Cooking Cheese Wontons: How Long Should You Fry?

Cheese wontons are a beloved appetizer, often served at Chinese restaurants. They are crispy on the outside and have a warm, oozy, cheesy filling on the inside. They are also incredibly easy to make at home. But how long do you cook them for? Well, that depends on the method. If you're frying your wontons, you'll want to cook them for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. If you're baking them, 8-10 minutes in the oven should do the trick.

How to fold cheese wontons

There are many ways to fold cheese wontons, and no wrong way to do it! The key is to ensure that the wontons are well-sealed so that the filling doesn't escape during frying. Here is a simple method to fold cheese wontons:

Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Wrappers and Filling

Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat, non-stick surface. With your finger, wet the edges of the wrapper with water. You can also use a brush to lightly brush the edges with water. Place about a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling (or your desired filling) in the centre of the wrapper.

Step 2: Fold the Wonton

Bring two opposite corners of the wrapper together, forming a triangle. Pinch the edges together to seal the wonton shut. You can also press the tips of the triangle together to ensure a tight seal.

Step 3: Secure the Filling (Optional)

If you are concerned about the filling leaking, you can try using a well-beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water to seal the edges. Alternatively, you can use a small amount of cream cheese to act as a "glue" and hold the edges together.

Step 4: Create the Final Shape (Optional)

For an extra secure seal, bring the tips of the triangle together and press them above the centre of the wonton. This will create a unique shape and ensure that your wonton is tightly sealed.

Tips:

• Wonton wrappers can dry out quickly, so cover the ones you are not using with a damp paper towel or plastic wrap to keep them moist while you work.
• Avoid over-wetting the wrappers, as this can cause them to become soggy and difficult to seal.
• Be creative with your fillings! Try adding different ingredients such as chives, crab, bacon, or even strawberries and powdered sugar.

How long to deep-fry cheese wontons

Deep-frying cheese wontons is a quick and easy process. The wontons will cook fast, so it's important to watch them carefully and be ready to turn them over as needed to ensure even cooking.

The amount of time it takes to deep-fry cheese wontons depends on the amount of wontons being fried at once, the temperature of the oil, and the desired level of browning.

As a general rule, the oil should be heated to around 350°F (176.6°C) before adding the wontons. When frying, only place a few wontons in the oil at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can affect cooking time and oil temperature.

Fry the wontons for 2-3 minutes, turning each piece after about 1-1.5 minutes. The wontons are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

It is recommended to remove the wontons from the oil when they are almost done, as they will continue to brown slightly after being removed from the oil.

After frying, place the wontons on a wire rack or paper towels to drain and cool.

• Use oils with a high smoke point such as peanut, vegetable, or corn oil.
• Use a candy or frying thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed to maintain the desired temperature.
• The wontons should be fried with the points facing up to help close the pinched edges and prevent the filling from falling out. If they turn over, gently turn them back so the points are up.
• Experiment with different folding techniques to find the one that works best for you. The key is to ensure the wontons are sealed properly to prevent the filling from leaking.
• For a crispy exterior and hot, melted interior, serve the wontons immediately or keep them warm in the oven for up to 30 minutes.

By following these instructions and tips, you can deep-fry cheese wontons to perfection and enjoy them as a delicious snack or appetizer.

How long to bake cheese wontons

Baking cheese wontons is a healthier alternative to frying them. The baking time will depend on the temperature of the oven, the amount of wontons, and the desired crispiness.

Preparation

Before baking, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place the wonton wrappers on the prepared baking sheet and fill them with the cream cheese mixture. Brush the edges of the wrappers with water and fold them into the desired shape, ensuring they are well sealed. Spray the assembled wontons with cooking spray.

Baking Time

Bake the wontons in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden, and the cream cheese is melted.

Tips

• For even cooking, bake in batches of 4-6 wontons at a time.
• For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
• For a complete Chinese meal, serve with Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken, Skinny Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken, or Firecracker Chicken.
• For a vegetarian option, use dairy-free cream cheese.

How to seal cheese wontons

Sealing cheese wontons is a crucial step in the preparation process, as it ensures that the filling stays contained within the wonton wrapper during cooking and serving. Here is a detailed guide on how to seal cheese wontons effectively:

Prepare the Filling and Wonton Wrappers:

Before sealing, you'll need to prepare the cheese filling and wonton wrappers. For the filling, a common approach is to mix cream cheese with various ingredients such as chives, crab, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, or sugar. You can adjust the quantities to your taste preferences. As for the wonton wrappers, it's essential to keep them covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.

Wet the Edges:

Using a finger or a brush, lightly dampen all four edges of the wonton wrapper with water. This step is crucial, as it helps the wrapper adhere and creates a tight seal. Be careful not to over-wet the wrapper, as this can lead to sogginess and prevent sealing.

Fold and Seal:

There are various ways to fold cheese wontons, but the most common method is to create a triangle. To do this, fold one corner of the wonton wrapper diagonally to meet the opposite corner, forming a triangle. Gently press the edges together to create a tight seal. You can also try bringing all four corners together to form a star or a package shape. For extra sealing power, you can use a well-beaten egg mixed with a small amount of water. This mixture acts as a strong adhesive and helps prevent leaks during frying.

Finalize the Shape:

After sealing the initial triangle shape, bring the tips of each triangle together above the center of the wonton and press them together to secure the shape. This step ensures that the wonton remains closed and helps prevent leaks or bursting during cooking.

Cooking Methods:

Once your wontons are sealed, you can cook them in several ways, including frying, baking, or air frying. Each method has its pros and cons in terms of texture and cooking time. Frying yields the crispiest texture, while baking and air frying are healthier alternatives. When frying, be sure to use oils with a high smoke point, such as canola, peanut, coconut, or corn oil.

Storage and Reheating:

Cooked cheese wontons can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. To reheat, place them on a baking tray and warm them in the oven at a temperature of around 325°F for 5-8 minutes, or until warmed through.

How to store and reheat cheese wontons

If you've made a batch of cheese wontons, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped in cling wrap for up to 3 days. To prevent sogginess, it's best to let them cool to room temperature before placing them in the container. You can also line the container with a paper towel to absorb any moisture.

When it comes to reheating, the oven and air fryer methods are recommended for the best results.

Reheating in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly spray your wontons with cooking oil and arrange them on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they're crispy and warmed to your liking.

Reheating with an Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Optionally, you can spray your wontons with a light coating of oil before placing them in the fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. Heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until warmed through.

You can also reheat cheese wontons by frying or using a microwave, but these methods may result in greasiness or sogginess.

Reheating by Frying

Fill a deep-fat fryer with oil and heat it to 350°F (180°C). Fry your wontons a few at a time for 1 to 2 minutes. Drain them on paper towels before serving.

Reheating in the Microwave

Place your wontons on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel, ensuring they don't touch. Heat in 15-second intervals until piping hot, which should take around 30-60 seconds. Let them rest for about a minute before serving to avoid burning your mouth.

Storing and Reheating Frozen Wontons

You can also freeze your cheese wontons for later. To do this, let them cool to room temperature, then flash freeze them by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing them for 2 to 3 hours or until solid. After that, transfer the frozen wontons to a zip-lock freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

To reheat frozen wontons, you can use the oven or air fryer methods mentioned above, or you can deep fry them. Set your oven or air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and heat for 10-15 minutes (6-8 minutes in the air fryer) until warmed through and crispy.

Avoid using the microwave to reheat frozen wontons, as they are likely to turn out soggy. There's no need to thaw frozen wontons before reheating; in fact, thawing them can lead to mushy wrappers.

Frequently asked questions