Air-Fried Wontons: A Healthy, Crunchy Treat?

Frying wontons in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to deep-frying. Air-fried wontons are crispy, crunchy, and golden brown with a juicy inside. They can be made with a variety of fillings, including pork, shrimp, chicken, beef, turkey, tofu, chives, cream cheese, and vegetables. The preparation is simple and can be done ahead of time or frozen. Once prepared, they only take a few minutes to cook in the air fryer. The temperature and time may vary depending on the air fryer, but on average, they cook at around 370-400°F for 7-10 minutes. Air-fried wontons are best served immediately as an appetizer or snack, with a dipping sauce such as sweet chili sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or spicy mayo.

Filling options: from pork and shrimp to vegetarian

Air-fried wontons are a great snack, appetiser, or finger food. They can be made with a variety of fillings, from pork and shrimp to vegetarian options. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Pork and Shrimp Filling:

For a savoury option, you can fill your wontons with a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, pepper, ginger, and garlic. This combination of flavours is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will give your wontons a traditional Asian taste.

Vegetarian/Vegan Options:

If you're looking for vegetarian or vegan options, there are plenty of delicious fillings to choose from:

• Cream Cheese and Chives: A classic combination that is creamy and smooth on the inside, with a crispy golden exterior. You can also add green onions and a sweetener to enhance the flavour.
• Tofu and Chives: A vegan option that is sure to be tasty and satisfying.
• Curry Vegetable (No Tofu): A spicy and flavourful option that will give your wontons a kick.
• Pineapple and Cream Cheese: For a sweeter option, add some crushed pineapple to your cream cheese filling. This combination is perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

No matter which filling you choose, air-fried wontons are a fun and delicious treat that can be enjoyed by everyone. Get creative and experiment with different flavours to find your favourite combination!

Folding techniques: from triangles to rectangles

There are several ways to fold wontons, and the method you choose will depend on factors such as the thickness of the wrapper, the amount of filling, and your preferred cooking method. Here are two techniques for folding wontons into triangles and rectangles:

The Diamond (Triangle)

Place a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place 1-2 teaspoons of filling in the centre of the wrapper. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, then fold it in half diagonally to form a triangle. Remove any air pockets and seal the edges tightly. Dab one of the bottom corners of the triangle with water and bring both ends together, pressing to seal.

The Bonnet (Rectangle)

Place a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place 2 teaspoons of filling in the middle of the wrapper. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, then fold it in half to form a rectangle. Grasp the bottom corners of the rectangle (filling side) and moisten one of the corners with water. Bring the two corners together and squeeze to seal.

Cooking methods: air-frying, deep-frying, pan-frying, steaming, and boiling

Air-frying

Air fryers are small appliances that mimic the results of deep-frying with little to no oil and hot air. They use rapid air technology to create heat, which helps them heat up quickly and circulate heat evenly. Air-fried wontons are golden brown and crisp and are best enjoyed with a dipping sauce of your choice. To make them, prepare the filling and wrap the wontons, then place them in the air fryer basket. Spray with a generous amount of oil and air-fry at 200C/395F for 10 minutes. Flip the wontons over and air-fry for another 5-8 minutes at 160C/320F until golden brown.

Deep-frying

Deep-frying is a cooking method where food is completely submerged in hot oil. It is a popular way to cook at home or in restaurants, but it can be dangerous if not done properly. Deep-frying oil can reach temperatures of over 400 °F, so it is important to take safety precautions to prevent burns or fires. When deep-frying wontons, preheat a large frying pan or wok and add enough oil to completely submerge the wontons. Heat the oil until small bubbles start to appear, then place the wontons in the oil and fry for around 2 minutes or until golden brown.

Pan-frying

Pan-frying is a dry-heat cooking method that uses oil or fat as the heat transfer medium. It is less messy than deep-frying and gives similar results with just a bit more time. When pan-frying, it is important to maintain a constant, medium-high temperature to prevent the breading from becoming soggy or falling off. Place the food presentation side down in the pan and flip it only once to ensure the coating stays on.

