Crispy Fried Chocolate Wontons: A Playful, Indulgent Dessert
Handheld bites bring a playful crunch and silky chocolate center in every golden wrap.
There is a distinctive joy in biting into a dessert that pairs familiar textures with surprise flavors. Crispy fried chocolate wontons embody this philosophy, uniting the crisp, golden shell of classic Asian wontons with a luscious, molten chocolate filling. Whether you are seeking a show-stopping treat for festive gatherings or a comforting late-night snack, these wontons offer an irresistible blend of crunch and goo.
Why You’ll Love Fried Chocolate Wontons
- Textural Contrast: Each bite offers a shatteringly crisp exterior followed by velvety, melted chocolate within.
- Fast and Fun: With minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, chocolate wontons are easy to assemble and deliver instant gratification.
- Versatility: You can experiment with various chocolate types, add-ins, or even serve these with different sauces or toppings.
- Perfect for Entertaining: These handheld treats are ideal for parties, as they are easy to share, delightfully interactive, and customizable.
The Magic of Fried Wonton Desserts
Wontons are traditionally associated with savory dim sum or noodle soups, but their paper-thin, neutral-tasting wrappers are a perfect canvas for creative, sweet applications. When exposed to hot oil, the wrappers blister and puff up, achieving a uniform, bubbly crispness that encases whatever you tuck inside—be it fruit, sweetened cheese, or, in this case, pure chocolate. This fusion of Asian technique with classic dessert sensibilities brings a playful element to the table, making chocolate wontons a conversation-worthy end to any meal.
Ingredients for Crispy Fried Chocolate Wontons
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Wonton wrappers (about 24, store-bought) | Serves as the crispy shell; easily found in the refrigerated section of Asian or major supermarkets. |
| Chocolate (8 oz, bittersweet or semisweet, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces) | The heart of the filling. Choose a chocolate with high cocoa content for a rich flavor and gooey melt. |
| Egg white (from 1 egg) | Seals the wontons, holding them together during frying. |
| Vegetable oil (for frying; e.g., canola or peanut) | Ensures even, high-heat frying and crisp texture. |
| Confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar) | For dusting the finished wontons, providing a sweet finish and professional look. |
| Optional: Add-ins (peanut butter, fruit preserves, chopped nuts, flavored spreads) | Personalizes the filling and adds dimension to each bite. |
Choosing the Best Chocolate (and Fun Variations)
Because chocolate is the star ingredient, its quality will dramatically impact the final dish. For the optimal molten center, select bittersweet or semisweet baking chocolate with at least 60% cocoa solids. Avoid chocolate chips, which are engineered to hold shape—they will not melt as smoothly as baking chocolate.
Creative twists include:
- Adding a dab of peanut butter or hazelnut spread beneath the chocolate for a nutty accent.
- Pairing with fruit preserves such as raspberry or orange marmalade for a sweet-tart balance.
- Sprinkling toasted chopped nuts or crushed cookies inside for added texture.
Equipment and Kitchen Tips
- Deep Frying Thermometer: Ensures oil is kept at an optimal 350°F (177°C) for even, unmuddied results.
- Slotted Spoon or Spider: Safely lifts wontons out of the hot oil while draining excess oil.
- Sheet Pan with Paper Towels: Lets you cool and drain freshly fried wontons to preserve crispiness.
- Small Bowl of Water or Egg White: For sealing the edges of wontons tightly.
- Sharp Knife: To chop chocolate into uniform pieces for even melting.
Step-By-Step: How to Shape and Fry Chocolate Wontons
- Prepare the Filling: Roughly chop the chocolate into 1/2-inch pieces. If desired, pre-portion any add-ins, such as nut butters or preserves.
- Assemble the Wontons:
- Set a wonton wrapper on a clean, dry surface. Place a piece of chocolate (and optional add-in) in the center.
- Dip your finger or a pastry brush in egg white or water. Moisten all four edges of the wrapper.
- Fold the wrapper into a triangle, pressing out air around the filling and sealing the edges tightly.
- If desired, bring the two far corners of the triangle together and pinch to form a traditional wonton shape.
- Keep Prepared Wontons Covered: Put them on a plate lined with parchment paper and cover loosely with a damp towel to prevent drying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a deep pot or heavy-bottomed pan to a depth of at least 2 inches. Heat oil to 350°F (177°C), using a deep-fry thermometer to monitor temperature.
