How many calories are in a fried potsticker?

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

The calorie count for a single fried potsticker can range from 50 to 100 calories or more, depending on its size and filling. This wide variance is a result of different preparation methods, fillings, and portion sizes. Understanding these nutritional differences is key to managing your intake.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of a fried potsticker varies significantly based on filling, size, and cooking oil used. Frying adds substantial calories compared to steaming, and the type of meat or vegetable inside influences the final nutritional value. Commercial brands and restaurant versions often differ in their calorie counts.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A single fried potsticker can contain between 50 and over 100 calories, varying by size and filling.
Cooking Method Matters: Frying adds significant calories and fat; steaming is a much lighter alternative.
Filling Influences Calories: Lean fillings like chicken or vegetables result in fewer calories than fattier pork fillings.
Portion and Source are Key: Restaurant potstickers often have higher calorie counts than smaller, commercially-packaged ones.
Reduce Calories Easily: Opting for pan-frying with minimal oil, using an air fryer, or steaming can drastically lower the calorie count.
Make Healthier at Home: Preparing potstickers yourself provides full control over ingredients and cooking method for the healthiest option.

Factors Affecting Fried Potsticker Calories

Calculating the precise calories in a fried potsticker is not a one-size-fits-all equation, as several variables come into play. The total calorie count is a sum of the ingredients in the filling, the wrapper itself, and, most importantly, the amount of oil absorbed during the frying process. The method of frying also matters, as a deep-fried dumpling will absorb significantly more oil—and calories—than a pan-fried one, which only uses a small amount of oil to crisp the bottom.

Filling Content: The Inside Story

Pork: Ground pork fillings, especially if the meat is not lean, contribute a higher fat content and thus more calories. A standard pork and vegetable potsticker can have a higher calorie count per piece than a chicken or vegetable alternative.
Chicken: Lean ground chicken is a common filling and generally results in a lower-calorie potsticker compared to pork.
Vegetable: Vegetarian potstickers filled with ingredients like cabbage, mushrooms, and tofu typically have the lowest calorie count, as long as they are not fried in excessive oil.

The Role of Oil

Deep-frying a potsticker causes it to absorb a significant amount of the cooking oil, which is very calorie-dense. A pan-fried or 'potsticker-style' dumpling uses less oil, making it a slightly healthier option than its fully submerged counterpart. An air-fried version, which uses minimal to no oil, is the lowest calorie preparation method.

Restaurant vs. Homemade vs. Frozen

The nutritional information can vary dramatically between different sources. A restaurant potsticker might be significantly larger and use more oil than a small, frozen dumpling from the grocery store. For example, some restaurant appetizers can contain over 700 calories for a single serving of fried dumplings, while a small store-bought version might be around 77 calories per piece. Homemade potstickers give you the most control over ingredients and oil quantity, allowing you to create a healthier version.

A Closer Look at the Calorie Breakdown

A typical fried potsticker contains a mix of carbohydrates from the wrapper, protein from the filling, and fat from both the filling and the cooking oil. The frying oil accounts for a large portion of the added calories. For example, a single, generic fried potsticker might contain around 77 calories, with a significant amount of that coming from the added fat.

Understanding the Macronutrients

Carbohydrates: The dumpling wrapper, usually made from wheat flour, is the primary source of carbohydrates. The vegetables in the filling also contribute to the carb count.
Protein: The meat or vegetable filling, such as pork, chicken, shrimp, or tofu, provides the protein content.
Fat: The fat comes from both the filling and the oil used for frying. This is where the major calorie difference between fried and steamed versions is found.

Calorie Comparison: Fried vs. Steamed Potstickers


Feature	Fried Potstickers	Steamed Potstickers
Calorie Count (per piece)	Higher (approx. 50-100+)	Lower (approx. 35-80)
Fat Content	Significantly higher due to oil absorption	Very low, as no oil is used in the cooking process
Texture	Crispy, golden-brown wrapper	Soft, translucent, and tender wrapper
Flavor Profile	Richer, with a prominent savory note from the frying process	Lighter, allowing the delicate flavor of the filling to stand out
Best for	Indulgent occasions or when craving a crispy texture	A lighter, healthier option for regular consumption

Reducing Calories in Your Potstickers

If you love potstickers but want a lower-calorie option, here are some strategies:

Choose Lean Fillings: Opt for chicken, shrimp, or vegetable fillings instead of fattier pork.
Pan-Sear, Don't Deep-Fry: Use a minimal amount of oil to pan-fry for a crispy bottom, or try an air fryer for an even lighter version.
Make Them at Home: This allows you to control all ingredients, including the type and amount of oil used. You can use healthy oils like sesame oil for flavor without excess.
Control Portion Sizes: Many restaurants serve large portions. Sticking to a smaller number of potstickers can help manage your intake.
Eat with Healthy Sides: Pair your potstickers with a side of steamed vegetables, a light salad, or a clear soup to create a more balanced and filling meal.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Ultimately, the number of calories in a fried potsticker is not fixed but is influenced by the filling, size, and cooking method. While the deep-fried version is an indulgent treat, opting for a pan-fried or, even better, a steamed potsticker can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content. By understanding these variations, you can make informed decisions that fit your nutritional goals while still enjoying this popular dish. Whether you choose to indulge in the crispy, fried version or a lighter, steamed option, awareness of the preparation method is the first step toward a more balanced diet. For a lighter approach without sacrificing flavor, consider using an air fryer and choosing lean fillings for your homemade potstickers.

FoodData Central: The USDA's Central Hub for Food Data is an excellent resource for looking up ingredient-specific nutrition information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fried potstickers have a significantly higher calorie count than steamed potstickers due to the oil absorbed during cooking. A single fried potsticker can contain 50 to 100+ calories, while a steamed one can be as low as 35 to 80 calories, depending on the filling.

Yes, the filling has a major impact on the calorie count. Potstickers filled with lean chicken, shrimp, or vegetables are lower in calories than those with fattier ground pork fillings.

Typically, yes. Restaurant potstickers are often larger and fried in more oil than commercially frozen ones, leading to a higher calorie count per piece. Frozen brands provide nutrition information on their packaging for an accurate count.

Absolutely. To make potstickers healthier, you can use lean ground meat or vegetable fillings, and pan-fry with a minimal amount of oil or use an air fryer instead of deep-frying.

To reduce calories, you can ask for the potstickers to be pan-seared with less oil or steamed instead of fried. Controlling your portion size and pairing them with a vegetable side dish instead of other fried appetizers also helps.

The primary source of extra calories in a fried potsticker is the cooking oil used in the frying process. While the wrapper and filling contain calories, the oil absorbed during frying adds a significant amount of extra fat and calories.

Yes, there is. Deep-fried potstickers absorb much more oil, resulting in a significantly higher calorie count. Pan-frying, which uses a smaller amount of oil to crisp the bottom, is a lower-calorie method.