Top 27 Chinese Air Fryer Recipes [NOT TO MISS]

In recent years, air fryers have become a kitchen staple, revolutionizing the way we approach cooking by offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. The Chinese culinary tradition, known for its vibrant flavors and diverse dishes, has seamlessly embraced the air fryer trend. This article explores the fusion of traditional Chinese cuisine with modern air frying techniques, presenting a collection of top 27 Chinese air fryer recipes. From crispy appetizers to succulent main courses and delectable desserts, these recipes will transport your taste buds to the heart of China while keeping your cooking light and nutritious.

Top 27 Chinese Air Fryer Recipes

1. Crispy Spring Rolls

Ingredients:

• Spring roll wrappers
• Shredded cabbage
• Carrots, julienned
• Bean sprouts
• Minced garlic
• Ground pork or tofu
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, stir-fry garlic and ground pork or tofu until cooked.
2. Add shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and bean sprouts. Cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil.
4. Spoon the mixture onto spring roll wrappers and fold tightly.
5. Preheat the air fryer and cook the spring rolls until golden and crispy.

2. General Tso’s Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Ginger powder
• Cornstarch
• Green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken wings in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
2. Toss wings in cornstarch for a crispy coating.
3. Preheat the air fryer and cook the wings until golden and cooked through.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

3. Szechuan Eggplant Fries

Ingredients:

• Eggplants, cut into fries
• Cornstarch
• Szechuan sauce
• Sesame seeds
• Green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Coat eggplant fries in cornstarch.
2. Air fry until crispy, shaking the basket occasionally.
3. Toss the fries in Szechuan sauce.
4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a flavorful kick.

4. Honey Garlic Shrimp

Ingredients:

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes
• Cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Marinate shrimp in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
2. Coat shrimp in cornstarch for extra crispiness.
3. Air fry until golden and glazed with the honey garlic sauce.

5. Cantonese Roast Duck Breast

Ingredients:

• Duck breast
• Five-spice powder
• Hoisin sauce
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Sherry
• Garlic, minced
• Sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Rub duck breast with five-spice powder.
2. Mix hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, sherry, minced garlic, and sesame oil to create a marinade.
3. Marinate duck breast and air fry until skin is crispy and meat is tender.

6. Scallion Pancakes

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Boiling water
• Sesame oil
• Salt
• Chopped scallions

Instructions:

1. Mix boiling water into flour to form a dough. Knead until smooth.
2. Roll out the dough, brush with sesame oil, and sprinkle with salt and chopped scallions.
3. Air fry until golden and flaky, flipping halfway through.

7. Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients:

• Brussels sprouts, halved
• Peanuts
• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Toss Brussels sprouts and peanuts in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.
2. Air fry until Brussels sprouts are caramelized and peanuts are toasted.

8. Sesame Chicken Bites

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Sesame oil
• Cornstarch
• Sesame seeds
• Green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
2. Coat chicken in cornstarch, air fry until golden.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

9. Peking Duck Spring Rolls

Ingredients:

• Peking duck, shredded
• Spring roll wrappers
• Hoisin sauce
• Cucumber, julienned
• Green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Lay out spring roll wrappers and fill with shredded Peking duck, hoisin sauce, julienned cucumber, and sliced green onions.
2. Roll tightly and air fry until crispy and golden.

10. Sweet And Sour Tofu

Ingredients:

• Firm tofu, cubed
• Pineapple chunks
• Bell peppers, diced
• Sweet and sour sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Toss tofu, pineapple chunks, and diced bell peppers in sweet and sour sauce.
2. Mix rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and cornstarch to create a glaze.
3. Air fry until tofu is crispy and coated in the sweet and sour glaze.

11. Mongolian Beef Meatballs

Ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Brown sugar
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Combine ground beef, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced green onions to form meatballs.
2. Air fry until meatballs are cooked through and glazed.
3. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

12. Shrimp And Broccoli Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Broccoli florets
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Stir-fry shrimp and broccoli in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
2. Coat with cornstarch and air fry until shrimp is pink and broccoli is tender-crisp.

