Air-Fried Wontons: A Quick, Crunchy Treat

Making wontons in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to create a delicious snack or appetizer. The process is simple: mix your chosen filling, place a spoonful on a wonton wrapper, fold and seal, then air-fry until golden. You can experiment with different fillings, from cream cheese, chives and green onions, to pork and shrimp, or plant-based ground and carrot. The air fryer's healthy, quick and easy cooking method makes it perfect for creating crispy wontons without the mess of deep-frying.

Choosing and preparing wonton fillings

When it comes to choosing and preparing wonton fillings, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, the type of filling you choose will depend on your personal preference and dietary restrictions. Traditional wonton fillings typically include pork and shrimp, which can be combined with other ingredients such as water chestnuts, mushrooms, carrots, and Asian greens. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can consider using tofu, chives, or a variety of curry vegetables. For those who enjoy a sweeter option, you can add crushed pineapples or strawberries and powdered sugar to your filling.

Once you've decided on the type of filling you want to use, it's important to prepare the ingredients properly. Make sure that your ingredients are finely chopped or minced to ensure a smooth and consistent filling. You can use a food processor to blend the ingredients, but be sure to leave some texture by chopping any remaining ingredients and adding them to the mixture.

When preparing the filling, it's crucial not to overfill the wontons. A common mistake is to add too much filling, which can cause the wrappers to split. Aim for a balanced ratio of filling to wrapper, adding no more than a teaspoon of filling to each wonton.

Additionally, the fat content of the filling is essential. When using ground pork, ensure that the fat content is at least 30%. Using pork with a lower fat content will result in drier and harder wontons with less flavour.

To make the process easier, it's best to work in small batches. Keep the wonton wrappers covered under a damp towel to prevent them from drying out, and fill and wrap each wonton individually. This will ensure that the wrappers remain moist and easy to work with.

Finally, when sealing the wontons, you can use a well-beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water to help keep them sealed. However, be careful not to overwet the wrappers, as this can cause them to become soggy and difficult to seal.

Folding and sealing wonton wrappers

Preparing the Wrappers:

• Start by gathering your wonton wrappers. You can typically find these at your local grocery store or Asian market. They are usually located in the refrigerated section near the produce.
• Before handling the wrappers, prepare a small bowl of water. This will be used to moisten the edges of the wrappers for sealing.
• Carefully separate the wrappers and ensure they are at room temperature. This is important as it makes them more pliable and easier to work with.

Filling and Folding:

• Place one wrapper on a flat surface or on your palm.
• Using your finger or a brush, lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper with water. This will help create a tight seal.
• Add your desired filling to the centre of the wrapper. The amount of filling will depend on the size of your wrapper and the type of fold you plan to do. As a general guideline, use about 1-2 teaspoons of filling.
• Now, it's time to fold the wrapper. You can get creative with the folding style, but the most common method is to fold the wrapper in half, forming a triangle. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try more intricate folds like the rectangular ignot or the traditional purse shape.
• After folding, carefully press down on the filling to remove any air pockets. This step is crucial for ensuring your wontons don't burst open during cooking.

Sealing and Cooking:

• Once folded, seal the edges of the wrapper tightly. You can use a dab of water or a well-beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water to help create a strong seal.
• Repeat this process for the remaining wrappers and filling.
• If you're not cooking the wontons immediately, cover them with a damp paper towel or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
• When you're ready to cook, prepare your air fryer by spraying the basket with cooking oil or lining it with perforated parchment paper (optional).
• Place the wontons in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Follow your chosen recipe's cooking instructions for temperature and timing. As a general guideline, cook at around 360-370°F for 7-10 minutes, flipping the wontons halfway through.

Remember, the key to successful wonton folding and sealing is to take your time and ensure a tight seal. Don't overfill the wrappers, and always remove any air pockets before sealing. Happy cooking!

Air-frying temperatures and timings

Air-frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying wontons, as it requires less oil and creates less mess. The temperature and timing for air-frying wontons can vary depending on the desired level of crispness and the specific air fryer being used. However, here is a general guide:

Firstly, it is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking. The ideal temperature for preheating is 360°F.

Once preheated, place the wontons in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Spray the wontons with cooking spray or oil, and set the temperature to 370°F.

The cooking time will vary depending on the desired level of crispness. For a light golden brown colour, 8 minutes should be sufficient. However, for a darker, crispier wonton, an additional 2-5 minutes may be required. Therefore, it is recommended to keep a close eye on the wontons during the cooking process to prevent burning.

If you are cooking in batches, you may need to adjust the timing slightly for subsequent batches as the air fryer will already be preheated.

For an even crispier wonton, consider flipping the wontons halfway through the cooking process. This will ensure both sides of the wonton are evenly cooked and golden brown.

When removing the wontons from the air fryer, use a spatula or tongs to avoid breaking them. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

If you prefer your wontons to be extra crispy, you can reheat them in the air fryer for 5-8 minutes at 320°F.

Storing and reheating cooked wontons

Storing Cooked Wontons:

• Allow the wontons to cool down: Place the wontons on a flat surface and let them cool down for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent condensation buildup in the storage container.
• Use an airtight container: Arrange the cooled wontons in a single layer inside an airtight container, ensuring they don't touch each other. You can line the container with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
• Refrigerate or freeze: For short-term storage, place the container in the fridge and consume the wontons within 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, transfer the container to the freezer, where they will retain their quality for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cooked Wontons:

• Air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Optionally, spray the wontons with a light coating of cooking oil. Arrange them in the fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch. Heat for 3 to 4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly spray the wontons with oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until crispy and warm. The wire rack allows air circulation and prevents sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat a pan on medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Sauté the wontons for 2 to 3 minutes until warm. This method helps retain the crispness of the wontons.
• Frying: Fill a deep-fat fryer with oil and heat it to 350°F (180°C). Fry the wontons a few at a time for 1 to 2 minutes. Alternatively, shallow fry them in a skillet, turning halfway. This method may make the wontons greasier.
• Microwave: Place the wontons on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Heat in 15-second intervals until piping hot, usually around 30 to 60 seconds. Microwaving is the least recommended method as it can make the wontons soggy.

Dipping sauces and serving suggestions

Wontons are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. They can be enjoyed as finger food or shared as a snack. Here are some dipping sauces and serving suggestions to elevate your air-fried wonton experience:

Dipping Sauces:

• Sweet and Sour Sauce: This classic pairing adds a tangy and sweet contrast to the savoury wontons.
• Sweet Chilli Sauce: A popular choice that complements the crispy wonton wrappers and provides a balance of sweet and spicy flavours.
• Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce: For an extra kick of spice and a more complex flavour profile, this sauce is a great option.
• Soy Sauce-Based Dip: Combine soy sauce, black vinegar, scallions, sesame seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes for a savoury and slightly spicy dip.

Serving Suggestions:

• Appetizer: Serve the wontons as an appetiser with a bowl of your chosen dipping sauce. This is a great way to start a meal or as a snack.
• Main Course: To make it a complete meal, serve the wontons with a vegetable side dish. Some options include sauteed spinach with sesame dressing, steamed broccoli, or a miso salad.
• Finger Food: Wontons are perfect as finger food for parties or gatherings. Place them on a platter with the dipping sauce and let your guests enjoy.
• Side Dish: Pair the wontons with other Asian-inspired dishes such as Sweet and Sour Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, or Firecracker Chicken.

Frequently asked questions