Air-Fried Cream Cheese Rangoons: Easy, Quick, Delicious!

Making cream cheese rangoons in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to deep-frying. The air fryer requires less oil and makes cleanup a breeze. The wontons get crispy on the outside and have a warm, melty cream cheese centre. This recipe is a great appetizer or snack and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.

Choosing the right wonton wrappers

Wonton wrappers are a key ingredient in making cream cheese rangoons in an air fryer. They can be found at most grocery stores or Asian markets, usually in the refrigerated section of the produce department, deli section, dairy case, or fresh produce area.

When selecting wonton wrappers, it is important to look for ones that are thin and square-shaped. The square shape makes it easier to crimp the corners together to seal the filling inside. It is also important to ensure that the wrappers are fresh and have not dried out, as this can affect the final texture of the rangoons.

To prevent the wonton wrappers from drying out, it is recommended to keep them covered with a damp paper towel or plastic wrap while assembling the rangoons. This will help to keep them moist and easy to work with.

When filling the wonton wrappers, it is crucial to avoid overfilling them. A good rule of thumb is to use about a teaspoon of filling per wrapper, which will prevent the rangoons from bursting open during cooking. After placing the filling in the center of the wrapper, moisten the edges with water to help seal them properly, and then press the edges firmly to prevent any leakage.

Additionally, it is important to work in small batches when assembling the rangoons to ensure that the wrappers do not dry out before cooking. By choosing the right wonton wrappers and following these simple tips, you'll be on your way to making delicious, crispy cream cheese rangoons in your air fryer!

Preparing the filling

Once you have a smooth, creamy mixture, you're ready to start assembling your rangoons. Place a wonton wrapper on a flat, non-stick surface and add a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture to the centre. Be careful not to overfill the wrappers, as this can cause them to burst open during cooking. Now, you're ready to fold and seal your rangoons before placing them in the air fryer.

Filling the wrappers

Now you're ready to fill your wrappers. Lay out a single wrapper on a flat, non-stick surface. Add a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling to the centre of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the rangoons to burst open during cooking.

Next, you'll need to seal the wrappers. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water, using your finger or a brush. You can also use a beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water if you're having trouble getting them to stick. Bring the corners of the wrapper together, forming a star shape, and press the edges firmly to seal. Make sure you remove any air bubbles and that the filling is evenly distributed.

If you want to get creative, there is no wrong way to fold a wonton. You can search for ideas online or come up with your own unique style. The key is to ensure they are well-sealed so that the filling doesn't leak out during cooking.

Folding and sealing the wontons

Firstly, lay a single wonton wrapper on a flat, non-stick surface. Using your finger, wet the edges of the wrapper with water. This will help seal the wrapper when you fold it. You can also use a beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water for sealing, but water works just as well.

Next, add the filling. Place about a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the centre of the wrapper. Avoid overfilling the wrappers, as this can cause the rangoons to burst during cooking.

Now, it's time to fold and seal. There are a few different folding methods you can use. One method is to bring up each corner to create a star shape, pressing the edges together tightly to seal in the filling. Another method is to fold the wrapper diagonally, bringing one corner to meet the opposite corner, resulting in a triangular shape. You can also try the pocket style of folding, where you fold in the corners to create a pocket for the filling. If you're feeling creative, you can search for other folding ideas online or come up with your own unique style.

When folding and sealing, make sure to press out any air bubbles and ensure the wonton is well-sealed. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during air frying.

Once your rangoons are folded and sealed, place them on a parchment-lined surface or baking sheet while you prepare the rest. It's important not to let the wontons touch each other, as they may stick together and rip when separated. Keep the unused wrappers covered with a damp paper towel or plastic to prevent them from drying out while you work.

Now, your rangoons are ready for the air fryer!

Cooking in the air fryer

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it's time to start cooking your cream cheese rangoons in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving crispy, golden perfection:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Before you start filling and folding your rangoons, get your air fryer ready. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray or olive oil spray. This step ensures that your rangoons don't stick to the basket and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Fill and Fold the Wontons

Take a wonton wrapper and place it on a flat, non-stick surface. Add a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling (or 1.5 teaspoons, depending on the recipe) to the centre of the wrapper. Remember not to overfill to avoid bursting during cooking.

Now, it's time to fold! You can experiment with different folding techniques, such as bringing up each corner to create a star shape, or following a pocket-style fold. Seal the edges of the wrapper by moistening them with water or a beaten egg mixed with water. Make sure to press the edges firmly to prevent the filling from leaking out.

Step 3: Arrange and Spray the Rangoons

Place the filled and folded rangoons into the prepared air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching each other. This arrangement allows for even cooking. Lightly spray or brush the outside of the wrappers with cooking oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil. This step helps achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Set your air fryer temperature to between 350°F and 375°F (some recipes suggest 360°F for the perfect crisp). The cooking time can vary from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the recipe and your air fryer. Keep a close eye on your rangoons to avoid overcooking, and remove them from the air fryer when they turn golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Cream cheese rangoons are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer. Serve them immediately to your guests or indulge yourself! These crispy treats are often paired with dipping sauces like sweet and sour sauce, duck sauce, spicy sriracha mayo, or a homemade sweet chilli sauce.

Frequently asked questions