Air-Fryer Wonton Strips: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Wonton strips are a staple at Chinese-American restaurants and are usually fried in oil until golden brown and crispy. However, you can easily make them at home with an air fryer and just a few simple ingredients. In this article, we will teach you how to make delicious wonton strips in an air fryer. We will also provide tips and tricks for ensuring your strips are crispy and golden, as well as suggestions for dips and seasonings.

Cutting the wonton wrappers

Firstly, gather your wonton wrappers. You can usually find these in the refrigerated produce section of your local grocery store or at an Asian supermarket. It is important to note that wonton wrappers are different from egg roll wrappers, which are larger and thicker.

Now, let's get into the cutting techniques:

• Strips: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the wonton wrappers into strips of your desired thickness. The standard thickness is about 3/4 inch. You can also use a ruler to ensure even strips.
• Triangles: For a triangle shape, use a small paring knife to make one diagonal cut from one corner of the wrapper to the opposite corner. This will result in two equal-sized right triangles, similar to tortilla chips.
• Twisted Chips (Bow-Tie Chips): Cut the wonton wrapper in half vertically to create two equal rectangular strips. Then, make a small horizontal slit in the center of one of the strips. Take one end of the strip and thread it underneath through the slit, gently pulling it through and straightening the twist. This will create a bow-tie shape.
• Rolled-Up Chips (Cigar-Style Chips): Place a wonton wrapper with one pointy end towards you. Sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon sugar or any desired seasoning down the center. Loosely roll up the wrapper away from you, sealing the tip with a dab of water. Be careful not to roll too tightly, as this may affect the cooking process.

Remember, you can cut the wonton wrappers into any shape or size you prefer. You can also experiment with different oils and seasonings to add flavour to your wonton strips.

Cooking methods and timings

The cooking method and timings for making wonton strips in an air fryer are fairly consistent across different recipes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Cut the wonton wrappers into your desired shape and size. You can cut them into strips, triangles, twisted bow-ties, or rolled cigars. For strips, a recommended thickness is 3/4 inch.
• Lightly spray or brush both sides of the wonton pieces with oil. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, or another neutral oil. This step helps the strips get crispy and brown evenly.
• Season the wonton pieces with salt and any other desired seasonings. You can sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on both sides for a savoury flavour or coat both sides with cinnamon sugar for a sweet flavour.
• Place the wonton pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Cooking in batches may be necessary to avoid overcrowding.
• Cook the wonton strips at 350°F for 4-5 minutes for store-bought wrappers or 380°F for 6 minutes for homemade wrappers. Check and flip the strips after about 2 minutes. For rolled cigar shapes, the recommended cooking time is 380°F for 6 minutes for store-bought wrappers and 8 minutes for homemade wrappers.
• After removing the strips from the air fryer, sprinkle them with additional salt or seasonings, such as sesame seeds or cinnamon sugar, while they are still hot.
• Allow the wonton strips to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Some recipes suggest shaking the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to move the wonton strips around and ensure even cooking. It is also important to monitor the colour of the strips and remove them from the air fryer when they are just turning golden. Overcrowding the air fryer basket should be avoided, as this can affect the crispiness of the wonton strips.

Oil types and application

The type of oil you use for air-frying wonton strips can vary depending on your preference. Some common options include coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, and vegetable oil. Each of these oils has a neutral flavour and a high smoke point, making them suitable for the high temperatures required in an air fryer.

When applying the oil, it is recommended to use a cooking oil spray to ensure even coverage. You can also use a brush to lightly coat both sides of the wonton strips with oil before placing them in the air fryer. It is important to place the strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray or brush them generously with oil to achieve the desired crispiness.

Additionally, you can experiment with different oils to switch up the flavour of your wonton strips. For example, using olive oil or avocado oil might impart a slightly different taste compared to coconut oil or vegetable oil.

When air frying, preheating the air fryer is crucial for achieving crispy wonton strips. Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook the strips for 3 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning.

By following these guidelines for oil type and application, you can create delicious, crispy wonton strips with just the right amount of flavour and texture.

Seasoning options

Wonton strips can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are some seasoning options to consider when making wonton strips in an air fryer:

Savory Options:

• Salt
• Flaky salt/Sea salt
• Coarse sea salt
• Fine sea salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chinese 5 Spice
• Ginger
• Black pepper
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Chili powder
• Ranch seasoning
• Seasoned salt
• Sesame seeds (black and/or white)
• Vegan grated parmesan cheese

Sweet Options:

• Cinnamon sugar
• Cinnamon powder
• Coconut brown sugar
• Cinnamon-sugar wonton strips

You can also experiment with different types of oils to switch up the flavor of the wonton strips. For example, you can use coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or sesame oil.

Storing and reheating

If you want to freeze your wonton strips, it is best to flash freeze them first. Spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours until they are solid. Then, transfer the frozen strips to a zip-lock freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen wontons will last for up to 6 months but may lose their fresh-cooked crispness over time.

When it comes to reheating, the best methods are the air fryer or the oven. Reheating in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 3 to 4 minutes will yield crispy and delicious results. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at the same temperature for 5 to 10 minutes, placing them on a wire rack over a baking sheet to prevent sogginess.

While you can also reheat wonton strips by frying or using the microwave, these methods may make them greasier or soggy, respectively.

Frequently asked questions