Air Fryer Rice Paper Spring Rolls: A Healthy Crunch?

Spring rolls are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a full meal. They are typically made with a variety of fillings, including meat, vegetables, and noodles, and are often served with a dipping sauce. While spring rolls can be cooked in a variety of ways, including deep-frying and pan-frying, air frying has become an increasingly popular option due to its convenience and ability to produce crispy results with less oil. In this article, we will explore the topic of cooking rice paper spring rolls in an air fryer, providing a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect crispy and chewy texture.

Filling options

Rice paper spring rolls are a versatile dish that can be filled with various ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. Here are some filling options to consider:

Veggie Filling

For a vegetarian or vegan option, you can fill your rice paper spring rolls with a variety of vegetables. Some popular choices include cabbage, carrots, scallions, sprouts, red peppers, and mushrooms. You can also add tofu or tempeh for protein and a savoury element. If you're looking for a fresh and crisp texture, consider adding leafy greens like lettuce, bok choy, spinach, or kale.

Meat Filling

If you prefer a meat filling, you can choose from options like ground pork, turkey, chicken, or beef. You can also add mixed vegetables, onion, and garlic to the meat filling for extra flavour and texture.

Noodle Filling

Another option is to fill your rice paper spring rolls with noodles. You can use any variety of Asian noodles, such as vermicelli or rice noodles. Be sure to cook the noodles until they are al dente and then rinse them with cold water before adding them to the spring rolls.

Seafood Filling

For a seafood option, you can add cooked shrimp or other seafood of your choice to your spring rolls. This can be combined with vegetables and noodles to create a more substantial filling.

Dipping Sauces

Don't forget to serve your rice paper spring rolls with a delicious dipping sauce! Some popular options include peanut sauce, sweet chilli sauce, or a simple soy sauce.

Remember, the key to successful rice paper spring rolls is to ensure that your filling is not too wet. A wet filling can cause the rice paper to tear easily and affect the texture of the spring rolls.

Wrapping technique

Air fryer spring rolls are a great, healthier alternative to deep-fried spring rolls, and they are easy to make. You can use rice paper wrappers, wheat spring roll wrappers, or egg roll wrappers, depending on your preference.

Firstly, ensure that your filling is cooked and cooled. Overcooked veggies will release water, causing the filling to become soggy, and a wet filling will cause the rice paper to tear. Place the rice paper on a damp, smooth, non-absorbent surface, such as porcelain or ceramic. Avoid using a wooden board as it will cause the rice paper to stick. Place around 1/4-1/3 cup of filling in the lower middle of the wrapper, or along the bottom third of the wrapper. Do not overfill the wrapper, as this will cause it to burst during cooking.

Next, fold the left and right sides of the wrapper towards the middle, and then gently peel off the bottom edge and wrap it over the filling. Continue to roll up the spring roll tightly until it is completely sealed. Dab the edges with a cornflour slurry to ensure it is well sealed and prevent any leakage during cooking. Repeat this process until all your filling is used up.

If you are new to wrapping spring rolls, you can layer two sheets of rice paper to make the process easier. You can also use wheat-based wrappers, which you do not need to soak in water.

Finally, brush or spray the spring rolls with oil, and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Now they are ready to cook!

Cooking time and temperature

Rice paper spring rolls can be cooked in an air fryer at a temperature of 380–400 °F for 6–15 minutes. The cooking time depends on the number of rolls being cooked, whether they are cooked from frozen, and the desired level of crispiness.

It is important to ensure that the rolls are not overcrowded in the air fryer, and that they do not touch each other during cooking. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, cook the rolls in batches.

To prepare the rolls for cooking, first, lay out the rice paper on a damp, smooth surface. Then, add the filling to the lower third of the wrapper, and fold in the sides before rolling it up tightly.

Once the rolls are assembled, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and arrange the rolls in a single layer. Spray the rolls with oil and then place them in the air fryer.

For rolls that are cooked from frozen, there is no need to thaw them beforehand. Simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. For rolls that have been refrigerated, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are warmed and crispy again.

Reheating and storing

Storing cooked spring rolls:

It is recommended to store cooked spring rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 1-3 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them.

Freezing spring rolls:

To freeze spring rolls, first, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to one month.

Reheating spring rolls:

To reheat spring rolls, put them back in the air fryer for 5-8 minutes at 370-400°F (200°C) until warmed and crispy. You can also reheat them in a conventional oven or a non-stick pan.

Storing leftover filling:

If you have any leftover filling, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Vegan alternatives

You can make vegan spring rolls in an air fryer by using rice paper wrappers and filling them with stir-fried veggies and crumbled tofu. The rolls get crispy and golden on the outside while maintaining some chewiness.

To make the rolls, first transfer the rice paper to a damp, smooth surface. Add your filling—a mix of vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and bean sprouts—to 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 up tightly until the roll is sealed.

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and arrange the rolls in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch or overlap. Spray the rolls with some oil and air fry at 200°C/400°F for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

You can also add some soy curl crumbles to your filling for extra protein. Simply soak the crumbles in warm water for at least 10 minutes, then drain and squeeze out the excess water before adding them to your filling.

If you want to make your spring rolls ahead of time, you can prepare the filling and assemble the rolls, then refrigerate for up to 12 hours until you are ready to cook them. You can also freeze homemade spring rolls by arranging them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and placing them in the freezer.

Frequently asked questions