Frying Rice Paper: Air Fryer Experiment

Rice paper is a versatile ingredient, commonly used in Asian cuisine, that can be fried or air-fried to make crispy and delicious snacks. While it is possible to fry rice paper in an air fryer, it is not recommended as it can get sucked into the heating element, creating a smoky mess. Instead, frying rice paper in oil or using a microwave are suggested as safer alternatives.

How to make rice paper rolls in an air fryer

Rice paper rolls are a great dish to make in an air fryer. They are highly versatile and can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or a light lunch. They are also highly customisable, allowing you to adjust the recipe to your taste.

Ingredients

• Rice paper wrappers (medium or large)
• Tofu (extra-firm or firm)
• Soy sauce or tamari/shoyu (use gluten-free if needed)
• Sugar or another sweetener (optional)
• Vegetables (cabbage, carrot, mushrooms, bell pepper, celery, etc.)
• Oil (vegetable, avocado, olive, sesame, or cooking spray)
• Salt and pepper (optional)
• Dipping sauce (sweet chilli sauce, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, sriracha mayo, etc.)

Method

• Prepare the filling by crumbling the tofu and chopping the vegetables. You can also add in some ginger, garlic, and other seasonings if desired. Sauté the ingredients in a pan over medium-high heat until slightly softened.
• Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool slightly before assembling the rolls.
• Set up a dipping station with a shallow plate of cold water and a damp surface, such as a porcelain or ceramic plate, for wrapping the rolls.
• Working with one piece of rice paper at a time, dip it in the water for a few seconds until it becomes pliable but not too soft.
• Place the softened rice paper on the damp surface and add a heaping tablespoon of the filling to the middle.
• Fold the bottom half of the rice paper up to cover the filling, then fold in the sides and continue rolling until it is sealed. You may want to double wrap the rolls with a second sheet of rice paper for extra crispness.
• Place the assembled rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch or overlap.
• Spray or brush the rolls with oil and air fry at 200°C/400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden.
• Serve immediately with your desired dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Rice papers are sticky and delicate, so it is important to work quickly and efficiently when assembling the rolls.
• Avoid overstuffing the rolls, as this can cause them to tear.
• The rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• To reheat, air fry at 200°C/400°F for 4-5 minutes or pan-fry until crispy.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried rice paper rolls!

How to make rice paper dumplings in an air fryer

Rice paper dumplings are a fun and delicious dish to make, whether you're looking for a crispy snack or a creative way to use up leftovers. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make them in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Rice paper wrappers (spring roll wrappers)
• Extra-firm or firm tofu
• Vegetables of your choice (e.g. cabbage, carrot, mushroom, green onion)
• Oil (avocado, olive, or sesame oil)
• Seasonings (ginger, garlic powder, tamari or soy sauce, salt)
• Dipping sauce (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess liquid. You can use a tofu press or simply place something heavy on top for 15-30 minutes. Then, crumble or cut the tofu into small pieces. Chop or grate your chosen vegetables into thin pieces. Warm a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and vegetables to the skillet and sauté until slightly softened. Remember to keep the filling a little undercooked to prevent sogginess. Season the filling with ginger, garlic powder, and tamari or soy sauce. You can also add other seasonings like salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Assemble the Dumplings

Set up a dipping station with a bowl of cold water and a damp shallow plate or cutting board. Dip each rice paper wrapper into the cold water for a few seconds until it softens, then place it on the cutting board. Add a heaping tablespoon of the filling to the center of the rice paper. Now, it's time to wrap your dumpling! Fold the bottom half of the rice paper up to cover the filling, then bring in both sides, and finally, roll the top half over to seal it shut. You can also double wrap your dumplings by repeating this process with a second sheet of rice paper for an extra crispy exterior.

Step 3: Air Fry the Dumplings

Place the assembled dumplings in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Brush or spray the dumplings with a thin layer of oil. Set the air fryer to 380°F and cook for 8-15 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the size of your dumplings. Keep an eye on them and flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Tips:

• Don't soak the rice paper wrappers for too long, as they will continue to soften after removing from the water.
• Use cold or room temperature water when dipping the rice paper to prevent it from becoming too sticky and prone to tearing.
• If you're new to using rice paper, consider using two sheets per dumpling to make it easier to handle and create a tighter rectangle shape.
• Avoid overcooking the filling, as this can lead to sogginess.
• These dumplings are best served fresh and crispy, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

How to make rice paper pop chips in an air fryer

Rice paper pop chips are a healthy, delicious, and crispy snack that can be made in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide to making them:

Ingredients:

• Rice paper sheets
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Seasonings of your choice (e.g. salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, etc.)

Instructions:

Preparation:

Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the rice paper sheets into your desired chip sizes. Thinner slices are better as they crisp up more evenly and quickly.

Seasoning:

Lightly spray or brush the rice paper pieces with olive oil. Then, sprinkle your chosen seasonings evenly over them. You can also mix the rice paper pieces with the seasonings in a bowl for an even coat.

Air Frying:

Place the seasoned rice paper pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for about 4-6 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly.

