Air-Fryer Wontons: A Quick, Crispy Frozen Treat

Making frozen wontons in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy, juicy wontons without the mess of oil splatter. It's important to note that you should not thaw the wontons before air frying, as this will affect their texture and cause them to stick to surfaces. When preparing your wontons, ensure they are in a single layer in the air fryer basket to promote even cooking and prevent sticking. You should also spray them with a light coating of oil to ensure they crisp up nicely. Depending on your air fryer, the wontons should be ready in around 8-10 minutes. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy!

How to get the perfect crispy texture

To get the perfect crispy texture on your frozen wontons, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, always use frozen wontons. Fresh wontons tend to stick to fingers and surfaces, especially glass. Using frozen wontons also eliminates the need to thaw, which can save time and effort.

Secondly, arrange the wontons in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This is crucial as it promotes even cooking and prevents the wontons from sticking together. If you need to cook a large batch, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Thirdly, lightly coat the wontons with oil. This is the key step to achieving the perfect crispy texture. You can use an oil spray, brush the wontons with oil, or dip them in oil before placing them in the air fryer. The oil helps the wontons turn golden brown and crispy, rather than dry and hard.

Finally, cook the wontons at the appropriate temperature and time for your air fryer. Most recipes recommend cooking frozen wontons at around 375-380°F for 8-10 minutes. However, cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your wontons, so it's important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

With these steps, you'll be able to achieve the perfect crispy texture on your frozen wontons every time!

The best temperature to cook your wontons

The optimal temperature for cooking your wontons in an air fryer is between 375°F and 380°F. This temperature range ensures that your wontons turn out crispy and golden brown without burning or drying out.

Step 1: Prepare the Wontons

Place the desired number of frozen wontons in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not stacked or overcrowded. This arrangement promotes even cooking and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Oil the Wontons

Lightly coat or spray the wontons with oil. This step is crucial, as it ensures the wontons become crispy and golden without drying out. You can use olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or any vegetable oil of your choice.

Step 3: Air Fry

Set your air fryer to a temperature between 375°F and 380°F. The exact temperature may depend on your air fryer model and personal preference for doneness.

Step 4: Cook Time and Flip

Cook the wontons for 8 to 10 minutes at the chosen temperature. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket and, if needed, spray a little more oil to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Serve

Once the wontons are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. You can serve them with your favourite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or spicy mayo.

Tips for Success:

• Always use frozen wontons for this recipe, as they yield the best results.
• Avoid thawing the wontons before cooking, as they tend to stick to surfaces and each other.
• Lightly coat the wontons with oil to achieve the desired crispness and prevent burning.
• Flip the wontons halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed, as different air fryer models and wonton types may vary.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked, crispy, and delicious air-fried wontons!

How to avoid your wontons sticking together

To avoid your wontons sticking together, there are several steps you can take before, during, and after cooking.

Firstly, when preparing your wontons, ensure the wrappers are not too dry by placing them on a dry area covered with a damp paper towel. If the wrappers dry out, they will become too stiff for folding and may crack and break. Also, ensure your filling is not too watery or runny, as this will soak into the wonton wrappers. If your filling is too wet, add cornstarch or flour to absorb the excess water.

When assembling your wontons, be sure to pinch and seal the edges properly, dabbing a little water on the edges with your fingertips to help them stick together. Remove any air pockets as you seal, as these will inflate during cooking and may cause the wonton to break. Do not overload the wontons with too much filling, leaving a wider border to pinch and seal.

Once your wontons are assembled, place them on parchment paper or a dusted tray. If you place them on an unprepared surface, they may stick, and it will be difficult to remove them without tearing.

When cooking your wontons, do not overload the basket or pan. Wontons need space to cook evenly and prevent them from sticking together. When boiling wontons, use a big pan with plenty of water, and drop them in two at a time on opposite sides of the pot so they don't stick together. Stir them often with a wire strainer or similar utensil.

If you are air-frying wontons, cook in a single layer and do not stack them, as they will definitely start to stick together. You can cook in batches if you need to cook a lot.

Why you shouldn't thaw your wontons before cooking

When it comes to cooking frozen wontons in an air fryer, it is actually recommended that you do not thaw them before cooking. Here are several reasons why:

Firstly, cooking frozen wontons creates a better texture. The frozen state of the wonton helps to create a seal, ensuring that the outside becomes nice and crispy while protecting the inside from turning to mush. This results in the perfect texture: crispy and hot on the outside, while soft and fluffy on the inside. If you thaw the wontons, you risk ending up with a soggy texture, which is the opposite of what you want.

Secondly, cooking frozen wontons is more convenient and saves time. There is no need to wait for the wontons to thaw, and you can simply pop them straight into the air fryer. This is especially beneficial when you are hungry and want your food as quickly as possible.

Thirdly, cooking frozen wontons helps to prevent sticking. When working with wonton wrappers, it is important to ensure that they are pliable and easy to work with. If the wontons are frozen, you can easily separate them and they are less likely to break. This makes the cooking process smoother and less messy.

Finally, cooking frozen wontons in an air fryer is a healthier option. The air fryer uses hot air and a small amount of oil to cook the wontons, resulting in a lighter and healthier dish compared to deep frying. There is also less clean-up required compared to other cooking methods.

In conclusion, by cooking frozen wontons in an air fryer, you can achieve the perfect texture, save time, prevent sticking, and enjoy a healthier dish with less clean-up. So, there is no need to thaw your wontons before cooking them in an air fryer!

The best oils to use for cooking wontons

When it comes to cooking wontons, the type of oil you use can make a big difference in the taste and texture of the final product. Here are some of the best oils to use when cooking wontons in an air fryer:

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil has a high smoke point of approximately 520°F (271°C), making it ideal for high-heat cooking methods like deep frying. It has a neutral flavour that works well for both sweet and savoury dishes. Avocado oil also has a similar nutritional profile to olive oil, containing a high percentage of heart-healthy oleic acid.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a versatile oil with a medium smoke point of around 350°F (176°C). It has a subtle peppery or grassy flavour and can be used for baking, sautéing, or cold dressings. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and healthy monounsaturated fats, which offer potential anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy benefits.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil has a medium-high smoke point of about 410°F (210°C). It adds a mild nutty flavour to dishes and is perfect for sautéing, general cooking, or even as a salad dressing. Sesame oil is rich in heart-healthy antioxidants, and its use has been linked to potential neuroprotective effects.

Safflower Oil

Safflower oil has a high smoke point of approximately 510°F (265°C). It has a neutral flavour, making it suitable for marinades, sauces, dips, and frying. High oleic safflower oil, in particular, is known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties and positive impact on heart health and blood sugar management.

When cooking wontons in an air fryer, it is essential to use oils with higher smoke points to prevent the oil from breaking down and affecting the taste and texture of your dish. These recommended oils will help ensure that your wontons turn out crispy and delicious!

Frequently asked questions