How to Cook Trader Joe's Potstickers in the Air Fryer
Trader Joe's frozen potstickers have been a longtime favorite of mine, especially their Chicken Gyoza Potstickers. These air fryer potstickers are seriously SO delicious! If you haven’t tried them yet, trust me, you’re missing out. You need to run over to Trader Joe's and grab a bag tonight! These potstickers are tasty, easy, quick, and super convenient. I mean, who doesn’t love a good Trader Joe's meal that you can throw together in a pinch? If you’re looking for an easy air fryer recipe, this one is perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
And if you know me, you know I have to air fry just about everything. The package gives instructions for pan frying, steaming, microwaving, and even tossing them into a soup, but oddly enough, no air fryer directions! That’s where I come in. I’ve tested the air fryer method so you don’t have to, and I’m ready to share my favorite tips and tricks to get those potstickers perfectly crispy and delicious! These Trader Joe’s potstickers make for such an easy meal, quick to prepare and super satisfying!
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
Why Air Fry Your Potstickers?
Crispness: There’s nothing more satisfying than that crunch when you bite into a potsticker! Using the air fryer is an amazing way to achieve the delicious texture we all love!
Minimal Cleanup: One of the best things about using the air fryer is how easy it is to clean up afterward! You don’t have to deal with a ton of oil, compared to traditional pan-frying that often leaves you with a greasy mess.
Less Oil Required: I love that the air fryer uses little to no oil when cooking potstickers! It’s such a healthier option compared to pan-frying, which usually calls for a ton of oil to get that perfect crunch.
Quick Reheating: The air fryer heats up super fast, so I can reheat my potstickers in just a few minutes—way quicker than using the oven!
Even Cooking: The circulating hot air in the air fryer ensures the potstickers get crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. This consistent heat distribution means no more soggy or unevenly cooked dumplings!
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More Trader Joe's Air Fryer Recipes
Ingredients You'll Need:
Trader Joe's Frozen Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
Sesame seeds (optional, for serving)
Scallions, finely chopped (optional, for serving)
Your favorite dipping sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. This step helps ensure even cooking.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil spray to prevent the potstickers from sticking.
3. Place the frozen chicken gyoza potstickers in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking.
4. Lightly spray the tops of the potstickers with avocado oil spray. This helps them get that crispy golden brown finish.
5. Air fry the potstickers at 400°F (200°C) for a total cooking time of 7 minutes.
6. After about 3-4 minutes, flip the potstickers to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
7. Once the potstickers are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer.
8. If you like, garnish with sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
9. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
Storage
Store any leftover potstickers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the potstickers for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Keep in mind that they might not get quite as crispy as when you first cooked them. To help enhance the crispiness, you can lightly mist them with a small amount of oil before placing them in the air fryer.
Alternatively, you can microwave them on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Just keep in mind that the potstickers will be softer and not as crispy as they would be when reheated in the air fryer.
My Favorite Air Fryers
I’ve put all my favorite air fryers in one place for you: My Top Air Fryer Picks!
Ninja Dual Air Fryer, 8 Quart 6-in-1
This is my go-to when I’m cooking for a crowd. The dual baskets let me cook two different foods at once without mixing flavors, which saves so much time. If this one’s out of your price point, keep reading. There are plenty of other great options.
COSORI Air Fryer Pro 9-in-1, Compact 5QT
This one makes your food really crispy. I love how it heats up quickly and gets that restaurant-style crunch, especially on potstickers and fries. It’s compact but powerful, and the 9 functions give you lots of flexibility in the kitchen.
Our Place Wonder Oven | 6-in-1 Air Fryer & Toaster Oven
If you’re tight on space, this one is a dream. It doesn’t just air fry, it also toasts, steams, bakes, and more. It looks great on the counter and I love that it handles multiple cooking tasks in one sleek little oven.
Instant Pot Vortex 2QT Mini Air Fryer
This is the perfect little air fryer for quick and easy meals. It’s small but mighty, great for reheating, crisping, baking, or roasting without taking up much counter space. I love it for snacks and single-serve portions when I don’t feel like pulling out a bigger air fryer.
Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Reheats, & Dehydrates
This one is all about versatility. I love using it for everything from reheating leftovers to dehydrating fruit. It’s super straightforward to use and always delivers consistent results. Crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Jazz's Tips and Tricks:
Preheat the air fryer: This helps ensure the potstickers start cooking immediately and gives them that crispiness on the outside without overcooking the inside.
Light oil spray: Don’t skip the oil spray! It ensures the potstickers get that beautiful golden brown exterior without sticking to the basket.
Flip halfway through: For crispy results, be sure to flip the potstickers after about 3-4 minutes of cooking.
Serve them hot: Potstickers are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer when they’re hot and crispy!
These air fryer potstickers also make great appetizers for parties, game nights, or whenever you’re craving something crispy and delicious!
Jazz's Recommended Products:
The Our Place Wonder Oven can air fry, roast, bake, broil, you name it! It saves me so much space and time since it handles multiple cooking tasks all in one.
Read all about it here: Our Place Wonder Oven Review.
I also keep the Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray on hand, it’s easy, light, and I end up reaching for it all the time when cooking.
And the Our Place Dinner Bowls are my everyday staples. They’re just the right size for pretty much any meal, so they’ve slowly replaced most of my other bowls.
Dipping Sauce Recommendations!
Spicy Mayo Sauce: This creamy, flavorful sauce is a delicious upgrade on classic mayo! You can usually find it pre-made at most grocery stores, but if you're feeling adventurous, you can easily whip up your own at home using my recipe here!
Classic Soy Sauce: Sometimes, simple is best! A good soy sauce is always a tasty option. If you want a little extra flavor, just add a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a nice tang.
Hoisin Sauce: If you haven’t tried hoisin yet, you’re missing out! This thick, flavorful sauce is a must-have in Chinese cuisine. It has a sweet, savory, and slightly garlicky taste that goes perfectly with potstickers.
Sweet Chili Sauce: For those who like a little kick, sweet chili sauce is the way to go! Made with chilies, sugar, and vinegar, it delivers a sweet and spicy punch that will definitely wake up your taste buds.
Other Options: The sky’s the limit! Get creative and try out other dipping sauces you love, like sriracha, sesame oil, or even your favorite BBQ sauce. Two of my personal favorites are the Primal Kitchen Teriyaki Sauce for a sweet-savory twist and the Primal Kitchen Avocado Lime, which adds such a yummy freshness.
FAQs
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Absolutely! A light spray of vegetable oil will work just fine and help achieve that crispy texture we all love. Personally, I prefer using avocado oil since I’m not a fan of seed oils, but either option will get the job done.
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Air-fried potstickers are a delicious snack and healthy side dish for a variety of meals. They pair wonderfully with stir-fry, noodles, or even grilled chicken or fish.
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Yes, any frozen dumplings will work with this recipe, including egg rolls, vegetable potstickers, and wontons. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the brand, so check them regularly. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees f, as checked with a meat thermometer.
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For safety, the internal temperature of cooked dumplings should reach at least 165°F (74°C). Use a food thermometer to check.
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To prevent sticking, lightly mist the air fryer basket with oil before adding your potstickers.
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You can easily whip up your own sauce with just a few simple ingredients! Start with a mix of soy sauce as the base, then add a touch of sesame oil for depth. Stir in a splash of rice vinegar to balance the saltiness with tang, then finish with fresh grated ginger and some finely chopped green onion for brightness and zing.
With an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy chicken potstickers at home in just minutes. It’s such a simple way to bring out that perfect crunch without the extra oil you’d use if you pan fry them. These Trader Joe’s potstickers have great flavor on their own, and air frying makes them even better for a quick snack or easy appetizer. I hope you love these chicken potstickers as much as I do. Let me know in the comments what dipping sauces you pair them with. I’m always looking for new flavor ideas!!