Air-Fryer Wontons: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Wontons are a type of fried dumpling that are typically deep-fried. However, air fryers have become a popular alternative to frying wontons as they are healthier, quicker, and easier to clean. Air-fried wontons are also less likely to be soggy and slippery compared to those served in soup. To cook wontons in an air fryer, you can use frozen, store-bought wontons or make your own. If you are using frozen wontons, simply place them in the air fryer and spray them with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes or until golden and crispy. If you are making your own wontons, prepare the filling and wrap the filling in wonton wrappers before placing them in the air fryer and spraying them with oil. Air fry at 370°F for 8 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Wontons in an Air Fryer

Cooking times and temperatures for air-fried wontons

The cooking times and temperatures for air-fried wontons vary depending on the type of wonton and the desired level of crispiness. Here are some general guidelines:

If you are cooking frozen wontons, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply place them in the air fryer and cook directly from frozen. This may take a little longer than cooking thawed wontons, but not by much. For frozen wontons, air fry at 350°F (176°C) for about 4 to 5 minutes. Then, flip the wontons over and air fry for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.

If you are cooking thawed wontons, the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the desired level of crispiness. As a general guideline, preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Brush or spray the wontons with oil and place them in the air fryer. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip the wontons over and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.

For cream cheese wontons, it is recommended to cook them at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes. Check to see if they are golden and cook for an additional 2 minutes if needed.

It is important to note that air fryer settings may vary, so it is recommended to keep an eye on your wontons to ensure they don't burn. Additionally, make sure there is enough space between the wontons in the air fryer to allow for even cooking.

If you are reheating leftover wontons, you can place them in the air fryer at 400°F for 2 minutes or until crisp. Alternatively, you can use a baking tray in the oven at 325°F for 5-8 minutes.

How to prevent wontons from sticking to the air fryer

To prevent wontons from sticking to the air fryer, there are a few simple steps you can take. Firstly, it is important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure the wontons are placed in a single layer with plenty of space around them for the hot air to circulate and cook them evenly. This will prevent them from sticking together and ensure they get crispy.

Next, you can use a perforated parchment paper sheet at the bottom of the air fryer basket. This will prevent sticking and also make cleaning up easier. Spray the wontons with a generous amount of oil to ensure they get crispy and golden brown. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil spray, or brush the wontons with oil if you prefer.

Finally, give the air fryer basket a shake halfway through the cooking process, and flip the wontons over to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

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 ways to fold wontons:

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 can also be used for fried wontons. First, 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, then fold it in half diagonally to create a triangle. Next, grasp the bottom corners of the triangle (the filling side, not the seam side), and dab one of the corners with a little water. Finally, bring the two corners together and squeeze to seal. This method yields a compact shape with tasty, chewy folds.

The Diamond

The Diamond is an alternative to the bonnet and results in a slightly less compact wonton with pointed/flared ends. To create this shape, follow the same steps as for the bonnet, but instead of folding the wrapper in half into a triangle, fold it in half into a rectangle.

The Scrunch

This method is used only with very thin wrappers and small amounts of filling. It involves placing the filling in the centre of the wrapper and simply squeezing the wrapper around it. This method is commonly used for small Shanghai-style wontons in soup.

Once you've folded your wontons, you can cook them in an air fryer for a crispy, golden brown treat. Place the wontons in the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and air fry at 370-400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. If your wontons are frozen, there is no need to defrost them first—simply add a few minutes to the cooking time.

How to store and reheat leftover wontons

Storing and reheating leftover wontons is a great way to ensure that you can enjoy these delicious snacks at any time! Here is a detailed guide to help you make the most of your leftover wontons:

Storing Leftover Wontons:

It is recommended to store leftover cooked wontons in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Place the wontons in a single layer, separated by paper towels, to prevent them from becoming soggy. Properly stored wontons can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, although some sources suggest they can last for up to 1 week.

If you have uncooked wontons, you can prepare them for freezing by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing them for about an hour. Then, transfer the frozen wontons to a freezer-safe bag or a tightly sealed container. This way, they can be stored for a few months.

Reheating Leftover Wontons:

The best method for reheating wontons depends on whether they were refrigerated or frozen, and the desired level of crispness. Here are some options:

• Air fryer: Reheating wontons in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to restore their crispness. Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and place the wontons in a single layer in the basket. You can lightly spray or brush the wontons with oil before reheating, but this is optional. Reheat for 3-8 minutes or until they reach your desired level of crispness. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking tray with a wire cooling rack to allow air circulation and prevent sogginess. Lightly spray the wontons with oil and place them on the rack, ensuring they don't touch. Reheat for 5-8 minutes or until crispy.
• Microwave: While not the most recommended method, you can also reheat wontons in the microwave. Line a microwave-safe plate with a paper towel and arrange the wontons so they don't touch. Heat them in short, 15-second intervals until they are piping hot, which usually takes 30-60 seconds. Let them rest for about a minute before serving to avoid burning your mouth.

Remember, the key to successful reheating is to ensure the wontons are crispy and heated through without becoming dry or greasy. Enjoy your leftover wontons as a quick snack or appetizer!

Wonton filling options

Wontons are a special type of dumpling made with a square wrapper, deep-fried until crispy, and typically enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish. The filling options for wontons are endless, and you can get creative with the insides. Here are some ideas for wonton filling options to try:

Pork and Shrimp Wontons

For this filling option, combine ground pork, shrimp, ginger, green onion, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and salt in a large bowl. Stir the ingredients until they are well combined and the mixture becomes slightly sticky. You can also add sesame seeds for extra flavour and texture. This filling option is perfect for those who enjoy a savoury and umami-rich wonton.

Vegan Wontons

For a vegan option, you can use plant-based ground meat alternatives such as OmniPork. Make sure to thaw the plant-based meat at room temperature before mixing it with your desired spices and aromatics. This option allows you to enjoy the crispy and golden texture of fried wontons without using animal products.

Cream Cheese Wontons

For a creamy and smooth filling, cream cheese wontons are a popular choice. You can add sweetener, chives, and green onions to the cream cheese for extra flavour. If you want to make it sweeter, you can also add crushed pineapple to the mixture. This option is perfect for those who want a savoury or sweet wonton, depending on their preference.

Chicken and Vegetable Wontons

If you're not a fan of pork, you can opt for chicken and vegetable wontons. This filling option typically includes a blend of chicken, cabbage, leeks, green onions, and tofu. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your wontons while still enjoying the protein-rich filling.

Hamburger and Vegetable Wontons

For a heartier option, you can fill your wontons with a mixture of ground beef, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, and green onions. This combination offers a variety of textures and flavours, making it a satisfying and tasty treat.

Remember, when preparing the filling, make sure to mix all the ingredients well in a bowl. Also, be careful not to overfill the wonton wrappers, as the filling may leak out during the frying process. Get creative and experiment with different ingredients to find your favourite wonton filling combinations!

Frequently asked questions