Save to Pinterest There's something magical about the moment when you bite into a perfectly crispy wonton - that satisfying crunch followed by the rich, creamy filling that melts in your mouth. These Asian-Style Crispy Wontons with Cream Cheese Filling bring together the best of both worlds: the traditional technique of Chinese wonton folding with a modern, creamy twist that's simply irresistible.
Save to Pinterest The fusion of Eastern and Western flavors in these wontons creates a delightful appetizer that bridges culinary traditions. The subtle touch of sesame oil and soy sauce transforms ordinary cream cheese into something extraordinary, while the air fryer delivers that coveted crispiness without the extra oil of traditional deep frying.
- For the filling: 200 g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened, 2 spring onions, finely chopped, 1 small garlic clove, minced, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1/4 tsp ground white pepper, 1/4 tsp salt
- For the wontons: 24 square wonton wrappers, small bowl of water (for sealing)
- For serving (optional): Sweet chili sauce or soy sauce, for dipping, chopped fresh chives or coriander
- Prepare the filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, spring onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Form the wontons
- Place a wonton wrapper on a clean, dry surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into the center. Dip your fingertip in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold into a triangle, pressing out any air and sealing the edges tightly. Optionally, bring the two bottom corners of the triangle together and seal with a bit of water to form a traditional wonton shape. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Air fry to perfection
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray or brush the wontons with oil. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Air fry for 7–8 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Serve
- Serve hot with sweet chili sauce or your preferred dipping sauce.
Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened before mixing to avoid lumps in your filling. When sealing the wontons, press out as much air as possible to prevent them from puffing up and potentially bursting during cooking. Work with just a few wonton wrappers at a time, keeping the rest covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
These versatile wontons can be customized in many ways. Add finely chopped water chestnuts for extra crunch, or mix in some crab meat for a seafood twist. Vegetarians can experiment with adding finely diced mushrooms or chopped spinach to the cream cheese mixture. For a spicier version, incorporate a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the filling.
These crispy wontons make a stunning appetizer when arranged on a platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces - try sweet chili sauce, soy sauce with a touch of rice vinegar, or even a tangy plum sauce. Garnish with thinly sliced spring onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an elegant presentation. They pair wonderfully with a cold Asian beer or a glass of crisp white wine.
Save to Pinterest Whether you're hosting a dinner party, preparing appetizers for a family gathering, or simply craving a special snack, these Asian-Style Crispy Wontons deliver extraordinary flavor with minimal effort. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the creamy, savory filling creates a taste sensation that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Best of all, since they're air-fried, you can enjoy this restaurant-quality appetizer with less guilt and more flavor!
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of cheese is used for the filling?
Softened cream cheese provides a smooth and creamy texture that complements the wonton wrapper perfectly.
- → How do I achieve crispy wontons without deep frying?
Air frying at 180°C for 7-8 minutes ensures the wontons become golden and crispy with less oil.
- → Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the cream cheese mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavors before assembly.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these wontons?
Sweet chili sauce and soy sauce are excellent choices that add extra flavor contrast to the crispy exterior.
- → Are there variations to the filling suggested?
Adding finely chopped water chestnuts or crab meat can introduce extra texture and taste variations.