Air Fryer Hack: Crispy Wonton Strips

Wonton strips are a staple at Chinese-American restaurants and are often served as a snack, dipped in sauce, or used as a soup or salad topper. They are typically fried in oil, but can also be made in an air fryer for a healthier, less messy alternative. This method also cuts down on prep time and clean-up.

Cutting the wrappers

Firstly, locate the wonton wrappers in your local grocery store or Asian market. They are typically found in the produce section, next to the refrigerated salad dressings. If you can't find wonton wrappers, egg roll wrappers are a suitable alternative, as they are almost identical, just larger in size.

Once you have your wrappers, it's time to start cutting. For this method, you will need a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Cut each wrapper into 3/4-inch thick strips. You can also cut them into triangles if you prefer, or cut them to any thickness according to your preference. The strips or triangles should be cut to a uniform size to ensure even cooking.

If you are making a large batch, cut as many wrappers as you need and keep the rest covered with a towel or stored in the refrigerator for later use.

Now you have your wonton strips ready for the air fryer! Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spray generously with your chosen oil, and follow the air frying instructions.

Frying methods

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried wonton strips, air frying is a great option. Here's a step-by-step guide to making crispy wonton strips using an air fryer:

• Cut the wonton or egg roll wrappers into strips or triangles. The strips should be about 3/4 inch thick. You can also cut them to your preferred thickness.
• Place the strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping.
• Spray the strips generously with oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or sesame oil.
• Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 3 to 5 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.
• If you have more strips than what fits in your air fryer, repeat the process with the remaining strips.

You can also fry the wonton strips in oil for a more traditional approach. Here's how to do it:

• Heat about 2 inches (5 cm) of oil in a heavy saucepan or pot to 360°F (180°C). You can use peanut oil or vegetable oil for this.
• While the oil is heating, cut the wonton wrappers into strips, just like you would for the air fryer method.
• Line a baking sheet or a cooling rack with paper towels to absorb the excess oil after frying.
• Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, carefully add a handful of wonton strips to the pot. They will puff up immediately.
• Fry the strips for 1-2 minutes, using a spider strainer or a slotted spoon to move them around in the oil and ensure even cooking.
• When the strips are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on the prepared baking sheet or cooling rack to cool.
• Let the oil return to 360°F (180°C) between each batch of wonton strips. The temperature will drop when you add the wontons, so keep an eye on it.

Whether you choose to air fry or deep fry your wonton strips, they will turn out crispy and delicious. Enjoy them as a snack or use them to add some crunch to your favourite dishes!

Oil types

When making crispy wonton strips in an air fryer, you can use any oil with a high smoke point. The smoke point of an oil refers to the temperature the oil can reach before it starts to burn and smoke. Avocado oil, for example, has a smoke point of around 520°F, while extra virgin olive oil has a smoke point of 375°F.

• Avocado oil: 520°F
• Ghee (clarified butter): 482°F
• Light olive oil: 465-470°F
• Peanut oil: 450°F
• Sunflower oil: 450°F
• Grapeseed oil: 390-420°F
• Refined coconut oil: 400-450°F
• Vegetable oil: 400-450°F
• Soybean oil: 460°F
• Sesame oil: 350-410°F
• Canola oil: 400-450°F
• Extra virgin olive oil: 375°F

When using an air fryer, it is important to add oil to the food before placing it in the basket. You can also use an oil sprayer to coat the food with a light layer of oil.

Seasoning

There are several seasoning options to choose from, depending on your taste preferences. One popular option is to simply sprinkle sea salt on the wonton strips before air frying them. This enhances their flavour without overwhelming their delicate texture.

For those who enjoy a more complex flavour profile, other seasonings can be used, such as garlic powder, onion powder, Chinese five spice, or ginger. These seasonings add depth and warmth to the wonton strips, making them even more addictive. You can also experiment with different types of salt, such as garlic salt or onion salt, to add a savoury kick.

If you're feeling creative, you can mix and match different seasonings to create your own unique blend. For example, combining garlic powder and onion powder with a touch of smoked paprika can result in a smoky, savoury delight. Alternatively, mixing Chinese five spice with a pinch of ground black pepper can add a spicy kick to your wonton strips.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasoning combinations to find your favourite flavour profile. You can also adjust the amount of seasoning used to suit your taste. A light sprinkle may be preferred by some, while others may enjoy a more generous coating.

Additionally, you can offer a variety of dips and sauces on the side, such as sweet chilli sauce, duck sauce, or Chinese-style hot mustard, to further enhance the flavour of the wonton strips and provide a contrasting texture.

Serving suggestions

Wonton strips are a versatile snack that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Snack

The crispy wonton strips can be enjoyed as a snack on their own. They are crunchy, flavourful, and perfect for munching.

With Dips

Wonton strips can be served with various dips, such as sweet chilli sauce, duck sauce, hot mustard, salsa, or spinach and artichoke dip. They make a great alternative to chips or crackers and are perfect for game days or parties.

As a Topping

Wonton strips are commonly used as a topping for soups and salads. They add a delicious crunch to dishes like Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad, Hot and Sour Soup, or Pineapple Crunch Salad. They can also be crumbled over ramen bowls or stir-fries for added texture.

As an Appetizer

These crispy strips can be served as an appetizer before a meal. They are especially great if you're serving Asian-inspired dishes or hosting a Chinese takeout-themed night.

With a Main Course

Wonton strips can be served as a side dish or accompaniment to a main course. For example, you could serve them with sautéed spinach with sesame dressing, steamed broccoli, or a miso salad.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover wonton strips, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. To reheat, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 1-2 minutes at 350°F until crispy again.

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