1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients Start by gathering your ingredients to make the process smooth. If your mantou is frozen, let it defrost for at least 10 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the fridge; this ensures even cooking. For fresh mantou, no extra prep is needed, but arrange them on a plate to keep things organized.

2-Second Step: Arrange in the Air Fryer Place up to 10 mantou in the air fryer basket, making sure they all face the same side up for even heating. If your air-fryer is small, cook in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven results. Optionally, give them a light spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness, though it’s not always necessary.

3-Third Step: Initial Air Frying Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook the mantou for 3 minutes. This first round starts the crisping process on one side, transforming the soft buns into something with a nice texture. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook, especially if your air fryer runs hot.

4-Fourth Step: Flip and Finish Cooking After the initial 3 minutes, flip the mantou carefully and air fry for another 2 minutes at 400°F until they turn golden brown. This flipping ensures both sides get evenly crispy, which is essential for the best results. For more crispiness, you can cut the mantou in half before cooking, using the same timing.

5-Fifth Step: Prepare for Serving Once done, remove the mantou from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Pour ¼ cup of condensed milk into a small bowl on a serving plate, ready for dipping. This step enhances the flavor, turning your air fryer mantou into a versatile snack.

6-Sixth Step: Final Touches and Enjoy Serve the mantou immediately with the condensed milk for dipping, or experiment with other toppings like Nutella or jams. The total prep time is about 15 minutes, including defrosting and cooking, making it perfect for busy schedules. Remember, air fryer mantou tastes best when hot, so eat them soon after cooking.