Air-Fried Wonton: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryer wontons are a quick, easy, and delicious snack that can be made in a variety of ways. They are super crispy and addictive, with a golden brown exterior and a warm, tasty inside. The best part is that you can make them at home with just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer. You can also experiment with different fillings and sauces to find your favourite combination.

Choosing the right oil for frying

Frying wontons is a fun and tasty way to enjoy this Chinese dish. The type of oil you use will depend on the method you choose to fry your wontons, as well as your personal preferences. Here are some tips on choosing the right oil for frying wontons:

Air Frying

If you're using an air fryer, you don't need to fill the appliance with oil like a traditional deep fryer. Instead, a light spray of oil on the wontons themselves will help them crisp up. You can use an oil spray, or brush the wontons lightly with oil. Some recipes suggest using olive oil spray, while others recommend avocado oil.

Deep Frying

Deep frying wontons requires a lot more oil. You'll need to fill a large pot or pan with 2-3 inches of oil to completely submerge the wontons. Vegetable oil is a popular choice for deep frying, but you can also use avocado oil or another oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or peanut oil.

Oil Temperature

Regardless of the frying method you choose, the temperature of the oil is important. The ideal temperature for frying wontons is around 350°F (180°C). If the oil is too cold, the wontons will absorb more grease and have a heavier texture. If the oil is too hot, the wontons can burn.

Other Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer or frying pan. Frying in batches will allow the wontons to cook evenly and achieve the desired golden-brown color.
• Be careful not to overfill the wontons, as this can cause them to break or tear during frying.
• Handle the wontons gently to avoid tearing the wrappers.
• Keep the wonton wrappers covered with plastic or a damp paper towel while you work to prevent them from drying out.

Folding the wonton wrappers

Folding wonton wrappers is an art, but it's easy once you get the hang of it. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master the technique:

Prepare the Wrappers:

Before you start folding, make sure your wonton wrappers are at room temperature. This will make them more pliable and easier to work with. If your wrappers are frozen, thaw them first. You can usually find wonton wrappers in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store or at an Asian specialty store.

Wet the Edges:

Using your finger or a cooking brush, moisten the edges of the wonton wrapper with water. This will help the wrapper seal tightly and prevent the filling from leaking. Be careful not to over-wet the wrapper, as this can make it soggy and difficult to seal.

Add the Filling:

Place about 1 teaspoon to 1 1/2 teaspoons of your chosen filling (meat, vegetables, cheese, etc.) in the centre of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the filling to leak during cooking. Press down on the filling to remove any air pockets and pack it tightly.

Fold and Seal:

Now, it's time to fold! There are a few different ways to fold a wonton wrapper, depending on the shape you want:

• Triangle: Fold the wrapper diagonally, bringing one corner to the opposite side, to form a triangle.
• Rectangle: Fold the wrapper in half, creating a rectangle.
• Rectangular Ignot: Fold the wrapper in half, then pull down on the two lower corners and seal them together.
• Star: Bring up each corner of the wrapper to create a star shape, then seal tightly.

No matter which fold you choose, make sure to press down on the wrapper and filling to remove any air pockets and seal the edges tightly. You can use a beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water to help seal the wrapper if needed.

Cover and Repeat:

As you work on each wonton, cover the finished ones with a damp paper towel or a cloth to prevent them from drying out. Continue filling and folding the wrappers until you've used up all your filling or wrappers.

Remember, there is no wrong way to fold a wonton! The key is to make sure they are well-sealed so that the filling doesn't leak during cooking. With a bit of practice, you'll be folding wontons like a pro!

Filling options

Wontons can be filled with a variety of ingredients, both savoury and sweet. Here are some ideas for filling options:

Cream Cheese Wontons

Cream cheese wontons are a popular choice, with their creamy, smooth filling and crispy golden exterior. To make these, you will need cream cheese (low-fat or regular), green onions, garlic powder, salt, and wonton wrappers. You can also add some hot sauce or crushed pineapple to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy or sweeter version. Simply mix the filling ingredients, place a teaspoon of the mixture in the centre of each wonton wrapper, fold and seal, then air fry until golden.

