Air Fryer Spring Rolls: Can You Cook Them Raw?

Spring rolls are a popular snack and appetizer, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to prepare them. The air fryer's ability to circulate heat around all sides results in a crunchy exterior without the need for oil. However, some recipes suggest brushing or spraying the spring rolls with a small amount of oil to achieve a more traditional, crispy taste. The cooking time for spring rolls in an air fryer is typically under 10 minutes, and the temperature is usually set at around 400°F (200°C).

Filling options

There are endless options for filling your spring rolls. You can use meat, vegetables, or a combination of both.

For a savoury option, you can fill your spring rolls with ground pork, chicken, or turkey, along with vegetables such as green onions, garlic, and cabbage. You can also add mushrooms, carrots, and bean sprouts. Season with onion powder, black pepper, ginger, and soy sauce. If you want to add a creamy element, you can include cream cheese as well.

If you want to go for a sweeter filling, you can try mashed sweet potato or pumpkin. You could also experiment with a more unusual filling, such as banana served with cinnamon, ice cream, or whipped cream.

For a vegetarian option, you can fill your spring rolls with a mix of vegetables, such as lettuce, cucumber, butter lettuce, bell peppers, avocado, basil, mint, cilantro, rice noodles, and shrimp.

There are also several options for dipping sauces, including peanut sauce, avocado crema, sweet and spicy sauce, and sweet chili sauce.

Oil vs no oil

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their versatility, speed, and efficiency. They can bake, dehydrate, broil, air fry, roast, and more. One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer is that it requires little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying.

Using Oil with an Air Fryer

When using an air fryer, a small amount of oil can enhance the taste and texture of your food. Oil can help keep your food moist, provide a golden brown color, and create a crispy exterior. The type of oil used is usually a matter of preference, but some oils have higher smoke points, which can be beneficial for air frying. Avocado oil, for example, is known for its high smoke point. It is recommended to brush or spray the food item with oil rather than pouring oil into the air fryer basket. This ensures that the oil is evenly distributed and prevents the air fryer's non-stick coating from being damaged.

Air Frying without Oil

One of the main benefits of air frying is that it can produce crispy and delicious results without the use of oil. The technology behind air fryers circulates hot air from all sides, creating a crispy exterior without the need for deep frying. This makes air frying a healthier option, as it reduces the amount of oil absorbed by the food. It also eliminates the mess and hassle associated with traditional deep frying, such as splattered oil and the challenge of disposing of leftover oil.

Spring Rolls in an Air Fryer

When it comes to cooking spring rolls in an air fryer, the use of oil becomes a matter of preference. Some recipes suggest brushing the spring rolls with a small amount of oil before placing them in the air fryer. This can enhance the crispiness and golden color of the spring rolls. However, it is not mandatory, and you can choose to cook them without any oil at all. Spring rolls cooked in an air fryer, with or without oil, will still turn out crispy and delicious, and they will be ready in under 10 minutes.

Whether you choose to use oil or not when cooking with an air fryer is ultimately up to your personal preference and the desired outcome. Using a small amount of oil can enhance the flavor, moisture, and crispiness of certain foods. On the other hand, air frying without oil reduces calories and mess, and modern air fryers are designed to produce crispy results even without the use of oil. When cooking spring rolls, you may experiment with both methods and decide which one you prefer.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for raw spring rolls in an air fryer depend on the type of spring roll and the model of the air fryer.

For frozen spring rolls, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Then, place the spring rolls in the fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes at the same temperature. Next, turn the spring rolls and place them back in the fryer for another 4 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

If your spring rolls are larger, you may need to adjust the cooking time. One source suggests starting with 5 minutes on each side and then checking if they are warm all the way through. Another source recommends cooking frozen spring rolls for 9-10 minutes at 400°F (204°C).

For homemade spring rolls, one source recommends cooking them at 380°F for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Another source suggests cooking them at 360°F for 12 minutes, again flipping them halfway through.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer. For example, if you have a toaster oven-style air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Additionally, it is recommended to cook the spring rolls in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly and don't become soggy.

Dipping sauces

Spring rolls are often served with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for sauces that you can pair with your air-fried spring rolls:

Peanut Sauce

A creamy and tangy peanut sauce is a classic choice for spring rolls. It is made with peanut butter, coconut milk or water, and shredded carrots. You can adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more or less liquid. This sauce is perfect for those who want a creamy and nutty dip with a bit of crunch from the carrots.

Vietnamese Nuoc Cham (Fish Sauce)

Nuoc cham is a traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce that is both tangy and sweet. It is made with fish sauce, water, soy sauce, and sea salt. The saltiness and intensity of the sauce can be adjusted by using different brands of fish sauce. This sauce is a great option for those who want a taste of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is another classic dipping sauce for spring rolls. It is sweet and tangy with a good viscosity. The thickness of the sauce can be adjusted by adding water. Hoisin sauce is a versatile and delicious option that pairs well with the crispy and golden spring rolls.

Sweet and Spicy Sauce

For those who like a kick of spice, a sweet and spicy sauce is a perfect choice. This sauce is similar to a traditional sticky sauce, made with tangy ginger, spicy Sriracha, and cornstarch to add thickness. It is a great combination of sweet and spicy flavors that will elevate your spring roll experience.

Avocado Crema

For something unique and unexpected, try an avocado crema dipping sauce. The cool and creamy avocado pairs surprisingly well with the hot and crispy spring rolls. This sauce is perfect for those who want to explore a non-traditional but delicious pairing.

Sweet Chili and Dark Soy Sauce

A combination of sweet chili sauce and dark soy sauce is another excellent choice for a dipping sauce. This sauce offers a balance of sweet and savory flavors that complement the spring rolls perfectly. You can also get creative and make your own unique sauce combinations to suit your taste preferences.

Air fryer vs oven

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook spring rolls, with many recipes available online. They are also a great alternative to deep frying, as they use little to no oil and are much cleaner.

When comparing air fryers to ovens, the first difference to note is the size. Air fryers are typically smaller, countertop appliances, while ovens are full-sized. This means that air fryers are more energy-efficient, especially when cooking smaller batches, as you are not heating up a large appliance. Air fryers also have the added benefit of being quicker to heat up, with some sources stating that they take as little as 2 minutes to reach cooking temperature, compared to 10-15 minutes for an oven.

The second major difference is their function. Air fryers use a powerful fan located on top of the appliance to rapidly circulate heated air and cook food from the top down. This results in a super-powered convection effect, cooking food faster and making it crispier. Ovens, on the other hand, use heating elements on the top and bottom and may have a fan at the back to blow hot air around. This means that ovens are better suited for baking delicate items and recipes that use liquid batters.

Air fryers are relatively easy to clean, although they do require cleaning after each use. Most of their parts are dishwasher-safe, but they can be bulky. Ovens, on the other hand, do not need to be cleaned every time, but the accessories used do.

In terms of capacity, air fryers are usually limited to cooking one dish or batch at a time, while ovens can handle multiple dishes or larger portions. Air fryers also require food to be placed in a single layer to ensure even cooking, which further limits the amount of food that can be cooked at once.

Overall, air fryers are a great option for those looking for a quick, convenient, and crispy cooking option, especially for smaller batches of food. Ovens, on the other hand, offer more versatility and capacity, making them better suited for larger meals or more delicate baking.

Frequently asked questions