Leftover dim sum is a beautiful thing—until it turns soggy, rubbery, or dried out. Whether you brought home too many buns or couldn’t finish your cheung fun, knowing how to properly reheat these delicate dishes makes all the difference between a sad snack and a second-round feast.
Here’s how to reheat popular dim sum items using steamers, microwaves, and air fryers—without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Steamer: Best for Dumplings, Bao Buns, and Cheung Fun
Why it works: Steaming mimics the original cooking method and helps preserve moisture without drying out the wrappers or overcooking the filling.
How to do it:
- Line your steamer with parchment or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
- Place dumplings, bao buns, or rice noodle rolls inside in a single layer.
- Steam over boiling water for 5–8 minutes, depending on size.
Pro tip: Avoid over-steaming. Too much time can make wrappers gummy. For more detailed steaming advice, check out The Kitchn’s reheating guide.
- Microwave (with Steam Hack): Best for Speedy Reheats
Why it works: With the right technique, microwaves can be surprisingly effective at preserving dumpling texture—especially when you’re short on time.
How to do it:
- Place dim sum on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel.
- Heat in 30-second bursts until warm (usually 60–90 seconds total).
- Avoid overheating, which causes buns to dry out or toughen.
Optional: Place a mug of water in the microwave alongside your plate to simulate steam and prevent dryness.
Microwave not ideal for: Deep-fried items like taro dumplings or spring rolls. Those do best with a crisping method.
- Air Fryer: Best for Spring Rolls, Turnip Cakes, and Fried Dumplings
Why it works: Air fryers restore crispiness without the need for oil or deep-frying. This method revives texture for anything that should have a crunch.
How to do it:
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place fried items in a single layer with space between them.
- Heat for 3–5 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.
Warning: Don’t use this method for soup dumplings—they’ll leak or explode. Stick to drier, fried dishes.
Need more guidance? Serious Eats offers excellent tips on restoring fried food crispiness using oven and air fryer methods.
- Oven or Toaster Oven: Backup Option for Baked Buns
Why it works: While not as fast as an air fryer, an oven can effectively reheat baked dim sum items like pineapple buns or baked char siu bao.
How to do it:
- Wrap loosely in foil to prevent over-browning.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes, or until warmed through.
Make Your Leftovers Count
Don’t let your dim sum go to waste—or worse, ruin it with a careless reheat. With just a little know-how, you can revive yesterday’s dumplings into something that tastes nearly as good as fresh.
