If you’re a fan of all things crispy, golden, and perfectly snackable, let me introduce you to one of the ultimate at-home appetizers: Fried Wonton Strips. These irresistible little crisps have that light-as-air crunch you crave, with just a hint of salt and the option to add your favorite seasoning mix. Whether you’re tossing them over soup, scooping up a bowl of spicy dip, or just munching them straight from the plate, Fried Wonton Strips are about to become your new obsession for snacking, garnishing, and sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Fried Wonton Strips lies in just a few humble ingredients, each one playing an important part. Get ready for maximum crunch and flavor with minimal fuss!
- Wonton wrappers: These thin sheets are the star of the show, transforming into airy, shatteringly crisp strips once fried.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or sunflower, for even, golden frying.
- Salt (to taste): A little sprinkle after frying wakes up all the flavors and adds that irresistible finish.
- Optional: Garlic powder or Chinese five spice (for seasoning): Elevate your strips with a dusting of extra flavor—totally customizable to your mood and the meal you’re pairing with.
How to Make Fried Wonton Strips
Step 1: Prep the Wonton Wrappers
Start by stacking your wonton wrappers neatly—about 6 at a time works best. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice them into 1/2-inch wide strips. Uniform cuts mean every bite fries consistently, achieving that signature light crunch throughout the batch.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or a sturdy pot. Over medium heat, warm the oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop in a test strip; it should sizzle immediately and turn golden in about 30 to 60 seconds. Hot, but not smoking, is what you’re after.
Step 3: Fry the Strips
Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding, gently slide a handful of wonton strips into the oil. They’ll puff and crisp in seconds—flip them once for even browning. Keep a close eye, as they go from golden to overdone quickly! Each batch should take just 30 to 60 seconds.
Step 4: Drain and Season
Use a slotted spoon or spider to scoop out your freshly fried strips, letting excess oil drip away. Lay them out on a paper towel–lined plate right away. While still hot, dust with salt or any of your favorite seasonings like garlic powder or five spice. That little extra touch makes them truly addictive.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let your Fried Wonton Strips cool until just warm—though, let’s be honest, you’ll probably sneak a few immediately! They crisp up even more as they sit, and are ready for dipping, topping, or straight-up snacking.
How to Serve Fried Wonton Strips
Garnishes
Right after frying, a sprinkle of green onion, a toss of toasted sesame seeds, or an extra dusting of za’atar can turn Fried Wonton Strips into a show-stopping garnish. Not only do they add crunch and color, but also a surprising burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
Fried Wonton Strips are a natural partner for Asian-inspired soups like wonton or hot and sour, but don’t stop there! Pair them with a crisp cucumber salad, spicy edamame, or even next to your favorite rice bowl for a truly complete snack spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I love piling Fried Wonton Strips into a small bowl alongside a trio of dipping sauces—think sweet chili, peanut sauce, or soy-ginger. For soup night, let guests sprinkle their own over steaming bowls. Or, top a colorful salad with strips instead of croutons for a crunch-packed upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If your group hasn’t devoured every Fried Wonton Strip, keep them fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll hold their crunch and flavor for up to 3 days, perfect for snacking or salad-topping all week.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Fried Wonton Strips, as their delicate crunch tends to get lost after thawing. Their quick cooking time makes it easy to whip up a new batch in a snap whenever a craving strikes!
Reheating
If your strips lose a bit of crispness, a quick toss in a hot, dry skillet or a brief warm-up in a 350°F oven (2–3 minutes) will bring them back to crispy life. Just keep watch, as they can brown fast once reheated.
FAQs
Can I bake Fried Wonton Strips instead of frying?
While you won’t get the exact same shatteringly crisp texture, you can absolutely bake the strips. Spray them lightly with oil, arrange on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 6–8 minutes until golden, flipping once.
What sauces go well with Fried Wonton Strips?
Sweet chili sauce, creamy peanut dip, hoisin, or classic soy-ginger sauces are all delicious choices. They’re also fantastic with homemade salsas or even a spicy mayo for a totally unexpected twist.
Can I use rice paper or egg roll wrappers instead?
You can substitute egg roll wrappers for a slightly heartier crunch, just cut them into strips before frying. Rice paper won’t work as a substitute, since it fries up with a very different texture and can become chewy instead of crisp.
How do I keep them crispy for a party?
Be sure they’re completely cool and dry before storing, and keep them out of humid environments. Serve shortly after making for best results, but you can always refresh them in the oven right before the party.
Are Fried Wonton Strips gluten-free?
Most store-bought wonton wrappers are made with wheat flour and aren’t gluten-free. However, if you can find gluten-free wrappers or make your own, you can absolutely use them with this method for a gluten-free snack.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crave-worthy, crowd-pleasing snack or that perfect crispy topping, you can’t go wrong with Fried Wonton Strips. Quick to make and impossible to resist, they’re one of those kitchen staples you’ll find yourself making again and again. Don’t be surprised if they disappear well before dinner!
Print
Fried Wonton Strips Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Learn how to make delicious Fried Wonton Strips at home with this easy recipe. These crispy strips are perfect for topping soups, salads, or enjoying as a snack.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 12 wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt (to taste)
- Optional: Garlic powder or Chinese five spice (for seasoning)
Instructions
- Prepare the Wonton Strips: Stack the wonton wrappers and cut them into 1/2-inch wide strips.
- Fry the Strips: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry the strips until golden brown and crispy, flipping once.
- Season and Serve: Drain the strips on paper towels, season with salt or desired seasoning, and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with garlic powder, chili powder, or Chinese five spice after frying.
- Serve as a crunchy topping for soups, salads, or dipping sauces.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 12 strips
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
