With frozen dumplings more popular than ever, the grocery freezer aisle offers many options. Below are clear, practical methods for cooking frozen dumplings, potstickers, gyoza and wontons that go beyond the microwave. These techniques will help you get dinner on the table quickly while preserving texture and flavor.
Video: How to Cook Frozen Dumplings, Potstickers or Wontons
Frozen Dumplings with Pre-Cooked Filling vs Raw Fillings
Most of the timing and techniques here assume the dumplings have pre-cooked fillings, which is why they finish quickly. Some brands sell dumplings with raw fillings; those require additional cooking time—typically about 3–5 extra minutes when starting from frozen. Always check the package if you’re unsure.
Different Ways to Cook Potstickers or Dumplings from Frozen
Below are the common methods to cook frozen dumplings, with the advantages of each to help you choose the best approach for the texture you like.
- Steaming: Use a steamer basket or trays. Lining with perforated parchment, a silicone liner, or even cabbage leaves prevents sticking. Steaming preserves a soft, tender wrapper.
- Pan frying / Searing (potstickers): Heat in a skillet with a lid to create a crispy bottom while steaming the tops—classic potsticker technique.
- Deep frying: Produces fully crispy dumplings, but take care because frozen dumplings can cause hot oil to splatter.
- Air frying: A low-oil way to get crisp edges quickly—spray lightly with oil for even browning.
- Boiling: Best for tender, soft dumplings. Avoid boiling delicate soup dumplings because wrappers can split.
- Microwave: Quick and convenient for a soft, steamed result. Watch time closely to avoid drying out wrappers.
- Microwave + pan fry combo: Microwave briefly to thaw/steam, then pan-fry to crisp the bottom—fast and effective for a crispy finish.
How to Cook Frozen Dumplings/Potstickers including Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao)
Review
Ingredients
- 6-8 frozen dumplings, with pre-cooked filling
- 1-2 Tablespoons (15-30 ml) oil, depending on method
Equipment
- Steam basket or steamer trays (for steaming)
- Perforated parchment or silicone liner (optional for steaming)
- Microwave (if using microwave method)
Instructions
Steaming (for soup dumplings or potstickers/dumplings)
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Bring a couple of inches of water to a boil in a pot or wok that fits under your steamer. Line the steamer with perforated parchment, a silicone liner, or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Place frozen dumplings on the liner in a single layer, cover, and steam.
Steaming Soup Dumplings Timing
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Steam small soup dumplings for 5–7 minutes and larger ones about 10 minutes, until heated through and wrapper is tender.
Steaming Potstickers/Dumplings Timing
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Steam smaller potstickers for about 8 minutes and larger sizes about 10 minutes, depending on thickness and filling.
Microwave (for soup dumplings or potstickers/dumplings)
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Microwave frozen dumplings on High for about 4–6 minutes, or follow package instructions. Use a microwave-safe dish with a lid or cover with a damp paper towel to keep wrappers soft. Avoid overcooking.
Air Frying Potstickers/Dumplings
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Place frozen dumplings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with oil to ensure even browning. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 6 minutes, check and turn, then continue 2–6 minutes more until crispy and heated through.
Boil (for potstickers/dumplings only)
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Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add frozen dumplings in batches so they can move freely. Cook until they float, then continue boiling 2–3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain, and serve. Avoid boiling delicate soup dumplings—wrappers may burst.
Pan Searing (for potstickers/dumplings only)
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Heat about 2 tablespoons (30 ml) oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange frozen potstickers in a single layer. Cover and cook 1–2 minutes until bottoms are golden. Increase heat to medium-high, add water to about 1/2 inch high (roughly 1/3 the height of the dumplings), cover and steam 5–10 minutes until cooked through. Remove lid, let the water evaporate, and continue cooking until the bottoms crisp again.
Nutrition Information per Serving
Best Dumpling Ideas for Quick Dinners
Once you can cook frozen dumplings reliably, you can use them in many quick meals. Here are a few tasty ideas and variations to try.
- Microwave cheese soup dumplings: a comforting, cheesy twist on soup dumplings.
- Dumpling soup: simmer dumplings in a bright broth with greens and aromatics for a complete meal.
- Air-fried dumplings: a fast, hands-off method that produces crispy results.
- Homemade dumpling sauce: mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili for a simple dipping sauce you can customize.
- Homemade chili oil or chili crunch: makes an excellent condiment to add heat and texture.
- Experiment with toppings like scallions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili crisp for extra flavor.
Chili Crunch or Chili Oil for Dumplings, Potstickers, Gyoza
Dipping sauces add an extra layer of flavor. Popular options include soy-based dipping sauce, sesame-peanut blends, and chili oil/chili crunch (also called chili crisp). You can buy a favorite brand or make a simple chili oil or chili crunch at home to match your heat and texture preferences.
Check Out More Recipes
- Chili crisp mayo is a flavorful dip or spread for dumplings and snacks.
- For a quick weeknight meal, try easy microwaved bowls or simple soups to pair with dumplings.
- If you enjoyed these tips for cooking frozen dumplings, share them with friends and family.