Cream cheese wontons are the ultimate appetizer or snack, offering a delightful combination of crispy wrappers and creamy, flavorful fillings. This guide walks you through sweet, spicy, and regular versions with options for deep frying, air frying, or baking. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these wontons are sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly crispy exterior with a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Versatile recipe with sweet, spicy, and regular filling options.
- Multiple cooking methods: deep fry, air fry, or bake.
- Quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
- Great for serving with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 32 wonton wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin the egg wash)
- Canola oil (for deep frying)
- Cooking spray (for baking or air frying)
- Optional Additions:
- Powdered sugar (for sweet wontons)
- Sriracha (for spicy wontons)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Regular Cream Cheese Filling: Use softened cream cheese as-is for the classic version.
- Sweet Cream Cheese Filling: Mix 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar into the cream cheese.
- Spicy Cream Cheese Filling: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha (or more for extra heat).
Step 2: Assemble the Wontons
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
- Fill the Wontons: Place 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of a wonton wrapper.
- Seal the Edges: Brush the edges of the wrapper with egg wash. Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, pressing the edges to seal. For a more decorative shape, bring the corners of the triangle together and pinch to seal.
Step 3: Cook the Wontons
Option 1: Deep Fry
- Heat the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of canola oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Wontons: Fry the wontons in batches for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Option 2: Air Fry
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Wontons: Spray the wontons lightly with cooking spray and air fry for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Option 3: Bake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the Wontons: Place the wontons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve Hot: Serve the wontons warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or honey mustard.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10 (32 wontons)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Savory Options: Add garlic powder, green onions, or shredded cheddar to the cream cheese mixture.
- Meaty Filling: Include cooked, crumbled bacon or diced shrimp for a protein boost.
- Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of ground ginger to the filling.
- Dessert Wontons: Use sweetened cream cheese and fold in chopped fruit like strawberries or pineapple.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover wontons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked wontons on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen wonton wrappers?
Yes, just thaw them in the refrigerator before using.
2. Can I make these wontons ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the wontons and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
3. What dipping sauces go well with cream cheese wontons?
Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey mustard, or even a spicy mayo work great!
4. Can I bake or air fry sweet wontons?
Yes, both methods work for sweet wontons, but deep frying gives them the crispiest texture.
5. How can I ensure my wontons don’t open during cooking?
Make sure to seal the edges tightly and avoid overfilling. Use the egg wash generously for a strong seal.
6. Can I make these wontons gluten-free?
Use gluten-free wonton wrappers, which are available at specialty grocery stores or online.
7. Can I use a different oil for frying?
Yes, vegetable oil or peanut oil can be used as alternatives to canola oil.
8. What can I use instead of wonton wrappers?
You can use egg roll wrappers cut into smaller squares as a substitute.
9. Can I add seasoning directly to the cream cheese?
Absolutely! Add garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite spices to enhance the flavor.
10. How do I store leftover cream cheese filling?
Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Wontons are the perfect combination of crispy and creamy, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack. Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or classic versions, this versatile recipe can be tailored to your taste. Try them fried, air-fried, or baked and serve with your favorite dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing treat!
Print
Cream Cheese Wontons
- Author: Asma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Deep-fry, Air-fry, Bake
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make the ultimate Cream Cheese Wontons with this comprehensive guide! Sweet, spicy, or classic options are included, along with methods for deep-frying, air-frying, or baking. These crispy, creamy appetizers are perfect for parties or snack time.
Ingredients
Refrigerated:
- 1 egg (beaten, for sealing wontons)
Condiments:
- Sriracha (optional, for spicy filling or dipping)
Baking & Spices:
- Powdered sugar (optional, for sweet wontons)
Oils & Vinegars:
- Canola oil (for deep-frying)
- Cooking spray (for air-frying or baking)
Bread & Baked Goods:
- 32 wonton wrappers
Dairy:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
Liquids:
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- Base Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- For sweet wontons, mix in 1–2 tbsp of powdered sugar. For spicy wontons, stir in a dash of Sriracha.
Assemble the Wontons:
- Set Up Your Workspace:
- Place wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Keep a small bowl of water nearby for sealing.
- Fill and Seal:
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese filling onto the center of each wrapper.
- Lightly brush the edges of the wrapper with beaten egg or water. Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, pressing out any air. Pinch the edges to seal. For a decorative look, fold the corners inward or create pleats.
Cooking Methods:
Deep-Fry Method:
4. Heat Oil:
- Heat 2–3 inches of canola oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry:
- Fry the wontons in batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Air-Fry Method:
4. Preheat:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook:
- Lightly spray the wontons with cooking spray and air-fry in a single layer for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Bake Method:
4. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake:
- Place wontons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Serve warm with Sriracha, sweet chili sauce, or soy sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For an extra creamy filling, add a touch of sour cream to the cream cheese mixture.
- Make ahead by freezing uncooked wontons on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen when ready.
- Experiment with other fillings like crab meat, shredded cheese, or scallions for variety.
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