Air-Fried Crab Wontons: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Crab wontons are a delicious snack, but deep-frying them is a chore and not very healthy. Fortunately, you can make crispy crab wontons in an air fryer. This introduction will cover the ingredients and steps to make crab wontons in an air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks for making the perfect snack.

Choosing the crab meat

When choosing the crab meat for your crab wontons, you can opt for either real crab meat or imitation crab meat. Real crab meat can be purchased as lump crab meat, which can be found in the refrigerated meat section of the grocery store. Canned crab meat, flaked crab meat, or frozen crab meat are also options if you don't want to use fresh crab. If you're looking for a more affordable option, imitation crab meat, also called Krab meat, is a suitable alternative. It is made from processed fish meat and seafood, and sometimes includes crab extract for flavour.

If you're selecting real crab meat, there are a few different types to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics:

• Lump crab meat: This type of crab meat is made up of large chunks of white meat from the body of the crab. It has a delicate texture and a sweet, mild flavour. Lump crab meat is a popular choice for crab wontons because it holds together well during cooking and provides a generous amount of crab in each bite.
• Flaked crab meat: This variety consists of smaller pieces of crab meat that have been shredded or flaked. It is often less expensive than lump crab meat and can be a good option if you want a finer texture in your wontons.
• Canned crab meat: Canned crab meat is a convenient option that can be stored in your pantry until you're ready to use it. It tends to have a softer texture and a more subtle flavour compared to fresh crab meat.
• Frozen crab meat: If you don't plan on using the crab meat right away, you can opt for frozen crab meat to extend its shelf life. Frozen crab meat can be thawed and used in the same way as fresh crab meat, offering a similar taste and texture.

When shopping for crab meat, it's important to consider the quality and freshness of the product. Look for crab meat that appears firm and has a fresh, seawater aroma. Avoid any packages with discoloured meat or a strong, fishy odour, as these may indicate that the crab meat is not fresh. Additionally, check the ingredient list to ensure that the crab meat is the primary ingredient, especially when choosing imitation crab meat.

Preparing the filling

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need cream cheese, crab meat, garlic, and seasoning. The cream cheese should be softened to make it easier to combine with the other ingredients. You can do this by letting it reach room temperature, or by heating it in the microwave for a short time (around 20 seconds). For the crab, you can use either real crab meat or imitation crab meat, depending on your preference and budget. If you're using real crab, opt for lump crab meat for the best texture. You'll also need some salt and pepper to taste, and some green onions (scallions) for added flavour.

Next, combine your ingredients in a bowl. For a standard batch of crab wontons, you'll need around 4-6 ounces (around 110-170 grams) of cream cheese, and the same amount of crab meat. Add two crushed or minced garlic cloves, and season with salt and pepper. Finally, finely chop around two green onions and add these to the mixture.

Stir the filling mixture well until all the ingredients are combined and the cream cheese is smooth. You may need to use a rubber spatula to ensure everything is mixed properly. At this stage, you can also add other flavourings if you wish. Some recipes suggest adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or even some soy sauce, to enhance the savoury flavour of the filling. However, this is optional, and you may prefer to stick to the basic recipe.

Once your filling is prepared, you can start assembling your crab wontons. Place your wonton wrappers on a flat surface and get ready to fill and fold them. It's a good idea to work quite quickly at this stage, as the wrappers can dry out.

Filling the wontons

Filling crab wontons is a straightforward process, but there are a few key steps to keep in mind. First, gather your ingredients: you'll need crab meat (either lump crab meat or imitation crab meat), cream cheese, green onions, and seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. You may also want to add soy sauce or scallions for extra flavour.

In a medium-sized bowl, mix your cream cheese, crab meat, and seasonings together until they are well combined. You can use a rubber spatula or a spoon to do this. If you're using an egg, add this to a separate small bowl and beat it, so it's ready to use when sealing your wontons.

Now, it's time to fill your wontons. Place your wonton wrappers on a flat surface and, working with one wrapper at a time, dip your fingertip into a small bowl of warm water. Trace the outside edges of the wrapper with the water—this will help the wrapper seal shut. Next, add a teaspoon of the crab mixture to the centre of each wrapper, being careful not to overfill.

To seal your wontons, you can create a triangle or pyramid shape. For a triangle, simply fold the wrapper diagonally and bring the two opposite corners together, pressing to seal. For a pyramid shape, bring two corners together and press to seal, then bring the other two corners up and press them together as well. Make sure to press out any excess air when sealing to avoid bursting during frying.

Folding the wontons

Folding wontons can be tricky, but the process is fairly straightforward once you get the hang of it. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to fold crab wontons for your air fryer:

Firstly, lay out your wonton wrappers on a flat, dry surface. Using your fingertip, lightly dip it into a small bowl of warm water and carefully trace along the outside edges of each wrapper. This will help seal the wontons. Next, add your crab mixture—aim for about a teaspoon of filling in the centre of each wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the wonton to burst open during frying.

Now for the folding! Grab one wonton and fold it diagonally to form a triangle. Bring the two opposite corners together and pinch them into the middle, ensuring they are sealed. Then, bring up the remaining two corners and repeat the process. Squeeze each edge together, making sure to push out any excess air from the wrapper as you go. You should now have a pyramid-shaped wonton. Repeat this process for the remaining wrappers and filling.

Finally, give the outside of the wontons a spritz or light brush of non-stick cooking spray or olive oil. This will help ensure a crispy texture and prevent sticking during the air-frying process.

Your crab wontons are now ready to be placed into the air fryer! Remember to cook them in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, to ensure even cooking and that golden, crispy texture we all love.

Cooking the wontons

Now that you have your crab mixture and wonton wrappers ready, it's time to assemble and cook your crab wontons in the air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Filling the Wontons

Place the wonton wrappers on a flat surface. Using your fingertip, dip it into a small bowl of warm water and trace the outside edges of the wrapper. Add about a teaspoon of the crab mixture to the centre of each wonton wrapper. Be careful not to overfill the wrappers, as this can cause them to burst open during cooking.

Step 2: Sealing the Wontons

To seal the wontons, grab the opposite corners of the wrapper and pinch them together in the middle, ensuring they are sealed tightly. When sealing the edges, make sure to push out any excess air from the wrappers. This will help prevent the wontons from ballooning up during cooking. You can also use an egg wash to seal the wontons if you prefer.

Step 3: Preparing the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-370 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or line it with air fryer parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can also spritz or brush the crab wontons with oil to help achieve a crispier texture.

Step 4: Cooking the Wontons

Place the sealed crab wontons in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Set the temperature to 350-370 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

Step 5: Serving

Once the crab wontons are cooked to your desired level of crispness, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. They are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Feel free to experiment with different dipping sauces to serve with your crab wontons, such as sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes. Enjoy your delicious, crispy crab wontons!

Frequently asked questions