Air Fryer Potstickers: A Quick, Easy, Healthy Treat

Potstickers, also known as dumplings, are a delicious appetizer or side dish. While they can be steamed, pan-fried, or microwaved, cooking them in an air fryer is an excellent way to achieve the perfect texture—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are also quick to make, easy to clean up, and healthier than their pan-fried counterparts, as air fryers require little to no oil.

Potstickers can be cooked straight from frozen

Potstickers are a variety of dumplings that can be cooked straight from frozen in an air fryer. They are made with a slightly thinner wrapper than other dumplings and can be filled with meat or vegetables.

To cook frozen potstickers in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 370-380°F. Then, place the frozen potstickers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap, with about 1/2 inch of space between each one. This allows for proper airflow and even cooking.

Next, mist or spray the potstickers with a small amount of oil. Oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, avocado, soybean, or olive oil, are best. This step is optional but helps to enhance crispiness and prevent sticking.

Cook the potstickers for 8-10 minutes at 380°F, or 9-11 minutes at 370°F, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness. For extra crispiness, continue cooking in 2-minute increments.

Potstickers are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F for pork and beef, and 165°F for chicken. They should also be crispy and golden brown on the outside.

Frozen potstickers can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, and go well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, spicy mustard, or sweet chili sauce. They can also be served with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or miso soup for a complete meal.

Oil is required for the best results

Cooking potstickers in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this dish. While it is possible to cook potstickers in an air fryer without oil, using oil will ensure the best results.

Oil is necessary to achieve the desired level of crispiness and browning. Without oil, potstickers may become dried out or burnt. A light coating of oil will help to achieve a golden brown exterior without sticking to the air fryer basket. This is especially important if you are reheating potstickers, as they may not get as crispy as when first cooked.

You can use a variety of oils, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. It is recommended to use an oil spray or mister to ensure an even coating. If you don't have a spray, you can brush or drizzle the oil onto the potstickers and toss to coat.

The amount of oil used can vary depending on your preference and the desired level of crispiness. Some recipes suggest spraying the potstickers with oil both before and halfway through cooking, while others recommend a single coating before cooking.

In addition to oil, it is important to cook the potstickers at the right temperature and for the appropriate amount of time. Most recipes suggest cooking frozen potstickers at 350-370°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. However, different air fryer brands may cook differently, so it is important to adjust the time and temperature as needed.

By using oil and following the proper cooking instructions, you can ensure that your air-fried potstickers turn out crispy, tender, and delicious.

Preheat the air fryer for best results

Preheating your air fryer can speed up the cooking time and make your food crispier. It is especially useful when cooking frozen foods, as it helps them cook evenly and quickly. However, it is not necessary to preheat your air fryer before cooking, and certain foods, such as delicate ingredients, may be better off without preheating.

To preheat your air fryer, first, check the operating manual for specific instructions. Some models have a preheat setting button, while others do not. If your air fryer has a preheat button, simply press it, set the temperature, and wait for the air fryer to reach the desired temperature. If your air fryer does not have a preheat button, set the temperature to the desired cooking temperature and then turn on the air fryer for 2-5 minutes to preheat. The time required to preheat will depend on the size of your air fryer and the cooking temperature. Smaller air fryers will preheat faster than larger ones, and most air fryers preheat to 400° F in 3-5 minutes.

When cooking potstickers in an air fryer, preheating can help you achieve the desired crispiness. Potstickers are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer when they are hot and crispy. Preheating the air fryer will ensure that the potstickers start cooking immediately, resulting in a crispy exterior without overcooking the inside. To enhance the crispiness further, you can lightly mist the potstickers with oil before placing them in the air fryer.

It is important to note that different brands of air fryers cook differently, and as you get to know your air fryer, you may need to adjust the preheating time and temperature accordingly. Additionally, remember to arrange the potstickers in a single layer with space between each one to allow proper airflow and even cooking.

Potstickers can be served with a variety of dipping sauces

Potstickers, also known as dumplings, are a fabulous appetiser or side dish. They can be cooked in an air fryer, which is a great way to achieve a delicious, crunchy texture. Using an air fryer also means less cleanup, as it requires little to no oil.

There are many other options for dipping sauces, such as the soy ginger sauce, wasabi ginger sauce, or orange zest and honey sauce. For those who like their food hot, sriracha can be added to any of the above sauces for an extra kick.

They can be served as a side dish, snack, or meal

Potstickers are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. They can be a delicious side dish, a quick snack, or even a meal on their own.

As a side dish, potstickers add a savory element to your meal. They are typically served alongside other Asian dishes such as fried rice, lo mein, or sesame chicken. The contrast of textures and flavors between the potstickers and these dishes creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal. For a healthier option, steamed vegetables or garlicky green beans can be served as a side, adding a crunchy texture and nutritional value to balance the richness of the potstickers.

Potstickers also make a great snack, especially when served with a variety of dipping sauces. Soy sauce, black vinegar, spicy mustard, or sweet chili sauce are all popular choices. For a heartier snack, pair them with crispy egg rolls or spring rolls, which offer complementary flavors and a shareable aspect that is perfect for gatherings.

Additionally, potstickers can be a meal in themselves. They are typically served as an appetizer or starter, but their savory and indulgent nature makes them a satisfying main course as well. When served as a meal, they can be paired with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a more substantial option.

The versatility of potstickers extends to their cooking methods as well. They can be cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy texture and golden exterior. Alternatively, they can be pan-fried, steamed, boiled, or deep-fried, offering a range of options to suit different tastes and preferences.

Whether served as a side dish, snack, or meal, potstickers are a crowd-pleasing option that can be easily adapted to suit a variety of culinary needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions