Cream cheese wontons are a delicious and crispy appetizer, perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a side dish for your favorite Asian-inspired meals. These golden, deep-fried wontons are filled with a creamy, savory, and slightly sweet cream cheese mixture, creating an irresistible bite. Whether you serve them with sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or a spicy dip, they are sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation make these wontons an easy appetizer.
- Crispy & Creamy – The perfect contrast between crunchy wonton wrappers and smooth, creamy filling.
- Customizable – You can add different flavors to the filling, such as crab, chives, or spices.
- Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for game nights, holiday gatherings, or just a fun snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese
- Wonton wrappers
- Green onions (optional)
- Garlic powder
- Sugar
- Salt
- Water (for sealing the wontons)
- Oil (for frying)
Directions

- Prepare the Filling – In a bowl, mix cream cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Fill the Wontons – Place a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper.
- Seal the Wontons – Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, then fold into a triangle or bring all the corners together to create a pouch shape. Press tightly to seal.
- Heat the Oil – In a deep pan or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Until Golden – Carefully drop the wontons into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve – Remove the wontons from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 20 wontons
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Crab Rangoon – Add imitation crab or real crab meat to the cream cheese mixture.
- Spicy Wontons – Mix in a bit of sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Baked Version – Instead of frying, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
- Air-Fried Wontons – Cook in an air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Sweet Wontons – Add a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla to the filling for a dessert version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store leftover wontons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.
- Freezing – Freeze uncooked wontons on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
FAQs
How do I keep my wontons from opening while frying?
Make sure to press the edges firmly when sealing, and avoid overfilling them. Using a bit of water helps create a tight seal.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the wontons a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to fry.
What dipping sauce goes best with cream cheese wontons?
Sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or a spicy chili sauce pair well with these crispy wontons.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Cream cheese is best for its smooth texture, but you can mix in a bit of shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a twist.
How do I prevent the wontons from getting soggy?
Serve immediately after frying, and avoid stacking them on top of each other.
Can I freeze cooked wontons?
Yes, but they may lose some crispiness when reheated. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for best results.
What oil is best for frying wontons?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work well because they have a high smoke point.
Can I use egg wash instead of water to seal the wontons?
Yes, egg wash can create an even stronger seal for the wontons.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches for best results.
Conclusion
Cream cheese wontons are a simple yet irresistible appetizer that everyone will love. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, they always turn out crispy and delicious. With plenty of variations and easy storage options, you can customize this recipe to fit any occasion. Try making them at home and enjoy restaurant-quality wontons in just a few minutes!
PrintCream Cheese Wontons
These crispy and creamy Cream Cheese Wontons are a delicious appetizer that combines a crunchy golden wrapper with a rich, cheesy filling. They’re easy to make and perfect for dipping in sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce. Great for parties, game nights, or whenever you’re craving a restaurant-style treat at home!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 wontons 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients
For the Wontons:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp soy sauce
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1 egg (beaten, for sealing)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For Serving (Optional):
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Soy sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
Instructions
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Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
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Fill the wontons: Lay out the wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each wrapper.
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Seal the wontons: Brush the edges of each wonton wrapper with the beaten egg. Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle or bring all four corners together for a classic wonton shape. Press the edges firmly to seal.
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Heat the oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry the wontons: Carefully add a few wontons at a time and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
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Serve: Let the wontons cool slightly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer baking, brush the wontons with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Air-frying option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- You can add crab meat or minced shrimp to make crab rangoon.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.