Crab Rangoon Recipe | Air Fryer Crab Rangoon (2024)

You are here: Home / All Recipes / Crab Rangoon Recipe | Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

PUBLISHED · MODIFIED · by the author listed in the recipe card 1591 words. · About 8 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

Jump to Recipe - -

This Air Fryer Crab Rangoon recipe is a healthier take on a popular appetizer often found on the menu of many Asian restaurants. It combines the sweetness of crabmeat with the creaminess of cream cheese, all wrapped in a crispy golden shell. This delectable dish, with its perfect balance of flavors and textures, is a true crowd-pleaser.

Crab Rangoon Recipe | Air Fryer Crab Rangoon (1)

Why They're The Perfect Pairing For Your Next Meal

  • Fast. Ready in under 30 minutes with the help of your air fryer.
  • Easy. Prepare the filling, fill the wrappers, fold neatly, and pop them in the air fryer to cook.
  • Versatile. Fill them with a variety of ingredients to create the perfect bite to accompany your meal.
  • Delicious. Crispy, creamy, slightly sweet with a pop of umami, you'll want to keep going back for more.

By cutting back on the oil, you can still achieve that satisfying crunch while reducing the guilt. With its delightful combination of crabmeat and cream cheese, this Air Fryer Crab Rangoon recipe is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends.

What Is The Difference Between Crab Rangoon And A Fried Cheese Wonton?

Crab Rangoon and Fried Cheese Wontons are both popular appetizers commonly found in Asian cuisine, but they differ in their main ingredients and flavors. Here are the key differences between the two:

Filling

  • Crab Rangoon- As the name suggests, the primary ingredient in Crab Rangoon is crab meat. It is typically mixed with cream cheese, green onions, and various seasonings. The filling has a creamy and savory taste with a hint of seafood flavor.
  • Fried Cheese Wontons- In Fried Cheese Wontons, the main ingredient is typically cream cheese, sometimes combined with other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella. The filling is usually seasoned with garlic, onion, and other spices to enhance the cheesy flavor.

Flavor

  • Crab Rangoon- The combination of crabmeat, cream cheese, and seasonings gives Crab Rangoon a unique blend of savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors. The crabmeat adds a subtle seafood taste that complements the creaminess of the cheese.
  • Fried Cheese Wontons- With its focus on cheese, Fried Cheese Wontons have a rich, creamy, and indulgent flavor. The cheese filling becomes gooey and melted when fried, offering a satisfying texture and a taste that appeals to cheese lovers.

Texture

  • Crab Rangoon- The texture of Crab Rangoon is a delightful contrast between the crispy, golden-brown fried wonton wrapper, and the creamy, soft filling. The crabmeat adds a bit of texture and subtle chewiness.
  • Fried Cheese Wontons- Similar to Crab Rangoon, Fried Cheese Wontons have a crispy exterior due to the fried wonton wrapper. However, the cheese filling melts and becomes gooey when cooked, providing a smooth and creamy texture.

What Is Crab Rangoon Filling Made Of?

  • Lump crabmeat
  • Cream cheese
  • Green onions
  • Garlic
  • Soy sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Ground ginger
  • White pepper

You'll need these ingredients to complete the recipe that isn't included in the list of filling items:

  • 24 wonton wrappers
  • Cooking spray
  • Sweet and sour sauce, for serving

Do Chinese Restaurants Use Imitation Crab In Crab Rangoon?

In some Chinese restaurants, imitation crab meat may be used in Crab Rangoon instead of real crab meat. While it can vary depending on the restaurant, imitation crab meat is a cost-effective alternative that still provides a similar texture and flavor to real crab.

How To Make Crab Rangoon

  1. Prepare the Filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped green onions, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ground ginger, and white pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Gently fold in the flaked crabmeat, being careful not to break up the meat too much. The mixture should be evenly combined, with visible chunks of crabmeat throughout.
  2. Assemble the Crab Rangoon. Place the filling in the center of the wrapper and fold it up tight using the steps provided below.
  3. Air Fry the Crab Rangoon. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the crab rangoon in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Lightly spray the crab rangoon with non-stick cooking spray. Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the crab rangoon is golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
  4. Serve and Enjoy. Allow the crab rangoon to cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling can be extremely hot. Serve the Crab Rangoon on a platter, alongside a dipping sauce of your choice. Sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or tangy chili sauce are excellent options. Enjoy the crispy, golden exterior giving way to a creamy and savory filling, a true delight for your taste buds.
Crab Rangoon Recipe | Air Fryer Crab Rangoon (2)

How Do You Fold A Crab Meat Rangoon?

