There’s a certain joy that comes from experimenting in the kitchen, and this recipe for crispy air fryer potstickers is a perfect example. Imagine the heavenly aroma of bacon sizzling alongside tender ground chicken, mingling with hints of ginger and garlic. This recipe is not only a delightful twist on a classic favorite but also beckons you to unleash your creativity with customizable fillings and dipping sauces. Whether you’re sharing these with friends at a game night or treating yourself after a long day, they promise a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, the air fryer makes it a breeze—cooking them quickly while keeping the mess to a minimum. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this easy yet delicious dish that celebrates home-cooked goodness!
Why are Air Fryer Potstickers a Must-Try?
Crispy Perfection: You’ll love how these air fryer potstickers achieve that sought-after crunch without the guilt of deep frying.
Flavor Explosion: Each bite is packed with savory goodness, combining smokiness from bacon and the juiciness of chicken.
Quick & Easy: With minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Customizable: Feel free to personalize your filling with your favorite proteins and veggies, making them tailored to your taste.
Crowd-Pleaser: These potstickers make an impressive appetizer or snack, sure to delight family and friends at any gathering.
Minimal Cleanup: The air fryer helps keep your kitchen tidy, allowing you to focus on enjoying your delicious creations.
Air Fryer Potsticker Ingredients
• Get ready to delight your taste buds!
For the Filling
- Napa Cabbage – Provides freshness and crunch; chop finely for even distribution.
- Kosher Salt – Aids in drawing moisture from the cabbage; essential for preventing a wet filling.
- Sliced Bacon (4 oz) – Adds smokiness and flavor complexity; can be substituted with additional ground chicken or pork for a lighter option.
- Ground Chicken (8 oz) – Main protein source that’s tender and juicy; sub with ground pork or turkey if desired.
- Scallions (3, thinly sliced) – Introduces a mild onion flavor; use chives if unavailable for a similar taste.
- Ginger (1/2″ piece, minced) – Adds warmth and depth; fresh ginger is preferred, but powdered ginger can be used if needed.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced) – Brings aromatic flavor; adjust amount based on personal preference.
- Fish Sauce (1 tsp) – Enhances the umami flavor profile; can be replaced with soy sauce for a vegetarian option.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (1 tbsp) – Adds saltiness and flavor; use tamari for gluten-free versions.
- Cornstarch (1/2 tsp) – Provides binding and structure to the filling; arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute.
- White Pepper (1/2 tsp) – Contributes subtle heat; black pepper may be used if white is unavailable.
- Toasted Sesame Oil (1/4 tsp) – Imparts a rich, nutty flavor; can skip if unavailable, or use regular sesame oil.
- Granulated Sugar (Pinch) – Balances flavors; optional based on taste preference.
For Assembly
- Dumpling Wrappers (25 to 30) – Encases the filling; wonton wrappers can be an alternative.
- Vegetable Oil (for brushing) – Helps achieve crispness in air frying; olive oil can be used as a substitute.
For Serving
- Sliced Scallions & Dipping Sauce – For serving; choose between soy sauce or spicy mayo for dipping.
Now that you’ve gathered everything, let’s get cooking! Your air fryer potstickers await, bursting with flavor and ready to impress.
How to Make Air Fryer Potstickers
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Prepare Cabbage: Sprinkle chopped napa cabbage with kosher salt, letting it sit for about 10 minutes. This will draw out moisture, so drain it well afterward to avoid soggy dumplings.
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Combine Filling: In a large bowl, mix the drained cabbage with finely chopped bacon, ground chicken, scallions, minced ginger, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, white pepper, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar. Blend until everything is well incorporated.
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Assemble Dumplings: Take a dumpling wrapper and place a tablespoon of the filling in the center. Moisten the edges with water and fold it over, pressing firmly to seal securely so no filling escapes.
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Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly brush the tops of the assembled dumplings with vegetable oil. This will give them that irresistible crispy texture when air fried.
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Air Fry: Place the dumplings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy. You might want to shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
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Serve: Enjoy your potstickers hot with sliced scallions and your choice of dipping sauce. They are sure to be a hit!
Optional: Drizzle with a touch of sesame oil before serving for an extra flavor boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Potstickers
Fridge: Store any leftover air fryer potstickers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll stay fresh and ready for a quick reheat.
Freezer: If you want to freeze your potstickers, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container, where they can last for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For the best texture, reheat frozen potstickers directly from the freezer in the air fryer at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes. This helps regain their crispiness while ensuring the filling is heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare and assemble your potstickers in advance. Just store them in the fridge for up to a day before you’re ready to air fry.
Helpful Tricks for Air Fryer Potstickers
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Drain Well: Make sure to fully drain the napa cabbage after salting. This prevents your filling from becoming overly wet, ensuring crispy air fryer potstickers.
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Avoid Overcrowding: Cook only a single layer of dumplings in the air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy results, so it’s best to fry in batches.
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Seal Securely: When assembling the dumplings, ensure the edges are tightly sealed. This keeps the filling intact during frying and results in a beautiful finished product.
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Brush Lightly: Use just enough vegetable oil on the dumplings for crispiness. Too much oil can lead to greasy potstickers rather than the delightful crunch you’re aiming for.
