Air Fryer Frozen Wontons: Quick, Easy, Delicious

If you're craving crispy, crunchy, and juicy wontons, you'll be glad to know that cooking frozen wontons in an air fryer is not only possible but also easy and quick. You can use any brand of frozen mini wontons, from Bibigo to Costco, and even homemade wontons, and cook them straight from frozen with no need to defrost. The air fryer eliminates the dreaded oil splatter associated with pan-frying and ensures even cooking without the wontons sticking together. The result? Perfectly crispy wontons with juicy fillings, ready to be dipped in your favourite sauce!

Cooking Frozen Wontons in an Air Fryer

Cooking times and temperatures for frozen wontons

Cooking frozen wontons in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the size of your wontons and the model of your air fryer. It's important to note that you should always use frozen wontons for this cooking method and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by placing them in a single layer.

Most sources recommend cooking frozen wontons at 375°F to 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes. However, one source suggests cooking at 380°F for 8 minutes, while another suggests 370°F for 9 to 11 minutes. It is recommended to shake the basket halfway through cooking and continue cooking for 2 more minutes if you prefer crispier wontons.

It is also important to spray the wontons with oil to ensure they become crispy. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or any oil of your choice. This will help the wontons achieve a golden brown colour and a crispy texture without becoming dry and hard.

Once the wontons are cooked, you can serve them with your favourite dipping sauce, such as dumpling sauce, ponzu sauce, or sweet and spicy sriracha sauce.

How to store cooked wontons

If you have leftover cooked wontons, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer, leaving some space between each wonton so their wrappers don't stick together.

If you want to store cooked wontons for longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. First, place them on a flat surface to cool down for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then, wrap each wonton snugly in plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Place them in a single layer on a tray and freeze for two to three hours. Finally, transfer the frozen wontons to an airtight container and return them to the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cooked wontons, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. You can then heat them up by steaming for five minutes or microwaving for 45 seconds. Make sure they reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.

How to reheat cooked wontons

Wontons are a delicious snack, but reheating them can be tricky. You want to retain the crispiness of the wrapper while ensuring that the filling is juicy and hot. The best way to reheat cooked wontons is to use an air fryer, which will give you that perfect texture and taste. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reheat cooked wontons in an air fryer:

Preparing the Wontons:

First, take your leftover cooked wontons out of the fridge. It's best to use an airtight container to store them, as this will help keep them fresh and prevent drying out. If you have frozen your leftover wontons, you can reheat them directly from frozen; there is no need to thaw them. Place the wontons in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and prevents them from sticking together.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Set the temperature of your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. The exact temperature may depend on your air fryer model and personal preference for crispiness. Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes to ensure consistent results.

Adding Oil:

Spraying a little bit of oil over the wontons will help them crisp up nicely. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. This step is optional but recommended, especially if you want that extra crunch.

Reheating Time:

Now, it's time to reheat your wontons. Place the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and cook for 3 to 8 minutes. The exact time will depend on the number of wontons you are reheating and the power of your air fryer. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don't overcook or burn. Shake or toss the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even heating.

Serving:

Once the wontons are hot and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Transfer them to a serving dish and pair them with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your crispy, delicious, and perfectly reheated wontons!

Reheating cooked wontons in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy them again without sacrificing taste or texture. So, the next time you have leftover wontons, don't hesitate to give this method a try!

Oil types and application methods

When cooking frozen wontons in an air fryer, the type of oil and application method can impact the taste and texture of the final product. Here are some tips and suggestions for achieving the best results:

Oil Types

• Neutral-tasting oils, such as rapeseed or avocado oil, are recommended to allow the flavours of the wontons to shine through. These oils have a higher smoke point, which is ideal for air frying.
• Other options include extra virgin olive oil, peanut oil, or sesame oil. These oils have distinct flavours that can enhance the taste of your wontons but may have a lower smoke point, so use them sparingly.

Application Methods

• Lightly coat the frozen wontons with oil before placing them in the air fryer. You can use a cooking spray or brush the oil onto the wontons. This step helps the wontons achieve a crispy texture.
• If using a cooking spray, ensure that the wontons are coated generously and evenly. EVO Oil Sprayers are a popular choice for air fryer cooking.
• For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the wontons in a single layer to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Halfway through the cooking process, pause the air fryer and gently shake the basket to ensure even cooking.
• Depending on your air fryer model and desired crispiness, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Check the wontons regularly to avoid burning.
• For added flavour and moisture, serve the air-fried wontons with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, or hoisin sauce.

Wonton brand recommendations

There are several brands of frozen wontons that can be cooked in an air fryer. Here are some recommendations based on popular choices and personal preferences:

Bibigo Mini Wontons: These wontons are easily accessible at various grocery stores, including Costco, Walmart, H-E-B, Target, H Mart, and 99 Ranch Supermarket. They offer Pork & Vegetable Mini Wontons, which are flavoured with soy, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. They also have a Chicken & Vegetable option with a blend of chicken, cabbage, leeks, green onions, and tofu. These wontons are fully cooked, so you only need to heat them in the air fryer.

Costco and Walmart Wontons: Both Costco and Walmart have their own brands of frozen mini wontons that are suitable for air frying. These wontons are convenient options if you already shop at these stores.

Trader Joe's Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons: If you're a fan of chicken wontons, Trader Joe's offers this flavourful option. They can be found at Trader Joe's stores and are a good choice if you enjoy the taste of cilantro in your wontons.

Fusia Brand Wontons from Aldi: For those who prefer shopping at Aldi, the Fusia brand offers a range of wonton options, including chicken, vegetable, and other varieties.

Other Brands: You can also find frozen mini wontons at various grocery stores, such as H-E-B, Target, H Mart, and 99 Ranch Supermarket. These stores may carry different brands or their own private label options. Additionally, look for traditional wontons, potstickers, or gyoza in the freezer section, but note that their cooking times may vary slightly.

When choosing a brand, consider your personal preferences for wonton fillings, such as chicken, pork, vegetable, or shrimp. Also, keep in mind that some brands may offer wontons that are already fully cooked, requiring only heating in the air fryer, while others may have different preparation instructions.

Frequently asked questions