The moment I bit into a crispy, golden wonton filled with spicy buffalo chicken, I was hooked! It reminded me of game nights filled with laughter and finger-licking appetizers. However, as much as I love indulging in those classic bar snacks, I often found myself craving something a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. Enter these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons—a delightful fusion of savory goodness and guilt-free crunch!
Using an air fryer ensures that each wonton is perfectly crisp while significantly reducing the oil typically used in traditional frying. Stuffed with a creamy blend of shredded rotisserie chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and zesty ranch seasoning, these beauties are easy to whip up for a casual snack or as a show-stopping appetizer at your next gathering. Trust me, once you serve these at your next get-together, they’ll quickly become the stars of the party!
Why choose Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons?
Flavor Explosion: Each bite bursts with a spicy tang from buffalo sauce, balanced perfectly by creamy ranch flavor.
Healthier Alternative: Get that delicious fried taste while cutting back on oil—no guilt here!
Quick & Easy: Ready in just minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Crowd Pleaser: These wontons are sure to impress your guests, sparking joy and conversations around the table.
Versatile Filling: Swap out ingredients like the chicken or cheese for endless variations; you can even try different sauces!
Elevate your appetizer game effortlessly—perfect with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping!
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wonton Ingredients
• Get ready to create a flavor-packed delight!
For the Filling
- Rotisserie Chicken – The main filling; shredded, juicy chicken enhances flavor and can be substituted with homemade or canned chicken.
- Dry Ranch Seasoning – A flavor enhancer; use store-bought or homemade ranch seasoning and adjust to suit your taste buds.
- Buffalo Sauce – Adds a spicy kick; choose your preferred brand or try making your own for a personal touch.
- Cream Cheese – This binds the filling and adds creaminess; remember to use 2 ounces at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Richness and flavor booster; feel free to swap with any cheese you prefer.
For the Wrappers
- Wonton Wrappers – Encasing the flavorful filling; store-bought is perfect for convenience or, for the adventurous, you can craft your own.
- Egg (for wash) – Seals the edges of the wrappers; mixing with water helps them stick together.
For Air Frying
- Cooking Spray – Essential for preventing sticking during air frying; gives a golden crispness to your wontons.
Enjoy making these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons—a delightful twist on traditional appetizers!
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons
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Preheat the air fryer to 370°F and spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your wontons won’t stick during cooking.
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Mix together in a medium bowl the finely shredded chicken, dry ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Fill each wonton wrapper by placing approximately 2 teaspoons of the mixture in the center. Be careful not to overfill; this will help prevent bursting during cooking.
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Seal the wrappers by moistening the edges with the whisked egg wash, folding in half diagonally, and pressing firmly to close them up tightly.
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Arrange the wontons in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Give the tops a light spray with cooking spray for that perfect golden consistency.
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Air fry for 3 minutes, then carefully flip the wontons, spray them again, and air fry for an additional 2 minutes. Repeat this process for the remaining wontons.
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Serve your crispy delights drizzled with extra buffalo sauce and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping pleasure.
Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons?
Elevate your appetizer experience with delightful pairings that will tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests wanting more.
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Crunchy Celery Sticks: Perfectly crisp and refreshing, these contribute a satisfying crunch that complements the spicy filling of the wontons.
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Zesty Blue Cheese Dip: With a rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor, it pairs beautifully with the fiery buffalo sauce, offering a cooling contrast.
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Garden Salad: A light salad filled with mixed greens and cherry tomatoes balances the richness of the wontons while adding freshness to your meal.
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Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of these crispy fries provides a delicious counterpoint to the spicy flavors, creating a pleasing contrast in taste.
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Guacamole: Creamy and flavorful, the avocado dip adds a unique twist, enhancing the overall texture of the meal.
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Craft Beer: A cold craft beer, especially a hoppy IPA, helps cut through the spiciness while enhancing the savory nuances of the dish.
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Fruit Platter: A variety of fresh fruits like watermelon and berries bring a hint of sweetness that refreshes your palate between savory bites.
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Lemonade: A glass of refreshing lemonade is a delightful drink option, providing a sweet and tart balance to the spicy, crispy wontons.