  1. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean, dry surface. Place about a teaspoon of the crab and cream cheese mixture in the center of the wrapper.
  2. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water using your fingertip or a pastry brush.
  3. Fold the wonton wrapper diagonally, creating a triangle shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, ensuring no air is trapped inside.
  4. For a classic crab rangoon shape, bring the two opposite corners of the triangle together and press firmly to seal. This will create a small folded pocket.

Tips And Tricks

Making Crab Rangoon in an air fryer is a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve crispy and delicious Air Fryer Crab Rangoon:

  • Preheat the Air Fryer. Just like with any cooking method, preheating the air fryer is important. Preheating helps to ensure that the air fryer reaches the desired cooking temperature before you start cooking the Crab Rangoon. This promotes even and consistent cooking.
  • Avoid Overcrowding. Give the Crab Rangoon enough space in the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate evenly around each piece. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and a less crispy texture. It's better to cook them in batches if needed.
  • Keep an Eye on Cooking Time. Cooking times can vary depending on the air fryer model and size of the Crab Rangoon. Check the progress of the wontons during cooking and adjust the cooking time as needed. It's better to undercook them slightly and add more time if necessary, as overcooking can result in dry or burnt wontons.

Variations.

Crab Rangoon is a versatile dish that can be customized with different flavors and ingredients. Here are some delicious variations you can try to add a unique twist to your Crab Rangoon recipe:

  • Skip the crab. Want to keep these vegetarian? Skip the crab meat and make them as the recipe is written.
  • Add some sweetness. To accentuate the naturally sweet flavor of crab, add a tiny amount of sugar or sugar substitute to the filling before air frying.
  • Enjoy them spicy. Stir in a bit of chili garlic sauce to the filling before folding your crab rangoon for a spicy kick.

What To Serve Them With

Name an Asian-inspired dish and you'll have something that pairs well with these crispy and creamy little bites. Here are a few of my favorite recipes to enjoy with them:

  • Shrimp Fried Rice
  • Sesame Ginger Chicken
  • Beef Bulgogi
  • Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

How Long Do They Last?

When you make this Crab Rangoon recipe at home, it is best to consume them within 1 to 2 days. This timeframe ensures that the crispy texture and flavors are at their best. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze Them?

If you have leftover Crab Rangoon that you want to store for longer than a few days, it is possible to freeze them.

Place the cooked and cooled Crab Rangoon in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing excess air. Properly stored, frozen Crab Rangoon can last up to 2 to 3 months.

More Asian-Inspired Recipes

  • Keto Sushi
  • Summer Rolls
  • Spicy Noodles
  • Potstickers
  • Honey Walnut Shrimp
Crab Rangoon Recipe | Air Fryer Crab Rangoon (3)

Pin It!

If you love this Crab Rangoon recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it on Facebook and Instagram so your friends can try it too! Don't forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.

Crab Rangoon Recipe | Air Fryer Crab Rangoon (4)

Crab Rangoon Recipe | Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes minutes

Course: Appetizers, Side Dishes

Cuisine: Asian

Keyword: air fryer crab rangoon, crab rangoon recipe, crab rangoons

Servings: 24 crab rangoon

Calories: 64kcal

Author: AshleyThompson

Click on highlighted ingredients or Equipment to see exactly what I use to make this recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped green onions, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ground ginger, and white pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Gently fold in the flaked crabmeat, being careful not to break up the meat too much. The mixture should be evenly combined, with visible chunks of crabmeat throughout.

  • Place the filling in the center of the wrapper and fold it up tight using the steps provided below.

  • Preheat your air fryer to 375F for about 5 minutes.Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.Arrange the crab rangoon in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.Lightly spray the crab rangoon with non-stick cooking spray.Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the crab rangoon are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.

  • Allow the crab rangoon to cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling can be extremely hot. Serve the Crab Rangoon on a platter, alongside a dipping sauce of your choice.

Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!

Nutrition

Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.4g

Tried this recipe?Follow @twosleevers and Pin it!

And don't forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer, and Air Fryer Revolution.

Crab Rangoon Recipe | Air Fryer Crab Rangoon (5)
Crab Rangoon Recipe | Air Fryer Crab Rangoon (6)

« Instant Pot Low Country Boil | Instant Pot Shrimp Boil

»

Subscribe

for your weekly recipe fix.

Recent Posts

  • Red Velvet Brownies Recipe | Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
  • Air Fryer Sausage Links | Cook Sausage Links In The Air Fryer
  • Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe | Cripsy Parmesan Chicken
  • Lemon Blueberry Muffins | Blueberry Muffin Recipe
  • Pulled Pork Nachos | BBQ Pork Nachos Recipe

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Crab Rangoon Recipe | Air Fryer Crab Rangoon (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between fried wontons and crab meat Rangoon? ›

What is the difference between crab wonton and crab rangoon? Crab rangoon is a type of fried wonton, so they are really very similar. The difference is all in the filling. Traditional wontons are not ever filled with cream cheese (which is one of the main components in crab rangoon recipes).