- Fry the Wontons: Fry in batches, adding just enough to fit comfortably. Cook for 1-2 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and blistered. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined tray.
- Dust and Serve: Let wontons cool briefly, then dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve immediately—warm is best, when the chocolate is fluid inside.
Frying Safety and Techniques
- Maintain safe oil temperature (350°F) to achieve crisp wontons that are not greasy. Overheated oil risks burning the wrappers; cool oil yields soggy, oily results.
- Do not overcrowd the pan, as this drops the oil temperature and results in uneven cooking.
- Wrap and seal wontons carefully to prevent chocolate from leaking into oil.
- If frying in advance, reheat wontons briefly in a hot oven (around 350°F/177°C for 2-3 minutes) to restore their crunch.
- Discard unused wrappers or store them sealed in the refrigerator for subsequent use.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
The flavor profile of crispy fried chocolate wontons is versatile, pairing well with a host of accompaniments and garnishes. Try these ideas to elevate your presentation and palate experience:
- Sauces: Serve with small bowls of raspberry sauce, salted caramel, or crème anglaise for dipping.
- Fresh Fruit: Balance the richness with fresh berries or orange segments.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or green tea ice cream offers temperature contrast and enhances the dessert’s decadence.
- Garnish: Dust with cocoa powder, sprinkle with toasted coconut, or drizzle with dark chocolate for added flair.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Assemble in Advance: Uncooked, filled wontons can be kept on a parchment-lined baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap, and refrigerated for up to 8 hours before frying.
- Freezing: Place shaped (uncooked) wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then store in an airtight container. Fry directly from frozen, adding 30-45 seconds to cooking time.
- Reheating: To revive crispiness, bake briefly in a 350°F oven, but be aware the chocolate center may solidify as wontons cool.
- Best Enjoyed Fresh: For optimal molten texture, serve within minutes of frying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I bake or air-fry chocolate wontons instead of deep-frying?
A: Yes, you can. Brush assembled wontons with oil and bake at 400°F (204°C) for 8–10 minutes or air-fry at 350°F (177°C) for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway. However, deep-frying delivers the crispiest, bubbliest wrapper texture.
Q: What type of chocolate works best for these wontons?
A: Use high-quality bars of bittersweet or semisweet chocolate (at least 60% cocoa solids). Avoid chocolate chips, which are designed to retain their shape and will not melt as fluidly.
Q: How do I prevent the wontons from bursting or leaking during frying?
A: Seal the edges tightly with a generous layer of egg white or water. Avoid overfilling and press out any trapped air before sealing. Test fry one wonton to ensure technique before proceeding with the rest.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Shape and refrigerate or freeze uncooked wontons ahead of time, then fry just before serving for freshness and the best texture.
Q: Do fried chocolate wontons go well with other desserts?
A: Absolutely! They make a playful addition to dessert platters, complementing fruit, ice cream, or small pastries. Their crunchy texture and gooey center offer a fun contrast to softer sweets.
Creative Variations to Try
- Spiced Chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the chocolate for warmth and mild heat.
- Chocolate-Cheese Fusion: Mix soft cream cheese with the chocolate for a tangy, creamy filling reminiscent of a sweet cheese wonton.
- Banana Chocolate Wontons: Add a thin slice of banana along with the chocolate for a tropical, gooey experience.
- Orange Zest: A whisper of fresh orange zest in the filling brings bright citrus fragrance and complexity.
Summary and Takeaway
Crispy fried chocolate wontons are the ultimate tribute to culinary playfulness—simple to make, quick to cook, and endlessly variable in flavor. They transform supermarket wonton wrappers and pantry chocolate into a sensory dessert that straddles cultures and delights guests of all ages. Whether enjoyed plain, dusted with sugar, or dipped in sauce, these wontons promise surprise with every bite. Keep them in your dessert repertoire for the next occasion that begs for something both familiar and joyfully unexpected.
References
- https://sparklelivingblog.com/2018/11/chocolate-almond-cream-cheese-air-fried-wontons/
- https://smittenkitchen.com/2017/01/chicken-wonton-soup/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHXp2mtQUqs
- https://www.sasakitime.com/2012/07/crunchy-fried-chocolate-wontons-recipe.html?m=0
- https://www.livebinders.com/b/1668730
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