Air Fryer Potstickers
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These air fryer potstickers turn out crispy on the outside with the most juicy filling. They’re ready in just 7 minutes and work with frozen OR homemade potstickers!
I love deep-fried potstickers as much as the next guy, but ever since I started experimenting with cooking them in the air fryer, and how crispy and golden they turn out, I haven’t looked back. They still have that addictive crackling wrapper, but without the oil splatter or the heavy, deep-fried feeling afterward.
I started making these after taking a wonton and potsticker-making class with my partner, and they were so easy to make at home. They are great for busy weeknights when we want something fast, comforting, and a little bit indulgent. I loosely adapted the original recipe from the class to make it air fryer-worthy, and it yields crisp edges and soft, juicy centers.
The best part? They only need a teaspoon of oil (in the filling) and the air fryer does all the heavy lifting. Honestly, unless I’m entertaining and need a big batch, it’ll be hard to go back to pan-frying them.
Table of Contents
Why I love it
- Easy to make. Contrary to popular belief, pot stickers are easy to make and use simple ingredients.
- Ready in just 7 minutes. Make this for a quick and easy dinner, appetizer, or snack when time is of the essence.
- Make ahead. I always make WAY more dumplings than I need, but luckily, I can just freeze the leftovers and pop them in the air fryer whenever I have a craving.
Key Ingredients
- Potsticker wrappers. I can usually find these at my local grocery store or Asian market in the refrigerated section. They may also be called wonton wrappers or dumpling wrappers.
- Ground chicken. I prefer lean or full-fat ground chicken. When I tested this with extra lean chicken, the filling was a little too dry.
- Cabbage. I used Napa cabbage, but green cabbage and red cabbage both worked.
- Chives. For color and fresh flavor.
- Soy sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce, gluten-free soy sauce, or tamari if needed.
- Sesame oil. A touch of sesame oil adds richness and a fabulous umami flavor to the filling. Please do not use another oil.
Ways I’ve changed the filling
Since making homemade potstickers on repeat, here are some ways I’ve changed the filling to keep things interesting:
- Swap the protein. I’ve had success using ground turkey, ground pork, or ground beef instead.
- Make it vegetarian. Use crumbled tofu or balance out the cabbage with spinach or carrots. I tried a vegetarian version using crumbled firm tofu (not regular or soft tofu), and it was super delicious.
- Add more spices. I’m a spice fiend, so I regularly add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and hot chili to add some kick to the filling.
- Use other vegetables, like shredded carrots, eggplant, or bean shoots.
How to air fry potstickers
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Make the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the wrappers.
Step 2- Stuff. Using lightly wet hands, place the potsticker wrappers on a flat surface. Add a spoonful of the filling in the center and fold over. Use your fingers to pinch the top several times to seal.
Step 3- Air fry. Lightly brush the exterior of the potstickers with water. Add them to an air fryer basket and air fry for 6-7 minutes, turning several times.
How to air fry frozen pot stickers
If you have frozen dumplings, you can quickly reheat them without thawing them first. The only change you’ll need to make is to increase the cooking time by two minutes and shake the air fryer basket several times so the frozen potstickers get crispy.
My recipe tips
- Place the potstickers in a single layer. So all sides crisp up nicely. I have three air fryers (Phillips XXL, Cosori, and Ninja), and the Phillips can fit in about 12 potstickers comfortably, whereas the Cosori and Ninja can only fit 10 in. If you’re cooking more than that, you’ll need to air fry in batches.
- Flip them more than once. Again, so all sides get equal access to the heat. I find 3 times during the cook time to be plenty.
- Make them extra crispy. If I want ultra-crispy pot stickers, I’ll lightly spray them with oil before air-frying. While definitely optional, it makes them a bit more golden and crunchy.
- Don’t forget the dipping sauces! You can’t go wrong with my potsticker sauce, tempura sauce, hoisin sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.
Storage and make-ahead instructions
To store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to five days.
To freeze: Potstickers can be frozen, either uncooked or cooked. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to two months.
Make ahead: You can make the potstickers up to five days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to air fry, lightly brush the exterior with water.
Frequently asked questions
There are many different types of dumplings, but potstickers, dumplings, and gyoza are generally the same. The difference is in the filling and the country they come from.
I find that ensuring there is adequate space between each potsticker prevents them from drying out or overcooking. Once the wrapper is blistered and golden (as pictured), they’re done.
If you follow my instructions, this shouldn’t be an issue. However, like above, if you overcrowd the potstickers or overcook them, they are at risk of exploding.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Air Fryer Potstickers
Video
Ingredients
- 15 potsticker wrappers
- 5 ounces ground chicken
- 1 cup green cabbage finely shredded
- 1/4 cup chives
- 2 teaspoons ginger finely grated
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, cabbage, chives, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, and mix well.
- Lightly wet your hands and place the potsticker wrappers on a flat surface. Add a spoonful of the filling in the center and fold over. Use your fingers to pinch the top several times to decorate.
- Lightly brush the exterior of the potstickers with water. Add them to an air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F for 6-7 minutes, flipping several times. Potstickers are ready once golden and blistered.
- Remove the potstickers from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Notes
- Air frying frozen potstickers: To air fry frozen dumplings or potstickers, simply increase the cooking time by 2 minutes and shake the air fryer basket several times throughout.
- Leftovers: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or the freezer for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
More air fryer appetizers
- Air fryer crab cakes
- Air fryer frozen chicken wings
- Air fryer pickles
- Air fryer coconut shrimp
- Air fryer potato skins
- Air fryer potato chips
Originally published May 2022
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Know this dish you can buy in Lidl. Frozen ones. When there is Chinese weeks.
Should the ground chicken be cooked first or do I just mix it in raw with the other ingredients?
You can cook it first if you like!
My family loves your easy and convenient recipes ! We are very health conscious and you dishes fit very well. Since I have a low tollerance to nuts am so happy that your recipes go along well with what I like to eat..
can I make these in the oven?
Yes, you can!