Air-Fryer Cream Cheese Wontons: A Healthy, Tasty Treat?

Cream cheese wontons are a staple appetizer at many Chinese takeout restaurants and are usually deep-fried. However, you can make them at home in an air fryer with minimal mess and less oil. The air-fried version is healthier, quicker, and just as delicious as the traditional deep-fried wontons.

Filling ingredients and preparation

The filling for cream cheese wontons is a mixture of softened cream cheese, garlic, onion, and a sweetener. The exact quantities and additional ingredients vary depending on the recipe, but the process for preparing the filling remains the same.

Firstly, gather your ingredients and combine them in a small bowl. For the cream cheese, you can use low-fat or full-fat, but it should be softened before mixing. You can do this by leaving it at room temperature for a while or by microwaving it on high for about 20 seconds. For the onion, you can use green onions, scallions, or chives, finely chopped. If you're using fresh chives, you'll need about a teaspoon, but if you're using dried chives, you can add a little more. For the garlic, use either garlic powder or a clove of minced garlic. You can also add a sweetener to taste; white sugar or granulated sugar is commonly used, but you can also use pineapple or coconut for a sweeter side. Finally, add a pinch of salt to cut through the sweetness of the cream cheese.

Once you have all your ingredients, simply mix them together until you have a creamy, well-combined filling. You can do this by hand or with an electric mixer for a fluffier texture.

Now you're ready to fill and fold your wontons!

Folding and sealing the wontons

Firstly, lay out your wonton wrappers on a flat, non-stick surface. You can use a cutting board or parchment paper. Keep the wrappers you're not working with covered with a damp paper towel or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.

Next, using your finger or a pastry brush, wet the edges of the wonton wrapper with water. This step is crucial for sealing the wontons, but be careful not to over-wet the wrappers, as this can lead to sogginess and prevent sealing.

Now, it's time to add the filling. Place about a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the centre of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause leakage during cooking.

Then, it's time to fold and seal. There are several ways to fold a wonton, and you can get creative with it. A simple method is to bring up each corner to create a star shape and seal tightly. You can also try the "coin purse" style, where you bring the four corners up and seal, resulting in extra crispy edges. Another option is to fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, ensuring the edges are moist to keep the wrapper sealed. For a rectangular shape, pull down on the two lower corners of the triangle and seal them together.

If you're having trouble keeping your wontons sealed, you can try using a well-beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water. This mixture can be brushed along the edges of the wonton to help create a tight seal.

Once your wontons are folded and sealed, place them on parchment paper while you finish preparing the rest. This will prevent them from sticking to other surfaces.

Now your cream cheese wontons are ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Remember not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the best results.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The air fryer temperature and cooking time for cream cheese wontons can vary depending on the desired level of crispness and the specific air fryer model being used. However, here is a comprehensive guide to help you achieve the perfect results:

Air Fryer Temperature:

Most recipes recommend setting your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 370°F to 375°F. This temperature range will allow you to cook the wontons thoroughly while achieving a golden brown exterior. A lower temperature of 350°F is suitable for a slower cook, ensuring the wontons are cooked through without risking burning. On the other hand, a temperature of 370°F to 375°F will yield a faster cooking time and a crispier exterior.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time for cream cheese wontons in an air fryer typically ranges from 7 to 10 minutes. However, it is important to keep an eye on your wontons during the cooking process, as air fryers can vary in terms of cooking speed. Check on your wontons after 7 minutes, and if they are not yet golden brown, continue cooking in 1-minute intervals until they reach the desired level of doneness.

Additionally, when cooking frozen wontons, increase the cooking time to 8-10 minutes at 400°F. For the best results, ensure that your air fryer is preheated before adding the wontons, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Preheat your air fryer if your model has a preheat function.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil before adding the wontons to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the wontons in a single layer, allowing enough space for the air to circulate.
• If desired, brush or spray the wontons with oil during cooking for added crispness.
• Adjust the cooking time according to your preferred level of crispness. For a softer texture, cook for a shorter duration, and for a crispier exterior, increase the cooking time.

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to create delicious, crispy cream cheese wontons with a warm, melty centre using your air fryer.

Dipping sauces

Sweet and Sour Sauce

A classic pairing with cream cheese wontons, sweet and sour sauce provides a tangy and sweet contrast to the creamy, savoury wontons. You can buy this sauce pre-made, or make it from scratch by whisking together brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch and pineapple juice.

Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce

For a sweet and spicy kick, Thai sweet chilli sauce is a great option. Its vibrant colour and flavour will complement the creamy wontons perfectly.

Soy Sauce-Based Dipping Sauce

For a more savoury option, a simple combination of soy sauce, black vinegar, scallions, sesame seeds and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat can be a delicious dip for your wontons.

Crab Rangoon Sauce

Cream cheese wontons can also be paired with a crab Rangoon sauce for a double dose of creamy, savoury goodness.

Honey Soy Sauce

A mixture of honey, soy sauce, Sriracha, vinegar and sesame oil can make a tasty dip for your wontons, adding a touch of sweetness and spice to your snack.

Sweet and Savoury Fillings

You can also experiment with different fillings for your wontons to add a sweet or savoury twist. Try adding crushed pineapple to your cream cheese mixture for a fruity, sweet flavour, or mix in some sriracha or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

So, whether you're dipping your wontons into a sweet, spicy, or savoury sauce, or even incorporating those flavours into your wonton filling, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this delicious snack!

Storing, freezing and reheating

Storing, freezing, and reheating your cream cheese wontons correctly is essential to ensure they remain tasty and safe to eat. Here is a detailed guide to help you with this:

Storing

If you have any leftover cream cheese wontons, you can easily store them in the refrigerator or freezer for future consumption. It is best to consume them within a few days, as freshness and crispiness start to fade over time.

When storing your cream cheese wontons, use an airtight container or a sealed bag. Place them in a single layer, separated by paper towels, to prevent sticking and maintain their shape.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your cream cheese wontons, it is best to do so before cooking them. Prepare the wontons according to your recipe, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about an hour until they are solid, then transfer the frozen wontons to a freezer bag for storage.

Freezing cooked cream cheese wontons is also an option. Simply freeze them the same way you would freeze uncooked wontons. This method ensures you have a quick appetizer ready to go whenever you need it.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your cream cheese wontons is by using an air fryer. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the wonton wrappers. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (or 180°C) and place the frozen or refrigerated wontons inside in a single layer. Lightly brush or spray the wontons with oil to help them crisp up. Reheat for 3-5 minutes, checking regularly to avoid overcooking.

Alternatively, you can reheat your wontons in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the wontons on a baking tray. Bake them for 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Frequently asked questions