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

Making potstickers in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hassle-free way to enjoy your favourite Asian appetiser. Whether you're using frozen or homemade potstickers, the air fryer will give you a nice crispy exterior without drying out the filling.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the simple steps to make delicious potstickers in your air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

Choosing the right oil spray

When making potstickers in an air fryer, choosing the right oil spray is essential to ensure your food crisps up evenly and doesn't stick to the basket. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an oil spray:

Smoke Point

Smoke point refers to the temperature at which an oil starts to break down and smoke. When oil smokes, it can release harmful free radicals and impart a burnt flavour to your food. For air frying, it is best to choose an oil with a high smoke point that can handle the heat without burning. Avocado oil, for example, has a smoke point of around 520°F (271°C), making it a great option. Other oils with high smoke points include grapeseed oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and safflower oil.

Purity of Ingredients

It is important to select a cooking spray with pure, healthy ingredients. Look for options that are free from additives, fillers, or propellants. For example, Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray is 100% pure avocado oil, making it a healthy and natural choice for your air fryer.

Application Method

The application method of the oil spray can also impact your choice. You can choose between a spray bottle, a mister, or refilling a spray bottle with your preferred oil. Spray bottles, such as the Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray, typically come with a mister nozzle that dispenses a fine mist of oil, allowing for even coating. Misting pumps are a good eco-friendly option but may not always produce the finest mist, leading to increased oil usage. Refillable spray bottles can be a budget-friendly option, but ensure they are designed for refilling and thoroughly clean them before adding new oil.

Non-Stick Properties

Consider choosing an oil spray that helps prevent food from sticking to your air fryer basket, making cleanup easier. Avocado oil spray, for instance, has inherent non-stick properties that can facilitate this process.

Versatility

Opt for a cooking spray that can be used not only in your air fryer but also in other cooking applications such as the oven, stovetop, or grilling. This will give you more versatility in your cooking endeavours.

Brand Options

When selecting an oil spray, you have a variety of brand options to choose from. Here are some popular choices:

• Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray – This spray has a high smoke point, pure ingredients, and a convenient application method, making it a top choice for many.
• Bertolli Air Fryer Olive Oil Spray – This spray is designed specifically for air fryers, with a light taste and the ability to provide a fine mist of olive oil.
• PAM – This is a well-known brand of cooking spray that some people use in their air fryers. However, there are mixed reviews about its effectiveness and potential effects on non-stick surfaces.
• Store Brands – You can also find store-brand options, such as avocado oil spray or canola oil spray, at retailers like Costco and Aldi.

In conclusion, when choosing the right oil spray for making potstickers in an air fryer, consider factors such as smoke point, purity of ingredients, application method, non-stick properties, and versatility. By selecting an appropriate oil spray, you can enhance the taste and texture of your potstickers while also ensuring the maintenance of your air fryer.

How to prepare the potstickers before air frying

Preparing your potstickers before air frying is simple and only takes a few steps. Firstly, you will need to make the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine all your ingredients except for the wrappers. You can fill your potstickers with ground chicken, cabbage, chives, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

The next step is to stuff your potstickers. Wet your hands and place the wrappers on a flat surface. Add a spoonful of filling to the centre and fold over, using your fingers to pinch the top to seal.

You can then lightly brush the exterior of the potstickers with water and place them in the air fryer basket. If you want an extra crispy texture, you can spray the potstickers with oil before air frying.

Air frying temperature and time

The temperature and time for air-frying potstickers depend on whether they are frozen or fresh, and the desired level of crispiness.

For frozen potstickers, preheat your air fryer to between 370 and 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen potstickers in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap, and spray with oil. Air fry for 8 to 11 minutes, flipping them halfway through and adding more oil if needed.

For fresh potstickers, the air fryer does not need to be preheated. Place the fresh potstickers in the air fryer and lightly brush the exterior with water. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 7 minutes, turning halfway through.

If you prefer your potstickers extra crispy, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes or lightly spray them with oil before air frying.

How to make a dipping sauce

Making a delicious dipping sauce to accompany your potstickers is simple and will elevate your meal. The base of this sauce is a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. You can then adjust the flavours to your liking.

For a tangy sauce, add more vinegar. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes, fresh chillies, or sriracha sauce. If you like your sauce on the sweeter side, add a touch of honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar. For a more savoury sauce, add some sliced green onions and minced garlic.

Whisk all your chosen ingredients together in a bowl, and you're ready to dip your potstickers!

Storing and reheating tips

If you have any leftover potstickers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It is important to let them cool to room temperature before storing them. To prevent the potstickers from drying out, you can line the container with a paper towel or parchment paper.

You can also freeze potstickers, either cooked or uncooked. However, they tend to turn soft and are difficult to get crispy again, so it is better to freeze them uncooked. To freeze, spread the potstickers on a baking tray, ensuring they are not touching, and freeze for an hour or two. Then, transfer them to a zip-lock freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and store them in the freezer for up to two to three months.

When it comes to reheating, there are a few methods you can use:

• Pan-frying: Lightly coat a pan with oil and heat over medium-high heat. Fry the potstickers for 1-2 minutes until the bottoms turn crispy. Then, reduce the heat, add a little water, cover, and steam for another minute.
• Microwave: Spread the potstickers on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 15-second intervals until hot, which should take around 15-30 seconds.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and, once hot, spread the potstickers on a baking tray (or wire rack) and heat for 3-5 minutes.
• Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and heat the potstickers for 2-4 minutes, checking halfway through.

Note that the pan-frying and microwave methods are likely to retain the most moisture, while the oven and air fryer methods may result in drier potstickers.

Frequently asked questions