Air-Frying Wonton Wrappers: Is It Possible?

Wontons are a popular Chinese dish that can be made at home in an air fryer. They are typically made by filling wonton wrappers with a variety of fillings, such as pork and shrimp, or cream cheese and chives. The wontons are then sealed and cooked in the air fryer until golden brown and crispy. This method of cooking allows for a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires less oil and minimal cleanup. Wontons can be served as an appetizer or main course and are often enjoyed with a dipping sauce.

How to fold wonton wrappers

Wontons are a great snack, appetizer, or side dish, and folding the wrappers is a fun activity to do with friends and family. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fold wonton wrappers:

Step 1: Prepare the Workstation

Get your filling of choice ready. Traditional Chinese wontons often include pork and shrimp, but you can also use ground beef, chicken, or vegetarian options. You will also need wonton wrappers (either store-bought or homemade), a small bowl of water (or an egg wash) and a plate to hold the wrappers. It is important to ensure that the wrappers are pliable and easy to work with, so thaw them at room temperature if they are frozen.

Step 2: Place the Filling

Place about 1-2 teaspoons of filling in the center of a wonton wrapper. The amount of filling will depend on the size of the wrapper and the type of fold you are doing. For most shapes, use around 0.5 to 1 teaspoon of filling to avoid overfilling.

Step 3: Moisten the Edges

Using your finger or a cooking brush, dampen the edges of the wrapper with water. This will help seal the wrapper when folded.

Step 4: Fold the Wrapper

Now, it's time to fold the wrapper! There are several ways to fold a wonton wrapper, and here are some common methods:

• Triangle (Bonnet/Diamond): Fold the wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle. Press out any air bubbles and seal the edges. With the triangle pointing upwards, dab water on one of the bottom corners. Bring the two bottom corners together at the center and press to seal.
• Rectangle: Fold the wrapper in half to form a rectangle. Press out any air bubbles and seal the edges.
• Rectangular Ingot: Similar to the rectangle, but with an extra step. After forming the rectangle, moisten one of the bottom corners and bring both bottom corners together at the center, creating a distinctive shape.
• Lotus Flower: Place the filling in the center. Moisten a small circle around the filling, then bring one corner up toward the top edge, forming a unique shape with two pointy tips at the top. Dab water on one of the bottom corners, then bring both ends together at the center and press to seal.
• Money Pouch (Crunch/Bundle): Place the filling in the center. Moisten the edges and hold the wrapper by two opposite points. Use your other hand to form a 'C' shape, pressing the center of the wrapper into the cone-like space. Pinch the top to secure the filling and seal the pouch.
• Goldfish Tail: Fold the wrapper in half into a triangle and seal the edges. With the triangle pointing upwards, roll the bottom half upwards once to create a thin, horizontal shape. Moisten one of the bottom corners and fold it upwards to meet the triangle at the top. Repeat with the other corner, then pinch the corners together to form the tail.
• Pyramid (Square Fold): Place the filling in the center. Moisten the edges and lift two opposite corners to meet above the filling, pinching the tips together. Lift the remaining corners and seal them with the already pinched tips, forming a four-pointed star shape.

Step 5: Seal and Store

Press out any air bubbles and seal the edges of the wonton tightly to prevent it from bursting during cooking. You can cook the wontons right away, or cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the next day. Wontons can also be frozen and cooked directly from frozen, adding a bit of extra cooking time.

Air-frying vs deep-frying

Air fryers and deep fryers are appliances used for frying food. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Deep fryers submerge food in hot oil or fat to cook at high temperatures, creating a browned and crispy exterior. On the other hand, air fryers cook food by heating air and circulating it rapidly through and around the food using a fan. This hot air crisps and browns the food using little to no additional oil.

Amount of Oil Used

The main difference between the two appliances is the amount of oil used. Deep fryers require a few litres of oil, while most air fryers require little to no added fat. Air fryers use a combination of hot air and only about one to two tablespoons of oil.

Health Benefits

Air frying is considered a healthier alternative to deep-frying as it uses significantly less oil. This leads to fewer calories and less inflammation in the food, potentially reducing the risk of weight gain, obesity, and chronic diseases.

