Let me tell you, these little pockets of joy are what snack dreams are made of. Crispy on the outside, creamy and spicy on the inside—Crispy Jalapeño Corn Wontons are one of those recipes that make you stop mid-bite and go “Whoa… I need more of these in my life.” They’re the kind of snack you whip up once, and then suddenly every gathering, game night, or solo chill evening needs them on the table.
This playful, flavor-packed appetizer draws inspiration from fusion bites you’d find at trendy street food trucks—where global flavors come together in one magical crunch. The mix of sweet corn, spicy jalapeño, and cool, creamy vegan cheese is balanced, unexpected, and absolutely irresistible. Trust me, whether you’re a spice chaser or just someone who loves a crispy moment, this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Crispy Jalapeño Corn Wontons
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion.
Is this Crispy Jalapeño Corn Wontons recipe for you? Let’s see. Crispy Jalapeño Corn Wontons are…
- Crispy perfection – That golden, delicate crunch is everything.
- Creamy and spicy – The jalapeño adds just the right kick to creamy corn filling.
- Totally plant-based – Vegan cream cheese makes it rich without the dairy.
- Crowd-pleasers – Seriously, they disappear fast.
- Snack-size delights – Perfect finger food for parties or late-night cravings.
Quick Tip: Want an even spicier bite? Leave a few jalapeño seeds in the mix. You’ve been warned.
Ingredients in Crispy Jalapeño Corn Wontons
Here’s the magic of these wontons—they’re made with everyday ingredients that come together in a bold, unforgettable way:
Vegan Cream Cheese: The dreamy, creamy base that ties all the textures together. Tangy, rich, and totally dairy-free.
Corn: Sweet bursts of flavor in every bite. Frozen or fresh both work perfectly.
Green Onions: Adds a pop of color and a mild, zesty sharpness.
Cilantro: Fresh and herbaceous, giving each bite a bright finish.
Garlic: Minced and mighty, garlic deepens the flavor beautifully.
Jalapeño: For that spicy kick. You can adjust based on your heat preference.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that rounds out the heat.
Cumin: Earthy and warm, this spice brings everything together.
Salt & Pepper: Because seasoning is everything.
Wonton Wrappers: The crispy carriers of all this magic. They fry up like golden pillows.
Oil for Frying: Get ready for a satisfying sizzle.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the vegan cream cheese, corn, diced green onions, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, diced jalapeño, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and well combined—but don’t overmix.
Assemble the Wontons: Lay out the wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Add a small spoonful of the mixture in the center of each. Wet the edges with a little water, then fold diagonally to form a triangle, pressing the edges to seal tightly.
Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or fryer, heat oil until it reaches around 350°F. The right temp ensures a crispy exterior without overcooking the filling.
Fry to Golden Perfection: Carefully drop wontons in, a few at a time. Fry for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Flip if needed for even cooking.
Drain & Cool: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Let them cool slightly—though the temptation to eat one immediately is very real.
Serve and Enjoy: These are amazing on their own or dipped in a creamy cilantro-lime sauce, spicy mayo, or even guacamole. Make a batch and watch them vanish!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 3 wontons
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How to serve Crispy Jalapeño Corn Wontons?
Fresh Salads: A zesty avocado and tomato salad adds a cool, refreshing balance.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with chipotle mayo, sweet chili sauce, or a herby vegan ranch.
As a Platter: Set up a party tray with other small bites like stuffed mushrooms or veggie skewers.
With Drinks: These pair beautifully with margaritas, mojitos, or even sparkling lemonade.
Alone and Proud: Pile up a plateful and snack away—no side necessary.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Make the filling a day in advance and keep refrigerated.
Make It Milder: Skip the jalapeño seeds or use a mild pepper for a gentler version.
Baked Version: Want to skip the frying? Brush with oil and bake at 375°F for 12–15 mins until crisp.
Storage Tips: Store cooked wontons in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to crisp them back up.
Freeze-Friendly: Assemble and freeze uncooked wontons on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry or bake straight from frozen!
Tips & Variations / Quick Tips
- Secret Tip: A touch of lime zest in the filling gives an unexpected zing that’s SO worth it.
- Swap It Out: No vegan cream cheese? Try mashed avocado or a smooth hummus base.
- Add Protein: Stir in some black beans or finely chopped sautéed mushrooms for more heartiness.
- Get Cheesy: If you’re not strictly vegan, a sprinkle of shredded pepper jack cheese is divine.
- Low-Oil Option: Try air-frying at 370°F for 6–8 minutes for a lighter crunch.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute vegan cream cheese with regular cream cheese?
A1: Absolutely! Regular cream cheese works just as well if you’re not avoiding dairy.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Assemble the wontons, store them in a sealed container, and fry them just before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Definitely. Freeze uncooked wontons and fry or bake when ready—no need to thaw.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: The oven or air fryer is your best friend. They’ll stay crispy and fresh-tasting.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: 100%! You may even want to triple it. These disappear fast, trust me.
Thanks for stopping by the kitchen today, friend! I hope you’re feeling inspired and excited to whip up these Crispy Jalapeño Corn Wontons. They’re fun, flavorful, and guaranteed to bring a little heat and a lot of joy to your table.
Crispy Jalapeño Corn Wontons
Ingredients
- 4 ounces vegan cream cheese
- 1 cup corn
- 2 green onions diced
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- 2 cloves garlic diced
- 1 jalapeño diced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 24 square wonton wrappers
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine vegan cream cheese, corn, green onions, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center of each wonton wrapper.
- Moisten the edges with water, fold into desired shape (triangles or purses), and press edges to seal tightly.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry wontons in batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Notes
- For baking instead of frying, brush wontons lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes until crispy.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity to control heat level.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like sweet chili or soy-ginger.
