Air Fryer Rice Paper: Safe Or Not?

Rice paper can be used in an air fryer, but it is important to note that they are sticky and delicate, so they must be handled with care. They are best cooked in a single layer and not overcrowded in the air fryer to avoid sticking and tearing. Rice paper rolls can be filled with various ingredients, such as vegetables, tofu, prawns, or meat, and then cooked in the air fryer for a crispy texture. They can also be cooked in a pan with oil or in the microwave for a healthier option.

How to make rice paper rolls in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Rice paper wrappers (medium or large)
• Filling of your choice (e.g. stir-fried veggies, tofu, prawns, carrot, cabbage, basil, etc.)
• Oil (vegetable, olive, or cooking spray)
• Dipping sauces (optional)

Method:

• Prepare your chosen filling. This could include stir-frying vegetables, tofu, or prawns with seasonings and sauces. Allow the filling to cool slightly before wrapping.
• Fill a shallow plate with 1-2 inches of water. Dip a rice paper wrapper in the water for a few seconds on both sides, until it becomes pliable but not too soft.
• Transfer the rice paper to a damp, smooth surface, such as a porcelain plate or ceramic board.
• Place 1/4 to 1/3 cup of filling in the lower third of the wrapper.
• Fold the left and right sides towards the middle, then gently peel off the bottom edge and wrap it over the filling.
• Continue to roll tightly until the roll is sealed, similar to rolling a mini burrito. Repeat this process until you use up all your filling.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Arrange the rice paper rolls in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch or overlap.
• Spray or brush the rolls with oil.
• Air fry at 200°C/400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Serve immediately with your chosen dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Keep the work surface damp to prevent the rice paper from sticking.
• Do not oversoak the rice paper; it should still maintain its shape after soaking.
• Use a hard and smooth surface for wrapping, such as plastic, porcelain, or ceramic. Avoid wooden boards as they can cause sticking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer; cook in batches if necessary.
• Do not overcook the filling, as this can cause the rice paper to tear.
• Avoid overstuffing the rolls; the filling should cover only up to 1/3 of the wrapper.
• Layering two sheets of rice paper can make rolling easier, especially if the brand of rice paper is delicate.

Enjoy your crispy and delicious rice paper rolls!

Filling options for rice paper rolls

Yes, you can put rice paper in the air fryer! Rice paper rolls are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetiser, a snack, or a light meal. They are also customisable to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Vegetables

You can use a variety of vegetables as filling for your rice paper rolls, including:

• Carrots
• Lettuce
• Cucumber
• Bean sprouts
• Zucchini or zucchini noodles
• Red cabbage
• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Celery
• Asian slaw or coleslaw

Proteins

If you're looking for a more substantial filling, you can add proteins such as:

• Chicken
• Pork
• Prawns
• Beef
• Lamb
• Tofu
• Tempeh
• Ground turkey
• Ground chicken
• Eggs or omelettes

Herbs and Seasonings

To add flavour to your rice paper rolls, you can use various herbs and seasonings, such as:

• Mint
• Coriander/cilantro
• Thai basil
• Basil
• Soy sauce (use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce if needed)
• Sesame oil
• Brown sugar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Green onion

Other Ingredients

You can also include other ingredients like:

• Vermicelli rice noodles
• Avocado
• Mango
• Chilli
• Plum sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Nuts or seeds (e.g. peanuts, cashews, pepitas)

How to prevent rice paper from sticking

Yes, you can put rice paper in the air fryer! Here are some tips to prevent rice paper from sticking:

Keep the Work Surface Damp

Make sure every surface that comes into contact with the rice paper is moist to prevent sticking. If you use a plate or tray to hold your uncooked rolls, lightly grease them with cooking spray beforehand.

Do Not Over-Soak the Rice Paper

The rice paper should soften slightly but still maintain its shape after soaking. Wrappers that are too soft will be sticky and hard to work with.

Use a Hard and Smooth Surface for Wrapping

Use a plastic, porcelain, or ceramic surface for wrapping your rolls. Wooden boards are porous and will cause rice paper to stick.

Avoid Overcrowding When Cooking

Ensure that rice paper rolls do not touch each other while cooking. If you have a smaller air fryer, cook your rolls in batches.

Refrain from Overcooking the Filling

Overcooked vegetables will release water, causing the filling to become soggy. A wet filling will cause rice paper to tear easily.

Avoid Overstuffing the Rolls

The filling should only cover 1/3 of the wrapper at most.

Layering Two Sheets

If you are new to wrapping rice paper rolls or if the brand of rice paper you purchased is particularly delicate, layer two sheets of rice paper. The rolls might turn out a bit chewier, but it will be hardly noticeable.

Avoid Soaking Rice Paper in Warm or Hot Water

Soak rice paper in cold water instead of warm or hot water. The rice paper will keep softening after you take it out of the water, preventing it from getting sticky and hard to wrap.

How to reheat rice paper rolls in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Paper Rolls

Before reheating, ensure that your rice paper rolls are at room temperature. If they are frozen, let them thaw first.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 200°C/390°F. This allows the air fryer to reach the optimal temperature for even and efficient reheating.

Step 3: Arrange the Rice Paper Rolls

Place the rice paper rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap or touch each other. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to reheat them in batches.

Step 4: Reheat the Rice Paper Rolls

Air fry the rolls for 10-15 minutes at 200°C/390°F, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the rolls and your air fryer model. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Check for Crispiness

After the cooking time is up, inspect the rolls. If they aren't as crispy as you'd like, continue cooking for another minute or two. Be careful not to overcook, as this can lead to a dry texture.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the rice paper rolls are perfectly crispy and heated through, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Allow them to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth. Enjoy the delightful taste of freshly reheated rice paper rolls!

Tips for the Best Results:

• Use a cooking spray: For an extra crispy finish, lightly spray the rice paper rolls with cooking oil or an oil sprayer before placing them in the air fryer.
• Don't overcrowd the basket: Cooking in batches may be necessary to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Check for hot spots: Rearrange the rice paper rolls during cooking to ensure even heating.
• Dipping sauces: Serve with your favourite sauces, such as sweet chilli, teriyaki, soy sauce, or sriracha mayo, to enhance their flavours.

Storing Leftovers:

Rice paper rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Important Note:

It is recommended to reheat rice paper rolls in the air fryer only once to maintain their quality. Reheating multiple times can lead to overcooking and affect their texture and taste.

Dipping sauces for rice paper rolls

Rice paper rolls are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or a light meal. They are often served with dipping sauces, which add flavour and moisture to the rolls. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to accompany your rice paper rolls:

Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham)

This traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce is a perfect accompaniment to rice paper rolls. It is made with:

• 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
• 2 teaspoons of rice wine vinegar
• Juice of half a lime
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
• Optional: chilli flakes or a finely chopped chilli

Sweet Chilli Dipping Sauce

A sweet and tangy sauce that pairs well with the freshness of the rice paper rolls. It can be made with:

• 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of sweet chilli sauce

Peanut Dipping Sauce

A popular choice for rice paper rolls, this sauce is creamy and nutty. It can be made with:

• 1 tablespoon of peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 2 tablespoons of Hoisin sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons of white vinegar or lime juice
• 1/3 cup of milk or water
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon of crushed chilli or chilli paste

Spicy Teriyaki Sauce

A sweet and savoury sauce with a kick of spice. It can be made with:

• Soy sauce
• Mirin
• Rice vinegar
• Sugar
• Chilli flakes

Sweet and Sour Sauce

A classic sweet and tangy sauce that pairs well with many dishes. It can be made with:

• Pineapple juice
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Cornstarch
• Ginger
• Garlic

Frequently asked questions