Air Fryer Pot Stickers: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Making potstickers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy and juicy snack or side dish on the table. Potstickers, also known as dumplings, can be made from a variety of fillings, including chicken, vegetables, and pork, and can be frozen or homemade. Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it uses little to no oil, without sacrificing flavour or texture.

How long to cook potstickers in an air fryer

Yes, you can make potstickers in an air fryer! Many people have tried and tested this method, and it is a great way to cook a large batch of potstickers at once.

The cooking time will vary depending on the brand of air fryer you have, the brand of potstickers, and your personal preference for texture. It is recommended to start checking your potstickers at around 5 minutes, and then continue cooking until they are golden brown and crispy. Some people cook their potstickers for 8-10 minutes, while others cook them for up to 15 minutes.

Tips for cooking potstickers in an air fryer:

• Do not defrost your potstickers before cooking.
• Cook the potstickers in a single layer, with space between each one, so that the hot air can circulate.
• Flip the potstickers halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Generously coat the potstickers with oil before cooking to prevent them from drying out and to achieve a crispy texture.
• Some people recommend shaking the basket during cooking to move the potstickers around.
• The ideal temperature for cooking potstickers seems to be around 370-375 degrees Fahrenheit. A higher temperature may brown the exterior too quickly, while a lower temperature may not be hot enough.

Dipping Sauce Ideas:

• Soy sauce and sesame oil with toasted sesame seeds.
• Soy sauce, water, maple syrup, garlic powder, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.

How to prevent potstickers from drying out in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook potstickers in an air fryer. They will have a crispy exterior and a juicy, hot filling.

To prevent potstickers from drying out in an air fryer, follow these steps:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (175-200°C). While the air fryer is preheating, brush or spray the potstickers with a generous amount of oil. You can use any type of cooking oil, such as vegetable, olive, avocado, coconut, or canola oil.

Next, place the potstickers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. If necessary, cook them in batches. Set a timer for 5 minutes and then flip the potstickers, adding more oil if needed.

Continue cooking for an additional 4-6 minutes, until the potstickers are golden brown. It is important to keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once cooked, remove the potstickers from the air fryer and let them sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

By coating the potstickers with oil and flipping them halfway through the cooking process, you can help ensure they remain moist and juicy, rather than drying out.

The best type of oil to use when air-frying potstickers

Air-fried potstickers are a delicious and easy-to-make appetiser or side dish. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You can use any type of oil to cook them, but some oils are better than others. Here are some recommendations for the best type of oil to use when air-frying potstickers:

• Avocado oil or coconut oil: These oils have a high smoke point, which means they can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer without burning. They also have a neutral flavour that won't overpower the taste of the potstickers.
• Vegetable oil: This is a good option if you want a healthier option. It has a neutral flavour and is high in mono and polyunsaturated fats, which are better for your heart health.
• Olive oil: Olive oil is a healthy option and will give your potstickers a nice, subtle flavour. However, it has a lower smoke point than other oils, so you need to be careful not to let it smoke.
• Peanut oil: Peanut oil has a strong flavour that might not go well with potstickers. However, if you like the taste, it is a good option as it has a high smoke point.

When cooking potstickers in an air fryer, make sure to coat them evenly with oil and cook them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. You can also flip them halfway through the cooking process to get an even crisp. The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer, but on average, it takes about 10-15 minutes to cook potstickers at 400°F.

How to make a dipping sauce for air-fried potstickers

There are many different sauces that can be used for dipping air-fried potstickers. Here are some ideas:

Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, and Sesame Oil

This sauce is a perfect complement to potstickers, with a salty tang and a hint of sweetness. It is also very easy to make, requiring just a few basic pantry ingredients. You can also add some sliced green onion, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds as a garnish.

Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Sesame Oil, and Honey

This sauce has a similar base to the previous one but includes honey for a touch of sweetness to balance out the salt. You can also add sliced green onions, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds for some extra flavour and texture.

Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Sesame Oil, Garlic, and Honey

For a bit of extra savoury flavour, add some garlic to the previous sauce. This sauce is versatile and can be customised to your taste preferences.

Chilli Sauce, Soy Sauce, and Brown Sugar

This sauce has a thinner texture than other Asian sauces but is perfect for coating potstickers. It is salty and umami-forward, with a touch of sweetness. You can also add some green onions, ginger, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes as a garnish.

Air Fryer Dipping Sauce

If you want a sauce that is specifically designed for air-fried potstickers, you can try making a sauce with soy sauce, water, maple syrup, garlic powder, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Simply place all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk together.

The best brand of potstickers to use in an air fryer

Yes, you can make potstickers in an air fryer! They are a fabulous appetiser or side dish and can be made with chicken, vegetarian, or pork fillings.

The Best Brands of Potstickers for an Air Fryer

Several brands of potstickers have been recommended for use in an air fryer, with varying results.

• Tai Pei and Ling Ling were both used successfully by the same source, with Tai Pei deemed the better of the two.
• Bibigo potstickers from Costco were recommended by two sources, cooked at 390 degrees for 8 minutes.
• One source recommended getting potstickers from Hmart, which they said didn't need any misting and were "absolutely perfect".
• Trader Joe's Frozen Gyoza was also mentioned as a good option.
• Costco dumplings were also mentioned as a good option, though it is unclear if these are the same as the Bibigo potstickers.

Tips for Making Potstickers in an Air Fryer

• Use pre-packaged dumplings from the frozen section for the best results.
• Don't stack the potstickers, cook them in a single layer for even cooking.
• Coat the potstickers with oil to prevent them from drying out.
• Flip the potstickers halfway through cooking and spray with more oil if needed.
• The ideal temperature for cooking potstickers in an air fryer is around 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 9-11 minutes, but this may vary depending on your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions