Ah, baozi! These delightful little buns have been a staple in my kitchen for years. There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a soft, fluffy bun, only to discover a savory, flavorful filling inside. Today, I want to share with you my family’s favorite: Air Fryer Chicken Baozi. It’s a modern twist on the traditional steamed baozi, using an air fryer to achieve that perfect golden exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Family-Friendly Comfort: This recipe is sure to bring your loved ones together around the table. Baozi are perfect for sharing, and there’s nothing quite like watching your family enjoy a homemade meal. The simple act of making baozi together can also be a fun bonding experience, especially with kids who love to help shape and fill the buns.
Quick and Convenient: With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, these baozi are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, the air fryer takes away the hassle of steaming, making the process smoother. You can even prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it, saving more time during busy weekdays.
Accessible Ingredients: No need for a special trip to the store. The ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry, making this an easy go-to recipe. The flexibility of this recipe means you can adapt it to whatever you have on hand, making it a versatile option for many occasions.
Healthier Cooking Method: By using an air fryer, you’re cutting down on oil without sacrificing flavor. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. The air fryer circulates hot air around the baozi, giving them a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil, which is a win for both taste and health.
Versatile and Delicious: While this recipe uses chicken, feel free to get creative with the filling. Try ground pork, tofu, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Each variation brings its own unique taste and texture, allowing you to explore different culinary traditions within the comfort of your home.
The Recipe
Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
Instructions:
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Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for giving your baozi the perfect rise. If your yeast does not foam, it might be inactive, and it’s best to start with new yeast to ensure your baozi rise properly.
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Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms. The dough might feel sticky at first, but it will become smooth as you knead. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step if you prefer, which can make the process even easier.
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Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. If your kitchen is cool, a trick is to let the dough rise in a slightly warmed oven (just make sure the oven is turned off!)
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Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, mix the shredded chicken, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onion, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Set aside. This is where the magic happens—infusing the chicken with savory and aromatic flavors. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to taste, adding a bit more soy sauce or ginger if you like a stronger flavor.
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Shape the Baozi: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 4 inches in diameter. The key is to keep the center thicker than the edges to hold the filling well. This technique ensures that the filling doesn’t burst through the dough while cooking.
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Fill and Seal: Place a tablespoon of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle. Gather the edges and pinch to seal tightly, ensuring there are no gaps. Proper sealing is crucial to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
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Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and line the basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Make sure to cut the parchment paper to the size of the basket, ensuring it doesn’t block the airflow.
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Cook the Baozi: Arrange the baozi in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. You might need to cook in batches. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, until the baozi are golden and puffed. It’s important not to overcrowd the air fryer to allow even cooking.
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Serve Warm: Enjoy them fresh out of the air fryer for the best taste and texture. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce like soy sauce or chili oil for an added kick.
Helpful Tip: For an extra soft texture, steam the baozi for an additional 5 minutes after air frying. This step is optional but enhances the traditional baozi experience. If you have a bamboo steamer, this can add an authentic touch to your baozi presentation.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Knife and cutting board
Investing in a good air fryer can make a world of difference in your kitchen. They are versatile gadgets that can be used for a variety of dishes beyond baozi, from crispy vegetables to reheated leftovers.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our baozi, giving them a soft yet sturdy base. It’s a versatile ingredient that’s perfect for baking a wide range of goods.
- Active Dry Yeast: Essential for leavening, making the dough rise and giving it a fluffy texture. It’s important to store yeast properly in a cool, dry place to maintain its potency.
- Warm Water and Sugar: Activate the yeast, ensuring our dough rises properly. The sugar not only aids in yeast activation but also adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.
- Salt and Vegetable Oil: Enhance the dough’s flavor and texture without overpowering the filling. The oil keeps the dough pliable and easy to work with.
- Cooked Chicken: A lean protein that’s flavorful and satisfying. You can use leftovers or freshly cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe for convenience.
- Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil: Add depth and umami to the filling, making each bite savory and delicious. These ingredients are staples in Asian cooking and bring a rich flavor profile to the dish.
- Green Onion, Ginger, and Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide a burst of flavor, elevating the chicken filling. Freshly minced ginger and garlic can make a big difference in taste compared to pre-minced versions.
What to Serve With This Dish
Air Fryer Chicken Baozi pair wonderfully with a light, crisp salad or a simple broth-based soup. For a complete meal, try serving them alongside my Ginger Soy Noodles, which perfectly complements the savory flavors of the baozi. Another great option is my Quick Cucumber Salad, adding a fresh, crunchy contrast to the soft baozi. You could also serve them with a side of steamed vegetables or a spicy dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes at 320°F (160°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze the uncooked baozi after shaping them. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, cook them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the air frying time. This makes them a convenient make-ahead option for busy weeks.
Creating meals that bring joy and comfort to your family is what cooking is all about. I hope this Air Fryer Chicken Baozi recipe becomes a beloved staple in your home, just as it has in mine. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!
Air Fryer Chicken Baozi
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and vegetable oil. 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 rise in a warm area for 1 hour.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onion, ginger, and garlic. Set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 4 inches in diameter.
- Place a tablespoon of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle. Gather the edges and pinch to seal tightly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Line the basket with parchment paper.
- Arrange the baozi in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, until the baozi are golden and puffed.
- Serve warm.