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

Cooking frozen potstickers in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to make a delicious snack or meal. Potstickers, also known as dumplings, can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal preparation and cooking time. While traditional potstickers are partially steamed and then seared on the bottom, they can be made in an air fryer with a variety of oils and cooking sprays.

Potsticker arrangement in the air fryer

Air-fried potstickers are a quick and easy way to get a popular Asian dish on the table. Using an air fryer allows you to achieve a crispy texture with minimal oil, resulting in a healthier alternative to deep-fried potstickers.

When arranging potstickers in the air fryer, it is important to ensure they are in a single layer and that they do not touch each other or the sides of the air fryer basket. This allows for even cooking and the best airflow. If your air fryer is not large enough, you may need to cook the potstickers in batches.

It is also recommended to spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. You can also spray or spritz the potstickers themselves with oil to ensure they get crispy without drying out.

Depending on the desired level of crispiness, the cooking time for potstickers in an air fryer can range from 5 to 12 minutes at 370°F (188°C). For an even cook, it is a good idea to shake the basket or flip the potstickers halfway through.

By following these simple steps, you can cook delicious and crispy potstickers in your air fryer with minimal fuss and maximum flavour.

Air fryer temperature

Air fryers are a great way to cook potstickers, also known as gyoza or dumplings, without the need for a pan of hot oil. The cooking time is short, and the results are crispy dumplings with a juicy and hot filling.

The ideal temperature for cooking potstickers in an air fryer is around 350˚F to 390˚F (180˚C). The lower end of this range is a good temperature to reheat potstickers, which can be done in 3-5 minutes. When cooking potstickers from frozen, the temperature should be set to 370˚F for 10-15 minutes. It is important to ensure the potstickers are in a single layer with a bit of space between each one so that they cook evenly and get crispy.

Some recipes suggest shaking the basket after the first 5 minutes of cooking and then cooking for another 5 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Other recipes suggest flipping the potstickers halfway through cooking.

It is not necessary to preheat the air fryer before adding the potstickers, but some recipes suggest doing so for 3-5 minutes.

Oil usage

To start, it is recommended to brush or spray oil onto the air fryer basket or chamber to prevent sticking. This can be done using an oil mister, EVO oil sprayer, or by brushing the oil directly onto the surface. Olive oil or toasted sesame oil are popular choices for this step.

Next, oil should be applied to the pot stickers themselves. For frozen pot stickers, it is recommended to drizzle or swirl about 1 teaspoon of oil per 12 dumplings in a bowl and coat them evenly. Alternatively, you can brush or spray oil directly onto the pot stickers, ensuring both sides are coated. Avocado oil, coconut oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil are all suitable options. This step is crucial to prevent the pot stickers from drying out and to achieve a crispy exterior.

During the cooking process, it is common to flip the pot stickers halfway through and apply additional oil if needed. This helps ensure even cooking and browning. The amount of oil used will depend on personal preference and the desired level of crispiness.

Cooking time

The cooking time for potstickers in an air fryer depends on the desired level of crispiness, whether the potstickers are frozen or thawed, and the specific air fryer being used.

For frozen potstickers, preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the potstickers in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch each other or the sides of the basket for optimal airflow. Spray the potstickers with oil using an EVO Oil Mister or brush with olive oil. This step is optional but helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning. Air fry the potstickers for 5 minutes, then flip them over and add a little more oil if needed. Continue cooking for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy to your liking.

If your potstickers are thawed or fresh, you can follow a similar process but reduce the cooking time. Cook for a total of 8 to 10 minutes, adjusting as needed based on your desired level of crispiness and the characteristics of your air fryer.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary slightly between different air fryers, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on your potstickers during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning. Additionally, if you prefer a drier texture, you can cook the potstickers for up to 15 minutes.

Storage

When storing homemade potstickers, it is best to freeze them. To do this, first let them cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

If you are storing store-bought frozen potstickers, it is best to keep them in their original packaging, as it is designed to keep them fresh. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To thaw frozen potstickers, place them in the refrigerator overnight or on the kitchen counter for a couple of hours until they are soft enough to handle.

Cooked potstickers can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam or pan-fry them until they are crispy and heated through.

Frequently asked questions