Air-Fryer Wontons: A Healthy, Crunchy Treat?

Wontons are a type of dumpling that can be fried or boiled and are typically enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish. They are usually made with a square wrapper and deep-fried until crispy. However, you can also cook them in an air fryer, which is healthier and less messy. Air-fried wontons are golden brown and crispy, with a juicy inside. They can be served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, such as Thai sweet chilli sauce, or as a main dish with vegetables.

Air fryer wontons are easy to make

Air fryer wontons are a quick and easy snack that can be made from scratch or using frozen, shop-bought wontons. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried wontons and are just as delicious and crispy.

Ingredients

You will need wonton wrappers, which can be found in most supermarkets, and a filling of your choice. Popular fillings include pork, shrimp, and cream cheese. You will also need a small amount of oil to spray or brush onto the wontons before placing them in the air fryer.

Filling

Mix your chosen filling ingredients together in a bowl. If you are making pork wontons, you might add soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings. For cream cheese wontons, you could add green onions, garlic powder, and salt.

Folding

Place a spoonful of filling in the centre of a wonton wrapper and fold it diagonally to create a triangle. Brush a little water on the edges to seal, then bring the two corners of the long side of the triangle together to form a traditional purse shape, sealing with a dab of water.

Cooking

Spray or brush the filled wontons with oil and place them in the air fryer. You can use a perforated parchment paper sheet underneath to prevent sticking, although this is optional.

Cook the wontons at around 350-370°F for 4-5 minutes, then turn them over and cook for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

Serving

Air fryer wontons are best served immediately as a snack or appetiser, perhaps with a dipping sauce such as Thai sweet chilli sauce, spicy mayo, or ponzu. They can also be served as a main dish with a side of vegetables.

Storing and reheating

Air fryer wontons are best eaten fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until crisp. Uncooked wontons can be frozen and cooked straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

You can use a variety of fillings

Wontons are a type of Chinese dumpling, typically served as an appetizer or side dish. They are usually filled with meat, but there are many different options for fillings, including vegetarian alternatives. Here are some ideas for wonton fillings that you can cook in an air fryer:

Pork and Shrimp

This is a classic, authentic Chinese wonton filling. You can add some soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil for extra flavour.

Pork

This is a simple option, but you can add some variety by including diced veggies or rice.

Cream Cheese

For a smoother, creamier filling, you can use cream cheese. You can add some green onion, garlic powder, and salt to taste.

Tofu and Chives

A vegan option with a fresh flavour.

Curry Vegetable (No Tofu)

Another vegan option with a kick of spice.

Chicken

You can substitute the pork in the classic wonton filling with chicken, beef, or turkey.

Vegetarian

For a vegetarian option, you can fill your wontons with diced veggies or rice.

They are healthier than deep-fried wontons

Yes, you can put wontons in the air fryer! Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-frying your food. Here are some reasons why:

Less Oil, Less Fat

Air fryers require significantly less oil than deep fryers. While deep-frying recipes often call for up to 3 cups (750 ml) of oil, air-fried foods need only about 1 tablespoon (15 ml). That's 50 times less oil! Even though the food doesn't absorb all of that oil, using an air fryer can still significantly reduce the overall fat content of your meal.

Fewer Calories

Air-fried foods are lower in fat than deep-fried foods, which means they are also lower in calories. This can help with weight management and reduce the risk of weight gain and obesity.

Reduced Harmful Compounds

Deep-frying starchy foods like potatoes can lead to the formation of acrylamide, a compound associated with an increased risk of cancer. Air-frying has been shown to reduce acrylamide levels by up to 90% compared to deep-frying.

Less Mess and Cleanup

In addition to the health benefits, air-frying wontons can also be less messy and time-consuming. Deep-frying involves more work and cleanup, while air-frying gives you "pretty nice results, with less hassle, less cleanup, and fewer calories," as one source puts it.

Taste and Texture

Air-fried wontons will have a similar taste and texture to their deep-fried counterparts. They will be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a juicy, tasty filling on the inside. However, it's important to note that air-fried wontons may not have as even a browning on the surface, and the texture may be slightly less crispy.

So, if you're looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried wontons, give your air fryer a try! You can still enjoy the delicious taste and crispy texture of fried wontons while reaping the health benefits of reduced fat and calories.

You can make them in advance and freeze them

Wontons are a great make-ahead dish, and can be frozen for later. This is a great way to save time and have a delicious snack or appetiser ready to go. You can freeze them before or after cooking, but freezing before cooking is a great way to have a ready-to-fry snack whenever you want.

To freeze wontons before cooking, first, wrap the uncooked wontons and place them on a tray, leaving enough space between each one so they don't stick together. Cover the tray and leave it in the freezer for 3-5 hours, or until hardened. Then, transfer the wontons to a sealable bag or container. Make sure to seal the bag or container tightly to prevent drying out. Wontons can be frozen for a few months.

When you're ready to cook the frozen wontons, there is no need to thaw them. Simply place them straight into the air fryer and cook for 3-4 minutes at 350°F, or until warm. You can also cook them straight from frozen in a pan of oil heated to 350°F for 2-3 minutes, or until crisp and browned.

If you want to freeze cooked wontons, follow the same process as above. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 400°F for 2 minutes, or until crisp. Alternatively, use a baking tray in the oven at 325°F for 5-8 minutes.

They are best served with a dipping sauce

Wontons are best served with a dipping sauce, and there are many options to choose from. A popular choice is Thai sweet chilli sauce, but you can also try something with a bit more spice like Sriracha, or a combination of the two. If you want something less spicy, you could try vinegar with a touch of soy sauce, or bottled sweet chilli or chilli garlic sauce.

If you want to make your own sauce, you could try a simple combination of rice vinegar, sugar, bird's eye chilli pepper, and garlic. Or, for something with a kick, try a dumpling sauce made with sweet chilli sauce, spicy mayo, or ponzu.

For a healthier option, you could also serve your wontons with a side of vegetables, like sautéed spinach with sesame dressing, steamed broccoli, or a salad with miso dressing.

Frequently asked questions