Air Fryer Spring Rolls: A Healthy, Tasty Treat

Spring rolls are a beloved snack and appetiser, but frying them can be messy and unhealthy. Air fryers offer a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to frying spring rolls, without sacrificing taste and texture. In fact, air-fried spring rolls are crispier and lighter than their deep-fried counterparts. They are also highly customisable, with a range of fillings and wrappers to choose from. You can even make them vegan!

How to roll spring rolls

Spring rolls are a tasty treat, but how do you roll them? Well, there are a few ways to do it, and it depends on a few factors, such as the size of the wrapper, the amount of filling, and whether you want open or closed ends.

Firstly, you'll want to cut your wrapper into four even pieces. If you're using rice paper, you'll then need to dip it in lukewarm water. If you're using wheat-based pastry sheets, you can skip this step. Next, add your filling. This is where you can get creative, but a good tip is to keep the ingredients narrower than the wrapper so that it's easier to roll.

Now for the rolling. If you're using rice paper, fold the sides of the wrapper along its entire height, then begin to roll it up, keeping it relatively tight. As you reach the meat (if using), loosen the pressure a little so that the roll doesn't break. If you're using wheat-based pastry sheets, fold the bottom corner over the filling and tuck it under. Then, fold in the left and right sides to neatly enclose the filling. Finally, brush a little water or cornflour mixture over the top corner and roll up from the bottom to seal.

There you have it! A perfectly rolled spring roll, ready to be cooked or eaten fresh.

Spring roll fillings

Spring rolls are a versatile dish, and you can get creative with the fillings. The traditional mix includes cabbage, mushrooms, and carrots, but you can also add chicken, pork, ground beef, tofu, or beans. Here are some ideas for spring roll fillings to get you started:

Veggie Delight

For a refreshing option, try filling your spring rolls with noodles, tofu, vegetables like carrots, cucumber, and peppers, and fresh herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro. You can also add some crunch with bean sprouts, red bell pepper, or purple cabbage. Don't forget the dipping sauce! Peanut sauce is a popular choice and can be made with peanut butter, tamari or soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and fresh lime juice.

Meat Lovers

If you're a meat lover, there are plenty of options to choose from. Ground beef, chicken, and pork are popular choices. You can also get creative with fillings like cheeseburger, chicken satay, or even a full English breakfast with sausage, bacon, egg, mushroom, and beans. For a spicy kick, try a chicken tikka filling with cucumber yoghurt dip.

Seafood Options

Prawns are a great choice for spring roll fillings. You can also try Vietnamese-style spring rolls with glass noodles, black fungus, pepper, carrot, and prawn or chicken.

Sweet Treats

For a sweet twist, spring rolls can be filled with apple and raisins, served with vanilla ice cream, or banana and melted chocolate. You can even make dessert spring rolls with cream cheese and strawberry jam for a cheesecake-like treat.

Cultural Fusions

Spring rolls can be a fun way to experiment with cultural fusions. Try a "reuben" spring roll with cabbage, sauerkraut, ham, and cheese, or a taco spring roll with seasoned beef or chicken, queso, beans, and salsa or guacamole. You can also make a sigara borek using spring roll wrappers, or a "cordon bleu" spring roll with chicken, ham, cheese, mustard, and bechamel sauce.

Remember, the options are endless, so feel free to experiment and create your own unique combinations!

Spring roll wrappers

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Water
• Salt
• Non-stick pan
• Small brush

Instructions:

• Mix salt and all-purpose flour, then pour in water. Keep stirring until well combined.
• Strain the batter to remove any lumps.
• Heat a non-stick pan over the lowest heat and quickly brush the batter onto the pan to form a round wrapper.
• Slightly increase the heat and cook the wrapper until it is white and firm.
• Transfer the cooked wrapper to a cool surface and repeat the process with the remaining batter.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking times and temperatures for air-fried spring rolls vary depending on the recipe and the type of spring roll being cooked. Here are some general guidelines and tips for achieving the best results:

Cooking Times:

Most recipes recommend cooking spring rolls in the air fryer for around 8 to 12 minutes. This can vary depending on the size and type of spring roll, as well as the specific air fryer being used. It is important to keep an eye on the spring rolls during cooking to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Some recipes suggest cooking the spring rolls in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can affect the cooking time and the crispiness of the spring rolls. It is also recommended to turn the spring rolls halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

Cooking Temperatures:

The ideal cooking temperature for spring rolls in an air fryer seems to be around 380°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). This temperature range will give you crispy and golden brown spring rolls without burning them. Again, it is important to refer to the specific recipe and air fryer instructions, as temperatures may vary slightly.

Preheating:

Preheating the air fryer before adding the spring rolls is essential to ensure even cooking. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer for about 3 to 5 minutes at the desired cooking temperature.

Oil Usage:

Using oil is crucial to achieving crispy spring rolls. Brush or spray the spring rolls lightly with oil before placing them in the air fryer. This will help them brown and crisp up nicely. Some recipes also suggest spraying or brushing the air fryer basket with oil before adding the spring rolls.

Frozen Spring Rolls:

If cooking frozen spring rolls, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply follow the same cooking instructions as for fresh spring rolls, adjusting the cooking time as needed. Frozen spring rolls may take a little longer to cook, so it is important to check them periodically to ensure they are cooked through.

Reheating:

To reheat cooked spring rolls, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 10 to 12 minutes. Avoid microwaving spring rolls, as they will become soggy.

Dipping sauces

Spring rolls are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a full meal. While they are delicious on their own, the right dipping sauce can elevate them to the next level. Here are some mouth-watering dipping sauce options to pair with your air-fried spring rolls:

• Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce is a crowd favourite, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. It adds a kick of flavour to your spring rolls and is often recommended as a pairing.
• Honey Mustard Sauce: For those who enjoy contrasting flavours, honey mustard sauce is an excellent choice. The smooth richness of honey combined with the sharp tang of mustard creates an irresistible combination.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: If you're looking for a sauce that packs a punch, chili garlic sauce is the way to go. The combination of garlic and chilies will explode in your mouth, leaving a lasting impression.
• Sweet and Sour Sauce: This classic pairing is a favourite for a reason. The perfect balance of sweet and sour notes makes this sauce a delight for the taste buds.
• Ranch Dressing: For those who love their ranch, this creamy and smooth dressing adds a whole new dimension to spring rolls. It's a popular choice that can enhance the flavour of your rolls.
• Peanut Sauce: Rich and tangy, peanut sauce is an ideal companion for spring rolls, especially during the colder months. It adds a creamy texture and a nutty flavour that complements the crispiness of the rolls.
• Vietnamese Fish Sauce: For something a little different, try Vietnamese nuoc cham. This sauce is sweet and tangy with bright citrus flavours. It's a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and can also be used as a vermicelli bowl sauce.
• Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin sauce is sweet, savoury, and slightly tangy, with a hint of spice. It's similar to soy dipping sauce but with a deeper flavour. The umami from the soybeans makes it a popular choice in Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine.
• Soy Sauce: A simple yet classic option, soy sauce is a store-cupboard staple that can add a savoury, umami flavour to your spring rolls.
• Plum Sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce is a great way to add some extra flavour to your spring rolls. It's a perfect balance of sweet and sour, with a hint of spice.

These sauces offer a range of flavours, from sweet and tangy to spicy and savoury. You can easily make some of these sauces at home, like a basic dipping sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic, or a vegetarian Vietnamese fish sauce with lime juice, rice wine vinegar, garlic, and chilli.

So, go ahead and experiment with these sauces, or even create your own unique combinations, to find the perfect pairing for your air-fried spring rolls!

Frequently asked questions