Air Fryer Wontons: Perfectly Cooked In Just ..

Wontons are a special type of dumpling that are typically deep-fried until crispy and served as an appetizer or side dish. They can also be cooked in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative to deep-frying as it uses less oil. Air-fried wontons are easy to make and can be cooked from frozen, making them a quick and convenient snack. The cooking time for air-fried wontons varies depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispiness, but on average, they take around 4 to 8 minutes to cook at temperatures between 350°F and 400°F.

Cooking Wontons in an Air Fryer

Wonton fillings

Wontons are a type of dumpling, and as such, they can be filled with a variety of sweet or savoury ingredients. Here are some ideas for wonton fillings:

Cream Cheese Wontons

A creamy and smooth filling can be achieved with cream cheese. This can be served as a perfect appetizer or snack, and the cream cheese filling can be paired with a variety of sauces.

Pork Wontons

Pork mince is a popular choice for wonton fillings. Fatty pork mince is recommended for a juicy texture. Prawns can also be added to the pork filling for extra flavour. Soy sauce and Shaoxing wine can be added to the pork filling for a salty, umami flavour.

Chicken and Vegetable Wontons

Chicken and vegetable wontons are a great option for those who don't eat pork. The filling can include a blend of chicken, cabbage, leeks, green onions, and tofu.

Spicy Wontons

For those who like their food with a kick, wontons can be filled with spicy ingredients such as sriracha or hot sauce. Spicy chicken wings can also be made in the air fryer as an alternative to wontons.

Sweet Wontons

Wontons don't always have to be savoury. Sweet fillings such as crushed pineapple or coconut can be used to create a dessert wonton.

Other Options

Other wonton fillings include beef, crab, and egg. Wontons can also be filled with any type of cheese, such as Philly cheesesteak or cheesy pork sausage.

Wonton folding techniques

Air fryer wontons are a quick, easy, and addictive snack. They are super crispy and can be made in a few minutes without any prep work. You can use frozen, store-bought, or homemade wontons and cook them in an air fryer at 400°F for 8 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Now, let's get into some wonton folding techniques:

The Bonnet:

This is a common folding method that results in a compact shape. It is often used for wontons that will be boiled or mixed into soup or sauce. To create this shape, follow these steps:

• Take a square wonton wrapper and use your finger to dampen the edges with water.
• Place the filling in the middle of the wrapper.
• Fold the wrapper in half into a rectangle or triangle, depending on your preference.
• Grasp the bottom corners of the shape and bring them together, sealing them with a little water.

The Diamond:

The Diamond is an alternative to the Bonnet and results in a slightly less compact wonton with pointed or flared ends. While I don't have specific steps for this method, it likely involves folding the corners in a different manner than the Bonnet to achieve its distinct shape.

The Scrunch:

This method is suitable only for very thin wrappers and small amounts of filling. It is simple and involves squeezing the wrapper gently around the filling. This technique is commonly used for small Shanghai-style wontons in soup.

The Half-Moon:

This is a simple and common folding method for dumplings and wontons. Place the filling in the middle of the wrapper, then fold it over and seal. This technique is perfect for boiling your wontons in water.

Some additional tips for folding wontons include using a small amount of water to seal the edges, working with room-temperature wrappers to prevent breakage, and ensuring that your wontons are well-sealed to prevent leakage during cooking.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking wontons in an air fryer depend on the type of wonton and the desired level of crispiness. Here are some general guidelines:

For frozen wontons, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Spray the frozen wontons with a light coating of oil, and place them in the air fryer without overlapping. Air fry for 8 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Give the wontons a good toss halfway through to ensure even cooking.

For homemade wontons, the temperature and time may vary. Some recipes suggest cooking at 370°F (187°C) for about 7 minutes, then flipping the wontons and cooking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. Others recommend cooking at 350°F (176°C) for about 4 to 5 minutes, flipping, and then cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. The key is to cook the wontons until they are golden brown and crispy.

It is important to note that air fryer settings may vary, so it is essential to keep an eye on your wontons to ensure they don't burn. Additionally, be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

If you are making cream cheese wontons, it is recommended to cook them in a convection oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-9 minutes.

Storing and reheating wontons

Wontons are a delicious snack, but it's common to end up with leftovers. The good news is that you can store and reheat them without compromising on taste or texture.

Storing Wontons

If you have leftover wontons, you can store them in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them in a tightly sealed bag or container. It's best to use an airtight container if you're storing them in the fridge.

Reheating Wontons

There are several ways to reheat wontons, and the method you choose will depend on your personal preference and the equipment you have available. Here are some of the most common methods:

• Stovetop: Reheating wontons on the stovetop is a great way to maintain their crunch and texture without sacrificing flavour. Place a small amount of vegetable oil in the bottom of a pan and sauté the wontons for 2-3 minutes, or until they're warmed through.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spray your wontons with a light coating of cooking oil and arrange them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Heat them for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy and warm. Using a wire rack allows air to circulate and minimizes the risk of sogginess.
• Air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place your wontons in the air fryer basket and heat for 6-8 minutes, or until they're warmed through and crispy. You can also spray them with a light coating of oil to help restore their crunch.
• Deep frying: If you don't mind using more oil, deep frying is another option for reheating wontons. Heat oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (180°C). Carefully place the wontons in the oil a few at a time and fry for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels before serving.
• Microwave: The microwave is not the ideal option for reheating wontons as they can turn out soggy. However, if you use short intervals of about one minute, rotating and checking to avoid burning, you may be able to achieve decent results.

Oil types and quantities

When cooking wontons in an air fryer, the type and quantity of oil used can vary depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specific recipe. Here are some common options:

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is a popular choice for brushing or spraying onto wontons before placing them in the air fryer. It has a distinct nutty aroma and flavour that can enhance the taste of the wonton filling. Brush or spray the wontons lightly with sesame oil, ensuring that they are coated but not excessively soaked. This technique will help achieve a crispy texture.

Cooking Oil Spray

A cooking oil spray is a convenient option that allows for even and controlled distribution of oil onto the wontons. This method helps prevent over-oiling and ensures that the wontons are coated just enough to achieve the desired crispiness.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a versatile option that can be used for both deep frying and air frying wontons. When using an air fryer, it is recommended to spray or brush the wontons with vegetable oil before placing them in the air fryer. This will help create a crispy exterior without using excessive oil.

Other Oils

Other types of oil that can be used for air-frying wontons include canola oil, avocado oil, or any neutral-flavoured oil with a high smoke point. These oils can be used in a similar manner to those mentioned above, either for brushing or spraying onto the wontons before air frying.

Quantity of Oil

The quantity of oil used will depend on the method of application and the desired level of crispiness. When brushing or spraying oil onto the wontons, use enough to coat the surface lightly. Avoid using too much oil, as it can drip off and create a mess in the air fryer. It is generally recommended to use a light hand when applying oil to wontons before air frying.

Frequently asked questions