Meat Wontons

You can also make wontons with ground meat such as chicken, beef, pork, or turkey. Combine the meat with ingredients like ginger, garlic, scallions, soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, and chopped greens. You can also add an egg to the mixture to help bind the ingredients. To assemble, place the filling in the centre of each wonton wrapper, fold and seal, then air fry until golden.

Tofu and Chive Wontons

For a vegetarian option, try making tofu and chive wontons. You will need firm tofu, chives, and wonton wrappers. Mash the tofu and mix with finely chopped chives, then place the filling in the wonton wrappers and seal. Air fry until golden and serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

Curry Vegetable Wontons

Another vegetarian option is curry vegetable wontons. For these, you can use a variety of vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, and garlic. Simply chop the vegetables finely and mix with curry powder and soy sauce. You can also add tofu to this mixture if you like. Place the filling in the wonton wrappers, seal, and air fry until crispy.

Reheating and storing

Air fryer wontons are best enjoyed straight after cooking, but if you have leftovers, they can be reheated and stored. Reheating them in the air fryer is the best way to retain their crispiness. After being sealed and stored, they will soften, so to reheat, place them back in the air fryer and cook at 325°F for 5-8 minutes, or until crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven at 400°F for 2-3 minutes.

To store, place the wontons in a single layer, separated by paper towels, in an airtight container, and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

You can also freeze cooked or uncooked wontons. To freeze uncooked wontons, place them in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1 hour. Then, transfer the frozen wontons to a sealable bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the frying time. To freeze cooked wontons, follow the same process, and reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or until warm.

Deep-frying vs air-frying

Deep-frying and air-frying are two popular methods for cooking wontons, but they differ in several ways. Here is a detailed comparison between the two, focusing on the context of making wontons:

Method of Cooking:

Deep-frying involves submerging the wonton wrappers in hot oil to cook them, resulting in a crispy texture and golden-brown colour. Air-frying, on the other hand, uses hot air circulation to cook the wontons without the need for large amounts of oil.

Health Considerations:

Deep-fried foods tend to absorb more oil, leading to higher fat and calorie content. Air-frying is considered healthier as it requires minimal or no oil, reducing the consumption of unhealthy fats.

Taste and Texture:

Deep-frying produces the classic deep-fried flavour and texture loved by many. It creates an indulgent, crispy crunch that satisfies taste buds. Air-fried wontons, while still crispy, have a lighter and less greasy taste.

Time and Convenience:

Deep-frying may have slightly shorter cooking times, but air-frying offers more convenience with less preparation, setup, and cleanup time. Air-frying also eliminates the need for dipping each wonton in wet batter before cooking.

Versatility:

Air-fryers offer more versatility as they can be used for baking, roasting, grilling, and reheating, in addition to frying. Deep fryers are more specialised and lack these additional cooking functions.

Cost:

Deep fryers are typically more affordable upfront, but the ongoing cost of purchasing oil for frying needs to be considered. Air fryers are generally more expensive upfront but can save money in the long run due to reduced oil usage.

Cleanliness:

Deep-frying can be messy and requires proper disposal of used oil. Air-frying is usually easier to clean due to non-stick surfaces and dishwasher-safe components.

Availability:

Deep fryers for home use may be harder to find, while air fryers have gained popularity and are widely available.

Suitable for:

Deep-frying is suitable for those who prioritise taste and texture, even if it means occasional indulgences. Air-frying is ideal for health-conscious individuals who want to enjoy crispy, flavorful foods without the guilt of consuming excess fat and calories.

In conclusion, both deep-frying and air-frying have their advantages and disadvantages. The preferred method depends on individual preferences, dietary goals, and the desired level of convenience and taste.

Frequently asked questions