Hello, dear friends! Mateo here, and today I’ve got something truly special to share with you: Air Fryer Chicken Bao Buns. If you’re anything like me, you love bringing the family together over a meal that not only tastes good but also feels like a warm hug. These bao buns are just the ticket. They’re soft, fluffy, and filled with deliciously seasoned chicken—comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re new to making bao or a seasoned pro, these buns are easy to make and will surely become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe, but first, let me tell you why these bao buns are a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Family-Friendly: These buns are perfect for getting the whole family involved. Kids love helping with the dough, and everyone enjoys the delicious result. It’s a great way to make memories in the kitchen and introduce little ones to the joy of cooking. Involving children can make them more interested in the food they eat and more willing to try new flavors.
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Quick and Easy: Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll have these bao buns ready in just over an hour, making them a great weeknight dinner option. Unlike traditional steaming methods, the air fryer provides a hassle-free and efficient way to achieve the perfect texture. You can spend more time enjoying the meal and less time cleaning up.
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Comforting and Delicious: Soft, warm bao buns filled with savory chicken are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners. They offer a delightful contrast with the fluffy exterior and the rich, flavorful filling. The combination of textures and flavors makes each bite satisfying and heartwarming.
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Accessible Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, so there’s no need for a special trip to the store. This recipe makes use of everyday staples that are versatile and budget-friendly. It’s a great way to use up leftovers or incorporate pantry staples in new and exciting ways.
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Versatile: You can easily tweak the filling to suit your family’s tastes—swap out the chicken for veggies or add your favorite spices. This adaptability makes it easy to cater to different dietary preferences or to use up leftovers. Consider adding mushrooms, tofu, or even leftover roast beef for a different taste experience.
The Recipe
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for our dough, providing structure. It ensures your buns are both soft and sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C): Helps activate the yeast for the rise. The optimal temperature is crucial; too hot and it can kill the yeast, too cold and the yeast won’t activate.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast, ensuring a good rise. It also adds a hint of sweetness to the dough, balancing the savory filling.
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast: Essential for leavening our dough. Instant yeast is convenient as it doesn’t require proofing, making the process faster.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Adds moisture and a slight richness to the dough. It helps to keep the dough pliable and prevents it from drying out.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Assists in achieving a light, fluffy texture. It works alongside the yeast to ensure the buns are airy and tender.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded: A protein-packed filling. Shredding the chicken ensures it mixes well with the sauces and fits snugly inside the dough.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory depth. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the saltiness of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Contributes a sweet and tangy flavor. Hoisin sauce brings a complexity to the filling that takes it from simple to sensational.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Imparts a nutty aroma. A small amount goes a long way, offering an authentic Asian flavor.
- 1 green onion, finely chopped: Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor. It also provides a touch of color and crunch to the filling.
Instructions
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Activate the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly. This step is crucial for fluffy buns. If your yeast doesn’t foam, it might be inactive, so it’s best to start over with fresh yeast. Ensure the water temperature is just right for optimal yeast activation.
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Make the Dough: Add the flour, baking powder, and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. The kneading helps develop gluten, which is important for the dough’s elasticity and strength. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead.
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Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens, so be patient! A warm, draft-free area is ideal for rising. If your kitchen is cold, consider placing the bowl in a turned-off oven with the light on for extra warmth.
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Prepare the Filling: Mix the shredded chicken, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and green onion in a separate bowl. Set it aside. This mixture can be adjusted with additional spices or vegetables like finely chopped bell peppers or carrots for added flavor and nutrition. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
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Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it into a circle about 3 inches in diameter. If the dough is sticky, dust your hands and the surface with a little flour. Ensure each circle is evenly thick to prevent breakage.
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Fill and Seal: Place about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch to seal. Ensure the seams are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. Pinching the dough well ensures the buns stay intact and the filling remains juicy.
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Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that the bao buns start cooking immediately, leading to a better texture. A well-preheated air fryer helps achieve the perfect rise and golden finish.
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Cook the Buns: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and place the bao buns in a single layer, leaving space between them. Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until fluffy and slightly golden on top. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with additional soy sauce for dipping. Enjoy the smiles around the table! These buns are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be reheated gently in the air fryer. Pair them with some hot tea for a truly comforting meal.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients. Use a large enough bowl to allow the dough to double in size. A glass bowl can be helpful to see the dough’s progress.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To get the quantities just right, ensuring consistency and balance in flavors. Accurate measurements are key in baking for achieving the right texture.
- Air Fryer: The star of the show for cooking these buns to perfection. It provides an even heat that ensures a light, fluffy texture. If you don’t have an air fryer, steaming is a traditional alternative.
- Rolling Pin: Helpful for flattening dough, though you can use your hands in a pinch. A bottle can also work in a pinch! Consistent thickness is crucial for uniform cooking.
- Parchment Paper: Keeps the buns from sticking to the air fryer basket, making cleanup easier. It also helps in lifting the buns out without breaking them.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Flour: Provides structure to the buns, making them soft and fluffy. Choosing unbleached flour can give a slightly richer flavor. Experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber.
- Yeast: The key to airy, light bao buns—no yeast means no rise! Instant yeast is convenient as it doesn’t need to be pre-dissolved in water. It cuts down on prep time without sacrificing quality.
- Chicken: A lean protein that’s versatile and satisfying. Feel free to use leftover roasted or grilled chicken for added flavor. Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful option.
- Soy Sauce & Hoisin Sauce: Add depth and umami to the filling, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Consider using low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. These sauces are pantry staples that add so much character to dishes.
- Sesame Oil: Brings a nutty aroma and taste that complements the chicken perfectly. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly for a balanced flavor. Toasted sesame oil can add even more depth.
What to Serve With This Dish
These Air Fryer Chicken Bao Buns are delightful on their own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, consider pairing them with a simple cucumber salad or some steamed edamame. A light, refreshing salad with a vinegar-based dressing can cut through the richness of the bao buns. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside my Ginger Soy Glazed Carrots or Savory Garlic Fried Rice for a complete family feast. These sides complement the bao buns perfectly, offering a variety of textures and flavors. You can also serve them with a bowl of hot and sour soup for a cozy meal.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through. The air fryer will help retain their original texture better than a microwave. These bao buns also freeze well—just place them in a freezer bag and thaw before reheating. Perfect for a quick snack or lunch! If you plan to freeze them, consider wrapping each bun individually with plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. This method makes it easy to grab a single bun whenever the craving strikes.
As we wrap up, I hope you feel inspired to try making these Air Fryer Chicken Bao Buns. They’re a wonderful way to bring everyone together, whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal. Remember, cooking is all about sharing love and joy through food. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!
Air Fryer Chicken Bao Buns
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Add flour, baking powder, and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- In a separate bowl, mix shredded chicken, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and green onion. Set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a circle about 3 inches in diameter.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch to seal.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and place the bao buns in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Air fry the buns for 10-12 minutes or until they are fluffy and slightly golden on top.
- Serve warm with additional soy sauce for dipping.