Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Pot Stickers, Cooked Perfectly

Cooking frozen potstickers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tasty Asian appetizer or snack on the table in under 10 minutes. Potstickers are a type of dumpling that is both steamed and fried, resulting in a soft interior and crispy exterior. Air-frying is a convenient method for cooking frozen potstickers, as it eliminates the need for constant monitoring to ensure even cooking and browning, as is required when cooking in a pan.

Recommended temperature and time

When cooking frozen potstickers in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 370°F or 380°F. The temperature ensures that the dumplings are cooked through without drying out.

Place the frozen potstickers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between each one to allow proper airflow and even cooking. Spritz or mist the potstickers with oil spray or lightly brush them with oil to prevent them from drying out and to enhance their crispiness.

For the cooking time, most sources recommend cooking the potstickers for about 8 to 11 minutes in total at the temperature mentioned above. Flip the potstickers halfway through the cooking process to ensure even crispiness. If you prefer them extra crispy, you can continue cooking in 2-minute increments until they reach your desired level of crispness.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as your personal preference for the level of crispiness. Always keep an eye on your potstickers to avoid overcooking or burning.

Oil type and application

When cooking frozen potstickers in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that they do not dry out. While some sources claim that oil is not necessary, most recipes recommend spraying, brushing, or drizzling oil onto the potstickers. This helps to achieve a crispy exterior and prevents the potstickers from sticking to the air fryer basket.

The type of oil used can vary, and it is recommended to choose a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point. Avocado oil, olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, soybean oil, and peanut oil are all suitable options. Coconut oil, butter, and ghee can also be used, but they have strong odors that may not complement the flavor of the potstickers. Additionally, it is important to consider any allergies that the consumers may have before selecting an oil.

The application of oil can be done in several ways. One method is to brush the oil directly onto the frozen potstickers before placing them in the air fryer. This ensures an even coating and prevents the potstickers from rolling over during the process. Alternatively, if using an oil spray, it is recommended to spray the potstickers generously, both before and during cooking, to maintain moisture and crispiness.

It is worth noting that the amount of oil required for air-fried potstickers is significantly less than that used for conventional cooking methods. Therefore, even with the addition of oil, air-fried potstickers are considered a healthier alternative.

Dumpling arrangement

When arranging the dumplings, it is also important to consider the cooking time and your desired level of crispiness. If you are cooking the dumplings for a shorter amount of time, they may not need to be flipped halfway through. However, if you are cooking them for a longer period of time, or if you prefer your dumplings extra crispy, it is recommended to flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

To achieve the desired level of crispiness, it is also important to use enough oil when cooking the dumplings. Lightly misting or spraying the dumplings with oil before cooking can help to enhance their crispiness. However, it is important not to use too much oil, as this can lead to oil splatter and make the dumplings greasy.

Finally, when arranging the dumplings in the air fryer, be sure to follow the specific instructions for your air fryer model. Some models may require you to preheat the air fryer before adding the dumplings, while others may have specific recommendations for the spacing between each dumpling.

Flipping and shaking

Flipping your potstickers halfway through the cooking process is essential to ensure even cooking on all sides. This technique also helps to achieve that coveted crispy texture on the outside of your dumplings. Depending on your air fryer and desired level of crispiness, you can continue air frying in 2-minute increments after the initial flip.

Before flipping, it is recommended to recoat the dumplings with oil to prevent them from drying out. Oils with high smoke points, such as avocado oil, soybean oil, or olive oil, are ideal for this purpose. You can brush or spray the oil onto the dumplings, ensuring that both sides are coated.

Shaking the air fryer basket is another important step in the cooking process. After the initial cooking period (usually around 5 minutes), gently shake the basket to prevent the potstickers from sticking and to promote even cooking. This is also a good opportunity to check on the progress of your dumplings and ensure they are not burning or drying out.

By flipping, shaking, and adjusting the cooking time as needed, you can ensure that your air-fried potstickers are cooked evenly and achieve the desired level of crispiness.

Pan-frying vs air-frying

There are several differences between pan-frying and air-frying potstickers. Firstly, the cooking method: pan-frying involves cooking the potstickers in a pan with oil, while air-frying uses hot air circulation to cook the food. This key difference leads to several advantages for air-frying.

Air-frying is considered a healthier option as it requires less oil, resulting in a lower-fat meal. It is also quicker, as there is no need to thaw frozen potstickers before air-frying, and the air fryer itself heats up rapidly. The circulating hot air ensures even cooking, browning the potstickers without the need for constant monitoring, as is required with pan-frying. This also means there is less mess, as there is no risk of oil splatter during cooking.

However, pan-frying does have its advantages. It is a more traditional method, creating a crispy texture that many associate with potstickers. While air-fried potstickers can also achieve a crispy exterior, they may dry out without sufficient oil.

To pan-fry potstickers, place them in a single layer in a pan with hot oil, ensuring they are not stacked. Monitor the potstickers to ensure even browning, and once the bottoms are browned, pour in a small amount of water and cover the pan to steam the rest of the dumpling.

To air-fry potstickers, preheat the air fryer to between 370-400°F. Place the frozen potstickers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and spray or brush with oil. Air-fry for 5 minutes, then flip and add more oil if needed. Continue cooking for 4-6 minutes, or until the potstickers are golden brown.

Both methods produce delicious results, but air-frying may be preferable for those seeking a quicker, healthier, and less messy option.

Frequently asked questions