When the craving for something crispy and flavorful strikes, there’s nothing quite like the zesty kick of Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons. Picture this: a golden, crunchy exterior giving way to a warm, creamy filling bursting with the tangy essence of buffalo sauce and creamy ranch. These bite-sized delights come together effortlessly, making them an ideal choice for entertaining, weeknight snacking, or just satisfying that hunger for something deliciously different.
By embracing the air fryer, I’m thrilled to offer you a healthier twist on a classic favorite, sidestepping the guilt that often comes with deep-fried appetizers. Plus, the versatility allows for easy customization whether you’re a spice enthusiast or someone preferring a milder take. Ready to take your appetizer game to the next level? Let’s dive into this quick, mouthwatering recipe that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds!
Why are Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons irresistible?
Crispy texture: Each wonton boasts a golden, crunchy exterior that gives a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Flavor explosion: The filling combines zesty buffalo sauce and creamy ranch, delivering a burst of tangy goodness.
Effortless preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll whip these up in no time—perfect for busy nights.
Versatile appeal: Adjust the spice level to suit any crowd, or try different cheeses for a unique twist.
Guilt-free snack: Unlike traditional frying, the air fryer makes these treats a healthier option you’ll feel great about serving. Dive into this recipe for a game day treat that will disappear in minutes!
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wonton Ingredients
For the Filling
• Rotisserie Chicken – Use shredded rotisserie chicken or canned chicken for convenience and flavor.
• Dry Ranch Seasoning – Adds a zesty profile; adjust the quantity to taste or opt for homemade.
• Buffalo Sauce – Contributes spiciness and tang; choose your preferred brand for the best kick.
• Cream Cheese – Ensures a creamy texture; using it at room temperature makes mixing easier.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Enhances flavor; feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese variety.
For the Wrapping
• Wonton Wrappers – These encase the filling; you can use store-bought or make homemade ones for fun shapes.
• Egg (for wash) – Use this to seal the wontons; it can be combined with water for a budget-friendly solution.
For Cooking
• Cooking Spray – Essential for preventing sticking and achieving that crispy exterior in the air fryer.
For Dipping
• Dipping Sauce (Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing) – Complements the dish beautifully, adding a creamy contrast to every bite.
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons promise to be a hit, whether for game day or a casual get-together!
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons
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Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your wontons don’t stick.
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Combine Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded rotisserie chicken, dry ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
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Fill Wontons: Take a wonton wrapper and scoop about 2 teaspoons of the filling into the center. Make sure not to overfill to prevent them from bursting while cooking.
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Seal Wontons: Brush the edges of the wonton wrapper with egg wash. Fold the wrapper diagonally to create a triangle shape and press firmly to seal securely.
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Air Fry: Arrange the filled wontons in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 3 minutes, flip them gently, spray with a bit more cooking spray, and fry for an additional 2 minutes until they’re golden brown.
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Serve: Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce and accompany them with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons
Fridge: Keep any leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes for a crispy finish.
Freezer: Freeze assembled but un-cooked wontons on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 1 month. Air fry directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Baking Option: If you choose to bake instead of air frying, preheat your oven to 400°F and arrange wontons on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Assembling Ahead: You can prepare the wontons in advance. Assemble and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking for fresh, crispy snacks when you’re ready to enjoy!
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wonton Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe—there’s always room for a personal touch!
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Cheese Alternatives: Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicier kick, or use creamy mozzarella for something milder. The cheese variation allows you to explore flavors that align perfectly with your taste buds.
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Healthier Options: Use low-fat cream cheese or replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist. This simple change helps cut calories while still keeping that creamy texture.
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Homemade Wrappers: Embrace your inner chef and whip up your own wonton wrappers for a fun and personal touch. You can cut them into various shapes, enhancing both the presentation and the experience.
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Spice Variations: Tailor the heat level by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce. For an extra flavor twist, fold in some crumbled blue cheese for a tangy surprise in every bite.
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Vegetarian Delight: Replace shredded chicken with a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for a veggie-packed version. This option provides a colorful and hearty filling without compromising on flavor.
