Air Fryer Spring Rolls: Can You Make Them?

Spring rolls are a popular snack and appetiser, but frying them can be messy and time-consuming. Fortunately, air fryers offer a quick, easy, and less messy alternative to frying spring rolls. They are also a healthier option, as they require less oil. Air-fried spring rolls are just as crispy and delicious as their deep-fried counterparts and can be paired with various sauces, such as sweet chilli sauce, peanut sauce, or soy sauce.

How long to cook spring rolls in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook spring rolls in an air fryer.

The cooking time will depend on the size of your spring rolls and the specific model of your air fryer. As a general rule, it takes around 8 minutes to cook spring rolls in an air fryer at 380°F/190°C, flipping them halfway through.

If your spring rolls are larger, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. It is recommended to start with 5 minutes on each side and then check if they are warm all the way through.

For frozen spring rolls, it is best to cook them straight from frozen. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes, and then cook the spring rolls for 4 minutes on each side, turning them halfway through.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary, so you may need to adjust the temperature or timing accordingly.

What temperature to cook spring rolls in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook spring rolls in an air fryer.

The temperature you cook spring rolls at in an air fryer depends on the type of spring rolls you are cooking.

If you are making your own spring rolls, filled with pork and veggies, for example, you should cook them at 380°F for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This will ensure they are crispy and golden brown on all sides.

If you are cooking frozen spring rolls, you should cook them at 400°F for 4 minutes, turn them, and then cook them for another 4 minutes at the same temperature.

If you are making your own spring rolls with ground beef, rice noodles, and vegetables, you should preheat your air fryer to 350°F and then cook the spring rolls for 8 minutes until they are crisp and lightly browned.

It is important to note that all air fryers are different, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timings to suit your specific model.

Can you cook frozen spring rolls in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen spring rolls in an air fryer. In fact, cooking frozen spring rolls in an air fryer is a great way to get that crispy, crunchy texture without the mess of deep frying.

How to Cook Frozen Spring Rolls in an Air Fryer:

The process is simple and quick, taking less than 10 minutes in total. First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Then, brush or spray your frozen spring rolls with a neutral vegetable oil, like rapeseed oil, and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip the spring rolls and cook for another 4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

Tips for Success:

• Don't thaw the spring rolls before cooking; frozen spring rolls come out best when cooked straight from frozen.
• If your spring rolls are larger, you may need to adjust the cooking time, starting with 5 minutes on each side and checking if they are warmed through.
• For extra crispiness, brush or spray the spring rolls with a little oil before cooking.
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like sweet chilli sauce, dark soy sauce, or peanut sauce.

Storing and Reheating:

While fried spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, they may become soggy. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for about 5 minutes, but they may not be as crispy as the first cook.

Customization:

You can use any type of frozen spring roll, whether it's vegetarian, meat-filled, or a specific variety like lumpia (Filipino) or popiah (Malaysian).

So, go ahead and enjoy those crispy, golden spring rolls straight from your air fryer!

What to serve with spring rolls?

Spring rolls are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetiser, snack, or main course. They are commonly served with a variety of sauces, such as sweet and sour sauce, Chinese hot mustard, Thai sweet chilli sauce, or a sweet chilli dip.

• Tzatziki: A Greek dish with a creamy texture and a mild, tangy taste. It is made with cucumber, plain yogurt, dill, and garlic.
• Coleslaw: A versatile side dish that can be made with cabbage, carrots, vinegar, and mayonnaise. It pairs well with spring rolls due to its soft texture.
• Falafel: A Middle Eastern dish made of chickpea flour and spices. It can be fried or baked and served as a side dish or appetiser.
• Cabbage and Root Vegetable Dishes: Such as colcannon, an Irish dish made from mashed potatoes, cabbage, and root vegetables like carrots or turnips.
• Roasted Vegetables: Potatoes, onions, and carrots are popular choices, but you can use any vegetables you like. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before baking.
• Sweet and Sour Sauce: A classic Chinese sauce that is easy to make and can be customised with sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and corn starch.
• Fried Rice: A common takeout dish that is easy to make at home. Try adding bacon, eggs, and vegetables for a hearty side dish.
• Chinese Egg Drop Soup: A light and refreshing soup made with chicken broth, corn starch, egg whites, and vegetables like carrots or green onions.
• Stir Fry: A classic side dish for spring rolls, stir-fried vegetables are a quick and easy option. Try a ginger veggie stir fry or an Asian quinoa salad.
• Noodle Dishes: Udon noodles, peanut noodle salad, or potstickers are some options to pair with spring rolls.
• Soups: Chicken and sweetcorn soup or Chinese hot and sour soup are appetisers that go well with spring rolls.
• Salads: Asian chopped salad with peppers, red onion, cabbage, cucumber, and a zesty dressing. Or, try a cucumber salad with toasted rice powder.
• Tempura Prawns: A moreish deep-fried dish that makes for an impressive starter or side.
• Pineapple Fried Rice: A sweet and savoury dish made with pineapple, vegetables, and cooked rice.

How to store leftover spring rolls?

Spring rolls are a great snack, but what do you do when you have leftovers? Here are some tips to ensure your leftover spring rolls stay as delicious as when you first cooked them.

Storing Uncooked Spring Rolls

If you've made a big batch of spring rolls and want to save some for later, you can store the uncooked spring rolls in the freezer. Place the uncooked spring rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them. Once they're frozen, transfer the spring rolls to a resealable plastic bag and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Storing Cooked Spring Rolls

Cooked spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh, as they don't store well and are prone to becoming soggy. However, if you do have leftovers, it's recommended to eat them within a day or two. Here are some tips for storing cooked spring rolls:

• Use an airtight container: Place the leftover spring rolls in an airtight container. This will help keep them from drying out.
• Wrap individually: Wrap each spring roll tightly in plastic wrap or butter lettuce before placing them in the container. This will help prevent them from sticking together and make it easier to grab one without disturbing the others.
• Use a damp cloth or paper towel: Place a slightly damp cloth or paper towel in the container with the spring rolls to help maintain moisture. You can also drape a damp cloth or paper towel over the spring rolls if they are arranged on a tray.
• Keep them elevated: If you're storing the spring rolls on a tray, place a cooling rack on the tray and put the spring rolls on the rack. This will help air circulate and prevent sogginess.
• Store in a single layer: Whether using a container or a tray, make sure to arrange the spring rolls in a single layer to prevent sticking and tearing.
• Bring to room temperature before serving: If you're storing the spring rolls in the fridge, take them out and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions