Crispy wontons stuffed with creamy crab filling, Air Fryer Crab Rangoon are a mouthwatering way to enjoy your favorite takeout bite at home!
It’s no surprise that I’m coming at you with another air fryer recipe today… I’m making everything in the air fryer these days. Last night we had air fryer pork chops for dinner and today I’m making a whole Asian-inspired meal centered around my favorite Chinese takeout dish, crab rangoon. But, instead of the traditional deep-fried crab rangoon, I’m making Air Fryer Crab Rangoon! They’re so crispy and yummy that you’ll think you’re eating at your favorite Chinese restaurant.
Air Fry for the Best Finger Food Around
We are constantly ordering takeout in our house. Yes, the irony of being a food blogger who orders takeout is not lost on me….I NEVER order takeout Chinese food without adding a few crab rangoon to my order (and when I say a few, I might mean a TON). Those little crispy fried, cream cheese-filled wontons are simply irresistible.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of making copycat recipes of my favorite takeout dishes, but crab rangoon was never one that I thought I could master. The folding of the wrappers, the mess of deep-frying, it just seemed like a lot. I figured I’d leave that one to the professionals.
But, my confidence on all things fried foods has been strengthening lately thanks to my air fryer. So, I decided that I really wanted to try out crab rangoon air fryer style. I am beyond happy that I tried it because this recipe is not just a copycat recipe, but I might even venture to say air fryer crab rangoon are BETTER than the ones you order out? No lies… just try them for yourself!
Ingredients
Wonton wrappers – most grocery stores these days are carrying at least one form of wonton wrapper (maybe they heard you could make crab rangoon air fryer style and knew they’d HAVE to keep wonton wrappers stocked…). I’ve had the most luck finding wonton wrappers in the produce section. Other times I’ve found them in dairy case. Personally I prefer to use square wrappers because you get that authentic crab rangoon shape, but if all you can find is round wrappers, no sweat!
Filling – to fill your delicious air fryer crab rangoon you’ll need some imitation crab meat, cream cheese, garlic cloves, green onions, and Worcestershire sauce. All these super simple ingredients combine to create the most yummy and delectable appetizer you’ll ever make!
How to make Crab Rangoon in air fryer
STEP ONE: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F and get prepping! Start by mixing up your filling in a medium bowl. Dump in the cream cheese, crab (very finely chopped), green onions, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce, and give it all a good stir.
STEP TWO: Layout all of your wonton wrappers so you can fill them, assembly-line style. Place 1 teaspoon of crab filling in the middle of the wonton wrapper. Then dip your finger in a little water and run it around the outer edge of the wonton wrapper. This will help the wrapper stick to itself when you fold it up. Bring the 4 points on the wonton wrapper into the middle and press the side together to form the star shape. Make sure it’s sealed relatively well so the filling doesn’t leak out.
STEP THREE: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and place filled wontons in a single layer in the basket. You really don’t want them to overlap or touch or else they might stick – and nobody wants a stuck air fryer crab rangoon. Then spray the rangoon with olive oil spray and place them in the preheated air fryer for around 4 minutes. Make sure you check on them pretty frequently so they don’t get too dark. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a beautiful golden brown!
STEP FOUR: Serve your air fryer crab rangoon hot with duck sauce for dipping and extra green onions sprinkled on top.
Can you freeze crab rangoon?
If you want to have a batch of frozen crab rangoon air fryer style stop once you’re assembled the little wonton packets. Then the rangoons onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to flash freeze for a few hours. Once they’re frozen, put them into a freezer-safe container and keep them frozen for up to a few months.
When you want to enjoy these little bites, defrost the rangoon in the fridge overnight and then cook as directed.
What is the difference between Crab Rangoon and Fried Wontons?
These two yummy fried appetizers are SO similar, but also so very different. Both fried wontons and crab rangoon are crispy, fried treats stuffed with a delicious filling. Typically fried wontons are filled with a mixture of onion and cream cheese. A crab rangoon is also stuffed with cream cheese, but adds in some delicious crab meat to really amp up the flavor!
Need more delicious appetizer recipes?
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Jalapeno Crab Dip
- Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
- Crispy Spring Rolls
- Wonton Soup
Ingredients
- 10 ounces imitation crab meat finely chopped (see note)
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 24 wonton wrappers (1/2 package)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon Worchestershire sauce
- 4 green onions chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
- Duck sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, crab, green onions, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Place 1 teaspoon of crab filling in the middle of a wonton wrapper.
- Dip your finger in a little water and run it around the outer edge of the wonton wrapper. Bring the 4 points of the wonton wrapper into the middle and press the side together to form the star shape.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and place filled wontons in a single layer in the basket. Try to not overlap the other rangoons so that they don’t stick.
- Spray the Rangoons with olive oil spray and place in the preheated air fryer for 4 minutes. Check frequently to make sure the rangoons are not getting too dark. They are finished cooking when the rangoons are golden brown.
- Serve hot with duck sauce for dipping and extra green onions.
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