Air-Fried Crab Rangoon: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Crab Rangoon is a popular Chinese-American appetiser that can be made in an air fryer. The dish consists of crispy fried wonton wrappers with a creamy crab and cream cheese filling. The air fryer method is healthier than deep-frying, as it uses less oil, but still produces a crispy texture. Crab Rangoon can be served as an appetiser or party food with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sweet and sour sauce, sweet chilli sauce or apricot jam.

Choosing your crab meat

Crab Rangoon is typically made with imitation crab meat, which is usually made from pollock. The texture of imitation crab meat is firmer and sweeter than real crab meat. If you want to use real crab meat, it is recommended to go for the less expensive claw meat, which is usually free of shells. You can also try lump crab meat or even cook your own crab legs for a fancier version.

When buying seafood, it is important to check the source to ensure the best quality. If you are using imitation crab meat or canned crab meat, make sure to chop it into small pieces to prevent it from poking out of the mixture and causing holes in the wonton wrappers. For canned or fresh crab meat, simply mix it with the cream cheese and it will break up on its own.

If you are using shrimp, make sure to sauté it first and then chop it into small pieces. You can also try other options like snow crab legs, which tend to be saltier, or even real crab meat.

Preparing the filling

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese (softened or at room temperature)
• Crab meat (lump crab, imitation crab, or canned crab)
• Green onions (finely chopped)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Soy sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Garlic (minced, optional)

Instructions:

Combine the ingredients in a small or medium-sized bowl:

• In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, crab meat, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce (if using).
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add minced garlic if desired.

Mix until well combined:

Use a spatula or spoon to stir the ingredients until they are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Set the filling aside:

Once the filling is ready, set it aside while you prepare the wonton wrappers.

The filling is now ready to be used in your crab rangoon recipe. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before filling the wonton wrappers. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious appetizer!

Folding the crab rangoon

Folding crab rangoon can be done in a few different ways, but the traditional shape is a four-pointed star. This method will guide you through creating this classic form for a crispy texture and to avoid the crab rangoon from puffing up when cooked.

First, lay out your wonton wrappers on a cooling rack. This is crucial as it prevents the wrappers from becoming too moist. Place about a teaspoon of the creamy crab filling in the centre of each wrapper. You can use a small scoop or spoon to portion out the filling.

Next, you'll want to dampen the edges of the wonton wrappers. Use either a pastry brush or your clean finger to apply water close to the filling, lining up with each corner of the wrapper.

Now, it's time to start forming the signature star shape. Take one wonton wrapper in your hand and bring the opposite corners together, pinching them closed near the filling where you applied the water. This will seal the wrapper around the filling. Repeat this step with the remaining two corners, bringing them to the centre and sealing them closed.

Once you've folded all your crab rangoon, they're ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they have space around them to cook evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Cooking in the air fryer

Now that you've gathered and prepared your ingredients, it's time to cook your Crab Rangoon in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: This step is crucial as it ensures the wonton wrappers start cooking quickly, helping them hold their shape and become crispy. Preheat your air fryer to its hottest setting or around 350°F (175°C to 180°C).
• Prepare the air fryer basket: Grease or spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or cooking spray. This step ensures your Crab Rangoon doesn't stick to the basket and helps with the browning and crisping process.
• Fill and fold the wonton wrappers: Place a wonton wrapper on your work surface. Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of the filling onto the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the wrappers to break or leak during cooking. Next, use a pastry brush or your finger to wet the edges of the wrapper with water. Bring the opposite corners together and pinch them closed near the filling. Repeat with the remaining two corners, creating a four-pointed star or pyramid shape.
• Load the air fryer: Place the filled Crab Rangoon into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry: Set your air fryer temperature to 350°F to 370°F (175°C to 190°C). Air fry the Crab Rangoon for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. For best results, flip the Crab Rangoon halfway through the cooking process and spritz or spray with oil.
• Serve: Remove the Crab Rangoon from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the crispy, creamy treat!

Tips for Air Frying Crab Rangoon:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space between each Crab Rangoon to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.
• Keep an eye on your Crab Rangoon while they're cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so check on them periodically to ensure they don't overcook.
• For extra crispiness, open the air fryer after 2 minutes of cooking and add a second coat of oil before continuing.
• If you're making a large batch, it's best to cook in batches rather than stacking the Crab Rangoon in the air fryer.
• You can reheat Crab Rangoon in the air fryer. Simply place them in the air fryer and heat until warmed through.

Now you're ready to cook your Crab Rangoon in the air fryer! Enjoy the delicious, crispy results!

Dipping sauces

Crab Rangoon is often served with a sweet and sour sauce, but there are many other sauces that can be used for dipping. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to serve with your air-fried crab Rangoon:

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Combine rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, chilli flakes, and water in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, whisking to combine. In a separate small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce and bring to a boil. Allow to cool before serving with your crab Rangoon.

Orange Sweet Chili Sauce

Add rice vinegar, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, garlic, water, and red pepper flakes to a small pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. In a separate small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the sugar mixture and continue to simmer until the sauce becomes thick and shiny. Remove from the heat and let cool before serving.

Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce

Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic chilli sauce, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Whisk together and serve with your crab Rangoon.

Seafood Sauce

Serve your air-fried crab Rangoon with a side of seafood sauce for dipping.

Frequently asked questions