Enjoy:

Let the chips cool for a minute or two, and then enjoy your homemade, crispy, and healthy snack!

Tips:

• Experiment with different seasonings and unique combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
• Choose high-quality, thin rice paper for the best results.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• A light brush or spray of oil is enough; excess oil can make the chips soggy.
• Watch the temperature and cooking time closely. The ideal temperature is around 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C), and the chips can go from crispy to burnt in seconds.
• Gently shake the basket or turn the chips halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Allow the chips to cool for a few minutes after cooking, as they will continue to crisp up as they cool down.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them crispy. They are best eaten within a day or two.

Flavor Ideas:

• Classic Salted: Sprinkle sea salt for a classic chip flavor.
• Sweet Chili: Mix chili powder with a hint of sugar for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Cheese and Onion: Combine nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor) with onion powder.
• BBQ Flavor: Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of brown sugar.

What ingredients to use for rice paper rolls in an air fryer

Rice paper rolls are a great dish to make in an air fryer. They are versatile, easy to make, and can be served as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a snack. The best part is that they are healthier and lower in fat than deep-fried spring rolls. Here are the ingredients you will need to make delicious rice paper rolls in an air fryer:

Rice Paper Wrappers:

Use medium or large rice paper wrappers, which can be found online or in most stores. They are often called spring roll wrappers and are gluten-free as they are made from rice.

Tofu:

Use extra-firm or firm tofu that has been pressed beforehand. Press the tofu for at least 15-30 minutes, and then crumble it using your hands or a fork to create a mince-like texture.

Vegetables:

For the filling, you can use a variety of vegetables such as shredded cabbage, shredded carrot, mushrooms, green onions, and garlic. You can also add glass noodles to make the rolls more filling.

Seasonings:

You will need soy sauce or tamari/shoyu (use gluten-free if needed), sesame oil, sugar or another sweetener, ginger, and garlic.

Cooking Oil:

Use a cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil. You will need this for cooking the filling and spraying the rolls before placing them in the air fryer.

Dipping Sauce:

While optional, a dipping sauce can enhance the flavour of your rice paper rolls. You can make a sauce with tamari, sriracha, and rice vinegar, or simply serve them with sweet chilli sauce.

Tips for Success:

• Keep the work surface damp when working with rice paper to prevent sticking.
• Do not oversoak the rice paper. Dip it in water for a few seconds until it is pliable but still maintains its shape.
• Avoid overcooking the filling. Overcooked vegetables will release water, making the rolls soggy and causing the rice paper to tear easily.
• Do not overstuff the rolls. The filling should only cover 1/3 of the wrapper at most.

With these ingredients and tips, you are now ready to make delicious and crispy rice paper rolls in your air fryer!

What ingredients to use for rice paper dumplings in an air fryer

Rice paper dumplings are a great dish to make for a snack, lunch, or dinner. They are versatile, easy to make, and can be adapted to suit your preferences. The dumplings are also allergy-friendly as they are dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian.

• Rice paper wrappers: Look for medium or large rice paper wrappers, also known as spring roll wrappers. You can find these online or in most stores. They are gluten-free as they are made from rice.
• Tofu: Use extra-firm or firm tofu, pressing it beforehand to remove excess liquid.
• Vegetable filling: You can fill your dumplings with whatever vegetables you like. Some common options include shredded cabbage, shredded carrot, mushrooms, and green onions. You can also add in some ground meat or firm tofu for extra protein.
• Aromatics: Use fresh or ground ginger, garlic powder, and tamari. If you're not avoiding gluten, you can use soy sauce instead of tamari.
• Oil: Use a neutral cooking oil such as avocado oil or olive oil to sauté the filling and grease the air fryer basket.
• Dipping sauce: Serve your dumplings with a dipping sauce such as Thai sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, or a mixture of soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, chili oil, spring onion, and sesame seeds.

Step-by-step process:

• Prepare the filling by pressing and chopping the tofu, and chopping your chosen vegetables.
• Warm a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and vegetables and sauté until slightly softened. Don't overcook the filling to prevent sogginess.
• Season the filling with ginger, garlic powder, and tamari (or soy sauce).
• Assemble the dumplings by dipping each rice paper wrapper in cold water for a few seconds to soften, then placing it on a damp, shallow plate or cutting board.
• Place a heaping tablespoon of the filling in the middle of the rice paper. Fold the bottom half up, bring in the sides, then roll the top half over to seal. Repeat with a second sheet of rice paper for extra crispness.
• Place the dumplings in the air fryer in a single layer, leaving some space between each dumpling. Spray with oil and air fry at 380F for 8-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Serve the dumplings immediately with your chosen dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Don't soak the rice paper wrappers for too long, as they will continue to soften after soaking and may become too sticky and prone to tearing.
• Use cold or room temperature water when dipping the rice paper wrappers. Warm or hot water can make them too soft.
• If you are new to using rice paper, it may be easier to handle and roll the dumplings with two sheets of rice paper. This will also result in a tighter rectangle shape.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to prevent the dumplings from sticking together.
• The dumplings are best served immediately but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Enjoy your crispy and juicy rice paper dumplings!

Frequently asked questions