13. Dim Sum Dumplings

Ingredients:

• Dumpling wrappers
• Ground pork or shrimp
• Napa cabbage, finely chopped
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Green onions, chopped
• Ginger, grated

Instructions:

1. Mix ground pork or shrimp with finely chopped Napa cabbage, soy sauce, sesame oil, chopped green onions, and grated ginger.
2. Fill dumpling wrappers, fold, and seal.
3. Air fry until dumplings are golden and cooked through.

14. Crispy Orange Beef

Ingredients:

• Beef strips
• Orange zest
• Orange juice
• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Cornstarch
• Green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Marinate beef strips in orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce.
2. Coat beef in cornstarch and air fry until crispy.
3. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

15. Garlic Sesame Edamame

Ingredients:

• Edamame
• Garlic, minced
• Sesame oil
• Soy sauce
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Toss edamame with minced garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
2. Air fry until edamame is tender and seasoned.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

16. Hunan Chicken Skewers

Ingredients:

• Chicken skewers
• Hunan sauce
• Bell peppers, diced
• Red onion, diced
• Pineapple chunks

Instructions:

1. Thread chicken skewers with diced bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple chunks.
2. Brush with Hunan sauce and air fry until chicken is cooked through and skewers are caramelized.

17. Five-Spice Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

• Sweet potatoes, cut into fries
• Five-spice powder
• Olive oil
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Toss sweet potato fries with five-spice powder, olive oil, and salt.
2. Air fry until crispy and golden, shaking the basket occasionally.

18. Cantonese BBQ Pork Buns

Ingredients:

• BBQ pork, sliced
• Steamed bun dough
• Hoisin sauce
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Flatten steamed bun dough, fill with sliced BBQ pork and hoisin sauce.
2. Seal and air fry until buns are golden and fluffy.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

19. Black Pepper Tofu Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• Firm tofu, cubed
• Black pepper
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Garlic, minced
• Bell peppers, sliced
• Green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Stir-fry tofu in black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, sliced bell peppers, and chopped green onions.
2. Air fry until tofu is golden and veggies are tender-crisp.

20. Shanghai Scallion Oil Noodles

Ingredients:

• Chinese noodles
• Scallion oil
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Chopped scallions

Instructions:

1. Cook Chinese noodles and toss with scallion oil, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Air fry for a few minutes to achieve a crispy texture.
3. Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.

21. Spicy Sichuan Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Sichuan peppercorns
• Chili oil
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken wings in Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic.
2. Air fry until wings are crispy and glazed with the spicy Sichuan sauce.

22. Crispy Seaweed Snacks

Ingredients:

• Seaweed sheets
• Sesame oil
• Soy sauce
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Brush seaweed sheets with sesame oil and soy sauce.
2. Air fry until crispy and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added crunch.

23. Hoisin Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients:

• Chicken drumsticks
• Hoisin sauce
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken drumsticks in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
2. Air fry until drumsticks are golden and glazed with the hoisin sauce.

24. Shrimp Toast

Ingredients:

• Bread slices
• Shrimp, minced
• Water chestnuts, minced
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Mix minced shrimp, water chestnuts, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
2. Spread the mixture on bread slices and air fry until crispy and golden.

25. Sticky Rice Dumplings

Ingredients:

• Glutinous rice
• Chinese sausage, diced
• Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook glutinous rice and mix with diced Chinese sausage, sliced shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions.
2. Shape into dumplings and air fry until golden and sticky.

26. Shrimp And Garlic Noodles

Ingredients:

• Chinese noodles
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Garlic, minced
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Cook Chinese noodles and toss with shrimp, minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Air fry for a few minutes to achieve a crispy texture.

27. Red Bean Sesame Balls

Ingredients:

• Glutinous rice flour
• Red bean paste
• Sesame seeds
• Water

Instructions:

1. Mix glutinous rice flour with water to form a dough.
2. Shape the dough into balls, fill with red bean paste, and roll in sesame seeds.
3. Air fry until sesame balls are golden and crispy.

Incorporating the rich and diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine into air fryer recipes opens up a world of possibilities for home cooks seeking healthier alternatives without compromising taste. From crispy appetizers to savory main courses and indulgent desserts, these top 27 Chinese air fryer recipes showcase the versatility of this kitchen appliance. Elevate your culinary skills and embark on a delicious journey through the heart of China with these mouthwatering and nutritious recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking enthusiast, the fusion of traditional Chinese ingredients with modern air frying techniques is sure to delight your palate and impress your guests.

