Air-Fried Potstickers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Making potstickers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy dumplings without the excess oil and calories of deep-frying. You can use either frozen or homemade potstickers, and they'll be ready in just a few minutes.

How to make the filling

Making the filling for potstickers is a simple process. You can choose from a variety of ingredients to create your desired flavour profile. Here is a detailed guide on how to make the filling:

To begin, decide on the protein for your filling. You can use ground chicken, turkey, pork, beef, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. Keep in mind that if you're using ground chicken, avoid the extra-lean variety as it will make the filling dry.

Next, gather your vegetables. You'll need cabbage (Napa, green, or red cabbage will work), and you can also add in some shiitake mushrooms and water chestnuts for extra flavour and texture. If you like, include some chives for colour and a fresh flavour boost.

Now, it's time to season your filling. You'll need soy sauce, and it's recommended to use low-sodium or gluten-free soy sauce, or tamari. Additionally, you'll want to add some sesame oil, which is essential for a good potsticker recipe. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want some spice, you can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot chili.

Once you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to mix them together. Combine all the ingredients, except for the wrappers, in a large mixing bowl. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything until it is well incorporated.

Now your filling is ready to be stuffed into the potsticker wrappers. Remember to use lightly wet hands when handling the wrappers, as this will make the process easier. Place a spoonful of the filling in the centre of each wrapper and fold it over. Use your fingers to pinch the top of the wrapper several times to seal it shut.

By following these steps, you'll have a delicious and flavourful filling for your potstickers, ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

How to stuff the potstickers

To stuff the potstickers, start by lightly wetting your hands and placing the wrappers on a flat surface. Add a spoonful of your chosen filling—such as ground chicken, cabbage, chives, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil—in the centre of each wrapper. Then, fold the wrapper over and use your fingers to pinch the top together several times to seal the dumpling.

You can also experiment with different fillings, such as ground turkey, pork, beef, tofu, spinach, carrots, eggplant, or bean shoots.

How to cook frozen potstickers in an air fryer

Frozen potstickers are a quick and easy meal or appetizer that can be made in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect potstickers.

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

First, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. While it is preheating, you can prepare your potstickers.

Step 2: Prepare the Potstickers

Place the frozen potstickers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not stack. It is important that they are in a single layer to allow for even cooking. You can use any variety of frozen potstickers, such as chicken, pork, or vegetarian options.

Step 3: Oil the Potstickers

Lightly spray or brush the potstickers with oil. This step is crucial, as it ensures the potstickers will become crispy without drying out. Be sure to coat them generously, as the oil helps to create that crispy texture on the outside while keeping the filling juicy.

Step 4: Air Fry

Once your potstickers are prepared and oiled, it's time to air fry! Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes. Then, gently shake the basket to prevent the potstickers from sticking and continue cooking for an additional 4-6 minutes. The total cooking time should be around 9 to 11 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the potstickers from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. You can serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. Potstickers go well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as spicy mustard, sweet and sour sauce, or soy sauce. Enjoy!

How to make a dipping sauce

There are many different sauces that can be used as a dip for potstickers, and most are very easy to make. Here is a recipe for a simple potsticker dipping sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar or Chinese vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons of honey or sugar, to taste
• 1 tablespoon of sliced green onion
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar together in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
• Stir in the sliced green onion, then garnish with red pepper flakes and sesame seeds.
• Whisk the sauce again before serving.
• Serve as a dipping sauce for potstickers, egg rolls, gyoza, or wontons.

This sauce can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. If you want to add more spice, you can include red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or a few drops of chili oil. For extra depth of flavor, add fresh garlic and ginger.

The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

If you are looking for something different, other popular sauces to serve with potstickers include tempura sauce, hoisin sauce, and sweet and sour sauce.

How to store leftover potstickers

To store leftover potstickers, you can either keep them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Refrigerating Potstickers

Leftover potstickers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Make sure to cover them to prevent them from drying out.

Freezing Potstickers

If you want to store potstickers for longer, freezing them is a great option. Here's how to do it:

• Line the uncooked potstickers on a large baking sheet or plate, ensuring they are not touching.
• Once the potstickers are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag.
• You can store them in the freezer for up to two months.

When you're ready to cook the frozen potstickers, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply add them directly to the pan and follow the cooking instructions.

Frequently asked questions