How to Cook Frozen Gyoza in 15 Minutes: Crispy Gyoza in the Air Fryer or Juicy and Golden in the Pan

Crispy or Juicy? These Are the Best Cooking Methods

We’ll show you two easy ways to cook frozen gyoza. After testing all options, we’ve chosen the most delicious methods to save you time. So, how to cook gyoza from frozen? The two best options are:

• Pan-Frying for a crispy bottom and tender filling
• Air-Frying for a healthier, crunchy texture

Scroll down for both methods. In a hurry? Skip to pan-frying or air frying.

How to Pan Fry Gyoza from Frozen for Crispy, Juicy Dumplings

Let’s start with cooking gyoza from frozen in a pan—or yaki gyoza. Yaki means ‘grilled’ or ‘fried’ in Japanese, so yaki gyoza refers to gyoza fried in a pan. The result? Crispy bottoms and soft, juicy tops—just the way they should be! Enjoy them with a dipping sauce, or add them to soup.

Here’s what you’ll need:

For exact measurements, check the recipe card below.

• Frozen gyoza
• Oil
• Water

How to cook frozen gyoza in a pan?

1. Heat a pan on medium-high (around 6 out of 9 on the stove). Add a little oil to the pan.
2. Coat the flat side of each gyoza with oil. You can use a brush or dip each piece directly into the oil in a pan. This way, the bottoms turn crispy.
3. Place the gyoza in the pan, flat side down. Cover with a lid. Pan-fry frozen dumplings for 2–3 minutes. Look for a golden, crispy crust—this is what we want!
4. When the bottoms are crispy but the tops are still raw, lift the lid carefully. Pour a small splash of water slowly under the lid. Don’t open the lid all the way. Do it carefully to avoid too much steam and prevent burns.
5. Set your heat to low-medium. We used 2 out of 9. Cover the pan again and let them steam for 5–7 minutes. You’ll know pan-fried gyoza dumplings are done when all the water evaporates, and they look tender on top. If there’s still water left, turn the heat to high to let it evaporate completely. This gives the gyoza a crispy bottom and a soft top.

Tip: Keep an eye on gyoza while frying, as they can overcook quickly.

And that’s it! Now you know how to pan-fry gyoza from frozen. Coat them in oil, fry them in a pan, then add water to steam. That’s all—crispy on the bottom, soft on top!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Your fried gyoza dumplings are almost ready to enjoy! When learning how to pan fry frozen gyoza, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t use too much oil. Gyoza should be lightly coated, not swimming in oil.
• Arrange the dumplings in a single layer with a small gap between each one. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
• When cooking frozen gyoza, pan-fry with minimal water. You want the bottom to stay crispy!

With these tips, you now know how to cook frozen dumplings. Avoid these mistakes and make perfectly crispy and juicy pan-fried gyoza from frozen.

Frozen Gyoza in the Air Fryer: Less Oil, Extra Crisp!

If you pan-fry gyoza, you need to keep an eye on the pan because they overcook quickly. It doesn’t take long and is still simple, but there’s another option—air-frying frozen gyoza.

Can you air fry frozen gyoza? Yes, you can! Frozen gyoza in an air fryer turn out extra crispy, and you don’t need much oil, so it’s a healthier option. Plus, you don’t have to watch over them constantly!

Here’s what you’ll need:

See the recipe card below for all the exact amounts.

• Frozen gyoza
• Neutral oil or a cooking spray.

Here’s how to air fry frozen gyoza dumplings:

1. Spray the gyoza with cooking spray or brush them with oil. Toss them in a bowl to coat evenly.
2. Place frozen gyoza in the air fryer, flat-side down on the rack.
3. To air-fry frozen gyoza, set your air fryer to ‘Steak’ mode or manually adjust the temperature to 180°C (360°F). How long to air fry frozen gyoza? Cook them for 10 minutes.
4. After 7 minutes, open the basket to check. If you’re cooking a smaller batch, they may finish quicker. The typical frozen gyoza air fryer time is about 10 minutes. But if you’re cooking a full basket, add 3–4 more minutes if needed.

Once they’re golden and crispy, your air-fried frozen gyoza are ready! Serve them hot as a snack or side dish, and enjoy.

