Air-Fried Wontons: A Healthy, Quick, And Easy Treat

Wontons are a popular snack and appetizer, but frying them can be a messy and time-consuming process. Air fryers have emerged as a healthier, quicker, and easier alternative to traditional frying methods, delivering crispy and addictive wontons with minimal cleanup. Frozen or homemade, pork or cream cheese—air-fried wontons are a versatile snack that can be prepared in a variety of ways, making them a convenient option for any occasion.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking wontons in an air fryer depend on the type of wonton being cooked, the brand of the air fryer, and the desired level of crispness. Here is a guide to help you get started:

For homemade wontons:

If you are making homemade wontons, it is recommended to air fry them at 370°F (187.7°C) for a total of 10-15 minutes. You should flip the wontons halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Check on your wontons and adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve your desired level of crispness.

For frozen, store-bought wontons:

Frozen, store-bought wontons can be cooked directly from frozen without the need for thawing. Air fry at 400°F (204.4°C) for 8 minutes or until golden and crispy. Give the wontons a good toss halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Reheating:

If you have leftover wontons, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer to restore their crispness. Reheat at 160°C/320°F for 5-8 minutes or until crispy.

Tips:

• Use a perforated parchment paper sheet or liner in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Spray or brush the wontons with oil before placing them in the air fryer to promote even browning and crispness.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the wontons in batches if needed to allow for proper airflow and even cooking.
• Each air fryer brand cooks at varying speeds, so be sure to keep an eye on your wontons to prevent overcooking or burning.

Wontons from frozen

Wontons are a great snack to make in your air fryer, and you can cook them straight from frozen! You can buy frozen wontons from most grocery stores, including Walmart, H-E-B, Costco, Trader Joe's, H Mart, and 99 Ranch Supermarket.

To cook frozen wontons in your air fryer, first, spray a little bit of oil over the wontons. This will help them to crisp up. You can also use a perforated parchment paper sheet in the air fryer to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Then, place the wontons in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly. Set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. You may want to give the basket a good toss halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.

If you want to check the heat of the oil before adding the wontons, you can pinch off a small part of the wonton wrapper and put it in the oil. If it is hot enough, it should rapidly sizzle. Once you have cooked the wontons, you can serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as dumpling sauce, ponzu sauce, or sweet and spicy sriracha sauce.

Frozen wontons are a great time-saver, and you can cook them straight from frozen without needing to defrost them first. They are a quick and tasty snack, appetizer, or side dish and are super crispy and addictive!

Wonton fillings

Wontons are a type of dumpling, and like other dumplings, they can be filled with a variety of ingredients to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas for wonton fillings:

Pork and Vegetable

Pork is a popular choice for wonton fillings due to its rich flavour and high fat content, which helps to keep the filling juicy. You can add vegetables such as cabbage, leeks, green onions, and tofu to the pork to create a well-rounded and tasty filling. This combination is featured in Bibigo mini wontons, which can be found in many grocery stores.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese wontons are a delicious and creamy option that can be made at home. They are smooth and creamy on the inside, with a crispy golden exterior. You can add a teaspoon of cream cheese filling to the centre of the wonton wrapper and bring the corners together to create a sealed parcel.

Philly Cheesesteak

For a fun twist on the classic sandwich, you can fill wontons with ingredients inspired by a Philly cheesesteak. This combination of meat and cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for grab-and-go snacks at picnics or tailgates.

Korean Mandoo

Korean wontons, or mandoo, are filled with inexpensive vegetables and beef. They are not spicy like many traditional Korean dishes but are instead mild and easy to prepare, making them a great option for those who prefer less heat.

Crab Rangoon

Crab rangoon is a popular dish at restaurants, but you can also create a better-for-you version at home using wonton wrappers. Fill the wrappers with crab and cream cheese for a fancy-looking appetizer that is perfect for entertaining.

No matter which filling you choose, the key to successful wontons is to ensure that they are tightly sealed before cooking. This will prevent the filling from escaping and water from diluting the flavours during cooking.

Dipping sauces

Air-fried wontons are a quick, easy, and healthy snack that can be made in a variety of ways and enjoyed as finger food. They are best served with a dipping sauce of your choice. Here are some ideas for delicious dipping sauces to accompany your air-fried wontons:

Sweet Chili Sauce

A popular choice, sweet chili sauce adds a touch of sweetness and spice to your wontons. It pairs well with the crispy exterior and juicy interior of the wontons, enhancing the overall flavor.

Dumpling Sauce

Dumpling sauce is a classic choice for wontons, offering a savory and tangy complement to the crispy wrappers. It is a versatile sauce that can also be used in wonton soup or as a dressing for salads.

Spicy Dipping Sauce

For those who enjoy a kick of heat, a spicy dipping sauce is a great option. This can be made with ingredients such as chili peppers, soy sauce, and garlic, creating a bold and flavorful experience.

Chinese Hot Mustard

Chinese hot mustard is a traditional condiment that offers a strong, pungent flavor. It adds a sharp and spicy kick to your wontons, creating a unique and memorable taste experience.

Ginger Scallion Oil

Ginger scallion oil is a flavorful combination of ginger, scallions, and oil. It provides a fresh and slightly spicy kick to your wontons, enhancing the aroma and taste.

Seasoned Rice Vinegar

Seasoned rice vinegar is a great choice for those who prefer a tangy and acidic flavor. It adds a subtle sweetness to your wontons, creating a well-rounded taste experience.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a classic and versatile condiment that can be used as a simple dipping sauce for wontons. It offers a savory and salty flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the crispy wrappers and juicy filling.

Ponzu Sauce

Ponzu sauce is a Japanese condiment made with soy sauce, citrus juice, and other flavors. It offers a unique blend of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, making it a delicious choice for dipping your wontons.

Feel free to experiment with different sauces and find your favorite combinations! You can also adjust the spiciness or tanginess to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your crispy air-fried wontons with the dipping sauce of your choice!

Reheating wontons

Wontons are a great snack to have around, whether homemade or store-bought, frozen or fresh. They can be prepared in many ways, including pan-frying, steaming, and boiling, and air frying.

If you're looking to reheat wontons in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to reheat them at a lower temperature than they were initially cooked at to avoid burning them. Most sources suggest reheating at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, but this may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have and the thickness of the wonton. It is recommended to keep a close eye on them while reheating to prevent burning.

If your wontons were previously air-fried, you may want to give them a light spray of oil before reheating to help them crisp up again. If they were deep-fried, you can skip this step. Reheat in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and if they are not crispy enough after the initial reheat time, you can air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.

It is worth noting that some people have found that reheating fried foods in an air fryer can cause them to burn easily, and they prefer to use a conventional oven or microwave instead. However, if you want to achieve that signature crispy texture, the air fryer is the way to go.

So, the next time you have leftover wontons, don't be afraid to pop them into your air fryer and enjoy a quick and easy snack!

Frequently asked questions