For many enthusiasts of American Chinese cuisine, the quality of a meal is often hinted at by the humble fried wonton strips that first arrive at the table. These golden, airy morsels serve as a delightful prelude, setting the tone for the dishes to follow. If they’re impeccably fresh, light, and perfectly crispy – perhaps even still warm from the fryer – it’s a promising sign for a delicious dining experience. Conversely, stale, heavy, or overly oily strips can understandably cast a shadow of doubt over the entire menu.

While it might seem premature to judge a whole meal by an appetizer, this initial snack often reflects the kitchen’s attention to detail and dedication to quality. A truly great bowl of fried wonton strips has, in my experience, consistently preceded a thoroughly satisfying meal. The good news is, recreating these beloved restaurant-style crispy wonton strips at home is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding.

Whether you’re planning an elaborate “takeout fakeout” dinner to enjoy with family and friends, or simply yearning for a quick, satisfying crunch, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible wonton strips in under 40 minutes, from initial preparation to the final crispy bite. Get ready to elevate your home dining with this simple yet impactful recipe!

Choosing the Best Wonton Wrappers for Frying

The foundation of perfect fried wonton strips lies in selecting the right wonton wrappers. You can readily find these versatile “skins” in the refrigerated section of most major grocery stores, as well as at Asian specialty markets. While both options work, Asian markets often boast a wider variety and higher turnover, ensuring fresher products.

Square vs. Round Wonton Wrappers: What’s the Difference?

To achieve the classic restaurant-style strips, always opt for square wonton wrappers. These are distinct from the round gyoza wrappers, which are typically used for potstickers and have a different texture when fried. The square shape makes them ideal for cutting into uniform strips that puff up beautifully.

Thickness Matters: Thin or Medium is Key

When perusing the selection, you might notice wonton wrappers available in varying thicknesses. For superior fried wonton strips, I highly recommend choosing wrappers that are of thin or medium thickness. Thicker wrappers tend to become somewhat heavy and dense after frying, whereas thinner ones achieve that desirable light, airy crispness we all love.

Yellow vs. White Wonton Wrappers: Egg or No Egg?

Particularly at Asian markets, you’ll encounter both yellow and white wonton skins. The yellow wrappers are traditionally made with egg, which gives them a richer color and slightly chewier texture. White wrappers, often referred to as Shanghai-style, are egg-free and tend to be a bit lighter. Both varieties work wonderfully for fried wonton strips, so feel free to use whichever you prefer or can find. Personally, I favor the Shanghai-style white wrappers for their exceptionally light and delicate texture once fried.

Feeling adventurous? For a truly homemade experience, consider trying your hand at making homemade wonton wrappers from scratch! It’s a fun cooking project that takes your culinary skills to the next level.

Mastering the Art of Frying Crispy Wonton Strips

Achieving perfectly crispy, golden-brown wonton strips at home is simpler than you might think. With the right equipment and a few key techniques, you’ll be frying like a pro in no time. The secret lies in maintaining the correct oil temperature and not overcrowding the pot.

Essential Equipment for Deep Frying

You don’t need a professional deep fryer to make restaurant-quality wonton strips. A few common kitchen items are all it takes:

1. A heavy, deep pot: Choose a pot with high sides and a heavy bottom, such as a Dutch oven or a stockpot. The depth is crucial to safely contain the hot oil and prevent splattering as the wontons are added and expand. A heavy bottom ensures even heat distribution, which is vital for consistent frying.
2. A frying thermometer: This is perhaps the most critical tool for deep frying. A candy or frying thermometer that clips to the side of your pot allows you to accurately monitor and regulate the oil temperature. Maintaining the ideal temperature (around 360°F / 182°C) is key to preventing soggy or burnt wontons. Without a thermometer, you risk inconsistent results, as oil that is too cool leads to greasy wontons, and oil that is too hot burns them quickly before they cook through. Some probe thermometers with a pot clip also work effectively.
3. A spider strainer or slotted spoon: This essential tool, often featuring a mesh basket attached to a long handle, is perfect for safely maneuvering the wonton strips in the hot oil and efficiently removing them once they are golden and crisp. Its design allows excess oil to drain quickly, ensuring your wontons remain light and not greasy.
4. A prepared draining station: Set up a plate, baking sheet, or cooling rack lined with several layers of paper towels. This provides an immediate surface for the fried wonton strips to drain any residual oil, helping them stay crisp.

Selecting the Best Oil for Frying

The type of oil you use can significantly impact the taste and texture of your fried wonton strips. For deep frying, I consistently recommend using oils with a neutral flavor and a high smoke point. My top choices are:

• Peanut oil: Known for its clean taste and high smoke point (around 450°F / 232°C), peanut oil is a favorite for deep frying in Asian cuisine. It imparts a subtle richness without overpowering the wontons.
• Vegetable oil (e.g., canola, corn): These are excellent, widely available alternatives. They are neutral in flavor and have a sufficiently high smoke point (around 400°F / 204°C) to handle the heat required for crispy frying.

These oils can withstand the high temperatures needed to ensure your wonton strips fry up beautifully crispy without absorbing excessive amounts of oil, which can make them greasy. Avoid olive oil or butter, as they have lower smoke points and will burn at the required frying temperatures.

Creative Ways to Serve Fried Wonton Strips

Crispy fried wonton strips are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways beyond just an appetizer. While they are certainly delicious on their own, pairing them with the right accompaniments or incorporating them into other dishes elevates the experience.

Classic Dipping Sauces

For an authentic American Chinese restaurant experience, serve your wontons while they’re still warm with small bowls of classic dipping sauces. Duck sauce and Chinese-style hot mustard are indispensable companions. Both are typically available in the international aisle of your grocery store or at any Asian market. The sweet and tangy notes of duck sauce perfectly complement the savory crispness of the wontons, while the fiery kick of hot mustard adds an exciting contrast.

Beyond the Appetizer: Culinary Pairings

Don’t limit these crispy delights to just the appetizer course! Fried wonton strips bring a delightful crunch and savory element to various other dishes:

• Salads: Crumble them over fresh salads for a textural upgrade. They are particularly fantastic with a Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad, adding an unexpected layer of flavor and crunch.
• Soups: These strips make an excellent garnish for Asian-inspired soups. We absolutely love them served alongside a steamy bowl of Hot and Sour Soup or a classic Egg Drop Soup, where their crispness provides a wonderful counterpoint to the soft, warm broth.
• Snacks and Parties: A generous bowlful of fried wonton strips makes a superb snack for game day parties or casual gatherings, offering a delicious and slightly more exotic alternative to traditional potato chips.

Themed Menus and Entertaining

Consider building an entire Asian-themed finger food menu around your crispy wonton strips for easy entertaining. Pair them with other crowd-pleasers like Sticky Wings, savory Egg Rolls, and golden Coconut Shrimp for a truly impressive spread that your guests will adore.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Wonton Strips

For effortless entertaining or simply to enjoy throughout the week, you can easily prepare these crispy wonton strips in advance. Once fried, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully crisp for 1 to 2 days. A large cookie tin works perfectly for this purpose, preventing them from becoming soggy.

If you prefer to serve them warm, simply spread the cooled strips in a single layer on a baking sheet and reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for just 1-2 minutes. This brief warming will bring back their initial crispness without drying them out.

Air Fryer Wonton Strips: A Lighter Alternative

While deep frying provides that signature puffy texture, you can certainly make wonton strips in an air fryer for a lighter, less oily snack. It’s important to note that air-fried wontons won’t puff up in the same way as their deep-fried counterparts due to the absence of hot oil immersion. However, they still achieve a satisfying crispness, offering a different, chip-like texture that’s equally delicious.

How to Air Fry Wonton Strips:

1. Prepare the Wrappers: Cut your wonton wrappers into 3/4-inch wide strips, just as you would for deep frying.
2. Lightly Coat: Lightly spray the wonton strips with cooking spray. This helps them crisp up evenly and achieve a golden color.
3. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the sprayed wonton strips in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking and less crisp results.
4. Air Fry: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, give the basket a good shake to ensure even browning and crisping.
5. Monitor Closely: Air fryer cooking times and temperatures can vary significantly by model. Always keep a close eye on your first batch to determine the optimal cooking time for your specific appliance. The wontons should be golden brown and crisp.

Air-fried wonton strips are a fantastic option if you’re looking for a quick, crispy snack with fewer calories, offering a delightful crunch that’s perfect for dipping or as a light topping for salads.

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Fried Wonton Strips (Restaurant Style)

by
Amanda Biddle

Recreate the delicious crunch of your favorite Chinese-American restaurant appetizer right at home with these easy-to-make, crispy fried wonton strips. Perfect for a “takeout fakeout” experience!

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Yields:

8 to 10 servings

Video: Crispy Fried Wonton Strips

Description: These crispy Fried Wonton Strips are just like the ones served in American Chinese restaurants and with your takeout order. It’s easy to make them at home for “takeout fakeout!”

Ingredients

• 1 package large square wonton wrappers
• Vegetable oil or peanut oil , for frying
• Duck sauce and Chinese style hot mustard , for serving

Instructions

1. Pour about 1-1/2 to 2 inches of vegetable or peanut oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot. Attach a candy or deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pot and heat the oil to 360°F (182°C).
2. While the oil is heating, take your wonton wrappers and stack a few together. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut them into 3/4-inch wide strips. Keep any uncut or prepared wonton strips covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out while the oil comes to temperature.
3. Prepare your draining station by lining a baking sheet or a cooling rack with a double layer of paper towels. Set this near your frying area.
4. Once the oil reaches 360°F (182°C), carefully add a small handful of wonton strips to the pot. Do not overcrowd; fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even crisping. The strips will immediately puff up and float. Fry for 1-2 minutes, using a spider strainer or slotted spoon to gently move them around, ensuring all sides cook evenly until golden brown.
5. Using your spider strainer or slotted spoon, remove the golden-brown wonton strips, allowing excess oil to drain back into the pot. Transfer them immediately to the prepared paper towel-lined baking sheet or cooling rack to cool and drain further.
6. Between each batch of wonton strips, allow the oil to return to 360°F (182°C). The temperature typically drops about 10-15 degrees when the cold wontons are added, so patience is key for consistent results.
7. Serve the crispy wonton strips while still warm with duck sauce and/or Chinese mustard for dipping. They are also excellent as an addition to your favorite soups and salads.

Notes

Wonton Wrappers (Skins): For detailed tips on selecting the ideal store-bought wonton wrappers for frying, including insights on thickness and style, please refer to the “Choosing the Best Wonton Wrappers for Frying” section above in this article. Most standard packages contain approximately 50 wrappers, though counts can vary by brand, usually ranging from 12 to 16 ounces. Should you desire to craft these entirely from scratch, a link to a homemade wonton wrapper recipe is also provided in that section.

A note about peanut oil and allergies: While the FDA doesn’t label highly-refined peanut oil as an allergen, it is always recommended to inform your guests when using any type of peanut oil. This allows them to make an informed decision regarding their dietary needs and potential allergies.

To Make Ahead and Store:

Ensure the wonton strips cool completely to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container (a large cookie tin works very well). Stored properly, they will maintain their crispness for 1-2 days at room temperature. To re-crisp, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1-2 minutes until warm and crisp.

Air Fryer Instructions:

You can prepare wonton strips in an air fryer for a lighter option, though they will not puff up as much as deep-fried versions. They will, however, become delightfully crispy with a texture similar to a thin chip. For detailed steps, please refer to the “Air Fryer Wonton Strips: A Lighter Alternative” section above in this article. Remember that air fryer performance varies by model, so keep a close watch on your first batch.

Nutrition Estimate

Calories: 258kcal |
Carbohydrates: 32g |
Protein: 5g |
Fat: 11g |
Saturated Fat: 9g |
Cholesterol: 5mg |
Sodium: 324mg |
Potassium: 46mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Vitamin A: 10IU |
Calcium: 27mg |
Iron: 1.9mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredients and preparation methods.

About Our Recipes

Please note that our recipes have been developed using the US Customary measurement system and have not been tested for high altitude/elevation cooking and baking. Adjustments may be necessary depending on your location.

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