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.

Air Fryer Crab Rangoon on a black platter with dipping sauce

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

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

Close up of air fryer crab rangoon on a black plate

How Do You Fold A Crab Meat Rangoon?

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.
Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water using your fingertip or a pastry brush.
Fold the wonton wrapper diagonally, creating a triangle shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, ensuring no air is trapped inside.
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:

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

Air Fryer Crab Rangoon Pin with text overlay

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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

Why They're The Perfect Pairing For Your Next Meal