Air Fryer Crab Rangoon Pin with text overlay - 1

This Air Fryer Crab Rangoon recipe is a healthier take on a popular appetizer often found on the menu of many Asian restaurants. It combines the sweetness of crabmeat with the creaminess of cream cheese, all wrapped in a crispy golden shell. This delectable dish, with its perfect balance of flavors and textures, is a true crowd-pleaser.

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Why They’re The Perfect Pairing For Your Next Meal

  • Fast. Ready in under 30 minutes with the help of your air fryer.
  • Easy. Prepare the filling, fill the wrappers, fold neatly, and pop them in the air fryer to cook.
  • Versatile. Fill them with a variety of ingredients to create the perfect bite to accompany your meal.
  • Delicious. Crispy, creamy, slightly sweet with a pop of umami, you’ll want to keep going back for more.

By cutting back on the oil, you can still achieve that satisfying crunch while reducing the guilt. With its delightful combination of crabmeat and cream cheese, this Air Fryer Crab Rangoon recipe is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends.

What Is The Difference Between Crab Rangoon And A Fried Cheese Wonton?

Crab Rangoon and Fried Cheese Wontons are both popular appetizers commonly found in Asian cuisine, but they differ in their main ingredients and flavors. Here are the key differences between the two:

Filling

  • Crab Rangoon - As the name suggests, the primary ingredient in Crab Rangoon is crab meat. It is typically mixed with cream cheese, green onions, and various seasonings. The filling has a creamy and savory taste with a hint of seafood flavor.
  • Fried Cheese Wontons - In Fried Cheese Wontons, the main ingredient is typically cream cheese, sometimes combined with other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella. The filling is usually seasoned with garlic, onion, and other spices to enhance the cheesy flavor.

Flavor

  • Crab Rangoon - The combination of crabmeat, cream cheese, and seasonings gives Crab Rangoon a unique blend of savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors. The crabmeat adds a subtle seafood taste that complements the creaminess of the cheese.
  • Fried Cheese Wontons - With its focus on cheese, Fried Cheese Wontons have a rich, creamy, and indulgent flavor. The cheese filling becomes gooey and melted when fried, offering a satisfying texture and a taste that appeals to cheese lovers.

Texture

  • Crab Rangoon - The texture of Crab Rangoon is a delightful contrast between the crispy, golden-brown fried wonton wrapper, and the creamy, soft filling. The crabmeat adds a bit of texture and subtle chewiness.
  • Fried Cheese Wontons - Similar to Crab Rangoon, Fried Cheese Wontons have a crispy exterior due to the fried wonton wrapper. However, the cheese filling melts and becomes gooey when cooked, providing a smooth and creamy texture.

What Is Crab Rangoon Filling Made Of?

  • Lump crabmeat
  • Cream cheese
  • Green onions
  • Garlic
  • Soy sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Ground ginger
  • White pepper

You’ll need these ingredients to complete the recipe that isn’t included in the list of filling items:

  • 24 wonton wrappers
  • Cooking spray
  • Sweet and sour sauce, for serving

Do Chinese Restaurants Use Imitation Crab In Crab Rangoon?

In some Chinese restaurants, imitation crab meat may be used in Crab Rangoon instead of real crab meat. While it can vary depending on the restaurant, imitation crab meat is a cost-effective alternative that still provides a similar texture and flavor to real crab.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 8 ounces Lump Crab Meat - This is the star ingredient, providing sweet, delicate seafood flavor and a tender bite. Lump crab gives the filling its signature texture and richness.
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese - Acts as the creamy binder for the filling. It creates the smooth, luxurious texture that balances the crab and helps the mixture stay cohesive inside the wonton wrapper.
  • 2 Green Onions - Adds freshness, mild onion flavor, and a pop of color. They brighten the richness of the cream cheese and complement the crab’s sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic - Provides savory depth and aromatic flavor, enhancing the filling without overpowering the delicate crab.
  • 1 teaspoon Soy Sauce - Contributes saltiness and umami, helping to season the filling while balancing the creaminess of the cheese.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce - Adds subtle tang and savory complexity. Its blend of vinegar and spices boosts the overall flavor profile of the filling.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger - Gives a warm, slightly sweet aromatic note that pairs beautifully with crab and cream cheese, adding complexity without heat.
  • 1/4 teaspoon White Pepper - Offers gentle heat and a mild peppery flavor that blends smoothly into the filling. It’s traditional in many Asian dishes for a clean, subtle spice.
  • 24 Wonton Wrappers - These serve as the crisp, golden shell that encases the filling. Their thin structure becomes perfectly crunchy in the air fryer while holding the creamy crab mixture inside.
  • Cooking Spray - Helps the wontons crisp evenly in the air fryer, creating a golden exterior without needing deep frying. It also prevents sticking and promotes even browning.