Top 10 Global Flavors

In the realm of culinary innovation, the air fryer has emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing the way we approach cooking. Among the myriad of cuisines that can be explored in this versatile appliance, Chinese cuisine stands out as a delightful and diverse choice.

1. Szechuan Sensation

Embark on a culinary journey with the bold and spicy flavors of Szechuan cuisine. From Szechuan chicken wings to crispy Szechuan tofu, discover how the air fryer can intensify the heat and bring out the complex layers of this iconic Chinese flavor profile.

2. Cantonese Classics

Explore the delicate and savory side of Chinese cuisine with Cantonese-inspired air fryer recipes. From perfectly crisp roast duck to succulent sweet and sour pork, unlock the secrets to achieving authentic Cantonese flavors in your own kitchen.

3. Shanghai Showstopper

Indulge in the rich and indulgent flavors of Shanghai cuisine. Uncover the secrets behind creating delectable xiaolongbao, or soup dumplings, with a crispy twist. Learn how the air fryer can elevate traditional Shanghainese dishes to new heights.

4. Hunan Heat

Experience the fiery and aromatic dishes of Hunan province with a modern air frying twist. From Hunan-style crispy fish to spicy eggplant, discover how the air fryer can effortlessly capture the essence of Hunanese cuisine while retaining the desired crispiness.

5. Crispy Peking Duck

Master the art of achieving the perfect crispy Peking duck using the air fryer. Dive into the step-by-step process of preparing this iconic dish, from marinating to air frying, and savor the succulent flavors that define this classic Chinese delicacy.

6. Dim Sum Delights

Bring the charm of dim sum into your kitchen with air fryer-friendly recipes. From dumplings to spring rolls, explore a variety of bite-sized delights that showcase the versatility of the air fryer in creating crispy and flavorful dim sum classics.

7. Spicy Mapo Tofu

Experience the numbing heat and rich umami flavors of Mapo Tofu in a crispy rendition. Uncover the secrets to achieving the perfect balance of spice and silkiness, transforming this Szechuan classic into an air-fried masterpiece.

8. Crispy Orange Chicken

Savor the sweet and tangy goodness of crispy orange chicken made effortlessly in the air fryer. Discover the key techniques for achieving a perfect balance of flavors and textures, elevating this popular Chinese-American dish to a new level of culinary delight.

9. Five-Spice Elegance

Delight your senses with the aromatic and complex flavors of five-spice seasoning. Learn how to infuse this traditional Chinese spice blend into various dishes, from air-fried vegetables to crispy five-spice chicken, for a culinary experience that is both sophisticated and comforting.

10. Sweet Sesame Treats

Indulge your sweet tooth with air fryer recipes inspired by the delightful sesame-infused desserts of Chinese cuisine. From crispy sesame balls to air-fried sesame banana fritters, explore the realm of sweet sensations that the air fryer can bring to your table.

My Favourite Air Fryer Recipe

Crispy General Tso’s Chicken

One of my personal favorites among Chinese air fryer recipes is the Crispy General Tso’s Chicken. This dish perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch. Here’s a step-by-step guide to recreating this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen:

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
• 4 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

2. Coat the Chicken:
   In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

3. Dip in Egg Mixture:
   Dip the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, making sure they are well-covered.

4. Air Fry the Chicken:
   Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Air fry for 15-18 minutes or until the chicken is golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

5. Prepare the Sauce:
   While the chicken is air frying, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce thickens.

6. Toss in the Sauce:
   Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large bowl and toss it with the prepared General Tso’s sauce until evenly coated.

7. Serve and Garnish:
   Plate the crispy General Tso’s chicken, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and garnish with sliced green onions.

8. Enjoy:
   Dive into a plate of this homemade Crispy General Tso’s Chicken, reveling in the delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Tips And Tricks For Successful Air Fryer Cooking

Mastering the art of air frying Chinese dishes requires a combination of technique and culinary finesse. Here are some invaluable tips and tricks to ensure your Chinese air fryer recipes turn out perfectly every time:

1. Preheat The Air Fryer

Always preheat your air fryer before cooking. This ensures that your food cooks evenly and achieves the desired crispiness.