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Chocolate Mousse: End your meal on a sweet note with a luscious chocolate mousse—its smoothness pairs invitingly with the savory flavors of the appetizer.
Make Ahead Options
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To do so, simply mix the shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, then refrigerate the mixture. For optimal freshness, assemble the wontons just before cooking; this way, they maintain their crispy texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, fill and seal your wontons, then air fry them fresh for about 5 minutes. This method ensures you’ll have delicious, hassle-free snacks ready anytime while saving precious time on busy weeknights!
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons
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Avoid Overfilling: Keep it modest! Filling each wonton wrapper with about 2 teaspoons of the mixture prevents bursting during air frying.
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Spray Generously: A light coat of cooking spray on top of the wontons enhances crispiness and helps achieve that golden brown color.
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Mix at Room Temperature: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing, creating a smoother filling for your Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons.
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Uniform Size: Cut your wonton wrappers evenly to help them cook uniformly, ensuring a satisfying crunch in every bite.
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Air Fryer Variations: If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry! You can bake the wontons at 400°F for approximately 10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons
Room Temperature: Store any leftover wontons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours before they should be refrigerated for safety.
Fridge: Keep cooked wontons in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes until crispy.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uncooked wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the air frying time.
Reheating: To reheat frozen cooked wontons, air fry them at 350°F for about 6-8 minutes until heated through and crisped up, maintaining the deliciousness of these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wonton Variations
Get ready to personalize your delicious wontons with these fun and flavorful twists!
- Ground Turkey: Swap shredded chicken for ground turkey for a leaner option that still packs flavor.
- BBQ Sauce: Replace buffalo sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweeter, smoky filling that will surprise your taste buds.
- Vegetable Boost: Add chopped green onions or diced bell peppers to the filling mix for a crunchy texture and fresh flavor contrast.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños in the filling for an extra heat level that will make your mouth tingle with delight!
- Different Cheese: Experiment with cheese varieties like pepper jack or mozzarella to create a uniquely cheesy experience with every bite.
- Creamy Spin: Fold in some Greek yogurt with the cream cheese for added tang and a boost of creaminess without the extra calories.
- Herb Infusion: Mix some fresh chopped parsley or cilantro into the filling for a refreshing herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
- Garnish Options: Top finished wontons with crumbled blue cheese or a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor dimensions and eye-catching presentation.
There’s a whole world of flavor waiting for you—enjoy crafting your equally mouthwatering variations!
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for the filling?
Absolutely use shredded rotisserie chicken for its juicy, savory flavor! You can substitute it with homemade rotisserie chicken or even canned chicken if you’re in a pinch.
How should I store leftovers?
Store your cooked Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes until they’re crispy again!
Can I freeze these wontons?
Yes! For freezing, arrange the uncooked wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag, and they can be stored for up to 2 months. To cook from frozen, just add an additional 2-3 minutes to the air frying time, ensuring they’re heated through and deliciously crispy.
What if my wontons are bursting while cooking?
To prevent bursting, avoid overfilling the wontons! Keep the filling to about 2 teaspoons per wrapper. Additionally, ensure the edges are sealed well with the egg wash by pressing firmly to close them tightly.
Can I use any type of cheese or sauce?
Very! Feel free to swap out the cheddar cheese with your favorite variety—like Monterey Jack or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick. You can also experiment with different sauces like ranch or BBQ for unique flavor profiles in your filling.
Are there any dietary considerations for these wontons?
If you’re preparing them for guests with dietary restrictions, ensure to check for lactose intolerance as the filling contains cream cheese and shredded cheese. For gluten-free options, look for gluten-free wonton wrappers available in stores to accommodate those who are gluten-sensitive.
Savory Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons You’ll Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F and spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix together shredded chicken, dry ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Fill each wonton wrapper with approximately 2 teaspoons of the mixture in the center.
- Seal the wrappers by moistening the edges with egg wash, folding diagonally, and pressing to close.
- Arrange wontons in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 3 minutes, flip, spray again, and air fry for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve drizzled with extra buffalo sauce and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.