Air Fryer Potstickers: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Potstickers, also known as dumplings, are a delicious appetizer or side dish. They can be made with various fillings, such as chicken, vegetables, pork, shrimp, or seafood. The best way to cook them is in an air fryer, which makes them crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The cooking time depends on the power of your air fryer, but on average, it takes about 8-15 minutes to cook frozen potstickers in an air fryer.

Should you defrost potstickers before air frying?

You do not need to defrost potstickers before air frying them. In fact, it is recommended that you use frozen dumplings in your air fryer, as fresh dumplings may overcook.

When cooking frozen potstickers, it is important to spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You should also spray oil on top of the dumplings before cooking to help them crisp and brown.

If you are using frozen dumplings, increase the cooking time by about two minutes and shake the air fryer basket several times throughout the cooking process to ensure the potstickers get crispy.

If you are cooking fresh, non-frozen potstickers, you can cook these in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about six minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process.

What temperature should the air fryer be?

The optimal temperature for cooking potstickers in an air fryer depends on the desired level of crispiness and the specific model of the air fryer. For a quick sear and a softer texture, a lower temperature of around 370 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. This temperature range ensures that the potstickers get crispy without burning or drying out.

However, if a more browned and crispy exterior is desired, a higher temperature of 390 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit can be used. At this temperature, cooking times may vary, but generally, 8 to 15 minutes is sufficient. It is important to note that different air fryer brands cook differently, and some cook hotter and faster than others. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the potstickers and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the temperature can also depend on whether the potstickers are frozen or thawed. For frozen potstickers, a temperature of 370 to 380 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended, ensuring they get crispy without drying out. For thawed or fresh potstickers, a higher temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit is suggested, cooking them for about 6 minutes and flipping them halfway through.

In summary, the temperature for cooking potstickers in an air fryer can range from 370 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specific model of the air fryer. It is important to monitor the potstickers during cooking and adjust the temperature and time accordingly to achieve the desired results.

How long do you cook potstickers for?

Potstickers, also known as dumplings, are a fabulous appetiser or side dish. They can be made with chicken, vegetables, or pork and can be cooked in an air fryer straight from frozen.

Air fryers vary in how they cook, so it's important to keep an eye on your potstickers while they're cooking. A good guideline is to cook them for 8-15 minutes at around 370-400°F. However, you should always check on them after 5 minutes, and then every minute or so after that. You're looking for a golden brown colour and a nice crispy texture.

You don't always need to preheat your air fryer. If you don't, just add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

No, you can cook them straight from frozen. If they are defrosted, just reduce the cooking time.

It's a good idea to coat the potstickers in oil before cooking, as this will help them to crisp up. You can use cooking spray, brush the oil on, or put the oil in a bowl and dip the potstickers in.

You might need to flip the potstickers halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly. You can also add a little more oil at this point if they look dry.

Potstickers go well with a dipping sauce such as teriyaki, soy, or hot chilli oil. You can also serve them with air fryer rice, roasted peppers, or crab Rangoon.

What oil should you use?

When cooking potstickers in an air fryer, it is important to use oil to prevent the dumplings from drying out and to achieve the desired crispy texture. You can use a variety of oils, depending on your preference and what you have available.

One option is to use a spray oil, such as PAM, avocado oil, coconut oil, or an EVO Oil Mister. These can be sprayed directly onto the frozen potstickers before placing them in the air fryer. It is important to ensure that the potstickers are completely coated in oil to prevent them from drying out. You can also use a brush to apply the oil if you don't have a spray oil. Avocado oil, coconut oil, or a canola/vegetable oil will work well for this purpose.

Another option is to use an oil mister to lightly mist the air fryer basket with oil before adding the potstickers. This helps to prevent the potstickers from sticking to the basket and ensures they get a crispy golden brown exterior. You can use avocado oil or vegetable oil for this method.

Some people also recommend using sesame oil for its flavour.

What sauce should you serve with potstickers?

There are many different sauces that you can serve with potstickers, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some options:

Soy Sauce-Based Sauces

A classic potsticker sauce is made with a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, with a touch of sweetness from sugar or honey. You can also add green onions, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds for extra flavour and texture. If you want a thicker sauce, you can add cornstarch. This sauce is easy to customise—you can make it more or less spicy or salty, depending on your preference. You can also add sesame oil, chilli oil, or garlic and ginger for extra flavour.

Sweet and Spicy Sauces

For a sweet and spicy option, you can mix soy sauce with sweet chilli sauce, or with honey and sriracha. You can also add peanut butter, mirin, or gochujang (Korean hot sauce) for extra flavour. If you want to tone down the spice, you can add a splash of water to your sauce.

Other Options

Some other sauces that go well with potstickers include hoisin sauce, teriyaki sauce, yum yum sauce, and bachan Japanese BBQ sauce. You can also make a simple sauce with just rice vinegar and soy sauce, or get creative and add ingredients like chilli onion crunch, olive oil, or white wine.

Frequently asked questions