Air Fryer Crab Rangoon (2024)

Just like your favorite Chinese takeout appetizer, but air fried or baked instead of deep fried, so you can have several without any guilt! This Air Fryer Crab Rangoon recipe is super simple, delicious, and freezer friendly!

Another awesome variation on crab rangoon is this crab rangoon dip – everyone fights over it!

Easy Crab Rangoon Recipe in the Air Fryer

Crab Rangoon are easily one of my favorite appetizers to order when we get Chinese takeout – so crispy on the outside, with a sweet creamy inside. We usually order two batches because I never want to share. But for the tiny amount you get and the steep price, it’s definitely not a cheap starter. Way less expensive to make them at home.

For this recipe, we took the beloved elements of crab rangoon, but instead of deep frying them, they’re cooked in the air fryer. One of these is only 69 calories, which is far less than their deep fried cousin. Woot! Less work and less calories, so you can enjoy more of them without the guilt!

What is Crab Rangoon?

Crab Rangoon is a super popular appetizer found on most Chinese menus nationwide, right up there with egg rolls as a consumer favorite. They are wontons filled with a crab and cream cheese mixture, pinched into little purses and then deep fried. Since cream cheese doesn’t exist in authentic Chinese cuisine, though, it’s probably a safe assumption that they originated in America. Either way, nobody can debate how delicious they are!

Ingredients Needed

This easy crab rangoon recipe only requires 6 simple ingredients, plus some seasonings.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

• Crab meat – Purchase canned crab meat or get lump crab meat from the seafood counter. (See notes below.)
• Cream cheese – Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it’s easier to mix.
• Mayonnaise – Gives the filling another creamy element and adds tang and flavor.
• Scallion – For a subtle onion, peppery flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth of flavor, and balances out the sweet and tangy taste from the cream cheese and mayo.
• Seasonings – Garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper season the filling.
• Wonton wrappers – 12ouncepackage wonton wrappers(you might have some left over.)

How to Make Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

This particular crab rangoon recipe is air fried, making it quicker, easier, and no smell of grease wafting throughout the house for days afterward. It’s super simple to make in just 4 steps. Here’s a summary.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

1. Make the filling. Mix all of the filling ingredients together in a bowl until combined.
2. Fill the wonton wrappers. Moisten the edges of the wonton wrapper with a touch of water. Place 2 & 1/2 teaspoons of the filling in the center and pinch the wrapper to form a flower shape.
3. Place rangoons in air fry basket. Spray your air fryer basket with nonstick spray and place the filled wontons inside in a single layer, not touching. Spray the tops with nonstick spray.
4. Air fry. Set your air fryer to 380F and air fry for 6 minutes.

Baked Crab Rangoon: Don’t have an air fryer? No worries! These can also be baked in the oven.

1. Place them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
2. Spray with cooking spray or brush well with vegetable oil.
3. Baked at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden.

Tips for Success

• Use any type of crab. Canned crab claw meat, jumbo lump crab, fresh crab, or imitation crab all work. There’s no shame in using imitation crab meat to save on money. They will still be delicious!
• Don’t overstuff the wonton wrapper or they could burst open while cooking.
• Try to seal the wrapper around the filling. You want a good seal around the filling, otherwise air will get in, which will create steam and break open the wrapper. If a little bit of the filling comes up in the center of the wonton, that is okay.

Make Ahead and Freezer Instructions

Can you freeze crab rangoon? Yes! This crab rangoon recipe freezes wonderfully. Then you can just pull however many you want out of the freezer, let them thaw, cook, and have a great little appetizer or snack in minutes!

Simply prep the rangoons according to the recipe (up until the point of cooking), place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and transfer to the freezer for a few hours until solid. Then put them all in a large resealable freezer-safe plastic bag for longer term storage. Make sure to remove any air from the bag and label. They’ll last for up to 2 months, but make sure they don’t develop ice crystals or freezer burn. Thaw, spray or brush with oil, and cook.

What to Serve with Crab Rangoon?

Crab rangoon is a perfect accompaniment for serving with your favorite Chinese stir fry recipes like Sweet and Sour Chicken, Cashew Chicken, or fried rice, and sweet chili sauce for dipping!

More Air Fryer Recipes:

• Air Fryer Pineapple
• CrispyAir Fryer Onion Rings
• EasyAir Fryer Biscuits Donuts
• Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
• Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full onTikTok,Facebook,Instagram,Pinterest, andYouTube!