How To Make Crab Rangoon

  1. Prepare the Filling . In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped green onions, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ground ginger, and white pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Gently fold in the flaked crabmeat, being careful not to break up the meat too much. The mixture should be evenly combined, with visible chunks of crabmeat throughout.
  2. Assemble the Crab Rangoon. Place the filling in the center of the wrapper and fold it up tight using the steps provided below.
  3. Air Fry the Crab Rangoon. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the crab rangoon in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Lightly spray the crab rangoon with non-stick cooking spray. Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the crab rangoon is golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
  4. Serve and Enjoy . Allow the crab rangoon to cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling can be extremely hot. Serve the Crab Rangoon on a platter, alongside a dipping sauce of your choice. Sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or tangy chili sauce are excellent options. Enjoy the crispy, golden exterior giving way to a creamy and savory filling, a true delight for your taste buds.
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How Do You Fold A Crab Meat Rangoon?

  1. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean, dry surface. Place about a teaspoon of the crab and cream cheese mixture in the center of the wrapper.
  2. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water using your fingertip or a pastry brush.
  3. Fold the wonton wrapper diagonally, creating a triangle shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, ensuring no air is trapped inside.
  4. For a classic crab rangoon shape, bring the two opposite corners of the triangle together and press firmly to seal. This will create a small folded pocket.

Tips And Tricks

Making Crab Rangoon in an air fryer is a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve crispy and delicious Air Fryer Crab Rangoon:

  • Preheat the Air Fryer. Just like with any cooking method, preheating the air fryer is important. Preheating helps to ensure that the air fryer reaches the desired cooking temperature before you start cooking the Crab Rangoon. This promotes even and consistent cooking.
  • Avoid Overcrowding. Give the Crab Rangoon enough space in the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate evenly around each piece. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and a less crispy texture. It’s better to cook them in batches if needed.
  • Keep an Eye on Cooking Time. Cooking times can vary depending on the air fryer model and size of the Crab Rangoon. Check the progress of the wontons during cooking and adjust the cooking time as needed. It’s better to undercook them slightly and add more time if necessary, as overcooking can result in dry or burnt wontons.

Variations

Crab Rangoon is a versatile dish that can be customized with different flavors and ingredients. Here are some delicious variations you can try to add a unique twist to your Crab Rangoon recipe:

  • Skip the crab. Want to keep these vegetarian? Skip the crab meat and make them as the recipe is written.
  • Add some sweetness. To accentuate the naturally sweet flavor of crab, add a tiny amount of sugar or sugar substitute to the filling before air frying.
  • Enjoy them spicy. Stir in a bit of chili garlic sauce to the filling before folding your crab rangoon for a spicy kick.

What To Serve Them With

Name an Asian-inspired dish and you’ll have something that pairs well with these crispy and creamy little bites. Here are a few of my favorite recipes to enjoy with them:

  • Shrimp Fried Rice
  • Sesame Ginger Chicken
  • Beef Bulgogi
  • Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

How Long Do They Last?

When you make this Crab Rangoon recipe at home, it is best to consume them within 1 to 2 days. This timeframe ensures that the crispy texture and flavors are at their best. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze Them?

If you have leftover Crab Rangoon that you want to store for longer than a few days, it is possible to freeze them.

Place the cooked and cooled Crab Rangoon in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing excess air. Properly stored, frozen Crab Rangoon can last up to 2 to 3 months.

More Asian-Inspired Recipes

  • Keto Sushi
  • Summer Rolls
  • Spicy Noodles
  • Potstickers
  • Honey Walnut Shrimp
  • Chicken Wontons
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Crab Rangoon Recipe | Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

Ingredients

  • ▢ 8 ounces lump crab meat
  • ▢ 8 ounces cream cheese
  • ▢ 2 green onions
  • ▢ 1 tsp minced garlic
  • ▢ 1 tsp soy sauce
  • ▢ 1/2 tsp Worchestershire sauce
  • ▢ 1/4 tsp Ground Ginger
  • ▢ 1/4 tsp White Pepper
  • ▢ 24 Wonton Wrappers
  • ▢ Cooking Spray

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped green onions, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ground ginger, and white pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Gently fold in the flaked crabmeat, being careful not to break up the meat too much. The mixture should be evenly combined, with visible chunks of crabmeat throughout.
  • Place the filling in the center of the wrapper and fold it up tight using the steps provided below.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375F for about 5 minutes.Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.Arrange the crab rangoon in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.Lightly spray the crab rangoon with non-stick cooking spray.Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the crab rangoon are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
  • Allow the crab rangoon to cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling can be extremely hot. Serve the Crab Rangoon on a platter, alongside a dipping sauce of your choice.

