There’s something truly special about gathering around the kitchen table with family, sharing a meal that feels like a warm hug. Today, I’m inviting you into my kitchen to make a dish that’s quickly become a favorite in our household—Air Fryer Chicken Potstickers. These little pockets of joy are not only delicious but also surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, these potstickers are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Introduction
Growing up, one of my fondest memories was our family’s weekly tradition of making dumplings together. It was less about perfection and more about the laughter and stories shared as we folded and filled each one. Now, I’m passing down this tradition to my own family, adding a modern twist with the air fryer. It’s like having a little bit of nostalgia wrapped up in every bite, without the fuss of deep frying. These Air Fryer Chicken Potstickers are perfect for busy weeknights and cozy weekends alike, bringing smiles and satisfaction to everyone at the table.
In my family, dumplings were more than just food; they were a way to connect with each other. My grandmother would share stories of her childhood while expertly folding the wrappers, and my siblings and I would compete to see who could make the most dumplings in the shortest time. We would laugh at our misshapen creations, but they were always delicious, regardless of their appearance. Now, with the convenience of an air fryer, I can recreate those memories with my own children, teaching them the art of making dumplings while enjoying the ease and speed of modern cooking methods.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly: These potstickers are a hit with both kids and adults, making them a perfect family meal. The fun of assembling the potstickers can turn into a delightful family activity, where everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, can participate.
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 12 minutes of cooking, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. This makes it a fantastic option for those hectic evenings when time is of the essence but you still want to serve something homemade and delicious.
- Healthier Option: Using the air fryer means less oil, so you get all the crispy goodness without the guilt. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the traditional flavors and textures of fried dumplings without the added calories and fat from deep frying.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the filling to your liking, making it a versatile dish that can cater to various tastes. Whether you want to add more vegetables, swap the chicken for pork, or even make a vegetarian version, the possibilities are endless.
- Perfect for Leftovers: These potstickers taste just as good the next day, making them a great option for meal prep. They maintain their flavor and texture well, making them an excellent choice for a quick lunch or snack.
The Recipe
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Temperature: 400°F
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 20 to 24 potsticker wrappers
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
Tip: For the best flavor, let the filling sit for about 10 minutes after mixing. This allows the ingredients to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the potstickers.
- Take a potsticker wrapper and place about 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center. Moisten the edges with water, fold in half, and press to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
Tip: Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. If you want to get fancy, you can pleat the edges for a more traditional look.
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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
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Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place potstickers in a single layer, leaving space between each.
Tip: Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Tip: For even cooking, shake the basket gently halfway through to ensure all sides are exposed to the hot air.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve with dipping sauce of your choice.
Sauce Suggestion: A simple soy sauce and rice vinegar mix with a dash of chili oil makes a perfect dipping sauce. For a sweeter option, try mixing hoisin sauce with a little soy sauce and sesame seeds.
Helpful Tip: For extra crispy potstickers, spray the tops lightly with cooking spray before cooking.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make these Air Fryer Chicken Potstickers, you’ll need a few essential tools:
- Air fryer: A must for achieving that perfect crispy texture without deep frying.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl is ideal for mixing the filling ingredients thoroughly.
- Measuring spoons: Essential for ensuring the right balance of flavors in your filling.
- Spoon for filling: A small spoon works best for scooping just the right amount of filling into each wrapper.
- Brush or finger for moistening wrappers: A small pastry brush or clean finger will help seal the edges of the potstickers effectively.
Having these tools on hand will make the process seamless and enjoyable.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
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Ground Chicken: A lean protein that’s light yet satisfying, perfect for a balanced meal. It absorbs the flavors of the seasonings well, making it a great base for the filling.
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Shredded Cabbage: Adds a delightful crunch and a dose of fiber, supporting digestion. Cabbage is also rich in vitamins C and K, making these potstickers nutritious as well as tasty.
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Green Onions: Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. They add a pop of color and a subtle, aromatic bite to the filling.
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Garlic & Ginger: These aromatic ingredients elevate the flavor profile, adding depth and warmth. Garlic provides a pungent kick, while ginger adds a zesty freshness that cuts through the richness.
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Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil: These give a rich, umami taste that’s essential in Asian-inspired dishes. Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth, while sesame oil contributes a nutty aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
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Potsticker Wrappers: The perfect vessel for our filling, they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. They are versatile and easy to work with, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks.
What to Serve With This Dish
Potstickers can be a meal on their own, but they also shine when paired with other dishes. Here are a few of my family’s favorites to serve alongside:
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Simple Fried Rice: This easy fried rice recipe is a great complement. The rice can be made using leftover ingredients, and its mild flavor pairs perfectly with the savory potstickers.
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Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or bok choy add a fresh green element. These vegetables provide a nutritious balance and a vibrant color contrast on the plate.
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Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw with a tangy dressing provides a refreshing contrast. The crisp texture and acidic dressing cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, savory potstickers.
For a complete meal, consider serving a flavorful soup like miso or a simple broth. This adds another layer of warmth and comfort, especially during cooler months.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Leftovers? No problem! These potstickers store beautifully, making them a great option for meal prep.
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them soggy.
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Freeze: Place uncooked potstickers on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
When you make these potstickers, remember that cooking is about bringing joy and connection to your family. I hope this recipe becomes a beloved part of your household traditions, just as it is in mine. For more comforting and family-focused recipes, check out my collection of easy weeknight dinners.
Cooking is all about enjoying the process and the people you share it with. Happy cooking, my friend!
Air Fryer Chicken Potstickers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
- Take a potsticker wrapper and place about 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center. Moisten the edges with water, fold in half, and press to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place potstickers in a single layer, leaving space between each.
- Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve with dipping sauce of your choice.