Tips for Success

• Double-check the cooking time based on your air fryer model. How to cook frozen gyoza in an air fryer? It’s simple! Coat the gyoza with cooking spray and place them on the air fryer rack. Set the right temperature, and in 10 minutes, they’re ready! However, cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your gyoza. So check them halfway through and adjust if needed.
• Use oil spray: Frozen gyoza in the air fryer can dry out, so lightly spray them with oil or brush a small amount on all sides. This will give them that crispy, golden crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: When air frying frozen gyoza, place them in a single layer with a bit of space between each dumpling. Give the gyoza some space so they cook evenly. If needed, cook them in two batches instead of one.
• Skip parchment paper: Don’t use parchment paper or molds to get the best results when air frying frozen gyoza. Instead, place the gyoza directly on the rack so they cook evenly.

Now you know how to air-fry frozen gyoza! If you’re a fan of the air fryer, it’s a quick and easy recipe to add to your collection. No hassle, just crispy, delicious gyoza! 

Not into the air fryer? You can also pan-fry gyoza from frozen for the same crispy, juicy results. Simple, mouthwatering dumplings in no time! Now you’ve got two foolproof ways to cook delicious gyoza. Which one will you try first? Let us know in the comments!

How to Boil or Steam Frozen Gyoza

Boiled or steamed gyoza aren’t our top choice. They don’t have the crispy, juicy texture you get from air frying or pan-frying. However, these methods are perfect if you prefer a lighter option. Here’s how to steam gyoza or boil them:

How to boil frozen gyoza?
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once the frozen gyoza float to the surface, simmer them for about 3 minutes.

How to steam frozen gyoza?

Simply brush your steamer with oil to prevent the gyoza from sticking. Then, place the gyoza in the steamer. How long to steam frozen gyoza? Steam them for around 5 minutes.

The Best Cooking Method for You

Each cooking method brings something different to the table. Let’s compare the best ways to cook frozen gyoza and explore the nutritional information to help you decide the best method. Plus, find out which one works best for your event!

Convenience:
Air-frying frozen gyoza is the best choice to pop them in and get other things done. You don’t need to monitor them constantly. Just set the timer, and when it goes off, your gyoza are ready! On the other hand, when you pan fry frozen gyoza, keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook and the bottoms stay crispy.

Healthier Cooking:
When you air fry frozen gyoza, you use less oil than pan-frying. This is a healthier option if you’re monitoring your fat intake. These gyoza are also great for soups as they soften in the broth. If they become slightly overcooked, just place them in a container with a lid for 5 minutes to soften.

Calories:
Calories can vary based on the brand and filling. Choose gyoza with tofu, mushrooms, or another protein-rich filling if you want more protein. For more fiber, go for vegetable-filled gyoza. Air-fried gyoza is usually lower in calories because you only need a small amount of oil.

The Best Way to Cook Frozen Gyoza:
While air frying is a great option, we believe pan-frying is the best way to cook frozen gyoza. Pan-fried gyoza have a crispy bottom with a soft, juicy filling—just the right combination of textures! 

Have you chosen the method that suits you best? If you need specific frozen gyoza cooking instructions, check the methods above for air frying and pan frying.

Air Fryer vs. Pan: Let’s Compare Cooking Time and Effort

How long to cook frozen gyoza? The cooking time for all methods is about the same—10 to 12 minutes on average. It’s the same for cooking frozen gyoza in an air fryer or a pan.

When you cook frozen gyoza in an air fryer, you can focus on other tasks while they cook. However, when you pan fry frozen gyoza, you need to monitor them closely. Because they can overcook or burn.

Pick the Right Method for Your Event

• Parties: Air fry frozen gyoza for a crispy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Frozen gyoza in an air fryer makes a quick and easy snack. Serve them hot or warm with a dipping sauce.
• Lunch/Dinner: Fry gyoza from frozen or add them to soups for a quick, hearty meal. How to cook frozen soup dumplings? It’s best to pan-fry them first and then add them to the soup. Prepare the broth and steam veggies—everything takes under 15 minutes!
• Movie Night: Want a crispy, no-hassle snack? Frying frozen gyoza in an air fryer is the perfect solution. Just pop them in, set the timer, and enjoy your favorite movie.
• Healthier Option: If you’re looking for a lighter meal, frying gyoza from frozen in an air fryer is the best choice. It gives you that crispy texture with less oil. Pair it with a fresh salad for a balanced, delicious meal.

