Air-Frying Wontons: A Healthy, Quick Cooking Option?

Wontons are a popular snack, often served as an appetizer or finger food, and can be cooked in an air fryer. Air-fried wontons are a healthier alternative to deep-fried wontons, requiring less oil and producing less mess. They are also easy to make, taking only a few minutes to cook and requiring minimal preparation. The result is a crispy, golden-brown exterior with a juicy filling. They can be served with a variety of sauces, such as sweet chilli sauce, and can be enjoyed as a snack or a main dish.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking wontons in an air fryer depend on the type of wonton you are cooking.

For instance, if you are cooking frozen wontons, you should air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes or until golden and crispy. You should give the wontons a good toss halfway through so that they cook evenly.

If you are cooking homemade wontons, the air fryer temperature should be set to 370°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of homemade wonton. For instance, if you are cooking pork wontons, you should cook them for 10 minutes. If you are cooking wontons with a cream cheese, chives, and green onion filling, you should cook them for 8-10 minutes. For wontons with a pork and shrimp filling, you should cook them for 9-12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the brand of your air fryer, so it is recommended to check on your wontons regularly to ensure they do not burn. Additionally, if you are cooking multiple batches of wontons, you may need to adjust the cooking time for each batch.

Wonton fillings

Wontons are a type of dumpling, and like other dumplings, they can be filled with a variety of ingredients. The key to wrapping wontons is to ensure that the filling is completely sealed within the wrapper. This is to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking and to stop water from getting into the wonton and diluting its flavour.

There are no rules when it comes to wonton fillings. Classic options include fatty pork mince, prawns, chicken, and vegetables such as cabbage, leeks, and green onions. For a vegetarian option, try using tofu or plant-based meat alternatives. Wontons can also be filled with cheese, such as cream cheese, or a blend of Mexican-inspired ingredients. For a sweeter option, you can leave out the onions and garlic and add drained crushed pineapple or coconut.

When preparing the filling, mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Then, place about 1 teaspoon of filling onto the centre of a wonton wrapper. Bring the four corners of the wrapper together towards the centre, and squeeze tightly just above the filling to seal the wonton. Repeat this process until you have used up all your filling and wrappers.

Wonton folding methods

Wontons are a delicious snack and can be cooked in an air fryer for a healthier, less messy alternative to deep-frying. The key to getting the perfect crispy texture is to spray the wontons with a generous amount of oil before placing them in the air fryer.

Now, onto the wonton folding methods. There are several ways to fold a wonton, and the method you choose will depend on the thickness of the wrapper, the amount of filling, and your cooking method. Here are some of the most common folding techniques:

The Bonnet Fold

This is the most common folding method and is perfect for wontons that will be boiled or mixed into soup or sauce. To create this shape, start by taking a square wonton wrapper and damping the edges with water using your finger. Place the filling in the center, then fold the wrapper in half diagonally to create a triangle. Next, bring the two bottom corners of the triangle together and seal them with a little water, forming a compact shape with tasty, chewy folds.

The Diamond Fold

The diamond fold is similar to the bonnet fold but yields a slightly less compact wonton with pointed or flared ends. To create this shape, follow the same steps as the bonnet fold, but instead of bringing the two bottom corners together, simply fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle. This method is perfect for fried wontons as the crispy ends are a delightful texture contrast.

The Pyramid or Square Fold

This method starts with more filling in the center of the wrapper. Moisten the edges, then lift two opposite corners to meet above the filling, pinching just the tips together. Next, lift the remaining corners, sealing them with the already pinched tips to form a gathered top and a unique four-pointed star shape. This fold is excellent for frying or pan-searing and can hold a slightly larger amount of filling.

The Scrunch Fold

The scrunch fold is used for very thin wrappers and small amounts of filling. It is commonly used for making small Shanghai-style wontons in soup. This method is simple: just squeeze the wrapper around the filling and seal it shut.

The Basic Triangle Fold

This is one of the simplest folding methods and is perfect for those who want a no-fuss approach. Place the filling in the center of the wrapper, moisten the edges, and fold it in half to form a triangle. Then, bring the bottom corners of the triangle together and seal them with a little water. This method ensures your wontons are tightly sealed and won't fall apart during cooking.