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Sweet and Spicy: Add a swirl of honey or a dash of sweet chili sauce to the filling to create a delicious balance of sweet and spicy notes. This unique twist will undoubtedly impress your guests!
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Texture Twists: For added crunch, toss in some finely chopped celery or green onions before filling the wontons. They’ll lend a refreshing crunch and enhance the overall flavor profile.
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Dipping Sauce Experimentations: Try different dipping sauces, such as a tangy garlic aioli or a sweet-and-sour sauce, to elevate your tasting experience even further. The right dip can completely change the vibe of your snack time!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons?
Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible bites, perfect for lively gatherings or cozy nights in.
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Fresh Veggie Platter: Crisp carrots, celery, and bell peppers provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy filling and creamy dip.
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Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds a delightful crunch while balancing the heat of the buffalo sauce.
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Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of these fries perfectly complements the savory, zesty flavors of the wontons, creating a well-rounded dish.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and chewy, these breadsticks are perfect for sopping up any leftover dipping sauce, enhancing your snack experience.
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Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: For an extra kick, serve a side of buffalo cauliflower bites that mirror the wonton flavors and keep with the theme.
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Ranch Dressing: A classic choice for a dip, ranch dressing cools the palate while bringing out the bold flavors of the wontons.
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Blue Cheese Dip: Elevate your app spread with a rich blue cheese dip, adding a creamy, tangy element that pairs beautifully with buffalo flavors.
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Craft Beer: A hoppy IPA or a light lager pairs excellently with spicy appetizers, refreshing your palate with every sip.
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Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings a burst of brightness and sweetness, balancing the richness of the wontons perfectly.
Make Ahead Options
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time on busy weeknights! You can assemble the wontons and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply prepare the filling, fill the wonton wrappers, and seal them tightly, making sure to brush the edges with egg wash. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them into the air fryer, following the original cooking instructions for a quick, crispy treat. Just a tip: to maintain their quality, store them in an airtight container to prevent drying out. Enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons
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Filling Quantity: Keep it small: Use about 2 teaspoons of filling per wonton. Overfilling may cause them to burst while air frying.
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Air Fryer Arrangement: Layer care: Arrange wontons in a single layer in the air fryer basket for optimal circulation and even cooking of your buffalo chicken wontons.
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Cooking Adjustment: Time matters: Since air fryers can vary in efficiency, check for doneness around the 5-minute mark to ensure your wontons are crispy but not burned.
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Experiment with Flavors: Mix it up: Try different cheeses or add blue cheese crumbles to enhance the flavor of your air fryer buffalo chicken wontons.
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Make-ahead Option: Prep a breeze: Assemble wontons ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours. They’ll be ready to air fry whenever hunger strikes!
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons Recipe FAQs
What kind of chicken should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using shredded rotisserie chicken as it provides excellent flavor and makes the prep so much easier. You can also use canned chicken if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s well-drained for the best texture!
How long can I store leftover wontons in the fridge?
Very! You can keep your leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 2-3 minutes for that crispy finish.
Can I freeze the assembled wontons?
Absolutely! To freeze, arrange assembled but uncooked wontons on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they’re solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, air fry them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time for perfect crispiness.
What should I do if my wontons burst while cooking?
Ah, the occasional burst can happen! To avoid this, make sure not to overfill the wontons—about 2 teaspoons of filling works best. Additionally, pressing the edges to seal them securely will help keep all that yummy filling in during the cooking process.
Are these wontons pet-friendly?
Not at all! It’s important to note that the ingredients used, particularly buffalo sauce and seasoning, may not be safe for pets. Always keep any human food, especially those with sauces or strong spices, away from your furry friends.
What are some good dipping sauces to serve with the wontons?
The more the merrier! I often serve these beloved Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing for that creamy contrast. You could also try a spicy garlic aioli or a sweet chili sauce for a unique twist!
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wontons You’ll Love to Snack On
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Air Fryer to 370°F (188°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese.
- Scoop about 2 teaspoons of the filling into the center of a wonton wrapper.
- Brush the edges with egg wash, fold into a triangle and seal.
- Arrange wontons in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 3 minutes, flip and spray, then fry for another 2 minutes.
- Serve with dipping sauce and drizzle with extra buffalo sauce.