Air-Fried Wontons: A Healthy, Tasty Treat?

Yes, you can make wontons in an air fryer. They will be just as crispy and delicious as deep-fried wontons, but with less oil and mess. You can fill your wontons with a variety of ingredients, including pork, shrimp, cream cheese, chives, and green onions. The folding method is easy to get the hang of, and there is no wrong way to fold a wonton. Simply fill the wonton wrapper, seal it with water, and cook in your air fryer at around 350-370°F for 7-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Wonton wrapper filling options

Wontons are a type of dumpling, usually served as an appetiser or side dish. They can be boiled, deep-fried, or air-fried, and are typically made with a square wrapper. The wrappers are folded in such a way that they create lots of pointy corners, which get very crispy when fried.

The wrappers can be filled with a variety of ingredients, and below are some options for wonton fillings:

Pork and Shrimp

This is a classic, authentic Chinese wonton filling. The pork and shrimp are combined with ginger, green onion, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil. This filling has a deep and satisfying umami flavour, with a pop of brightness from the ginger and a hint of nuttiness from the sesame oil.

Chicken and Spices

Chicken wontons can be spiced with ingredients like chilli, coriander, and ginger. These wontons can be served as a bite-sized snack or appetiser, and are perfect for picnics or tailgates.

Crab Rangoon

Crab Rangoon wontons are a popular choice, and can be made in a variety of ways. Some recipes include cream cheese and crab, while others include crab and creamy fillings. These wontons can be baked or fried, and are perfect for parties or potlucks.

Philly Cheesesteak

These wontons are filled with the flavours of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, including cheese, steak, and onions. They are a fun and creative way to enjoy the classic sandwich, and are perfect for parties or potlucks.

Pumpkin Wontons

Pumpkin wontons are a delicious and unique option, perfect for those who want to try something different from the usual pumpkin pie or cake. The wontons are filled with pumpkin and served with a butterscotch sauce, which would also taste great over ice cream.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

There are also several vegetarian and vegan options for wonton fillings. Some ideas include tofu and chive, curry vegetable, plant-based ground "meat", and carrot. These wontons can be served as a main course or side dish, and are perfect for those who want a meat-free option.

How to fold wontons

There are several ways to fold wontons, and the method you choose will depend on the thickness of the wrapper, the amount of filling used, and your preferred cooking method. Here is a step-by-step guide to four of the most common ways to fold wontons:

The Bonnet Fold:

• Take a square wonton wrapper and dab its edges with water using your index finger.
• Place 2 teaspoons of filling in the middle of the wrapper.
• Fold the wrapper in half to create a rectangle.
• Grasp the bottom corners of the rectangle (the filling side, not the seam side) and dab one corner with water.
• Bring the two corners together and squeeze to seal.

The Diamond Fold:

• Take a square wonton wrapper and dab its edges with water.
• Place 2 teaspoons of filling in the middle of the wrapper and fold it in half diagonally to form a triangle.
• Dab one of the bottom corners of the triangle with water.
• Bring the two corners together and seal.

The Scrunch Fold:

• Place a small amount of filling on the wrapper.
• Make a loose fist with your hand and push the wrapper and filling into your fist.
• Gently squeeze to seal.

The Boat Fold:

• Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the centre of a wonton wrapper.
• Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water and fold it in half to form a triangle, pressing out any air bubbles.
• With the edge of the stuffing at the bottom, dab some water on one of the bottom corners.
• Gently fold the wrapper, bringing the two bottom points together at the centre, and press firmly to seal.

Air fryer settings and timings

The ideal temperature to cook wontons in an air fryer is between 350°F and 370°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of wonton and the desired level of crispness, but on average, it takes around 7 to 10 minutes. It is recommended to flip the wontons halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

For cream cheese wontons, set the air fryer to 370°F and cook for 8 minutes. Check if they are golden and cook for an additional 2 minutes if needed.

For pork and shrimp wontons, preheat the air fryer to 370°F and cook for 5 minutes. Flip the wontons and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until they are golden brown and crisp.

When making wontons with plant-based fillings, set the air fryer to 395°F for 10 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 320°F, flip the wontons, and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.

It is important to note that air fryer settings and cooking times may vary depending on the model and brand. Therefore, it is recommended to keep a close eye on the wontons to ensure they do not burn. Additionally, using a perforated parchment sheet at the bottom of the air fryer basket can help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Dipping sauce ideas

Air-fried wontons are a delicious snack, side dish, or appetizer, and there are many dipping sauces that can elevate their flavour. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to accompany your air-fried wontons:

Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce

This sauce is commonly served with fried wontons and can be purchased in stores. It is a sweet and spicy sauce that adds a kick to your wontons.

Spicy Dipping Sauce

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, a spicy dipping sauce can be made with rice vinegar, sugar, bird's eye chilli pepper, and garlic. This sauce has a strong kick, especially if you let the chilli peppers steep in the liquid for longer. For a milder sauce, you can remove the seeds from the chilli peppers or use a different type of chilli, such as serrano or Fresno.

Vinegar with a Touch of Soy Sauce

A simple yet classic combination, vinegar and soy sauce create a nice balance of tangy and salty flavours.

Bottled Sweet Chilli or Chilli Garlic Sauce

These bottled sauces are readily available and provide a convenient option for those who want a sweet and spicy kick with their wontons.

Wonton Sauce

This sauce is a versatile and easy-to-make dipping sauce that pairs well with any Asian appetiser. It typically includes soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sometimes garlic, ginger, scallions, or chilli sauce. You can also make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.

Other Ideas

• White vinegar: A traditional ingredient in wonton dipping sauces, providing a sharper flavour.
• Spicy wonton sauce: Add red pepper flakes, Chinese hot mustard, sriracha, or other hot sauces for an extra kick.
• Sweet wonton sauce: Add honey, coconut brown sugar, or apricot jam to balance the acidity and add sweetness.
• Aromatics: Include chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, julienned ginger, or minced garlic for added depth of flavour and texture.

Storing and reheating tips

Storing

If you have leftover uncooked wontons, place them on a tray, ensuring there is enough space between each one so they don't stick. Cover the tray and leave them in the freezer for 3-5 hours until they harden. Then, transfer them to a sealable bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Stored this way, they will last for up to six months in the freezer.

If you have leftover cooked wontons, allow them to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container and storing them in the fridge. They will last for 3-4 days.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your wontons is in the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and, if desired, spray your wontons with a light coating of cooking oil. Place them in the fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Heat for 3-4 minutes or until they are warmed through.

Alternatively, you can reheat wontons in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly spray your wontons with oil. Place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet and heat for 5-10 minutes.

You can also reheat wontons by frying them in oil or in the microwave, but these methods may make your wontons greasy or soggy.

Frequently asked questions