Need more easy air fryer appetizers? Try my air fryer crab cakes, air fryer chicken wings, air fryer pickles, and air fryer coconut shrimp next. I love deep-fried potstickers as much as the next guy, but if I can enjoy the same flavor and crispy texture without the excess oil and calories, I’m game. My air fryer potstickers use a mere one teaspoon of oil (just for the filling), yet they get that addictive crackling wrapper while keeping the insides soft and succulent.
Why I love this recipe
Easy to make. Contrary to popular belief, pot stickers are easy to make and use simple ingredients. No added oil is needed. Air frying instead of pan frying cuts out a significant amount of oil without affecting flavor or texture. Ready in just 7 minutes. Make this for a quick and easy dinner 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.
Ingredients needed
Potsticker wrappers. I can usually find these at my local grocery store or Asian market in the refrigerated section. They may also be referred to as wonton wrappers or dumpling wrappers. Ground chicken. Avoid using extra-lean ground chicken breast, as it will yield a dry filling. 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 must for any good potsticker recipe! Salt and pepper. To taste.
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 water on the exterior of the potstickers. Add them to an air fryer basket and air fry at 200C/400F for 6-7 minutes, turning halfway through.
Arman’s recipe tips
Place the potstickers in a single layer. So all sides crisp up nicely. Work in batches if needed. Flip them often. Again, so all sides get equal access to the heat. Make them extra crispy. If I want ultra-crispy pot stickers, I’ll lightly spray oil on them 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. 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.
Swap the protein. Use ground turkey, ground pork, or ground beef instead. Make it vegetarian. Use crumbled tofu or balance out the cabbage with spinach or carrots. Add more spices. Red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and hot chili will all give the filling a spicy kick. Use other vegetables, like shredded carrots, eggplant, or bean shoots.
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 before air frying them.
More air fryer favorites
Air fryer baked sweet potatoes Air fryer potato wedges Air fryer corn on the cob Air fryer asparagus Air fryer potato chips Or any of these air fryer recipes
Originally published May 2022, updated and republished June 2024