Is Crab Rangoon made with real or imitation crab? ›

While actual crab is not the primary focus of crab rangoon, either imitation crab or the real stuff adds necessary flavor. The best shape for crab rangoon is a four-pointed star: It concentrates the filling and maximizes surface area for more crunch.

What is the shell of crab Rangoon made of? ›

Wonton Wrappers: Thin, square-shaped wrappers found in most grocery stores or International markets are perfect for this recipe. They are typically made from flour, water, and salt. I find wonton wrappers in the refrigerated section near the produce, usually next to where tofu and egg roll wrappers are sold.

Is crab rangoon healthy? ›

Worst: Crab Rangoon

It's mostly cream cheese, wrapped in dough and deep-fried to create bite-sized calorie bombs. Because they're small, it's easy to eat more than one. Finish an order of 4, and you're likely to get more than half the calories and fat you should have in an entire meal.

Why do my crab Rangoons puff up? ›

2) Ensure your crab meat and cream cheese filling is not too wet. During the deep frying process, the water in the filling can turn into steam and cause the wonton to puff up and even burst, causing the filling to ooze out, leaving only an empty shell.

What is the difference between crab puff and crab Rangoon? ›

Crab puffs, aka crab rangoons, are a staple at most casual Chinese restaurants. They are made of crispy wonton wrappers stuffed with juicy crab meat and cream cheese. Although they aren't super authentic, they have become a popular appetizer to tack on alongside chow mein, broccoli beef, and other take-out favorites.

Can you eat leftover crab rangoon? ›

But, if you do find yourself with either leftover crab rangoon or a frozen package that you're not sure how to reheat, there is one easy solution: the air fryer. Crab rangoon should be crispy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside.

Are crab rangoons fully cooked? ›

Cooking preparation

2. Place Crab Rangoons in fryer, cook for 4 minutes or until golden brown. 3. Crab Rangoons are finished when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Do you eat crab rangoon cold or hot? ›

They can be served hot or cold. In North America, crab rangoon is often served with a sauce for dipping such as soy sauce, plum sauce, duck sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or a hot mustard sauce.

Is crab rangoon the same as cream cheese rangoon? ›

Rangoon is actually a Burmese city. Wontons filled with cream cheese and imitation crab are named after the city – crab rangoons, whereas wontons just filled with cream cheese are often referred to as wontons – but they are used interchangeably.

What is crab rangoon sauce made of? ›

Fry wontons in batches until golden brown and crispy, gently moving them around in the oil with a strainer to brown each surface, about 3 minutes. Let cool about a minute before eating. Serve with the dipping sauce. Whisk ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sriracha sauce together in a bowl for the dipping sauce.

Can crab rangoon be left out overnight? ›

Refrigeration: Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to minimize the risk of bacteria growth. Leftover crab rangoons should be kept at or below 40°F.

What is cheese Rangoon made of? ›

The filling is cream cheese, which I know may sound odd, but trust me it really works. Then add some green onions, garlic, and tamari. Once that's all mixed together, you can make the Rangoons. You just need wonton wrappers and toasted sesame oil.

What is the outside of a Crab Rangoon made of? ›

Crab meat: Look for canned lump white crab meat and drain it before you use it. You can also substitute imitation crab or leave it out entirely. Egg: An egg wash helps seal the wonton wrappers together. Wonton wrappers: Look for square wonton wrappers made with wheat (not rice) that measure about 3 1/2” square.

Do rangoons ever have crab in them? ›

Both Chinese and Thai restaurants usually have some version that includes crab (real or imitation), while others do not. At those restaurants, they're usually called cream cheese wontons or cream cheese rangoons, filled only with cream cheese and sometimes scallions, which makes them vegetarian-friendly.

What is imitation crab made of? ›

Imitation crab is made with surimi, a paste made out of finely shredded or pulverized fish. After the fish is minced, it is heated and pressed into shapes that resemble meat from a crab leg. The resulting imitation crab looks similar to the original crab in its coloring and texture.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Roderick King

Last Updated:

Views: 5915

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Roderick King

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: 3782 Madge Knoll, East Dudley, MA 63913

Phone: +2521695290067

Job: Customer Sales Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Embroidery, Parkour, Kitesurfing, Rock climbing, Sand art, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Roderick King, I am a cute, splendid, excited, perfect, gentle, funny, vivacious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.