Oh my gosh, have you ever bitten into one of those crispy, golden-brown wontons filled with warm, melty cream cheese? That perfect crunch giving way to that creamy center – it’s pure magic! I used to make these the old-fashioned way with a pot of oil, but ever since discovering how incredible they turn out in the air fryer, I make them at least twice a week. Seriously, my air fryer crispy cream cheese wontons have become legendary in my friend group – especially when served with my homemade sweet chili sauce (I’ll share that trick too). What’s amazing is how the air fryer gives them that perfect crunch without all the mess and oil splatters. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to deep frying them again!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Crispy Cream Cheese Wontons
Listen, these aren’t just any wontons – they’re little pockets of joy that will make your taste buds dance! Here’s why they’ve become my go-to appetizer for everything from game nights to “I need a snack right now” moments:
- Crispy perfection without the mess: The air fryer gives that golden crunch without a vat of oil splattering your stove
- Ready in minutes: From fridge to table in under 20 minutes – even faster than ordering takeout!
- Easy does it: Just mix, fold, and air fry – no special skills needed
- Creamy dreamy filling: That warm, melty cream cheese center is pure comfort food magic
- Endlessly adaptable: Add crab, jalapeños, or whatever makes your heart happy
Honestly? The hardest part is waiting for them to cool enough to eat!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Crispy Cream Cheese Wontons
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible little bites – and trust me, every ingredient plays a special role in creating that perfect crispy-creamy magic:
- 10 wonton wrappers – look for the square ones in your grocery store’s refrigerated section
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – leave it out for 30 minutes (no cheating with cold cream cheese!)
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions – the green parts only for that fresh bite
- 1 tsp soy sauce – adds that umami depth that makes these extra special
- 1 tsp garlic powder – because everything’s better with garlic
- 1 tbsp water – for sealing your wonton packages
- 1 tbsp olive oil – just a light brushing for that golden crispiness
See? Simple stuff you probably already have in your kitchen – except maybe those magical wonton wrappers!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these air fryer crispy cream cheese wontons! Here’s what I always grab from my kitchen:
- Air fryer – obviously! Any size works, but I love my 6-quart for bigger batches
- Small mixing bowl – for that dreamy cream cheese filling
- Pastry brush – a silicone one works great for lightly oiling the wontons
- Clean surface – just your counter or a cutting board for assembling
That’s it! See? Told you this was easy.
How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Cream Cheese Wontons
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making these little crispy pockets of joy! I promise it’s easier than you think, and once you get the hang of folding wontons, you’ll be cranking them out like a pro. Just follow these simple steps:
Preparing the Filling
First, let’s make that dreamy filling. Grab your softened cream cheese (seriously, soft is key – no one wants lumpy filling!) and plop it into your mixing bowl. Add the chopped green onions, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Now, stir it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste it – go ahead! That savory, garlicky goodness is what makes these wontons irresistible.
Assembling the Wontons
Lay out your wonton wrappers on a clean surface – I usually work with 4-5 at a time. Spoon about a teaspoon of filling into the center of each one (don’t get greedy with the filling or they’ll burst!). Dip your finger in water and run it along all four edges – this is your “glue.” Now, fold one corner over to make a triangle, pressing out any air bubbles as you seal the edges tightly. Give those edges an extra pinch – we want these babies sealed tight!
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Here’s where the magic happens! Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes – this helps get them extra crispy. While it’s heating, lightly brush both sides of your wontons with olive oil. Arrange them in a single layer in the basket (they need their space!). Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy all over. Warning: The smell will drive you crazy with anticipation!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Crispy Cream Cheese Wontons
After making hundreds (okay, maybe thousands) of these crispy delights, I’ve learned all the tricks to guarantee perfect wontons every time. Here are my golden rules:
- Room temp cream cheese is non-negotiable – cold cheese equals lumpy filling and torn wrappers
- Less is more with filling – a heaping teaspoon max, or you’ll have cheesy explosions in your air fryer
- Seal like your snack depends on it – press edges firmly and check for any sneaky gaps
- Don’t crowd the basket – give them space to crisp up evenly
- Watch closely at the end – they go from golden to burnt surprisingly fast!
Oh, and pro tip? Make double batches – these disappear faster than you can say “wonton!”
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Crispy Cream Cheese Wontons
Oh, the dipping sauce is half the fun! My personal favorite is sweet chili sauce – that sweet-spicy kick against the creamy filling is pure magic. But honestly, these crispy wontons are so versatile. Try them with:
- Soy sauce with a squeeze of lime
- Duck sauce for that takeout authenticity
- Spicy mayo (just mix sriracha and mayo!)
- Even plain old ranch dressing – don’t knock it till you try it!
Serve them piping hot right from the air fryer – that first crispy bite is everything!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s be real – these are best fresh, but if you somehow have leftovers (wow, impressive!), here’s how to keep them crispy. Store cooled wontons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When that craving hits again, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes – they’ll crisp right back up like magic! No microwave unless you want soggy disappointment, okay?
Air Fryer Crispy Cream Cheese Wontons FAQs
I get asked about these crispy delights all the time, so let me answer the most common questions before you even have to ask!
Can I freeze these wontons?
Absolutely! Freeze them before cooking – just arrange filled wontons on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When cravings strike, air fry straight from frozen (add 2-3 extra minutes).
What if I can’t find wonton wrappers?
No worries! Egg roll wrappers cut into quarters work in a pinch, or you can use spring roll wrappers for a crispier bite. Wonton wrappers are traditionally made from flour, egg, water, and salt.
Can I make these vegetarian?
They already are! Just double-check your wonton wrappers don’t contain egg (most don’t).
Why did my wontons burst?
Probably overfilled – stick to 1 tsp max! Also make sure edges are sealed tight and your air fryer isn’t overcrowded.
Can I add meat to the filling?
Oh yes! Cooked crab or shrimp takes these to restaurant-level amazing. Just chop it fine and mix right in. If you are looking for other savory air fryer appetizers, check out this air fryer jalapeno popper dip recipe.
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s keep it real – these air fryer crispy cream cheese wontons aren’t health food, but they’re definitely lighter than deep-fried versions! Here’s the scoop per serving (about 2 wontons):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g (4g saturated)
- Carbs: 9g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
Remember, these numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients (especially if you get creative with add-ins!). But hey, everything in moderation – and these are totally worth every delicious bite! For more information on general air fryer cooking temperatures, you can check out resources on food safety when using air fryers.
Print
10 Irresistible Air Fryer Crispy Cream Cheese Wontons You Need Tonight
- Total Time: 18 mins
- Yield: 10 wontons
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy wontons filled with creamy cheese, made easily in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 10 wonton wrappers
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp water (for sealing wontons)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, green onions, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Place 1 tsp of filling in the center of each wonton wrapper.
- Brush edges with water, fold into a triangle, and press to seal.
- Brush wontons lightly with olive oil.
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F (190°C).
- Cook wontons for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway.
Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for easy mixing.
- Do not overfill wontons to prevent bursting.
- Serve with sweet chili or soy dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian