Spring Rolls: Air Fryer Frying Magic

Spring rolls are a popular snack or appetizer, but frying them can be messy and unhealthy. Air fryers offer a convenient, less greasy alternative to frying spring rolls, with many recipes available online. Air-fried spring rolls are also said to be just as tasty and crispy as their deep-fried counterparts.

How to make spring rolls in an air fryer

Ingredients

You can choose from rice paper wrappers, wheat spring roll wrappers, or egg roll wrappers. Here are some other ingredients you can use:

• Ground chicken
• Shredded green cabbage
• Shredded carrots
• Green onions
• Mushrooms
• Minced garlic
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Cornstarch
• Vegetable/olive/avocado oil
• Spring roll wrappers
• Salt and pepper

Method

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
• Add mushrooms and allow them to brown on one side for about 5 minutes without stirring. Then, mix them until all the liquid is cooked out and the mushrooms are cooked through.
• Add ground chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is mostly cooked, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
• Stir in shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Cook until the cabbage and carrots are wilted.
• Sprinkle in cornstarch and continue cooking until all liquid is evaporated and the mixture thickens. Ensure the filling isn’t too wet, as this may affect the crispiness of the spring rolls.
• Allow the filling to cool. You can speed up the process by transferring it to the refrigerator or spreading it onto a baking sheet in the fridge.
• When ready to assemble, peel off an egg roll or spring roll wrapper. If using a typical spring roll or egg roll wrapper, cover the remaining wrappers with a damp paper towel or dish towel to prevent drying. If using a rice paper spring roll wrapper, soak it in a shallow bowl of water for about 10 seconds to soften before filling. Repeat this process for each wrapper.
• Place the wrapper in a diamond position and add a spoonful of filling. Roll halfway, fold in the sides, and continue rolling until sealed. If using an egg roll wrapper, use a cornstarch and water mixture to seal the edges.
• Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
• Spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil.
• Add the spring rolls to the air fryer and spray them generously with oil spray.
• Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown on all sides. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Tips

• Don't overfill the wrappers to prevent bursting during cooking.
• Serve immediately to retain their crispy texture.
• Experiment with different fillings such as ground turkey, pork, beef, tofu, or scallions.
• Make them vegetarian or vegan by omitting the chicken and using shredded tofu or extra mushrooms.

What ingredients do you need to make spring rolls in an air fryer?

Spring rolls are a beloved snack or appetiser in many Asian cuisines. While traditionally deep-fried, air fryers have emerged as a healthier alternative to achieve the same crispy texture with less oil.

Filling:

The great thing about spring rolls is that you can customise the filling to suit your taste. Here are some versatile options:

• Shredded cabbage
• Shredded carrots
• Bean sprouts
• Sliced mushrooms
• Chopped bell peppers
• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Leftover Chinese masala noodles
• Cabbage
• Spring onions
• Chicken
• Pork
• Shrimp
• Tofu

Wrappers:

Spring roll wrappers (thin wheat wrappers) or egg roll wrappers (thicker and chewier). Spring roll wrappers are available at most supermarkets, usually in the produce section, while egg roll wrappers may be harder to find.

Other Ingredients:

• Oil (any type, such as vegetable oil or sesame oil) for brushing or spraying the spring rolls
• Cornstarch mixed with water (optional) to seal the wrappers
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Dipping Sauces:

• Sweet and sour sauce
• Chinese hot mustard
• Thai sweet chilli sauce
• Hoisin sauce

With these ingredients and an air fryer, you're all set to make delicious, crispy spring rolls!

What temperature and how long do you cook spring rolls in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook spring rolls in an air fryer. The cooking time and temperature will depend on whether the spring rolls are fresh or frozen, and whether they are small or large.

For fresh spring rolls, brush them with a little oil and cook them in the air fryer at 380°F (190°C) for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If you are cooking small frozen spring rolls, brush them with oil and cook them at 400°F (200°C) for 4 minutes, turn them, and then cook for another 4 minutes at the same temperature. For larger frozen spring rolls, cook them at 400°F (204°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, or until crispy and golden.

How to make spring rolls in advance and store them?

Spring rolls can be made in advance and stored in the freezer or refrigerator.

If you are making a large batch of spring rolls, it is best to have a few extra hands to help with the process. One person can be in charge of preparing the ingredients, while another assembles the rolls, and a third person wraps them. This will make the process more efficient and help to ensure the rolls are made and stored as quickly as possible, reducing the risk of them drying out.

To store spring rolls in the freezer, first place them on a baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other. Then, place the sheet in the freezer. Once the spring rolls are frozen, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag. They will stay good for up to three months in the freezer.

To store spring rolls in the refrigerator, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped rolls in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to two days. The rolls will be best served within a few hours of making, as refrigeration can dry out the rice paper wrappers.

If you are making the spring rolls a few hours before serving, you can place them on a tray, cover them with a damp cloth or paper towel, and keep them at room temperature. Refresh the cloth with cool water every hour.

What sauces go well with spring rolls?

Spring rolls are a versatile dish, and there are many sauces that can complement their flavour. Here are some ideas for sauces that go well with spring rolls:

Sweet and Sour Sauce

This tangy, sweet and irresistible condiment can be made in just five minutes and is a versatile sauce. It can be used in various sweet and sour dishes but is also perfect as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.

Sweet Chilli Sauce

A classic, this sauce is made from chilli peppers, sugar, vinegar, and fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegan option). It has a balance of sweet and spicy flavours, but neither is too overpowering.

Hoisin Sauce

A popular and versatile Chinese dipping sauce that is sweet, savoury, and slightly spicy. It is an excellent choice for those who prefer homemade, gluten-free options. It is made with dates, soy sauce, tahini, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder.

Peanut Sauce

A creamy and nutty sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. It is a popular condiment for spring rolls and adds a rich and nutty flavour.

Soy Sauce

A classic and delicious dipping sauce for spring rolls, egg rolls, and other dishes. It has a salty, savoury flavour that can be balanced with other ingredients like sugar, chilli, and vinegar.

Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce

This sauce is an excellent choice as a spring roll dipping sauce. It is simple to prepare and offers a burst of flavours that perfectly complement spring rolls. Being vegan and gluten-free, it is a healthy and inclusive option.

Benihana Ginger Sauce

A versatile and flavorful sauce often served in Japanese steakhouses. It has a balance of sweet and tangy tastes and can be used as a dip for a variety of dishes like spring rolls or egg rolls.

Sweet Onion Sauce

A homemade version of the Subway sweet onion sauce, this sauce is perfect as a spring roll dipping sauce and can be made in just 15 minutes. It is vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free, making it a healthier choice.

Gyoza Dipping Sauce

This swift and effortless sauce is prepared with merely three basic ingredients and is perfect as a spring roll dipping sauce. It is savory, tangy, and optionally fiery.

Sweet Chili Aioli

This sauce serves as an excellent spring roll dipping sauce and can be prepared in just a few minutes. Its creamy, mayo-based texture and delicious flavour make it a perfect complement to the crispiness of spring rolls.

Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nước Chấm)

A classic Vietnamese dipping sauce, Nước Chấm is a blend of fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and sugar, making it a sweet and tangy spring roll dipping sauce.

These are just a few ideas, but there are many other delicious options to explore and experiment with!

Frequently asked questions