Air Fryer Magic: Perfect Potstickers From Frozen

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen potstickers. They come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You can use frozen chicken, pork, or vegetarian dumplings, and they will turn out perfect every time. The best temperature to cook them at is around 370-380°F for 9 to 11 minutes. Make sure to spray them with oil to get that crispy texture without drying them out.

How long to cook frozen potstickers in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen potstickers in an air fryer. To cook frozen potstickers in an air fryer, follow these steps:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 370-380 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen potstickers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Spray the potstickers with oil—this will help them crisp up.

Air fry the potstickers for 5 minutes, then flip them over and add a little more oil if needed. Air fry for an additional 4-6 minutes, until the potstickers are golden brown. Remove the potstickers from the basket and let them sit for 2 minutes before serving.

The total cooking time is 9-11 minutes, and the potstickers are done when they are golden brown and crispy. It is important to note that cooking time may vary depending on the size of your dumplings and your air fryer model.

How to prepare the air fryer basket

Preparing the air fryer basket is an important step in the cooking process. Here are some detailed instructions to help you get started:

Firstly, it is crucial to ensure that the air fryer basket is clean before use. If this is your first time using the air fryer, remove all removable components, including the basket and any grates or trays, and wash them thoroughly. Dry the parts before reassembling them.

Next, place the air fryer on a heat-resistant surface, maintaining a distance of at least eight inches from the wall. This precaution is important for safety reasons and to ensure optimal airflow around the appliance.

Some manufacturers recommend running the air fryer empty for about 10 minutes before cooking to allow for any potential off-gassing. There may be a slight chemical smell during this initial run, so it is advisable to keep the vents open or maintain good ventilation in the room. This step is typically only necessary the first time you use the air fryer.

Now, your air fryer basket is ready for cooking! Remember to always refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer in the user manual for your particular model of the air fryer.

Additionally, here are some general tips for using your air fryer basket:

• Always use the grate or tray provided with the air fryer to allow for proper airflow and circulation during cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket. Cooking in small batches ensures better browning and faster cooking.
• Use a light hand when applying oil to the food before placing it in the basket. Excess oil can drip into the drawer below, and if there is too much buildup, it may start to smoke.
• Don't forget to shake or flip your food during cooking for even browning and crisping.
• When removing the basket, be cautious as the exterior can get hot. Always use the handle to pull out the basket, and have a trivet or potholder ready to protect your countertop from the hot basket.

How to prevent potstickers from drying out

Yes, you can cook frozen potstickers in an air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent them from drying out:

First, preheat your air fryer to 370-380°F (188°C). Brush the air fryer basket or tray lightly with oil or use an oil mister. If your air fryer does not require preheating, you can skip this step.

Next, place the frozen potstickers in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they do not touch each other. Spray the potstickers generously with oil or brush them with olive oil. This step is crucial to prevent drying and ensure a crispy texture.

Air fry the potstickers for a total of 9-11 minutes at 370°F (or 8-10 minutes at 375-380°F), flipping them halfway through and spraying or brushing with additional oil. The potstickers are done when they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Finally, remove the cooked potstickers from the air fryer using tongs and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

What to serve with frozen potstickers

There are many ways to serve frozen potstickers. Here are some ideas:

As a Side

Frozen potstickers can be served as a side dish with a main course. They can be cooked in various ways, such as pan-frying, steaming, boiling, or baking in an oven. Serving them with a dipping sauce can enhance their flavour.

In a Soup

Adding potstickers to a soup is a great way to make it more filling and flavourful. A simple broth with vegetables and your choice of protein can be a perfect base for potstickers. For example, a potsticker soup with shiitake mushrooms, garlic, ginger, and chicken or vegetable stock.

In a Stir-Fry

Potstickers can be added to a stir-fry for a hearty and flavourful dish. You can vary the sauce and vegetable combinations to create different meals each time.

In a Salad

Salads can be topped with fried potstickers, adding a crunchy and tasty element to the dish. An Asian-style salad with a variety of vegetables and a potsticker topping can be a unique and delicious option.

As an Appetizer

Frozen potstickers can be served as an appetizer or a snack, especially when paired with a variety of dipping sauces.

In a Pasta Salad

Potstickers can be used in place of pasta in a pasta salad. Combining them with shredded carrots, sliced scallions, chopped cilantro, and an Asian-style dressing creates a refreshing and tasty dish.

In a Rice Bowl

Rice bowls are a perfect way to create a quick and easy meal using potstickers. Fried rice with vegetables and potstickers can be a delicious and satisfying option.

On the Grill

Coating potstickers with oil and cooking them on a hot grill until they are cooked through is a unique way to prepare them, adding a smoky flavour to the dish.

With an Asian-Style Slaw

Cabbage is an affordable and versatile vegetable that pairs well with potstickers. A slaw made with cabbage and other vegetables can be a tasty side dish or main course when topped with potstickers.

How to cook frozen dumplings in the microwave

Yes, you can cook frozen dumplings in the microwave! Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Place your desired amount of frozen dumplings in a microwave-safe bowl or container. For reference, one source suggests 6-7 dumplings.

Step 2: Cover the dumplings with hot water. The water level should be at least half an inch above the dumplings.

Step 3: Cover the bowl or container with a lid or damp paper towel.

Step 4: Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes. The dumplings are ready when they are floating in the water.

Step 5: Carefully remove the container from the microwave and drain the water.

Step 6: Let the dumplings sit for about 1 minute before serving.

You can serve the dumplings with a simple dipping sauce or seasoning of your choice. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions