Crunchy, Golden Air Fryer Wonton Chips: Your New Favorite Snack!
The air fryer has revolutionized kitchens worldwide, proving it’s far more than just a gadget for reheating leftovers or making frozen fries. It’s a versatile appliance that opens up a world of culinary possibilities, from healthy weeknight dinners to irresistibly crispy snacks. Lately, my air fryer has been getting a serious workout as I explore its potential, and I’m thrilled to share one of my latest discoveries: incredibly easy homemade air fryer wonton chips. Forget those bland, pre-packaged bags from the store – with just a few simple ingredients and a matter of minutes, you can create a batch of perfectly golden, crispy wonton chips that will elevate any meal or snack time. This recipe is a testament to the air fryer’s efficiency and a delightful addition to anyone’s collection of quick, satisfying recipes.
Why You Will Absolutely Love These Air-Fried Wonton Chips
Wonton chips are culinary chameleons, offering incredible versatility in both sweet and savory applications. Their delicate crispness and mild flavor make them a fantastic vehicle for a wide array of dishes and dips. Imagine using them as the perfect scoop for a rich, creamy crab dip, or adding a satisfying crunch to a vibrant poke bowl. They make an excellent, lighter alternative to traditional tortilla chips or potato chips, especially when paired with your favorite dips, offering a more refined texture and flavor profile. The beauty of making them yourself lies in the complete control you have over their shape and size – cut them into elegant strips for garnishes, small triangles for dipping, or larger squares for heartier scoops.
Beyond dips, these crispy wonton strips are a game-changer for enhancing the texture of various meals. Sprinkle them generously over a steaming bowl of soup or a fresh, vibrant salad, instantly adding a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with softer ingredients. For a simple yet satisfying snack, a handful of these chips dipped in sweet & sour sauce, classic duck sauce, savory soy sauce, or a spicy sweet chili sauce is an absolute treat. The flavor possibilities don’t stop there; you can easily customize them to be sweet or savory depending on your craving. Ever considered cinnamon sugar wonton chips? They’re an unexpectedly delicious dessert chip that will surprise and delight your taste buds, perfect for pairing with fruit dips or simply enjoying on their own.
This recipe stands out for its incredible ease and minimal ingredient list. In mere minutes, you’ll transform humble wonton wrappers into a gourmet-level snack. For a hearty appetizer, opt for larger chips to perfectly scoop up a decadent Everything Bagel Dip. Or, for an Asian-inspired meal, use these crispy wonton strips to garnish a flavorful Chinese Chicken Salad or a comforting bowl of Thai Chicken Noodle Soup. The air fryer method ensures they are perfectly crisp without the excess oil of deep-frying, making them a healthier and equally delicious alternative. Once you try these homemade air-fried wonton chips, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Essential Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Wonton Chips
Crafting these irresistible air fryer wonton crisps requires only a handful of readily available ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, proving that incredible flavor doesn’t always demand a lengthy shopping list. You’ll find the complete, precise measurements and detailed instructions conveniently located in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
- Wonton wrappers: These delicate, thin dough sheets are the star of our recipe. You can typically locate them in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store, often near fresh pasta, tofu, or other produce items. If your supermarket doesn’t carry them, an Asian market is a guaranteed place to find them, usually offering a wider selection. Always check the expiration date to ensure freshness, as this directly impacts the texture of your chips. For best results, use them shortly after purchase.
- Olive oil + sesame oil: This combination creates a lovely flavor profile and helps achieve that desirable golden crisp. Olive oil provides the base, while a few drops of sesame oil impart a subtle, aromatic nuttiness that complements the Asian-inspired nature of wonton wrappers. You’ll use this blend to lightly coat your wrappers, either by spraying directly or applying with a pastry brush. If you prefer, a non-stick olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray works just as effectively and can offer a lighter coating option. The oil is crucial for preventing sticking and promoting even browning in the air fryer.
- Salt: A simple sprinkle of salt after frying enhances the savory notes and makes these chips utterly addictive. While regular table salt works perfectly fine, consider using flaky sea salt for an elevated touch. The larger crystals of sea salt provide bursts of satisfying crunch and flavor, making each chip a gourmet experience. Feel free to adjust the amount of salt to your personal preference, or omit it entirely if you plan on using the chips in a sweet application.
How to Master Air Fryer Wonton Chips: Step-by-Step Guide
Making perfectly crispy wonton chips in your air fryer is incredibly simple and quick, making it an ideal recipe for a last-minute snack or a quick garnish. Follow these easy steps to achieve golden-brown perfection every time. Remember, the key is not to overcrowd your air fryer basket, ensuring even air circulation for maximum crispiness.
FIRST: Prepare Your Wrappers. Begin by taking your wonton wrappers and arranging them on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife or even kitchen scissors, cut each wrapper into quarters. You can also experiment with different shapes and sizes – long strips for soups, larger triangles for dipping, or even small squares. Once cut, ensure your air fryer basket is clean and lightly spray it with your olive and sesame oil mixture or non-stick cooking spray. This initial oiling prevents sticking and aids in crispiness. Next, carefully place the cut wonton chips in a single layer in the prepared air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping, as this can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results. Once arranged, lightly spray or brush the tops of the wonton chips with your oil blend.
SECOND: Air Fry to Golden Perfection. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Once preheated, place the basket with the oiled wonton chips into the air fryer. Air fry for approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, around the 2-minute mark, gently shake the basket. This ensures that the chips cook evenly and become uniformly golden brown and delightfully bubbly. Keep a close eye on them during the final minute, as they can go from perfectly golden to overcooked very quickly due to their thinness. Once they reach a beautiful golden-brown color and are crisp, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Repeat this process with the remaining uncooked chips, working in batches as needed to maintain a single layer. Once all batches are fried, you can lightly sprinkle them with salt, if desired, while they are still warm to help the salt adhere. Allow them to cool slightly before serving for the ultimate crisp texture.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wonton Chips
Curious about wonton chips? Here are some common questions and answers to help you get the most out of this versatile ingredient and recipe.
Can I substitute egg roll wrappers for wonton wrappers? Yes, in many recipes, including this one for chips, egg roll wrappers and wonton wrappers can often be used interchangeably with some minor adjustments. Both are essentially made with flour and water, but wonton wrappers typically include egg, which gives them a slightly more pliable and delicate texture. Egg roll wrappers, on the other hand, are usually larger and thicker. When substituting egg roll wrappers for wonton wrappers to make chips, you’ll want to cut them into smaller pieces to achieve a similar chip size. Because they are thicker, they may also require an extra minute or two of cooking time in the air fryer to reach the same level of golden crispness as wonton wrappers. Keep a close eye on them during the air frying process to prevent burning.
How do you keep wonton chips crispy? Achieving and maintaining maximum crispiness is key for delicious wonton chips. Here are a few essential tips: First, always ensure you do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or frying pan. Overcrowding reduces air circulation, leading to steamed rather than crispy chips. Second, it’s crucial that the wonton skins are completely free from any moisture before you begin frying. Pat them dry with paper towels if needed. Any residual moisture will prevent them from crisping properly. Lastly, once your chips are perfectly cooked, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This allows any remaining steam to escape. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Stored correctly at room temperature, they will maintain their crunch for up to a week.
What can I use wonton skins for? Wonton skins are incredibly versatile beyond just making chips! As their name suggests, their primary use is, of course, to make wontons, which can be filled with a variety of ingredients like savory seasoned meats, vegetables, cheese, or shrimp. They are also famously used to create crab rangoon, a popular appetizer featuring a creamy filling of cream cheese, imitation crab meat, and green onions. Beyond these traditional uses, wonton wrappers are excellent for making crispy strips or chips for snacking or as elegant garnishes, as demonstrated in this recipe. You can also get creative and use them for mini “cups” for appetizers, small quiches, dessert taco shells (when sweetened), or even as a unique base for mini pizzas.
Smart Substitutions for Your Wonton Chip Recipe
While this recipe is straightforward, sometimes you need to make a quick swap. Here are some helpful substitutions for the core ingredients.
