These Shrimp & Cream Cheese Wontons are crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor. They make the perfect appetizer or snack, combining tender shrimp with smooth cream cheese and a hint of garlic and green onion, all wrapped in delicate wonton wrappers and fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped
2 green onions, finely sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon soy sauce
¼ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Wonton wrappers
Oil for frying
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Make the filling: In a bowl, I mix the softened cream cheese, chopped shrimp, green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil (if using) until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Assemble wontons: I place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Then, I moisten the edges with water, fold diagonally into a triangle, and press to seal. Alternatively, I sometimes fold them into a purse shape—it depends on my mood!
Fry them up: I heat about 1–2 inches of oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). I fry the wontons in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn golden and crispy.
Drain & serve: I drain the fried wontons on paper towels to remove excess oil and serve them hot with my favorite dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or spicy mayo.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20-25 wontons, perfect for serving 4 as an appetizer.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
To add a bit of spice, I sometimes mix a pinch of chili flakes into the filling.
For a vegetarian twist, I swap the shrimp for finely chopped mushrooms or tofu.
Instead of frying, I air fry them at 375°F for 6–8 minutes after spraying with oil for a lighter option.
I’ve also added a bit of grated ginger or a dash of hoisin sauce to the filling for extra flavor depth.
If I want to make it gluten-free, I use gluten-free wonton wrappers available in some specialty stores.
Storage/reheating
I store leftover wontons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I like to crisp them up again in a hot skillet or air fryer for a few minutes. If I’ve made extra batches, I freeze the uncooked wontons on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, I fry or air fry them straight from the freezer—no thawing needed.
FAQs
How do I prevent wontons from opening while frying?
I make sure to moisten the edges of the wrappers well with water and press firmly to seal. Sometimes I use a little cornstarch paste to help the seal stick better.
Can I bake the wontons instead of frying?
Yes! Baking is an option, but the texture will be less crispy. I suggest brushing them lightly with oil and baking at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes or until golden.
What dipping sauce goes best with shrimp and cream cheese wontons?
I love sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a spicy mayo blend. You can even mix some sriracha into mayo for a quick dip.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The filling can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble.
Are these wontons freezer-friendly?
Yes, I freeze the assembled wontons before cooking. I place them on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When frozen, they cook perfectly from frozen in the fryer or air fryer.
Conclusion
Making shrimp and cream cheese wontons is one of my favorite quick, tasty projects that impress friends and family alike. They’re crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor, plus so versatile when it comes to cooking methods and dips. I always find myself making a double batch to have some ready in the freezer for whenever I want a delicious snack. Give this recipe a try—I think you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is!
Recipe:

Shrimp & Cream Cheese Wontons
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20-25 wontons (serves 4 as appetizer)
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These shrimp and cream cheese wontons are crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor. They make the perfect appetizer or snack, combining tender shrimp with smooth cream cheese, garlic, and green onion, all wrapped in delicate wonton wrappers and fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped
2 green onions, finely sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp soy sauce
¼ tsp sesame oil (optional)
Wonton wrappers
Oil for frying
Instructions
- Make the filling: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, chopped shrimp, green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil (if using) until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble wontons: Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Moisten edges with water, fold diagonally into a triangle, and press to seal. Alternatively, fold into a purse shape.
- Fry them up: Heat 1–2 inches of oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry wontons in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Drain & serve: Drain wontons on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or spicy mayo.
Notes
To add spice, mix a pinch of chili flakes into the filling.
For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with finely chopped mushrooms or tofu.
Air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes after spraying with oil for a lighter option.
Add grated ginger or a dash of hoisin sauce for extra flavor depth.
Use gluten-free wonton wrappers for a gluten-free option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freeze uncooked wontons on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag for future use.
Reheat by crisping in a skillet or air fryer.
Seal wontons well with water or cornstarch paste to prevent opening during frying.
Bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes as a non-frying alternative, though less crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying (also air frying or baking alternative)
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 wontons
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg