Name: Fried Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 8oz package cream cheese (full-fat, kept cold until ready to use); 1 medium shallot, diced (or 2 small shallots); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 package wonton wrappers (found in the freezer section); 1 egg; 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash); 3-4 inches vegetable oil (for deep frying)

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Introduction

Fried cream cheese wontons are crispy, golden pockets filled with a smooth, sweetened cream cheese and shallot mixture. This simple appetizer offers a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures, making it an irresistible snack or party treat.

The image shows a close-up of golden-brown crispy fried wontons scattered around a white bowl with a yellow rim, filled with bright red sweet chili sauce that has visible chili flakes. The fried wontons have a textured surface with some darker browned spots, giving a crunchy appearance. The background is a white marbled texture, adding a clean and simple look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 8oz package cream cheese (use full-fat for best results—keep cream cheese cold until ready to use)
1 medium shallot, diced (or 2 small shallots)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 package wonton wrappers (found in the freezer section of your grocery store)
1 egg
1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Vegetable oil (for frying, about 3-4 inches depth)

Instructions

Step 1: Defrost the wonton wrappers by leaving them at room temperature on the counter for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, stir together the cold cream cheese, diced shallot, and sugar until well combined.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Set this aside.
Step 4: Place about 2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper. Dip your finger into the egg wash and dab a little onto each side of the wrapper around the filling.
Step 5: Press opposing sides of the wonton together, then pinch in the center to completely enclose the filling. Don’t worry if the wontons flop over a bit; they will firm up when fried.
Step 6: Heat vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (use a candy thermometer for accuracy). The oil should be about 3-4 inches deep.
Step 7: Carefully place 4-5 wontons into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for about 1 minute until they turn lightly golden. If they flip or fall over, gently coax them so the points stay up and the filling stays inside.
Step 8: Remove fried wontons with the slotted spoon and place them on a cooling rack set over a cookie sheet or paper towels to catch excess oil.
Step 9: Repeat frying with the remaining wontons, keeping an eye on the oil temperature, adjusting heat as needed to maintain around 350°F.
Step 10: Serve the wontons immediately for best crispness, or keep them warm in a low oven for up to 30 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add finely chopped green onions or a pinch of garlic powder to the cream cheese mixture.
You can substitute granulated sugar with honey or brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
If you prefer baked wontons, spray them lightly with cooking spray and bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serve with a dipping sauce like sweet chili, soy sauce, or a spicy mayo for added complexity.

Storage

Store leftover fried wontons uncovered on a paper towel-lined plate at room temperature for up to 2 hours to keep them crisp. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but expect some loss of crispness. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

How to Serve

The image shows many small, twisted fried snacks placed closely together on a white rectangular plate. Each snack has a golden-brown crispy outer layer with some parts lighter cream-colored where the texture looks bubbly and airy. The twists form a bow-like shape with small rounded bubbles and slightly rough edges, showing a crunchy texture. The snacks fill the entire plate and cast soft shadows on the white marbled surface beneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the wontons ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the wontons and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before frying.

What is the best type of cream cheese to use?

Full-fat cream cheese works best as it provides a smooth and creamy texture and holds up well during frying. Keep it cold until mixing for easier handling.