Best Sauces, Sides, and Why Frozen Wins

What is gyoza? Simply put, it’s a Japanese dumpling filled with various ingredients. Popular vegetarian fillings are often cabbage, garlic, mushrooms, and tofu. There are many recipes on how to make gyoza at home, and they taste great! But the most convenient option is to buy frozen dumplings.

Why Frozen Gyoza Is the Best Choice

• It’s convenient, and you save time. You don’t have to make homemade gyoza from scratch. Just buy frozen gyoza and cook them in minutes whenever you’re craving a tasty meal. They last for months in your freezer, and you can choose from so many different fillings. Keep some frozen dumplings on hand for a quick, delicious snack! Pair them with a salad, add them to a soup, or enjoy them as a crispy treat for movie night or a gathering with friends.
• They’re delicious! Making gyoza from scratch takes time. With frozen gyoza, you skip the hassle! You can freeze homemade gyoza, but they might lose their shape. For frozen ones, choose a brand with good ingredients. For the best taste, go with authentic Japanese gyoza!
• With professional freezing, you get flavorful gyoza that keep their shape. Commercially frozen gyoza are flash-frozen at -30°C. It’s much better than home freezing at -18°C. Dumplings frozen this way don’t develop large ice crystals. That’s why they keep their perfect texture and shape. Plus, the filling stays delicious and full of flavor.

How to cook frozen gyoza? It’s quick and easy! You can pan-fry, steam, or boil them for a delicious meal. Cooking frozen gyoza takes about 3 minutes longer than fresh Japanese dumplings. But it’s still fast—only 10-15 minutes! One of the easiest ways is to make gyoza fried in a pan. They turn out crispy and juicy, and you don’t need special equipment! Want the juiciest gyoza ever? Here’s our method.

You can also make deep-fried gyoza, but you need a lot of oil. Want crispy gyoza without using much oil? Can you air fry frozen dumplings? Absolutely! The air fryer works great if you want to make crispy gyoza straight from frozen. Simply place them on the rack and avoid overcrowding. And in 10 minutes, you’ll have crispy gyoza without all the extra oil. See our full method for step-by-step tips.

The Best Sauces to Pair With Your Dumplings

Now that you’ve got your gyoza recipe, let’s talk about the sauce! No good gyoza goes without a delicious dipping sauce.

Classic Sauce Recipe

• 50g soy sauce
• 50g rice vinegar
• 5g chili oil or sesame oil

Mix all the ingredients and enjoy!

Quick Sauce Alternatives (No Need to Make from Scratch!)

• Sesame sauce
• Ponzu sauce
• Spicy garlic sauce

What Are Common Gyoza Fillings?

What is gyoza made of? Gyoza consists of a thin wrapper and a delicious filling. The gyoza ingredients for the wrapper are simple—just flour and water. But when it comes to fillings, there are plenty of options:

• Meat and Seafood: Pork is the most common, often mixed with cabbage, garlic, and onion.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Fillings like spinach, Napa cabbage, tofu, or mushrooms.

We love vegetarian and vegan options! They’re healthier, full of fiber, and lower in fat. Plus, they last longer in the fridge, stay juicy, and taste amazing.

More Recipes That Go Perfectly with Gyoza

Planning a party and making crispy gyoza? Great choice—your guests will love them! But why stop there? Pair your gyoza with these easy and delicious recipes: (Recipe links below!)

• Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread – Extra crispy on top, soft inside, and packed with garlic flavor. So simple, yet so good!
• Crispy Hash Browns in the Oven – You only need two ingredients and a few spices. Thin, crispy, and cheesy—an irresistible potato appetizer!
• Asian Noodle Salad – Fresh veggies, soft beans, and a flavorful dressing. Just cook frozen gyoza and add them crispy or juicy on top—so good!
• Potato Salad – Soft potatoes with crispy edges, fresh veggies, and a creamy yogurt dressing. Plus, we’ve got tips to make your potatoes extra crispy!
• Thick & Chewy Potato Noodles – These long, soft noodles are amazing with spicy sauce or just butter. We made them with broccoli, but you can switch it up with your favorite veggies—or enjoy them on their own!
• Gyoza Soup – Quick, comforting, and packed with simple, fresh veggies. Make frozen gyoza in an air fryer or pan fry gyoza from frozen—both are perfect for this soup!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)