Try this Air Fryer Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon recipe for crispy, golden, and creamy bites with a perfect blend of flavors—made healthier in your air fryer!
Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon is a crispy, golden appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Filled with a smooth and creamy blend of cream cheese, garlic, and green onions, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch with a rich, savory interior. These Rangoon are typically deep-fried to perfection, but when made in the air fryer, they become a healthier alternative while still maintaining that irresistible crispy texture.
Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or paired with your favorite dipping sauce, Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon is sure to delight your taste buds with its deliciously creamy and savory filling.
Looking for more Air Fryer Copycat Recipes? Some of my favorites are AIR FRYER COPYCAT MCDONALD’S FRENCH FRIES, INSTANT POT CHICKEN, AND GNOCCHI SOUP (OLIVE GARDEN COPYCAT), AIR FRYER COPYCAT KFC SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH and AIR FRYER COPYCAT KRISPY KREME DONUTS.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- These Cream Cheese Rangoon are crispy on the outside, offering the perfect crunch in every bite.
- The creamy filling made with rich cream cheese, garlic, and green onions is packed with savory flavor.
- Air frying makes them a healthier alternative without sacrificing the delicious golden texture.
- They’re quick and easy to prepare, making them a great choice for last-minute appetizers or snacks.
- Perfectly paired with your favorite dipping sauce, enhancing the flavor experience even more.
- This recipe is a fun and satisfying way to enjoy a popular Panda Express appetizer at home.
Ingredients Needed
- Wonton Wrappers: Thin and delicate wrappers that crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, creating the perfect vessel for the creamy filling.
- Cream Cheese: The base of the filling, providing a rich and creamy texture that complements the crispy wonton wrapper perfectly.
- Minced Scallions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor that enhances the overall taste of the Rangoon without overpowering the cream cheese.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the filling, enhancing the savory notes and complementing the cream cheese and green onions.
- Cooking Spray or Olive Oil
How To Make Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon
Step One: On a flat surface, lay down a wonton wrapper. Added a generous mixture of cream cheese, minced scallions, and spices.
Step Two: Fold them like envelopes, which I found out, are so much easier to crisp up in the air fryer and so much easier to fold. (highly recommend this way).
Step Three: Place them on the air fryer tray or in the basket. Whether you use the basket or tray, make sure they aren’t crowded, and generously spray with olive oil, which will help you get a nice crispy outside.
Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon Recipe Tips
- Don’t Overstuff the Wrappers: Be careful not to add too much filling to the wonton wrappers, as it may cause them to burst during cooking. A generous but not excessive amount is best.
- Use Fresh Wonton Wrappers: For the best texture, use fresh wonton wrappers instead of dried ones to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Seal the Wrappers Well: Ensure that the edges of the wonton wrappers are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. You can wet the edges with a bit of water to help seal them.
- Spray with Olive Oil: A generous spray of olive oil before cooking ensures that the rangoon gets golden and crispy. Don’t skip this step!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For even cooking, arrange the rangoon in a single layer and leave space between each one. Overcrowding can lead to uneven crisping.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Air fryers vary, so keep an eye on your rangoon as they cook. Check them around the 5-minute mark and adjust the time if needed to avoid burning.
- Serve Immediately: Cream cheese Rangoon are best served fresh and hot, right out of the air fryer, for the ultimate crispy texture.
Storing
- Storing: To store leftover Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Allow them to cool completely before storing to maintain their crispiness.
- Freezing: To freeze, arrange the cream cheese rangoons in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the rangoons back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes.
What To Serve With Copycat Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon
Copycat Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon are delicious on their own but can be paired with a variety of dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Consider serving them with fried rice, lo mein, or steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal. A side of sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce for dipping adds extra flavor. For a light and refreshing contrast, pair them with a simple cucumber salad or a light Asian slaw.
Copycat Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon Recipe Faqs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling? While cream cheese is traditional, you can experiment with mascarpone, ricotta, or a blend of cream cheese and shredded cheddar for a different flavor.
How do I prevent the rangoon from leaking during cooking? Make sure to seal the edges of the wonton wrappers tightly by pressing them with your fingers or using a fork to crimp the edges. You can also try sealing with a little water.
Can I bake these instead of air frying them? Yes, you can bake the rangoon at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Can I freeze the cream cheese rangoons before frying? Yes, you can freeze the un-cooked rangoons on a baking sheet and transfer them to a bag once frozen. Fry them directly from the freezer when ready, adding an extra minute or two to the cook time.
What other fillings can I use? You can mix in crab meat, cooked chicken, or spinach for variations. Just make sure to balance the filling so it’s not too wet.
Can I make the rangoons ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the filling and assemble the rangoons ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before cooking.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Eggplant Roll-Ups
- Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Twists
- Easy Air Fryer Sushi Bowl
- Air Fryer Carrot Bacon
- Air Fryer Soft Shell Crab
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Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon
Description
Ingredients
- 1 package Wonton Wrappers
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons scallions, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup Sweet and Sour Sauce, Optional
Instructions
- Start by making your filling. Blend the cream cheese, scallions, and garlic powder in a small mixing bowl.
- .Put a tablespoon of filling in the middle of the wonton wrapper.
- Fold them in an envelope, per the picture
- Set in the air fryer tray or basket, rub the outside with the olive oil (outside only), and set the temperature for 300 degrees F for 7 minutes, air fryer setting.
Equipment
- cooking spray (olive oil)
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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