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Crab Rangoon Recipe | Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces lump crab meat
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 green onions
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp Worchestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Ginger
  • 1/4 tsp White Pepper
  • 24 Wonton Wrappers
  • Cooking Spray

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped green onions, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ground ginger, and white pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Gently fold in the flaked crabmeat, being careful not to break up the meat too much. The mixture should be evenly combined, with visible chunks of crabmeat throughout.
  • Place the filling in the center of the wrapper and fold it up tight using the steps provided below.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375F for about 5 minutes.Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.Arrange the crab rangoon in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.Lightly spray the crab rangoon with non-stick cooking spray.Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the crab rangoon are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
  • Allow the crab rangoon to cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling can be extremely hot. Serve the Crab Rangoon on a platter, alongside a dipping sauce of your choice.

Crab Rangoon Recipe | Air Fryer Crab Rangoon https://twosleevers.com/crab-rangoon-recipe/

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Just 8 minutes start to finish to make this delicious Air Fryer Keto Shrimp Scampi. It’s so simple to make, and so tasty, that you won’t believe it.

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What Makes This Keto Shrimp Scampi So Great

What could I possibly say about Shrimp Scampi that hasn’t already been said before? Probably nothing. Except that this Keto Shrimp Scampi Recipe has no wine, lots of butter, garlic, and flavor, and I made it in an air fryer.

At this point, you’re probably asking yourself, how do I make shrimp scampi in an air fryer? In a pan, that’s how.

Of course, you could make this very same Keto Shrimp Scampi in an oven , or on the stovetop . You’d follow almost the same cooking directions, but I liked making this Shrimp Scampi in the air fryer for three reasons.

  1. It was super fast. Like 8 minutes fast. Just follow the exact order I list to get the most efficient workflow because yes, workflow in cooking is a thing.
  2. It didn’t heat up my whole kitchen.
  3. There were zero splatters anywhere on my kitchen counter.

So if you’re wondering if the world really needs YET ANOTHER Shrimp Scampi recipe , my answer is a resounding yes when it comes to this Keto Shrimp Scampi .

How To Make This Air Fryer Keto Shrimp Scampi

Four step by step shots to show how to make shrimp scampi - 28
  1. Turn your air fryer to 330F. Place a 6 x 3 metal pan in it and allow it to start heating while you gather your ingredients. Place the butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes into the hot 6-inch pan .
  2. Allow it to cook for 2 minutes, stirring once, until the butter has melted. Do not skip this step. This is what infuses garlic into the butter, which is what makes it all taste so good. Open the air fryer , add all ingredients to the pan in the order listed, stirring gently.
  3. Allow shrimp to cook for 5 minutes, stirring once. At this point, the butter should be well-melted and liquid, bathing the shrimp in spiced goodness.
  4. Mix very well, remove the 6-inch pan using silicone mitts , and let it rest for 1 minute on the counter. You’re doing this so that you let the shrimp cook in the residual heat, rather than letting it accidentally overcook and get rubbery. Stir at the end of the minute. The shrimp should be well-cooked at this point.

Tips And Tricks For Making Keto Shrimp Scampi

  • I know it may feel a little different to eat shrimp scampi without pasta, but that’s why we have zoodles and mashed cauliflower in this world.
  • If carbs are not an issue, you can do pasta of course.
  • If using frozen shrimp, you will need to cook for longer. I haven’t tried it with frozen shrimp, so unfortunately I can’t tell you how much longer. If you figure out the exact cook time, make sure to let me know in the comments!
  • If you’re allergic to shrimp, you could try with bite-size chicken pieces, and check at the end of the cooking period to see if it needs longer.
  • To make this vegetarian , you could make the same sauce and mix it with drained, canned chickpeas. You could also try lightly steamed cauliflower or broccoli in this sauce.
  • By the way, if you want to make a keto shrimp scampi in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker check out my Instant Pot Creamy Shrimp Scampi Recipe here.

Can You Cook Frozen Shrimp In The Air Fryer?

You absolutely can cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer. If using frozen shrimp, you will need to cook for longer. I haven’t tried it with frozen shrimp, so unfortunately I can’t tell you how much longer.

One thing I would suggest is to defrost them under running warm water for a couple of minutes before cooking to follow the recipe exactly.

Is Shrimp OK For Keto?

Shrimp is actually fantastic for living a keto lifestyle! For a single serving size of 9 shrimp , there are only 3 grams of carbs.

They’re so low carb that it’s one of my favorite proteins to enjoy when trying to keep within my macros.

What Goes Well With Shrimp Scampi?

  • A simple side salad of spinach, kale, and arugula.
  • Garlic bread is a popular option. If you are trying to keep things low carb you should try my Cauliflower Bread Sticks !
  • Shrimp Scampi is often served on a bed of linguine. Now if you’re living a keto lifestyle like I am, you can use Carbanada noodles instead. They’re a wonderfully low-carb pasta substitute that I often use to keep my carb count low.

