Air Fryer Caribbean Wontons Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Air Fryer Caribbean Wontons with this easy baking recipe. Featuring authentic jerk-spiced chicken, sweet plantains, and cheese in crispy wrappers, these tropical appetizers deliver restaurant-quality results with half the calories of deep-fried versions.

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

25 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Serves:

24 wontons

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g cooked chicken breast, shredded</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tablespoons jerk seasoning paste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 ripe plantain (about 150g), diced into small cubes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g grated cheddar cheese</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g finely diced red bell pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 spring onions, finely sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon fresh lime juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">24 wonton wrappers</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 egg, beaten (for sealing wontons)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml vegetable oil spray</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the dipping sauce:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml Greek yogurt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon lime juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon honey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ teaspoon scotch bonnet pepper, minced (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt to taste</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small bowl of water (for sealing wontons)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowls</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Cutting board</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the jerk seasoning paste, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. The paste will infuse the chicken with authentic Caribbean flavors while creating a moist filling that won't dry out during air frying.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Heat a small non-stick pan over medium heat and sauté the diced plantain for about 3-4 minutes until slightly softened and caramelized at the edges. This pre-cooking step ensures the plantain will be perfectly tender in the finished wontons. Set aside to cool slightly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a large mixing bowl, combine the seasoned chicken, sautéed plantain, grated cheese, diced bell pepper, spring onions, thyme leaves, and lime juice. Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed. The lime juice brightens the flavors and helps balance the heat from the jerk seasoning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Lay out your wonton wrappers on a clean, dry surface. Working with one wrapper at a time, place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center, being careful not to overfill (overfilling can cause the wontons to burst during cooking).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Using your finger or a small pastry brush, apply beaten egg along the edges of the wrapper. This creates a strong seal that prevents the filling from leaking out during cooking. Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, then press firmly around the edges to seal, removing any air pockets as you go.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>For a more decorative presentation, bring the two opposite corners of the triangle together and seal with a dab of egg wash, creating a little purse shape. Alternatively, leave as triangles for a simpler approach.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 3 minutes. This preheating step is crucial for achieving an even, crispy exterior on your wontons.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Lightly spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil. Arrange the wontons in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't touch (you'll need to cook in batches). Lightly spray the tops of the wontons with oil to help them crisp and turn golden.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Air fry for 5-6 minutes until the wontons are golden brown and crispy, turning them halfway through cooking. The wrappers should develop a crisp exterior while maintaining a slight chew – similar to the texture of traditional deep-fried wontons but with much less oil.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>While the wontons are cooking, prepare the dipping sauce by combining the Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime juice, honey, minced scotch bonnet (if using), and salt in a small bowl. Stir well to combine. The yogurt base provides a cooling contrast to the spicy wontons.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Once all batches are cooked, arrange the wontons on a serving platter with the dipping sauce on the side. Serve immediately while hot and crispy. The contrast between the crisp exterior and the moist, flavorful filling is best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Caribbean Wontons Recipe?

The recipe uses shredded chicken, jerk seasoning, ripe plantain, cheddar cheese, red bell pepper, spring onions, thyme, lime juice, and wonton wrappers. For the dipping sauce: Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, honey, and optional scotch bonnet pepper.

How to cook Air Fryer Caribbean Wontons Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Caribbean Wontons by combining jerk-spiced chicken with sautéed plantains and cheese, filling wonton wrappers, sealing them into triangles, and air frying at 180°C for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve with a refreshing cilantro-lime yogurt dipping sauce for a delicious Caribbean-inspired appetiser.

Can I make these Caribbean wontons in a conventional oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes! Bake the wontons in a preheated oven at 200°C for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. Brush them with oil before baking to achieve a similar crispiness. They won't be quite as evenly crisp as air-fried, but still delicious.

What's the best way to fold wontons to prevent leaking during cooking?

Apply egg wash generously around all edges, remove air pockets as you seal, and firmly press the edges together. For extra security, fold corners into a "nurse's cap" shape or use a fork to crimp the edges. Always ensure there's space between wontons in the air fryer.

What can I substitute for plantains in Caribbean-style wontons?

Sweet potatoes make an excellent alternative, offering similar sweetness. Ripe mango provides tropical fruitiness, while butternut squash offers comparable texture. For authentic Caribbean flavours, keep the jerk seasoning and consider adding a pinch of allspice if using substitutes.

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