2. Use The Right Oil

Opt for oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil. This prevents the oil from breaking down at high temperatures, maintaining the quality of your dishes.

3. Invest In Parchment Paper

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Ensure the parchment paper has ventilation holes for proper air circulation.

4. Don’t Overcrowd The Basket

To achieve optimal crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed, allowing ample space for air circulation.

5. Flip And Shake

For even cooking, flip or shake the food halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that all sides are exposed to the circulating hot air.

6. Experiment With Marinades

Marinating your ingredients before air frying can enhance flavors. Experiment with traditional Chinese marinades or create your own signature blends for a personalized touch.

7. Monitor Cooking Time

Keep a close eye on your dishes, especially if you’re trying a recipe for the first time. Air fryers can vary, so adjust cooking times based on your specific appliance.

8. Embrace The Crisp Tray

Many air fryers come with additional accessories like crisp trays. Utilize these trays for achieving an extra level of crispiness, especially for fried foods.

9. Incorporate Chinese Herbs And Spices

Elevate your dishes by incorporating traditional Chinese herbs and spices. Experiment with ingredients like star anise, cinnamon, or Chinese five-spice powder to add depth to your flavors.

10. Serve Immediately

Air-fried dishes are best enjoyed immediately after cooking to retain their crispiness. Serve hot and savor the delightful textures and flavors straight from the air fryer.

Time-Saving Strategies For Busy Cooks

In today’s fast-paced world, time-saving strategies in the kitchen are a welcome relief for busy cooks. The air fryer, with its efficiency and speed, becomes an invaluable tool. Here are some time-saving strategies to maximize your culinary experience:

1. Batch Cooking

Prepare larger quantities of Chinese air fryer recipes and freeze them in individual portions. This way, you can have quick and delicious meals on hand whenever you need them.

2. Prep In Advance

Spend some time on the weekend or during less hectic moments to chop vegetables, marinate proteins, or prepare sauces. This makes assembling meals in the air fryer a breeze during busy weekdays.

3. Explore One-Pot Meals

Combine ingredients that cook at similar temperatures in the air fryer to create easy one-pot meals. This not only saves time on prep but also reduces the number of dishes to clean.

4. Utilize Timer And Delay Start Functions

Take advantage of the timer and delay start functions on your air fryer. Set the timer to ensure your dishes are cooked to perfection, and use the delay start feature to have meals ready precisely when you need them.

5. Master The Art Of Multi-Tasking

While your main dish is air frying, use the stovetop or oven to prepare complementary side dishes. This allows you to create a well-rounded meal without extending your cooking time.

6. Invest In Time-Saving Accessories

Explore accessories like air fryer racks, multiple-tier baskets, or additional trays that allow you to cook multiple items simultaneously. This can significantly speed up the cooking process.

7. Embrace Leftovers Creatively

Transform leftovers into new and exciting dishes by reheating them in the air fryer. Leftover fried rice, for example, can be crisped up and turned into a delightful meal.

8. Optimize Pre-Programmed Settings

Many air fryers come with pre-programmed settings for specific dishes. Familiarize yourself with these settings to streamline your cooking process and achieve consistent results.

9. Quick Air Fryer Snacks

Keep a repertoire of quick air fryer snacks in your culinary arsenal. From crispy wontons to air-fried dumplings, these snacks can be prepared in minutes for a satisfying and speedy treat.

10. Plan Your Menu

Plan your weekly menu in advance, incorporating air fryer recipes strategically. This not only saves time on decision-making but also allows you to optimize your air fryer for various dishes throughout the week.

Conclusion

In the realm of Chinese air fryer recipes, the possibilities are as vast as the Great Wall itself. From the bold flavors of Szechuan to the delicate nuances of Cantonese cuisine, the air fryer unlocks a world of culinary delights. Armed with the knowledge of top global flavors, a favorite recipe, tips for success, and time-saving strategies, you are well-equipped to embark on a delicious journey through the vibrant tapestry of Chinese cuisine in your air fryer. So, fire up that appliance, let the aromas fill your kitchen, and savor the crispy, flavorful magic that awaits. Happy air frying!