These air fryer beef wontons are a delightful fusion of crispy texture and savory filling. Perfect as an appetizer or a snack, they bring together the rich flavors of ground beef and the crunch of shredded cabbage, all wrapped in a golden wonton shell.
If you don't usually cook Asian cuisine, you might not have wonton wrappers or sesame oil in your pantry. Wonton wrappers can be found in the refrigerated section of most supermarkets, often near the tofu or fresh pasta. Sesame oil is typically located in the international foods aisle.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Beef Wontons
Ground beef: Provides the primary protein and rich flavor for the filling.
Shredded cabbage: Adds a crunchy texture and a slight sweetness to balance the savory beef.
Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic and pungent qualities.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth to the filling.
Sesame oil: Imparts a nutty, toasty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Wonton wrappers: The thin dough that encases the filling, becoming crispy when air-fried.
Egg: Used to seal the wonton wrappers, ensuring they stay closed during cooking.
Technique Tip for Making Beef Wontons
To ensure your wontons are perfectly crispy and golden brown, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate evenly around each wonton, ensuring they cook uniformly. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain the ideal texture. Additionally, lightly spraying the wontons with a bit of cooking spray before air frying can enhance their crispiness.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and has a similar texture to ground beef.
ground beef - Substitute with ground pork: Ground pork provides a similar fat content and flavor profile to ground beef.
shredded cabbage - Substitute with shredded carrots: Shredded carrots add a similar crunch and a touch of sweetness.
shredded cabbage - Substitute with bean sprouts: Bean sprouts offer a similar texture and a fresh, slightly nutty flavor.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic for a similar flavor, though it is less pungent.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the other ingredients well.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that has a similar taste to soy sauce.
soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos are a soy-free and slightly sweeter alternative to soy sauce.
sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used in place of sesame oil, though it lacks the nutty flavor.
sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil has a similar high smoke point and a mild nutty flavor.
wonton wrappers - Substitute with rice paper: Rice paper can be used as a gluten-free alternative to wonton wrappers.
wonton wrappers - Substitute with dumpling wrappers: Dumpling wrappers are similar in texture and can be used interchangeably with wonton wrappers.
egg - Substitute with water and cornstarch mixture: A mixture of water and cornstarch can be used to seal the wontons if you want to avoid using eggs.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of flaxseed meal and water can act as a vegan alternative for sealing the wontons.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to Beef Wontons
How to Store and Freeze Beef Wontons
Allow the wontons to cool completely after cooking. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the wontons soggy.
Place the cooled wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step ensures they don't stick together.
Flash freeze the wontons by placing the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. This helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from clumping together.
Transfer the frozen wontons to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness.
Store the wontons in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, consume them within this period to enjoy their optimal flavor and texture.
To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen wontons in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
If you prefer to store the wontons in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Avoid microwaving the wontons as this can make them soggy. The air fryer is the best method to reheat and maintain their crispy texture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover beef wontons in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes until they are crispy and warmed through.
- For a quick stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of sesame oil and place the wontons in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are heated through and the edges are crispy.
- If you prefer using the oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the wontons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until they are hot and crispy.
- For a microwave option, place the wontons on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as other methods.
- To steam, place the wontons in a bamboo steamer lined with cabbage leaves or parchment paper. Steam over boiling water for 3-4 minutes until they are heated through. This method will keep them moist but not crispy.
Essential Tools for Making Beef Wontons in an Air Fryer
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the ground beef, shredded cabbage, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Spoon: This will help you place a small spoonful of the mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper.
Pastry brush: Use this to brush the edges of the wonton wrappers with beaten egg to help seal them.
Air fryer: Preheat this to 375°F (190°C) and use it to cook the wontons until they are golden brown and crispy.
Air fryer basket: Place the wontons in a single layer in this basket to ensure even cooking.
Knife: Use this to mince the garlic.
Cutting board: This will provide a safe surface for mincing the garlic and shredding the cabbage.
Measuring spoons: These will help you measure out the soy sauce and sesame oil accurately.
Small bowl: Use this to beat the egg for sealing the wonton wrappers.
How to Save Time on Making Beef Wontons
Prepare the filling in advance: Mix the ground beef, shredded cabbage, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil a day before and refrigerate.
Use pre-shredded cabbage: Save time by buying pre-shredded cabbage from the store instead of shredding it yourself.
Batch assembly: Lay out multiple wonton wrappers at once and fill them assembly-line style to speed up the process.
Preheat the air fryer: Start preheating your air fryer while you are assembling the wontons to save time.
Freeze extras: Make a double batch and freeze the extra wontons for a quick snack or meal later.

Air Fryer Beef Wontons Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 24 pieces wonton wrappers
- 1 unit egg, beaten for sealing
Instructions
- 1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, shredded cabbage, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- 2. Place a small spoonful of the mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper.
- 3. Brush the edges of the wrapper with beaten egg and fold to seal.
- 4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- 5. Place wontons in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts for Beef Wontons
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