Crispy Asian Appetizers: Fried Wontons
When that craving for something crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor hits, nothing satisfies quite like golden-fried appetizers straight from the pan. We tested two easy recipes — Crispy Fried Wontons with Sweet Chili Sauce and Crispy, Cheesy Beef & Jalapeño Egg Rolls — and they’re absolutely irresistible.
Both are party favorites, easy to prep ahead, and deliver the perfect mix of crunch, spice, and creaminess. Let’s dive into the full recipes, prep times, and serving ideas.
1. Crispy Fried Wontons with Sweet Chili Sauce
Light, golden parcels filled with savory meat or cream cheese, perfectly crispy outside and tender inside — dipped in a tangy-sweet chili sauce that ties it all together.
Cooking & Preparation Time
| Type | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 15 minutes |
| Cooking | 10 minutes |
| Total | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 20 wontons |
Tools Needed
- Deep frying pan or wok
- Mixing bowl
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Small serving bowl for dipping sauce
Ingredients
- 20 wonton wrappers
- ½ lb ground chicken or shrimp (finely minced)
- 2 tbsp green onions (chopped)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp garlic paste
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Sweet chili sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Mix filling: In a bowl, combine meat, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic.
- Assemble wontons: Place 1 tsp filling in the center of each wrapper, wet edges, and fold diagonally to seal.
- Heat oil: In a pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry: Cook wontons in small batches until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot with sweet chili sauce.
Nutrition (Per 4 Pieces)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbs | 18 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
Health Benefits
- High in protein from chicken or shrimp
- Lower in calories if air-fried or shallow-fried
- Sweet chili sauce provides antioxidants from red chili and garlic
2. Crispy, Cheesy Beef and Jalapeño Egg Rolls
If you love bold, Tex-Mex flavors — this one’s for you. These crispy egg rolls are loaded with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and diced jalapeños for a spicy, cheesy crunch in every bite.
Cooking & Preparation Time
| Type | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 20 minutes |
| Cooking | 15 minutes |
| Total | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 10 egg rolls |
Tools Needed
- Large skillet or deep fryer
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 10 egg roll wrappers
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tbsp diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Cook filling: Brown ground beef in a skillet. Add spices and jalapeños, then remove from heat.
- Add cheese: Stir in shredded cheese until slightly melted.
- Wrap rolls: Place 2 tbsp filling on each wrapper, fold sides in, and roll tightly.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry rolls until golden and crisp — about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Drain & serve: Remove with tongs, place on paper towels, and serve warm with ranch or queso dip.
Nutrition (Per Roll)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
Health Benefits
- High in protein and calcium from cheese and beef
- Jalapeños add vitamin C and capsaicin (boosts metabolism)
- Can be air-fried for a lighter version
Best Side Pairings & Compliments
These crunchy bites pair perfectly with refreshing and creamy sides.
Best Sides:
- Asian cucumber salad
- Coleslaw with sesame dressing
- Steamed edamame
- Crispy vegetable spring rolls
Best Dips & Sauces:
- Sweet chili sauce
- Spicy mayo
- Garlic aioli
- Ranch or chipotle queso dip
Ideal Drinks & Shakes:
- Thai iced tea or lemonade
- Cold soda or lime mojito
- Vanilla milkshake (pairs well with spicy food)
FAQs
Can I bake or air-fry these instead of deep-frying?
Yes, air fryers work beautifully! Brush lightly with oil and air-fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until golden.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble and freeze uncooked wontons or egg rolls, then fry straight from the freezer — no thawing needed.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack melt perfectly inside egg rolls.
How do I keep fried appetizers crispy?
Place them on a wire rack instead of paper towels after frying to maintain crunch.
Can I serve both at the same party?
Yes — they make an excellent appetizer combo. Offer both with different dips for variety.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Fried Wontons and Cheesy Jalapeño Egg Rolls are everything comfort food lovers crave — crispy shells, creamy fillings, and bold flavors that please any crowd.
Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner night, party platter, or Pinterest-perfect snack board, these recipes are guaranteed to steal the spotlight. Both can be made ahead, fried in minutes, and served with your favorite sauces for the ultimate finger-food experience.