Steaming

Steaming is a method of cooking that uses moist heat created by boiling water, which vaporizes into steam. The food is separate from the water and only comes into direct contact with the steam. This technique is often used to cook vegetables and is valued for its ability to preserve colour, texture, flavour, and nutrients.

Boiling

Boiling is a cooking method where food is immersed in water that has been heated to near its boiling point (212 °F [100 °C] at sea level). Boiling is used primarily to cook meats and vegetables, and the extent of cooking varies according to individual taste and regional preferences.

Dipping sauces: from sweet chilli to sweet and sour

Air-fried wontons are best served with a dipping sauce of your choice. Here are two classic options: sweet chilli sauce and sweet and sour sauce.

Sweet Chilli Sauce

Sweet chilli sauce is a well-known Thai sauce that is perfect for dipping wontons, grilled skewers, prawn crackers, and deep-fried snacks.

Ingredients

• Red chilli
• White wine vinegar or rice vinegar
• Caster sugar or brown sugar
• Fresh ginger
• Cornflour
• Water
• Pineapple (optional)
• Lemongrass (optional)
• Galangal (optional)

Instructions

First, prepare the vegetables and herbs. Finely chop the chilli(es) and ginger. If using pineapple, cube it. If using lemongrass, chop the stalks.

Next, add the vegetables and herbs to a blender, followed by the sugar and vinegar. Blend until a paste forms.

Transfer the paste to a saucepan and place over high heat. Add two cups of water, and stir until the sugar has fully dissolved.

To thicken the sauce, make a cornflour slurry by dissolving cornflour in water. Add this to the sauce and continue stirring.

Once the sauce reaches a boil, turn down the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat once the sauce has thickened and has a glossy finish.

Let the sauce cool and then serve in small bowls alongside your wontons.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Sweet and sour sauce is a popular condiment that combines sweet and tangy flavours. It is a versatile sauce that can be used for dipping, as a stir-fry sauce, marinade, glaze, salad dressing, sandwich spread, or even pizza sauce.

Ingredients

• Pineapple juice
• Rice vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Ketchup
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Vegetable oil (optional)

Instructions

First, gather your ingredients and prepare a cornstarch slurry by dissolving cornstarch in water.

In a small saucepan, add the pineapple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce or tamari, ketchup, and cornstarch slurry.

Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and whisk the ingredients together. Continue whisking until the mixture is heated through.

Let the sauce cool and then serve with your air-fried wontons.

Feel free to adjust the measurements and add more of your favourite ingredients to create your unique version of these classic sauces!

Storing and reheating: how to freeze, refrigerate, and reheat your wontons

Storing and reheating your wontons correctly is essential to preserving their taste and texture. Here is a comprehensive guide to storing and reheating your wontons:

Refrigerating Wontons

Allow your wontons to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. Line the container with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture and prevent the wontons from becoming soggy. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Wontons

If you want to freeze your wontons, it is best to freeze them uncooked. Place the uncooked wontons on a tray, making sure they do not touch, and freeze them for 3-5 hours until hardened. Then, transfer the frozen wontons to a sealable bag or container, ensuring it is well-sealed to prevent drying. You can store them in the freezer for up to six months.

Reheating Wontons

The best way to reheat your wontons is in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and arrange the wontons in the basket without letting them touch. Optionally, spray the wontons with a light coating of cooking oil for extra crispiness. Heat for 3-4 minutes or until they are warmed to your liking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

You can also reheat your wontons in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and arrange the wontons on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Lightly spray the wontons with cooking oil and heat for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

Another option is to refry the wontons, but this may make them greasier. Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (180°C) and fry the wontons for 1-2 minutes, turning halfway through. Drain them on paper towels before serving.

It is not recommended to reheat wontons in the microwave, as this can make them soggy.

Frequently asked questions