Variations For This Shrimp Scampi

  • Smoked Shrimp Scampi - add smoked paprika before cooking.
  • Lemon Pepper Shrimp Scampi - sprinkle some lemon pepper and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
  • Spicy Shrimp Scampi - A splash (or three) of hot sauce and a sprinkle of cayenne or red pepper flakes makes this a spice lover’s dream.
  • Shrimp Linguine - Top a bed of your favorite pasta with this delicious shrimp and butter sauce if you’re not counting carbs.

Looking For More Great Keto Shrimp Recipes? Check These Out!

  • Cajun Shrimp and Sausage - Deliciously buttery, spicy, lemony, and luscious
  • Shrimp and Asparagus Gribiche - Quick, easy, and keto!
  • Shrimp with Coconut Milk - Super easy instant pot recipe
  • Instant Pot Clam Chowder with Shrimp - Shrimp in clam chowder!
  • Air Fryer Shrimp Fried Rice - Made in just 30 minutes
  • Mediterranean Shrimp With Feta and Olives - Low carb and SO good
  • Bang Bang Shrimp - Spicy, fast, and delicious
  • Air Fried Salt and Pepper Shrimp - Fried shrimp without the excess oil/fat
  • Keto Shrimp And Grits - All that savory goodness you expect from a southern classic without all the carbs!
  • Easy Shrimp Scampi - Low carb, fast, and so easy.
  • Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp - The crispiest shrimp and the best sauce you’ve ever had!
  • Keto Coconut Shrimp - Is guaranteed to be one of your new favorites.

How Long Does It Last?

Unfortuntalely, shrimp are very temperamental with how they are cooked, and when cooked perfectly, it’s difficult to reheat them without them becoming rubbery. So, since this dish is so quick and easy to make, I prefer to make only the total servings I’m planning to feed my family in one batch.

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Keto Shrimp Scampi

Equipment

  • PHILLIPS AIR FRYER
  • SILICONE MITTS

Ingredients

  • ▢ 4 tablespoons ( 4 tablespoons ) Butter
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon ( 1 tablespoon ) Lemon Juice
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon ( 1 tablespoon ) Minced Garlic
  • ▢ 2 teaspoons ( 2 teaspoons ) Red Pepper Flakes
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon ( 1 tablespoon ) chopped chives , or 1 teaspoon dried chives
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon ( 1 tablespoon ) chopped fresh basil , or 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons ( 2 tablespoons ) Chicken Stock , (or white wine)
  • ▢ 1 lb ( 453.59 g ) Raw Shrimp , (21-25 count)

Instructions

  • Turn your air fryer to 330F. Place a 6 x 3 metal pan in it and allow it to start heating while you gather your ingredients.
  • Place the butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes into the hot 6-inch pan .
  • Allow it to cook for 2 minutes, stirring once, until the butter has melted. Do not skip this step. This is what infuses garlic into the butter, which is what makes it all taste so good.
  • Open the air fryer , add butter, lemon juice,, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, chives, basil, chicken stock, and shrimp to the pan in the order listed, stirring gently.
  • Allow shrimp to cook for 5 minutes, stirring once. At this point, the butter should be well-melted and liquid, bathing the shrimp in spiced goodness.
  • Mix very well, remove the 6-inch pan using silicone mitts , and let it rest for 1 minute on the counter. You’re doing this so that you let the shrimp cook in the residual heat, rather than letting it accidentally overcook and get rubbery.
  • Stir at the end of the minute. The shrimp should be well-cooked at this point.
  • Sprinkle additional fresh basil leaves and enjoy.

Watch The Video

Tips And Tricks For Making Keto Shrimp Scampi

  • I know it may feel a little different to eat shrimp scampi without pasta, but that’s why we have zoodles and mashed cauliflower in this world.
  • If carbs are not an issue, you can do pasta of course.
  • If using frozen shrimp, you will need to cook for longer. I haven’t tried it with frozen shrimp, so unfortunately I can’t tell you how much longer. If you figure out the exact cook time, make sure to let me know in the comments!
  • If you’re allergic to shrimp, you could try with bite-size chicken pieces, and check at the end of the cooking period to see if it needs longer.
  • To make this vegetarian, you could make the same sauce and mix it with drained, canned chickpeas. You could also try lightly steamed cauliflower or broccoli in this sauce.
  • By the way, if you want to make a keto shrimp scampi in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker check out my Instant Pot Creamy Shrimp Scampi Recipe here.

Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!

Nutrition

This post was originally published on November 30, 2017, at 3:39 PM

And don’t forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer , and Air Fryer Revolution .

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