Wonton wrappers: As discussed in the FAQs section above, if wonton wrappers are unavailable, you can confidently use egg roll wrappers as a substitute. Just remember that egg roll wrappers are typically larger and thicker, so you’ll want to cut them into smaller pieces and be prepared for a slightly longer cooking time to achieve the desired crispiness. They will still deliver a delicious, crunchy chip.
Olive Oil: The oil choice is flexible for this recipe. If you don’t have olive oil or prefer another option, almost any cooking oil can be used. For air frying, a neutral-flavored oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil works wonderfully. If you decide to pan fry or deep fry your wonton chips (as detailed in the “Tips and Tricks” section), it’s best to choose an oil with a high smoke point to prevent burning and achieve optimal crispiness. Excellent choices for frying include vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or even sunflower oil.
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Crispiest Wonton Chips
- Customize Your Cut: The shape and size of your wonton chips can significantly impact their use. For delicate garnishes on salads or soups, cut the wrappers into thin, long strips. For versatile dipping or a satisfying snack, opt for larger squares or triangles that can handle heavier dips. Experiment with cookie cutters for fun shapes, especially if you’re making sweet dessert chips!
- Pan-Fried Alternative: If you don’t have an air fryer or prefer a traditional method, these wonton chips can be pan-fried on the stove. Heat about 2 inches of oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are good choices for high smoke points) in a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven to about 350-375°F (175-190°C). Carefully add wonton chips in small batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Use tongs to flip them. Transfer the fried chips to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil before salting.
- Flavor Beyond Salt: While simple salt is delicious, don’t hesitate to get creative with seasonings! For savory chips, sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of black pepper, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick. Everything But The Bagel Seasoning is also a fantastic choice, adding a burst of savory flavor. For sweet dessert chips, skip the savory seasonings and instead toss them with cinnamon sugar immediately after frying, while they are still warm, to help the mixture adhere. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can also be delightful.
- Proper Storage is Key: To maintain their irresistible crunch, ensure your wonton chips are completely cooled before storing. Once cool, place them in a zip-top bag or an airtight container. Stored properly at room temperature, they will remain wonderfully crispy for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prepping or having on hand for impromptu snacking.
Explore More Air Fryer Delights!
If you find yourself with extra wonton or egg roll wrappers after making these amazing chips, don’t let them go to waste! These versatile wrappers are perfect for creating other delicious snacks and appetizers. Try these fantastic recipes: Reuben Wonton Purses, Air Fryer Apple Pie Egg Rolls, or these Guacamole Egg Rolls! And if you’re truly hooked on the magic of the air fryer, here are even more recipes to inspire your culinary adventures:
- Healthy & Quick Air Fryer Edamame Beans
- Savory BBQ Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
- Crispy Air Fryer Taco Salad Bowls
- Homemade Copy Cat Hooters Hot Wings
- Perfectly Roasted Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Deliciously Crispy Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
- Discover ALL of Our Air Fryer Recipes!
With just a few simple steps, you can create a generous batch of these delightful air fryer wonton chips. They’re perfect to have on hand for impromptu snacking, to add a gourmet touch as a garnish to your favorite Asian-inspired recipes, or as a crunchy dipper for any spread. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade crispiness!
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Print Recipe
Air Fryer Wonton Chips
Equipment
- Oil Sprayer for Cooking, Olive Oil Sprayer Mister
- Hamilton Beach Air Fryer Oven Digital and Programmable, Nonstick (35050), 2.5 Liters, Black
- COSORI Pro II Air Fryer Oven Combo, 5.8QT
Ingredients
- 1 14 ounce package Wonton Wrappers (or egg roll wrappers)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil + 2 drops sesame oil or non-stick olive oil cooking spray works, too
- Salt if desired
Instructions
- Cut the wrappers into quarters.
- Spray the air fryer basket with the oil.
- Place the chips in a single layer in your air fryer basket and spray with oil.
- Air fry for 4 to 5 minutes at 350 degrees, until the wontons are golden and bubbly. Shake the basket halfway through.
- Repeat with remaining strips until all are fried.
- Salt if desired.
- Store in a zip lock bag when cool.