Air-Fried Wonton Chips: A Quick, Easy, And Tasty Treat

Wonton chips are a versatile snack that can be used for dipping, as a garnish, or even as a salad topper. They are typically fried, but can also be made in an air fryer with minimal oil. To make wonton chips in an air fryer, cut wonton wrappers into triangles or strips, brush or spray them with oil, and season with salt or other seasonings. Then, cook them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Choosing the right wonton wrappers

The wonton wrapper is a key ingredient when making wonton chips. The type of wrapper you choose will determine the texture and taste of your chips. Here are some tips to help you choose the right wonton wrappers for your air fryer wonton chips:

Type of Wrapper

There are two main types of wrappers you can use for wonton chips: wonton wrappers and dumpling wrappers. Wonton wrappers are thinner and more delicate, usually containing eggs, which make for a lighter and crispier chip. Dumpling wrappers, on the other hand, are denser, thicker, and do not contain eggs, resulting in a crunchier and denser chip.

Wrapper Thickness

The thickness of the wrapper will impact the texture of your chips. Thinner wonton wrappers will give you light, airy, and crispy chips. If you prefer a crunchier texture, opt for thicker dumpling wrappers.

Wrapper Colour

Wonton wrappers typically have a yellow tint due to the addition of food colouring. Dumpling wrappers, on the other hand, are usually off-white in colour. This is an easy way to distinguish between the two types of wrappers when purchasing them.

Wrapper Ingredients

Wonton wrappers are typically made with wheat flour, water, and salt. They may or may not contain eggs. Some wonton wrappers may also include food colouring, as mentioned earlier. It is important to check the ingredient list if you have any dietary restrictions or preferences.

Where to Buy

You can find wonton wrappers in most local grocery stores, typically in the refrigerated section near the tofu, salad dressings, or fresh noodles. Asian grocery stores will also stock wonton wrappers, either refrigerated or frozen.

Storage

If you have leftover wonton wrappers, you can store them in the freezer. Place them in a Ziploc bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible, and they will keep until you need them for your next batch of chips!

When choosing the right wonton wrappers for your air fryer chips, consider the texture and taste you want to achieve. Wonton wrappers will give you lighter, crispier chips, while dumpling wrappers will result in crunchier, denser chips. You can find these wrappers in most grocery stores, and they can be stored in the freezer for future use.

Cutting the wrappers into triangles

To cut the wrappers into triangles, you can use kitchen shears or a sharp knife. Cut each wrapper in half on the diagonal to create a triangular chip shape. You can also cut them into any other shape you like, such as strips or squares, but triangles are the most chip-like. If you want to make thinner chips, you can cut the wrappers into quarters.

Once you've cut your wrappers into triangles, you can move on to the next step of making your wonton chips, which is usually to add oil or seasoning.

Adding oil

There are a few different ways to add oil when making wonton chips in an air fryer. One common method is to use a cooking oil spray. You can use any type of oil you prefer, such as coconut, avocado, olive, or vegetable oil. Lightly coat both sides of the wonton wrappers with the oil spray before placing them in the air fryer. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the chips from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Another option is to brush the oil onto the wonton wrappers. This method allows for more control over the amount of oil being used. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat both sides of the wrappers with your chosen oil, such as extra virgin olive oil or sesame oil. Again, this step should be done before placing the wrappers in the air fryer.

It is important to note that the amount of oil used will depend on personal preference and the desired level of crispiness. Some people prefer to use just a small amount of oil, while others may want to coat the wrappers more generously. It is also a matter of trial and error to find the right amount of oil that works best for your air fryer and the type of wonton wrappers being used.

Additionally, the oil can also be added after cooking to enhance the flavour and texture of the wonton chips. This is a good option for those who want to control the exact amount of oil being consumed. Simply dip the cooked chips into your chosen oil or brush it on lightly. This method adds a nice sheen to the chips and can make them taste even more delicious.

In summary, adding oil is an essential step in making wonton chips in an air fryer, and there are a few different ways to incorporate it. By using a cooking oil spray or a pastry brush, you can ensure that the wrappers are evenly coated before cooking. Alternatively, oil can be added after cooking for a flavour boost. Experiment with different types of oil and application methods to find the combination that works best for your taste preferences and cooking equipment.

Air-frying the wontons

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. This is an important step as it ensures that your wonton chips will be crispy. Just as you wouldn't want to add chips to cold cooking oil, you don't want to put them into a cold air fryer.

Step 2: Prepare the Wonton Wrappers

Cut the wonton wrappers into your desired shape and size. You can cut them into triangles, strips, or any other shape you prefer. If you want triangle-shaped chips, cut the wrappers in half or into quarters. For strips, cut the wrappers into 3/4 inch thick pieces. You can also cut them into different shapes and sizes depending on how you plan to use them. For example, long strips are great for soups or salads, while larger chips are better for dipping or snacking.

Step 3: Oil the Wontons

Lightly coat both sides of the wonton wrappers with oil. You can use a cooking oil spray or a pastry brush. Brush or spray the oil onto the wrappers, ensuring both sides are coated. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil, or sesame oil. A little oil goes a long way, so use just a small amount.

Step 4: Season the Wontons (Optional)

If you want to add some extra flavour to your wonton chips, you can season them before air frying. Sprinkle sea salt or any other desired seasonings onto the oiled wrappers. You can also add seasonings after air frying, but it's important to do it while the chips are still hot so that the seasonings stick to them.

Step 5: Place the Wontons in the Air Fryer

Arrange the wonton wrappers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this can affect the cooking process and the crispiness of the chips. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 6: Air Fry the Wontons

Air fry the wonton chips at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Keep an eye on them as they can go from golden to dark very quickly. Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer basket and give it a good shake to move the wonton wrappers around, ensuring they cook evenly.

Step 7: Serve or Store the Wonton Chips

Once the wonton chips are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve them with your favourite dips or as a crunchy garnish for salads or soups. You can also store them in an airtight container or bag at room temperature. They will stay crispy for at least a day, and up to a week if stored properly.

Storing the wonton chips

Storing your wonton chips properly is essential to keep them crispy and fresh. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your homemade wonton chips:

• Air-tight container: Store the wonton chips in an airtight container. This could be a plastic or silicone bag, or a cookie tin or another airtight container. This will keep them fresh and crispy.
• Room temperature: Store the chips at room temperature. There is no need to refrigerate them.
• Timing: For the best results, eat the wonton chips within the first few days of making them. They will stay crispy for about 3 days when stored in an airtight container. After that, they will start to lose their crispness. However, they will still be good to eat for about a week.
• Paper towels: Before placing the chips in the airtight container, ensure they are completely cooled down. You can lay them out on a plate, baking sheet, or cooling rack lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• Pre-frying: If you want to make the chips ahead of time and serve them warm, you can store them for 1-2 days at room temperature. When you are ready to serve, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 1-2 minutes at 350°F to warm them up.

Frequently asked questions