Wonton dipping sauces

Wontons cooked in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and healthy snack. They are super crispy and addictive, and the outside wrapper becomes crisp like a potato chip while the inside stays juicy. You can use frozen, store-bought wontons or make them from scratch. If you are making them from scratch, you can fill them with anything you like, such as OmniPork, chicken, or vegetables.

To cook wontons in an air fryer, place them in the air fryer basket, spray them with oil, and air fry at around 400°F for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. You can also reheat cooked wontons in the air fryer, and they will become crispy again.

Now, onto the dipping sauces. A basic wonton dipping sauce can be made with just three ingredients: soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. However, you can add a few other ingredients to make it extra tasty. Here are some ideas for wonton dipping sauces:

• Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, and Sesame Oil: This is the foundation of a basic dumpling and wonton dipping sauce. Combine these three ingredients in a small bowl and stir to mix. You can adjust the ratios to your taste, but a common ratio is 2 parts soy sauce to 1 part rice vinegar.
• Spicy Chile-Garlic Sauce: This sauce contains red chiles, garlic, rice vinegar, salt, and toasted sesame oil. It is a staple condiment that can be used as a dipping sauce by itself or added to the basic soy sauce mixture.
• Sweet and Tangy Sauce: For a sweeter version of the basic sauce, you can add honey, coconut brown sugar, or apricot jam. This is a great sauce for fried wontons.
• Spicy Wonton Dipping Sauce: To add some spice to your basic sauce, mix in some red pepper flakes, Chinese hot mustard, sriracha, or other hot sauces.
• Aromatics: For added depth of flavor and texture, you can mix in chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, julienned ginger, or finely minced garlic.
• Coconut Aminos: You can use coconut aminos instead of or in addition to soy sauce in your dipping sauce. This is a good option for those who want to avoid soy or gluten.
• Chinese Black Vinegar: Using Chinese black vinegar instead of or in addition to rice vinegar will give your sauce a deeper flavor.
• Gluten-Free Wonton Sauce: If you are making gluten-free wontons, you can also make a gluten-free dipping sauce by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and combining it with vinegar and other ingredients of your choice.

You can also get creative and experiment with different ingredients to make your own unique wonton dipping sauce. For example, you can add sriracha or hot sauce to spice it up or leave out the onions and garlic and add drained crushed pineapple or coconut for a sweeter sauce.

These sauces are versatile and can be used not only for wontons but also for other Asian appetizers such as dumplings, dim sum, egg rolls, and more. You can also use them as a dressing for salads or drizzle them over soups to add some extra flavor.

Storing and reheating

Wontons are best eaten fresh, but they can be stored and reheated later. If you have uncooked wontons, freezing is the best way to store them. To freeze uncooked wontons, place them in a single layer on a lightly floured baking sheet, ensuring the pieces do not touch each other, and then place them in the freezer for about an hour. After an hour, transfer them into an airtight container or a tightly sealed bag and return them to the freezer.

If you have cooked wontons, it is crucial to store them properly so that they maintain their texture and flavour. They should be removed from the broth so they don't become waterlogged and mushy. Place them on a flat surface to cool down for about 15 to 20 minutes before deciding whether to store them in the fridge or the freezer. For short-term storage, arrange the wontons in a single layer inside an airtight container, ensuring to leave some space between each one so their wrappers don't stick together, and place them in the fridge for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. When freezing the wontons, wrap each piece snugly in plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

To reheat wontons, you can use an air fryer, stovetop, oven, or microwave. Reheating wontons does not take long and can be done in a few different ways. The best way to reheat them is to use the stovetop as it helps maintain the crunch and texture without compromising the flavour. Another option is to use the oven, which is a great way to preserve the flavour and avoid sogginess. Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and wrap the wontons in foil or cover your baking pan with foil. Heat for 7 to 10 minutes. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, open the foil to allow the oven to crisp the wontons again. You can also reheat them in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes or until crisp. Microwaving is the least recommended option as it is difficult to prevent them from exploding and causing a mess.

Frequently asked questions