If you’re looking for the perfect bite-sized treat that’s crispy, creamy, and totally irresistible, shrimp and cream cheese wontons are calling your name! These delightful little pockets are a beautiful mix of crunchy golden wrappers and a rich, savory filling that’s packed with juicy shrimp and smooth cream cheese.

Whether you’re hosting a game night, setting up appetizers for a party, or just craving a fun snack, shrimp and cream cheese wontons are always a hit. They’re easy to whip up, fry to crispy perfection, and disappear from the plate faster than you can make them!

Why You’ll Love These Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons

There’s so much to love about these shrimp and cream cheese wontons! First, the contrast between the crispy, golden shell and the rich, flavorful filling is absolute magic. Every bite gives you that satisfying crunch followed by creamy, savory goodness.

Plus, they’re surprisingly quick to prepare. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create something that looks and tastes restaurant-quality. And the best part? They’re easily customizable. Want them spicy? Add a pinch of chili flakes. Prefer them herby? Toss in a little cilantro. There’s no wrong way to make them your own!

Ingredients Needed for Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need for your shrimp and cream cheese wontons:

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen both work beautifully. Tip: Always pat your shrimp dry after thawing to avoid a watery filling. If you’re using frozen, make sure they’re fully thawed and chopped into small pieces for easier mixing.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese will give you the richest, creamiest texture. Light versions work too if you want a slightly less indulgent filling, but expect a little less creaminess.
Wonton Wrappers: Find these in the refrigerated section at most grocery stores or any Asian market. Choose thin wrappers for the best crunch.

Optional Add-Ins:

Chopped green onions for a fresh bite
Minced garlic for extra flavor
A sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a little heat

Important Tip: Avoid overloading the filling — a little goes a long way!

How to Prepare the Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wonton Filling

Getting the filling just right is key to delicious wontons!

First, chop your shrimp finely but not so small that it becomes mush. You want tiny pieces for a great texture contrast.

Next, soften your cream cheese slightly by leaving it at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. This will make it much easier to blend with the shrimp.

In a mixing bowl, gently combine the chopped shrimp and cream cheese until just mixed. Don’t overwork it, or you’ll end up with a sticky, heavy filling.

If you want to take the flavor to the next level, stir in:

A splash of soy sauce for savory depth
A few drops of sesame oil for nutty aroma
Some lemon zest for a fresh pop of flavor

Pro Tip: Taste a tiny bit of the mixture (without raw shrimp if you’re concerned) to adjust seasoning before assembling!

How to Fold and Seal Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons Perfectly

Folding wontons might sound tricky, but it’s actually a lot of fun once you get the hang of it.

Easy Folding Methods for Shrimp Wontons:

Basic Triangle Fold: Place a spoonful of filling in the center of a wonton wrapper, wet the edges with water, and fold it into a triangle. Press firmly to seal.
Fancy Flower Shape: After making the triangle, bring the two bottom corners together and press — it looks elegant and restaurant-worthy!

How to Properly Seal Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons:

Use a small bowl of water or a beaten egg for sealing.
Lightly wet the edges with your finger (don’t soak!) and press tightly to prevent leaks.

Common Mistakes When Folding Shrimp Wontons:

Overfilling: Too much filling can make sealing impossible and cause them to burst during cooking.
Loose Seals: If the wrapper isn’t sealed tight, the filling can escape and ruin the crispiness.

Important Tip: Work on a clean, dry surface and keep your wonton wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.

Cooking Methods: Frying, Baking, or Air Frying

You have several delicious options for cooking your wontons — pick what fits your vibe!

6.1 Deep Frying (Traditional Method)

Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.
Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C) — a kitchen thermometer helps here!
Fry wontons in batches for 2–3 minutes until they’re deeply golden.
Drain on paper towels.

Pro Tip: Test with one wonton first to make sure the oil isn’t too hot or too cool.

6.2 Baking Option (Healthier Version)

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place wontons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Lightly brush or spray them with oil for crispness.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.

6.3 Air Fryer Method

Preheat air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
Lightly spray wontons with cooking spray on all sides.

Advertisement
Cook in a single layer for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.

Important Tip: Never overcrowd your pan, baking sheet, or air fryer basket — it prevents even cooking!

No matter which method you choose, you’re guaranteed a crispy, irresistible snack.

Best Dipping Sauces to Pair With Shrimp Wontons

Dipping sauces are the secret weapon that make these wontons even more crave-worthy!

Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the classic go-to — sweet, tangy, and just a touch spicy. It pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
Soy Sauce and Vinegar Mix: Combine soy sauce, a splash of rice vinegar, and a pinch of sugar for a simple, savory dip.
Homemade Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with a squirt of sriracha or hot sauce. It’s creamy, spicy, and adds a little richness to each bite.
Honey Garlic Dip: Warm honey with minced garlic and a splash of soy sauce for a sticky-sweet option.

DIY Tip: You can create a quick dipping sauce by just adding a dash of chili oil to store-bought soy sauce for an instant flavor boost.

Variations and Creative Twists

Want to put your own spin on these shrimp and cream cheese wontons? Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Seafood Cream Cheese Wontons: Add a little lump crab meat to the filling for a luxurious seafood flavor. It’s a small tweak that makes a big impact, especially for special occasions.
Spicy Shrimp Wontons: Mix a little sriracha or chili paste right into the filling if you like a spicy kick. You can adjust the heat level easily to your taste.
Vegan Twist: Believe it or not, there are great vegan shrimp alternatives on the market! You can use finely diced vegan shrimp and a dairy-free cream cheese for a plant-based version.
Mini Wontons: Make smaller, bite-sized versions for parties. They fry up faster and are super cute on an appetizer platter.
Dessert Wontons: Just for fun, you can swap the filling entirely! Try sweetened cream cheese and mini chocolate chips for a dessert-style wonton — perfect dusted with powdered sugar after frying.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix and match flavors — the filling is very forgiving!

