Air-Fryer Pot Stickers: A Healthy, Quick Treat?

Air fryers are a great way to make potstickers, also known as dumplings, with a crispy exterior and juicy filling. They are a convenient and quick option, taking less than 15 minutes to cook. You can use frozen or homemade potstickers, and they can be made with chicken, vegetables, or other fillings. The key to success is to ensure the potstickers are coated with oil to achieve the desired crispiness without drying them out.

How to make frozen potstickers in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen potstickers
• Oil spray (or oil and a brush)
• Dipping sauce (optional)

Utensils

Air fryer

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F.
• Place the frozen potstickers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping or stacked.
• Spray the potstickers with oil. You can also brush them with oil if you don't have a spray.
• Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip the potstickers and add more oil if needed.
• Air fry for another 4-6 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
• Remove the potstickers from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

Tips:

• You can use any type of oil, such as avocado, coconut, canola, or sesame oil.
• It is important to coat the potstickers completely with oil to ensure they come out crispy and not dry.
• You don't need to thaw the potstickers before air frying them.
• Cook the potstickers in batches if they don't all fit in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Serve with a dipping sauce such as soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or hoisin sauce.

Tips for making the best air fryer dumplings

Use frozen dumplings

You can cook dumplings straight from frozen in an air fryer. If they are thawed, reduce the cooking time.

Don't overcrowd the basket

Dumplings should be cooked in a single layer with space around them. Cook in batches if necessary.

Use oil

Spray the dumplings with oil to get a crispy texture. If you don't use oil, the dumplings will dry out. You can use an oil spray or brush the dumplings with oil.

Flip halfway through

Dumplings should be flipped halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Don't stack the dumplings

Dumplings will stick together if stacked. Be patient and cook in batches if necessary.

Use a dipping sauce

Dumplings are often served with a dipping sauce. You can use soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, hoisin sauce, or a combination of soy sauce with a little sesame seed oil or black vinegar.

How to store leftover cooked potstickers

To store leftover cooked potstickers, place them in an airtight container or bag and put them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to five days.

If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Potstickers can be frozen either cooked or uncooked. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to two months.

When you're ready to eat your frozen potstickers, you can cook them in an air fryer. They will be ready in just a few minutes and will turn out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but this will make them lose their crispy texture.

What to serve potstickers with

There are many dishes that can be served with potstickers, here are some ideas:

Appetizers

Vegan summer rolls, avocado maki rolls, crab rangoon, egg rolls, and rice paper dumplings are some appetizers that can be served with potstickers.

Soups

Soups such as bok choy soup with garlic and ginger, mushroom and Chinese cabbage soup, suimono clear soup, Chinese tofu vegetable soup, and vegan Tom Kha soup are great options to serve with potstickers.

Salads

A crunchy Thai peanut salad, Asian cucumber salad with peanuts and sesame seeds, and a quinoa edamame salad with Asian dressing are some salad options that can be served with potstickers.

Mains

Some main course dishes that can be served with potstickers include vegan Kung Pao cauliflower, Vietnamese stir-fried soy sauce noodles, tofu fried rice, and Szechuan tofu with vegetables.

Rice and Noodles

Potstickers can be served with rice, ramen, or noodles. Rice bowls and Pad Thai are also great options to serve with potstickers.

Stir Fry

Potstickers can be added to a stir-fry with a variety of sauces and vegetables.

Dipping Sauces

Dipping sauces such as soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, hoisin sauce, and chilli crisp can be served with potstickers.

How to make a dipping sauce for potstickers

Making a dipping sauce for potstickers is easy. You can make a delicious sauce in less than 5 minutes with a few basic pantry ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil.

Ingredients:

• Soy Sauce – You can use regular, low-sodium, or gluten-free soy sauce, or even replace it with tamari.
• Rice Vinegar – Rice wine vinegar is traditional, but you can also use white, apple cider, or wine vinegar.
• Sesame Oil – Use either toasted or regular sesame oil.
• Garlic – This is optional but adds a savoury flavour.
• Honey/Sugar – A little sweetness helps balance the savoury flavours. You can also use brown sugar or maple syrup.

Optional Ingredients:

• Green onions/scallions – Adds a tart, fresh flavour. Chop the green onion very small so it's easy to dip.
• Cilantro – Finely chop the cilantro for a bright, fresh herb flavour.
• Sesame seeds – Great for texture and making the sauce look more beautiful.
• Spicy ingredients – Red pepper flakes, hot sauce, chili oil, or fresh ginger will give your sauce a kick.

Instructions:

• Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sweetener in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
• Add the garlic and any other optional ingredients and stir to combine.
• Whisk the sauce again just before serving.
• Serve the sauce at room temperature with a side of potstickers for dipping.

You can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you're adding fresh herbs, it's best to add them just before serving so they stay bright and fresh.

Frequently asked questions