grill mode for this method β it will dry the dumplings on top, leaving the mince raw.
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To prevent dumplings from sticking together, before you lay them in the aerogrill, sprinkle them lightly with flour or starch. This will also add crunch when frying.
Method 2: Pelmeni for a couple (without oil)
This method is suitable for the dietary option or if you prefer soft dumplings without crusts.In the aerogrilla Xiaomi can simulate a steamer using a simple trick with water.
Step-by-step:
- π§ Pour 50 ml of hot water into the bottom of the basket (under the bar) and it will create a steam effect.
- π₯ Put the dumplings on a single layer of grille, and they can touch each other, but they shouldn't overlap.
- βοΈ Set the temperature 160.Β°C and time 8-10 minutes.
- π After 5 minutes, gently turn the dumplings over with a spatula (they will be slippery!).
The finished dumplings will be soft, crustless, with juicy minced, which is ideal for dumplings with a gentle dough (for example, homemade or with the addition of sour cream in minced meat).
If your model has a Steam feature (for example, in the Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer Pro), use it instead of manually adding water, in which case the temperature will automatically set to 100 Β° C, and the time will be reduced to 6-8 minutes.
What if the dumplings stick to the grille?
Method 3: Baked dumplings with cheese or bacon
For gourmets who love experimentation! this recipe turns regular dumplings into a hearty dish with a mouth-watering crust.
Ingredients (in addition):
- π§ 30-50 g hard cheese (cubbed or grated)
- π₯ 2β3 slices of bacon (optional)
- πΏ 1 tsp dried herbs (regano, basil)
Preparation:
- Prepare dumplings according to Method 1 (with crust), but reduce the time to 8 minutes.
- Open the lid, put on dumplings pieces of bacon and cheese.
- Set the temperature at 170Β°C and take another 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Sprinkle the herbs before serving.
This option goes well with sauces: sour cream with garlic or spicy tomato sauce. If you use bacon, choose low-fat varieties - the fat will flow down and can smoke.
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For uniform baking of cheese, use the Convection mode - it will ensure the circulation of hot air from all sides.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even in a dish as simple as this, there are nuances that can ruin the outcome, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Dumplings stick together | Not enough oil or too tight stacking | Lubricate each dumpling with oil (spray) and leave gaps of 0.5-1 cm |
| The mince is raw and the dough is burned. | Too high a temperature | Reduce the temperature to 160-170 Β° C and increase the time by 2-3 minutes |
| Dough is hard and dry | Lack of moisture | Spray dumplings with water every 3-4 minutes or add 30 ml of water to the basket |
| Dumplings are falling apart | Too thin dough or a sharp change in temperature | Use dumplings with a dough thickness of 2 mm + and defrost them before cooking |
Another common mistake is overloading the basket: 3.5L models don't need to cook more than 15 to 20 dumplings at a time, otherwise they will not bake evenly. 5.5L tops 30.
If you prepare dumplings with stuffing from seafood (shrimp, squid), reduce the temperature to 150 Β° C - so the mince will not become rubber.
What to serve dumplings from aerogrill
Xiaomi's classic aerogrill dumplings are good on their own, but the right supplements will turn them into a full-fledged dish.
- π₯ Sauces: Smetana + garlic + dill + honey + Sesame (for Asian version) Tomato sauce with chili and paprika
- π₯ Garnishes: Fresh vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes) Sauerkraut or kimchi Greens (parsley, cilantro, green onions)
- πΊ Drinks: Cold beer (light varieties) Kvass or Ayran Ginger tea (for spicy dumplings)
If you've been cooking the dumplings in Method 3 (with cheese and bacon), serve them with a light handgun and cherry tomato salad, tucked in olive oil, which will balance the fat content of the dish.
For the spicy, add cayenne pepper or Sriracha to the sauce, and if you want an unusual taste, try pouring tahini dumplings (sesame paste), diluted with sour cream consistency.