Frying Wontons: Air Fryer Vs. Traditional Methods

Wontons are a type of dumpling that are typically deep-fried until crispy. However, you can also cook them in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative that requires less oil and cleanup. Air-fried wontons are super crispy and addictive, with a golden brown exterior and a juicy interior. They can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish and are best enjoyed with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as sweet chilli sauce, spicy mayo, or ponzu.

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 cooking method. Here are three of the most common methods:

The Bonnet

This is the most common method and is perfect for wontons using regular white wrappers that will be boiled and mixed into soup or sauce. It yields a compact shape with tasty, chewy folds. Here's how to do it:

• Take a square wonton wrapper and use your index finger to dab the edges of the wrapper with water.
• 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 of the corners with a little water.
• Bring the two corners together and squeeze to seal.

The Diamond

This method is similar to the bonnet, but instead of folding the wrapper in half into a rectangle, you fold it in half into a triangle. This creates a slightly less compact wonton with pointed/flared ends, making it ideal for fried wontons or wontons that will be tossed in sauce. Here's how to do it:

• Take a square wonton wrapper and use your index finger to dab the edges of the wrapper with water.
• Place 2 teaspoons of filling in the middle of the wrapper and fold it in half along the diagonal to create a triangle.
• Dab one of the filling-side corners of the triangle with water.
• Bring the two corners together and seal.

The Scrunch

This is the simplest and most specialised wonton folding method, used to make light wontons with very thin wrappers. It involves simply gathering the wrapper around the filling and squeezing to seal. Here's how to do it:

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

Wonton wrapper alternatives

Wonton wrappers are typically made from a combination of wheat flour, eggs, and water. However, if you're unable to find wonton wrappers, there are several alternatives you can use:

• Spring roll wrappers: These are made with the same ingredients as wonton wrappers but also contain eggs. They tend to be larger, so you may need to cut them into smaller pieces.
• Shumai wrappers: These are very similar to wonton wrappers in terms of ingredients, thickness, size, and texture, making them a great alternative.
• Gyoza wrappers: While these taste similar to wonton wrappers, they are cut into circles and tend to be thicker. However, this won't cause any issues when rolling fillings inside.
• Egg roll wrappers: These are a better substitute than spring roll wrappers as they contain eggs, like wonton wrappers, and are closer in size, making it easier to hold fillings.
• Rice paper: Commonly used in Asian cuisine, rice paper is made from rice flour, starch, and salt. It may taste different from wonton wrappers, but it holds contents well and is easy to roll. Frying rice paper before use can make it taste more like wontons.
• Chicken skin: This may seem like an unusual substitute, but chicken skin is thinner than wonton wrappers and can be a good option for those who don't like the traditional wonton taste. It's also easier to find.
• Dumpling wrappers: While dumpling wrappers tend to be thinner and don't pleat as easily as wonton wrappers, they can still be used interchangeably as they serve the same purpose of wrapping fillings.
• Beancurd sheets: Beancurd sheets are a low-carb and plant-based alternative to wonton wrappers, making them a healthy option for vegan or vegetarian fillings.

Additionally, you can make your own wonton wrappers at home with a simple dough recipe using flour, eggs, salt, and water.

Wonton fillings

Wontons are a type of dumpling, and there are many different ways to fill them. Here are some ideas for wonton fillings:

Pork and Shrimp/Prawns

This is one of the most common wonton fillings. The pork and shrimp/prawns are usually accompanied by other ingredients such as:

• Scallions/spring onions/green onions
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Soy sauce
• Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
• Sesame oil
• White pepper
• Sugar

Vegetables

If you want a vegetarian option, you can fill your wontons with tofu and chives, or try a curry vegetable filling without tofu. You could also include mushrooms, water chestnuts, Asian greens, or carrots in your vegetable wonton filling.

Plant-Based Meat

For a vegan option, you can use plant-based meat such as OmniPork and fill your wontons with that, along with a grated carrot, garlic, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder.

Chicken and Vegetable

Chicken and vegetable is another option for a wonton filling. This can include a blend of chicken, cabbage, leeks, green onions, and tofu.

Beef

If you want to try something different, you could fill your wontons with beef. One recipe suggests making little meatballs with a pork wonton filling and adding them to a soup with beef broth, shallots, diced carrots, scallions, water chestnuts, bok choy, and ramen noodles.

Freezing Wontons

If you want to freeze your wontons, it is best to freeze them uncooked. Lightly flour a baking tray and place the wontons on it in a single layer with a little space between each one. Once they are frozen, put them into a freezer bag or container for storage. They should last up to three months in the freezer.

Dipping sauces

Wontons are a type of dumpling, so you can use any dipping sauce that you would typically pair with dumplings. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to accompany your air-fried wontons:

Spicy Dipping Sauce

This sauce is included in a recipe for fried wontons from Omnivore's Cookbook. It is Southeast Asian-inspired and includes rice vinegar, sugar, bird's eye chilli pepper, and garlic. The sauce has a strong kick, especially if you let the chilli peppers steep for longer. If you prefer less spice, you can remove the seeds or use a milder chilli pepper, such as serrano or Fresno.

Sweet Chilli Sauce

This sauce is mentioned in recipes from The Foodie Takes Flight and FeedMi as a great pairing with air-fried wontons. It is described as a good option for snacking and as finger food.

Vinegar with a Touch of Soy Sauce

This simple combination is suggested by Omnivore's Cookbook as a classic pairing for fried wontons.

Bottled Sweet Chilli or Chilli Garlic Sauce

Omnivore's Cookbook also suggests these bottled sauces as easy options to pair with your fried wontons.

Spicy Mayo

FeedMi recommends this sauce as a dipping option for air-fried wontons.

Ponzu

Ponzu is a citrus-based sauce that is commonly used as a dipping sauce for dumplings and other Asian dishes. FeedMi suggests it as an option for air-fried wontons.

Wonton Sauce

This sauce, suggested by I Heart Umami, is a versatile and easy-to-make dipping sauce for any Asian appetiser dishes. It has a balance of savoury, sweet, and tangy flavours. The recipe includes coconut aminos, rice vinegar, Chinese black vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and garlic chilli sauce.

Reheating and storing

If you have leftover fried wontons, it is best to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for up to a week if stored properly. To store them, allow the wontons to cool to room temperature, then place them in the container, ensuring they are not touching. You can line the container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture and keep the wontons crisp.

You can also freeze fried wontons. However, they may not regain their original crispness. To freeze, allow the wontons to cool, then lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer the wontons to a zip-lock freezer bag or airtight container. They will last for up to six months in the freezer.

When it comes to reheating, the best method is to use an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and place the wontons inside, ensuring they are not overlapping. You can spray them with a light coating of oil for extra crispness. Heat for 3-4 minutes or until warmed through. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

Another option is to reheat the wontons in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the wontons on a wire rack over a baking sheet. You can spray them with oil for added crispness. Heat for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

You can also reheat wontons by frying them. Fill a deep-fat fryer with oil and heat to 350°F (180°C). Fry the wontons a few at a time for 1-2 minutes, then drain on paper towels. Alternatively, you can shallow fry them in a skillet, turning halfway through.

The microwave is not recommended as it can make the wontons soggy. If you must use the microwave, heat them in short intervals of 15 seconds until piping hot, then let them rest for a minute before serving.

When reheating frozen wontons, there is no need to thaw them first. You can cook them directly from frozen using any of the above methods.

Frequently asked questions