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Easy Crispy Seafood Wonton Poppers (Baked or Air Fryer!)

Ridiculously easy and fast, these Crispy Seafood Poppers are crispy little parcels bursting with a creamy, cheesy seafood filling, perfect for parties and gatherings.
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Cook Time 10 minutes

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Small bowl for water
  • Baking Sheet if baking
  • Parchment paper for baking
  • Air Fryer if air frying
  • Air fryer basket
  • Damp paper towel or cloth optional, for covering wontons or moistening edges

Ingredients
  

Hauptzutaten

  • 12 wonton wrappers Find these in the refrigerated section near tofu or other Asian ingredients.
  • 0.5 cup cooked shrimp chopped; Leftover cooked shrimp is perfect here, or grab some pre-cooked!
  • 0.5 cup cooked crab meat flaked; (or imitation crab); Canned, fresh, or imitation – your call! Just make sure it's cooked and drained well.
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Melty, gooey goodness!
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese softened; Just a little bit adds so much creaminess. Let it sit out for a few minutes first.
  • 1 tbsp green onions chopped; For a little fresh bite.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Easy flavor booster.
  • Salt to taste; Start with a pinch and add more if needed.
  • Black pepper to taste; Freshly ground is always best!
  • Olive oil spray or melted butter To get that gorgeous crispiness.
  • Chopped parsley for garnish; Optional, but adds a pretty pop of green.

Instructions
 

  • First things first, let's get our filling ready. Grab a medium bowl and toss in your chopped cooked shrimp, flaked crab meat, shredded mozzarella cheese, that softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a grind of black pepper.
  • Now, gently mix everything together until it's all happy and combined. You want a nice, creamy mixture. Give it a little taste and adjust the salt and pepper if you think it needs it.
  • Lay out your wonton wrappers on a clean surface. I usually do a few at a time so they don't dry out. Place about one tablespoon of that delicious seafood filling right in the center of each wrapper. Don't be tempted to overfill, or they'll be tricky to seal!
  • Time to seal them up! Keep a small bowl of water handy. Dip your finger in the water and moisten the edges of the wonton wrapper. You can fold it in half diagonally to make a triangle, pressing the edges firmly together to seal. Or, bring all four corners up to the center and pinch them together for a little purse shape. The key is to press out any air bubbles and make sure those edges are really sealed tight so the filling doesn't leak out while cooking.
  • While you're sealing, get your oven or air fryer ready. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • If you're baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If you're air frying, make sure your basket is clean or lined with a suitable insert. Place the filled wonton poppers on the sheet or in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. You'll likely need to cook in batches.
  • Give those poppers a light misting with olive oil spray or brush them gently with melted butter. This is what helps them get beautifully golden and crispy!
  • Now, the cooking! If baking, pop them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. If air frying, they'll need about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You're looking for them to be golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Cooking times can vary, so peek at them after the minimum time.
  • Once they're golden and crispy, carefully remove them. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if you like – it makes them look extra fancy! Serve them warm and watch them disappear.

Notes

This recipe is fast, easy, and crowd-pleasing. You can substitute cooked fish like cod or salmon for the seafood, or use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar. For spice, add cayenne, hot sauce, or Old Bay. Finely minced bell pepper or grated carrot can be added. Serve with dipping sauces like sweet chili, remoulade, tartar sauce, or lemon. To ensure success, don't overfill the wrappers (1 tbsp is enough), seal them tightly using water, keep unused wontons covered with a damp cloth, and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet or air fryer basket for maximum crispiness. Watch cooking times as they vary. You can assemble the poppers a few hours ahead and chill; add extra cook time if needed. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until heated and crispy. Microwaving is not recommended for crispness. You can use fresh seafood, but cook it thoroughly before adding to the filling. The filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.