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Shake for Evenness: Remember to shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking. This promotes even browning and ensures that each potsticker gets that perfect golden crisp.
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Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to customize your filling! Using different proteins or adding vegetables can make your air fryer potstickers uniquely yours.
Air Fryer Potstickers Variations
With just a few tweaks, you can elevate your air fryer potstickers into something truly personal and delicious!
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Vegetarian: Swap ground chicken and bacon for sautéed mushrooms and tofu for a delightful meatless option. Their earthy flavors provide a hearty bite.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a zesty heat. The little kick will enliven each crunchy bite!
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Asian Twist: Mix in some chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for added crunch and texture. These ingredients will take your potstickers to a new level of excitement!
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Herb Infusion: Include fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil into your filling for a fresh, aromatic punch. Just imagine the fragrant burst of flavor they add to each potsticker!
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Crispy Addition: For extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed peanuts or crispy garlic chips on top before serving. They’ll add a delightful texture contrast to your dish.
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Dipping Sauce Variation: Besides the usual soy sauce, try a peanut sauce or a sweet chili sauce for a unique flavor pairing that will make your taste buds dance.
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Fruity Surprise: For a sweet twist, incorporate finely diced pineapple or mango into the filling. It enhances the savory flavors with an unexpected, delightful sweetness.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free dumpling wrappers and tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version that maintains all the flavor and fun!
What to Serve with Crispy Air Fryer Potstickers?
Pair your potstickers with delightful sides that enhance their crispy texture and savory filling.
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Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce: A classic pairing that adds a zesty kick, perfectly complementing the potstickers’ flavors.
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Sautéed Bok Choy: This mildly bitter green balances the richness of the filling, making for a refreshing side that’s quick to prepare.
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Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers tossed in rice vinegar and sesame oil create a light and bright counterpoint to the crispy dumplings.
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Edamame: Steamed or lightly salted edamame offers protein-rich goodness and a satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with potstickers.
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Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup, with its umami depth, rounds out the meal beautifully and adds comforting warmth.
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Garlic Fried Rice: This savory side dish, infused with garlic, provides a hearty and delicious foundation that pairs well with the potstickers’ crunch.
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Sake or Plum Wine: Enhance your meal further with a refreshing sip of sake or sweet plum wine, which balances the potstickers’ richness.
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Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream: For dessert, indulge in creamy matcha ice cream, which offers a unique flavor contrast and cooling finish after savory bites.
Make Ahead Options
These Air Fryer Potstickers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare and assemble the dumplings up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the instructions to create the filling and fill the wrappers, then place the assembled potstickers on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and crisp until you’re ready to cook. When it’s time to serve, just brush them with vegetable oil and air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. This method ensures your potstickers are still just as delicious and satisfying with minimal effort, saving you precious time on busy weeknights!
Crispy Air Fryer Potstickers Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for my potstickers?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, select fresh napa cabbage that is crisp and green. Look for pieces without dark spots or wilting. When picking scallions, choose firm stalks with vibrant green tops. Fresh ginger and garlic should be aromatic and free from any soft spots.
What is the best way to store leftover potstickers?
Very! For leftover air fryer potstickers, place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool down to room temperature before sealing. Reheat them in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 350°F to restore their crispness.
Can I freeze my air fryer potstickers?
Yes, you can! To freeze, arrange the assembled potstickers in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, cook the frozen potstickers directly in the air fryer at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes.
What are some common issues I might encounter while making potstickers?
Absolutely! One common challenge is soggy dumplings, often caused by excess moisture in the filling. To avoid this, ensure you drain the napa cabbage thoroughly after salting. If the wrappers aren’t sealed well, they may open during frying; make sure to moisten the edges with water and press them firmly to seal.
Are there any dietary considerations for homemade potstickers?
Of course! If you’re preparing these air fryer potstickers for someone with allergies, be cautious. The fish sauce and soy sauce contain allergens, so opt for tamari for a gluten-free version. If you have a vegetarian in the group, substitute ground chicken with crumbled tofu or mushrooms as an alternative filling.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, indeed! You can prepare the filling a day in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just assemble the dumplings and air fry as mentioned in the recipe. This can save you time on busy weeknights!
Crispy Air Fryer Potstickers: Fast, Flavorful Fun at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Cabbage: Sprinkle chopped napa cabbage with kosher salt, letting it sit for about 10 minutes. This will draw out moisture, so drain it well afterward to avoid soggy dumplings.
- Combine Filling: In a large bowl, mix the drained cabbage with finely chopped bacon, ground chicken, scallions, minced ginger, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, white pepper, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar. Blend until everything is well incorporated.
- Assemble Dumplings: Take a dumpling wrapper and place a tablespoon of the filling in the center. Moisten the edges with water and fold it over, pressing firmly to seal securely so no filling escapes.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly brush the tops of the assembled dumplings with vegetable oil. This will give them that irresistible crispy texture when air fried.
- Air Fry: Place the dumplings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy. You might want to shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Serve: Enjoy your potstickers hot with sliced scallions and your choice of dipping sauce. They are sure to be a hit!