Tips for Success

To guarantee crispy, golden, delicious wontons every time, keep these tips in mind:

Prep Ahead: Assemble your wontons earlier in the day and store them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, covered lightly with plastic wrap, in the fridge until ready to cook.
Freezing Wontons: Want to make a big batch? Freeze the assembled, uncooked wontons on a baking sheet first. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to three months!
Reheating Leftovers: For leftover cooked wontons, reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back their crispiness. Microwaving is quick but can make them soggy.

Pro Tip: Always fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady — this gives you the crispiest results!

How to Store and Reheat Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons

Storing your wontons properly will keep them fresh and crispy!

Refrigeration: Place leftover cooked wontons in an airtight container lined with paper towels (to absorb moisture). They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: If freezing raw wontons, lay them in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid before transferring to freezer bags. If freezing cooked wontons, let them cool completely first.
Reheating: To re-crisp wontons, use the oven or air fryer. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunch!

Quick Tip: Always let frozen wontons thaw slightly before frying or baking for best texture.

What to Serve With Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons

These wontons are fantastic on their own, but if you want to create a full meal or a party spread, here are some ideas:

Asian-Style Slaw: A refreshing, crunchy cabbage salad dressed with sesame vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the rich wontons.
Fried Rice: A bowl of simple vegetable or shrimp fried rice rounds out the meal and adds heartiness.
Steamed Edamame: Light, healthy, and salty — a perfect contrast to the crispy wontons.
Cucumber Salad: A chilled cucumber salad with a tangy dressing offers a cool, refreshing side dish.

Party Idea: Serve wontons with a variety of dips, fried rice, and slaw for a casual “Asian Tapas” night!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can you make shrimp and cream cheese wontons ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the wontons a few hours before you plan to cook them. Just keep them covered with a slightly damp cloth and store in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them raw (see freezing tips above).

Are shrimp wontons the same as crab rangoon?

Not exactly. While both are delicious, crab rangoon typically features crab meat (real or imitation) mixed with cream cheese, often with a slightly sweeter flavor profile. Shrimp wontons are a bit more savory and seafood-forward.

What’s the best shrimp to use for wontons?

Fresh shrimp is fantastic if you have it, but frozen shrimp works just as well. Just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before chopping. Medium-sized shrimp give the best balance of texture and flavor.

Can I bake shrimp and cream cheese wontons instead of frying?

Yes! Baking is a great lighter option. Just brush or spray them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but still delicious.

How do you keep wontons from getting soggy?

The key is high cooking heat and not overcrowding your pan or basket. Also, serve them fresh! If you must store them, reheat in an oven or air fryer, not the microwave, to revive the crispiness.

Conclusion: Why These Wontons Are a Must-Try

Shrimp and cream cheese wontons are one of those magical appetizers that bring smiles with every bite. They’re crispy, creamy, full of flavor, and endlessly customizable — perfect for a cozy night in or a lively gathering with friends.

Once you see how easy they are to make, you’ll want to whip them up again and again. Don’t be afraid to play around with flavors and fillings — there’s really no wrong way to enjoy them!

Have a favorite variation or dipping sauce? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear how you make these wontons your own!

Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe

These crispy Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons are the ultimate appetizer! Creamy, savory filling wrapped in a golden wonton shell — fried, baked, or air fried to perfection. Perfect for parties, game nights, or anytime you crave a fun, delicious snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 10

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American-Chinese, Asian-Inspired

Servings 24 wontons (serves 6–8 as an appetizer)

Calories 80 kcal

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Spoon or small cookie scoop
Pastry brush (for egg wash or oil)
Deep fryer or heavy pot (for frying)
Baking sheet (for baking or freezing)
Air fryer (optional)
Kitchen thermometer (optional but helpful)

Ingredients

8 oz 225g shrimp, finely chopped (fresh or thawed frozen)
6 oz 170g cream cheese, softened
24 wonton wrappers
2 tablespoons green onions finely sliced
1 clove garlic minced (optional)
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon lemon zest optional
Water or 1 beaten egg for sealing
Neutral oil for frying canola, vegetable

Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

In a mixing bowl, combine chopped shrimp, softened cream cheese, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lemon zest (if using). Stir until just mixed — don’t overwork.

Assemble the Wontons:

Lay out wonton wrappers. Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Wet the edges with water or egg wash. Fold into a triangle, pressing firmly to seal. Optionally, bring corners together to form a flower shape.

Choose Your Cooking Method:

Frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry wontons in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels.
Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush wontons with oil. Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer: Preheat to 370°F (188°C). Lightly spray wontons with oil. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.

Serve:

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce, soy-vinegar mix, or spicy mayo!

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before chopping to prevent watery filling.
Keep wonton wrappers covered with a damp cloth while working to avoid drying out.
Freeze before cooking if making ahead: place on a baking sheet until solid, then store in freezer bags.
Fry in small batches to maintain consistent oil temperature for crispier results.
Customize filling: Add chili flakes for spice, crab meat for seafood lovers, or use vegan shrimp substitutes!

Keyword Air Fryer Wontons, Cream Cheese Wontons, Easy Shrimp Appetizer, Fried Wontons, Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons, Shrimp Wontons