Taste

The taste preference between air-fried and deep-fried foods depends on individual taste. Deep fryers tend to produce a traditional fried taste and work well with food that has thick or wet batters. Air fryers, on the other hand, are better suited for food with a dry exterior, resulting in a crispy, caramelized exterior using less oil.

Time Efficiency

Deep fryers generally cook food faster than air fryers, with cook times as quick as 3-5 minutes. However, deep frying requires more preparation and attention during the cooking process, such as dipping food in batter. Air fryers, on the other hand, are more convenient as you can simply place the food in the appliance, set the temperature, and let it cook.

Versatility

Both deep fryers and air fryers offer versatility in the types of food that can be cooked. You can cook vegetables, fish, baked goods, and even frozen foods like fries and nuggets in both appliances. Air fryers are also a good option when you want to cook without using a stove or oven.

What to serve with wontons

Wontons are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways and can be paired with a range of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with wontons:

Dipping Sauces

A classic pairing with wontons is a dipping sauce. You can buy a dipping sauce or make your own. Some options include:

• Sweet chilli sauce
• Spicy chilli oil
• Ginger soy dipping sauce
• Sweet and sour sauce

Soups

Wontons can be served in a soup or alongside a soup as a side dish. Some soup options include:

• Hot and sour soup
• Congee
• Egg drop soup

Salads

If you're looking for something lighter to serve with your wontons, a salad can be a good option. Try pairing your wontons with:

• Sesame noodle salad
• Cucumber yogurt salad
• Asian coleslaw
• Ramen noodle salad

Stir-fried Vegetables

Stir-fried vegetables are a classic side dish that can complement the rich, meaty filling of wontons. You can use a variety of vegetables, such as:

• Carrots
• Broccoli florets
• Baby corn spears
• Mushrooms
• Peppers

Other Side Dishes

There are also a variety of other side dishes that can pair well with wontons, such as:

• Fried rice
• Bok choy with oyster sauce
• Pickled vegetables
• Szechuan green beans
• Kimchi
• French fries

How to store wontons

Storing and freezing your wontons is a great way to preserve your food and reduce waste. Here is a detailed guide on how to store your wontons:

Storing Uncooked Wontons:

If you have uncooked wontons, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Place the wrapped wontons on a tray, ensuring they do not touch to prevent sticking. Cover the tray and leave it in the freezer for 3-5 hours until the wontons are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or a sealed bag. Make sure to seal the bag or container tightly to prevent drying.

Freezing Cooked Wontons:

If you have already cooked your wontons, you can freeze them for later consumption. Spread them out on a tray and place them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or a sealed bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.

Storing Wonton Wrappers:

You can also store wonton wrappers for future use. To do this, sprinkle corn starch on each wrapper to prevent sticking. Then, cover the wrappers with freezer-safe plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. You can store them for up to a year, but it is recommended to use them within six months for the best quality.

Reheating Tips:

When you are ready to enjoy your frozen wontons, simply reheat them in the air fryer or a frying pan. For the air fryer, there is no need to thaw the wontons first. Cook them directly from frozen at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or until warm. If using a frying pan, let the wontons thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for about 40 minutes. Then, fry them until golden brown and crispy.

By following these simple steps, you can easily store and preserve your wontons for future enjoyment.

What to fill wonton wrappers with

Wonton wrappers are versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury. Here are some ideas for what to fill wonton wrappers with:

Savoury fillings:

• Philly cheesesteak
• Chicken chilli
• Sausage
• Jalapeno popper
• Crab Rangoon
• Korean wontons (called mandoo)
• Caribbean wontons
• Pumpkin wontons
• Beef Wellington
• Reuben sandwich
• Thanksgiving leftovers (turkey, cream cheese, and cranberry sauce)
• Cream cheese, chives, and green onions
• Plant-based ground, such as OmniPork
• Tofu and chives
• Curry vegetables
• Seasoned beef or chicken
• Beans, chicken, onion, cheese, green chillies
• Sausage and pepperoni
• Spinach and feta
• Salami and mozzarella
• Ham and cheese
• Crab and cheese
• Salami and pepperoni

Sweet fillings:

• Apple pie cups
• Nutella and strawberries
• Bananas, jam, and chocolate
• Pumpkin and butterscotch sauce
• Cinnamon cream cheese
• Crushed pineapple
• Sweet and sour sauce

Frequently asked questions