Air-Fryer Pot Stickers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Potstickers, also known as gyoza or dumplings, are a delicious dough-based snack filled with meat or vegetables. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, steaming, and pan-frying. But can you cook them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air-frying is a convenient and quick way to cook potstickers, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender, warm interior. The key to achieving this texture is to coat the potstickers with oil before placing them in the air fryer. Additionally, it is important to cook the potstickers in a single layer to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the dumplings and the brand of the air fryer, but on average, they should be cooked for around 10-15 minutes at a temperature of 350-400°F.

Air fryer settings for cooking pot stickers

Air fryers are a great way to cook potstickers, also known as gyoza or dumplings, as they get crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The air fryer's small, convection oven-like design uses hot air to cook food, making it perfect for heating frozen foods like potstickers without them becoming soggy or wet.

Air Fryer Settings for Cooking Potstickers:

When cooking potstickers in an air fryer, there are a few key settings and steps to follow:

Temperature:

Set the temperature between 350°F and 400°F. The higher the temperature, the crispier the potstickers will become.

Preheating:

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes. This gives the potstickers a head start and ensures a consistent texture.

Oil:

Coat the potstickers and the air fryer basket generously with oil. This can be done by spraying, brushing, or rubbing the oil onto the potstickers. Avocado oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, and vegetable oil are all suitable options and will help achieve a golden-brown colour.

Cooking Time:

Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model, brand, and the size of the potstickers. As a general guideline, cook the potstickers for 8-15 minutes. Check on them at the 5-minute mark and flip them if needed to ensure even cooking.

Serving:

Once the potstickers are golden brown and crispy, they are ready to be served. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or a meal with a variety of dipping sauces.

Tips:

• If your air fryer basket is too small to cook all the potstickers in a single layer, cook them in batches.
• Different brands of air fryers cook differently, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
• If you prefer softer potstickers, steaming them is an alternative to using an air fryer.

Oil types and application methods

Potstickers, dumplings, gyoza, wontons—whatever you call them, these delicious parcels of savoury filling and dough can be cooked in an air fryer.

When cooking potstickers in an air fryer, it is important to use oil to prevent the dumplings from drying out and to ensure a crispy exterior. The type of oil you use is a matter of preference, but some suggestions include avocado, coconut, canola/vegetable, and olive oil. You can also use spray oil, such as PAM, or an oil mister. If you don't have a spray oil, simply brush the oil onto the potstickers.

To apply the oil, first, spray or brush it onto the air fryer basket or tray. Then, place the frozen potstickers in the air fryer, ensuring they don't touch each other or the sides of the basket. Spray or brush oil onto the tops of the potstickers. Some recipes suggest flipping the potstickers halfway through cooking and recoating with oil to prevent dryness.

Pot sticker alternatives

If you're looking for alternatives to cooking potstickers in an air fryer, there are several other methods you can try. Here are some options:

Pan-Frying

A traditional way to cook potstickers is by pan-frying them. This method creates a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. To pan-fry potstickers, heat some vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the potstickers in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. You can also add about 3 tablespoons of water to the pan, cover it, and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes to ensure the wrappers are softened and steamed. Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or Sriracha.

Steaming

For a softer texture, you can steam potstickers. Fill a pot with a couple of inches of water and place a bamboo or metal steamer basket on top. Add the potstickers to the basket and steam until the wrappers are softened and the filling is cooked through. You can also steam potstickers in an air fryer by adding some water to the drip tray and placing the potstickers on a tray above it.

Boiling

Another option is to boil potstickers. You can add them to a broth-based soup or boil them directly in water. Boiling will result in an overall softer texture compared to frying.

Baking

You can also bake potstickers in the oven. This method can be used to reheat frozen potstickers or cook them from fresh. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the potstickers about half an inch apart. Bake in the oven until crispy and cooked through.

Microwave

For a quick and easy option, you can microwave potstickers. While they may not come out perfect, they can be a convenient way to heat up frozen potstickers when you're short on time.

No matter which cooking method you choose, you can customise the fillings of your potstickers to suit your taste preferences. Common fillings include pork, cabbage, mushrooms, shrimp, garlic, green onions, and ginger.

Dipping sauces

When it comes to dipping sauces for your air-fried potstickers, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Amai Sauce

A sweet and tangy Japanese sauce that is often used as a dipping sauce for fried foods. This sauce will add a burst of flavour to your potstickers.

Sriracha Aioli

A popular hot chili sauce with a kick of garlic. If you're looking for something spicy and flavourful, this is a great option. You can also mix it with garlic mayo for a milder version.

Sweet Chili Sauce

This thick, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce is a perfect choice if you want a balance of sweet and spicy. It pairs well with the crispy potstickers.

Plum Sauce

For something a little different, try plum sauce. It's thick, sweet, and slightly sour, adding a unique flavour to your potstickers. It's a popular choice in Chinese cuisine.

Soy Sauce

A classic and savoury choice, soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans and wheat. It's a common condiment in Asian cuisine and goes well with potstickers, especially if you want to keep things simple yet tasty.

Gyoza Sauce

Gyoza sauce is a thin but flavourful Japanese sauce. It's a great choice if you're looking for something light and not too overpowering to dip your potstickers in.

Spicy Mustard

If you like a little kick, spicy mustard is a great option. It adds a sharp and spicy flavour to your potstickers.

Peanut Dip

For something different, try a peanut dip. You can find pre-made bottles in most markets, and they're usually low in sodium. Add some crushed ginger for an extra punch of flavour.

Homemade Sauce

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own sauce from scratch! Simply whisk together soy sauce, water, maple syrup, garlic powder, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. You can also add sesame seeds for a little crunch.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to dipping sauces for your air-fried potstickers. Get creative and experiment with different flavours to find your favourite combinations!

Storage

If you have any leftover potstickers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer for two minutes at 350°F.

While it is possible to refreeze the potstickers, it is not recommended as the texture of the wrapper will change.

If you are storing uncooked potstickers, they can be kept in the freezer. However, it is important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on the size of your dumplings.

Some popular places to buy frozen potstickers include Costco, Trader Joe's, and Hmart.

Frequently asked questions