Air Fryer Rice Paper Chips: A Healthy, Crunchy Treat

Rice paper rolls are a popular snack, but can you make rice paper chips in an air fryer? The answer is yes, and it's a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Rice paper, commonly used in Asian cuisine, is a versatile ingredient made from rice flour. When air-fried, it transforms into a crispy, light, and gluten-free snack. The air fryer method uses hot air to cook the rice paper with little to no oil, resulting in a lower-fat alternative to traditional deep-fried snacks.

Rice paper rolls in an air fryer

Rice paper rolls are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or a light lunch. They are highly customizable and can be made gluten-free and vegan. The best type of rice paper to use for making rice paper rolls is 100% rice flour. You can use rice paper wrappers of any size, but medium or large wrappers are recommended, and thinner sheets are better if you want to make chips.

Filling

The filling for rice paper rolls can be cooked or uncooked. For a cooked filling, you can use stir-fried veggies and crumbled tofu seasoned with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger. You can also add in some shredded cabbage and carrot. If you want a more traditional no-cook version, you can try a filling of prawns, basil, carrot, and ginger. You can also add in some green onions and tamari sauce or coconut aminos.

Rolling

To roll the rice paper rolls, fill a shallow plate with 1-2 inches of cold water. Dip a piece of rice paper in the water for a few seconds on both sides until it is pliable but not too soft. Then, transfer the rice paper to a damp, smooth surface, such as a porcelain plate or ceramic board. Add the filling to the lower third of the wrapper and fold in the sides. Then, gently peel off the bottom edge and wrap it over the filling, rolling tightly until the roll is sealed.

Cooking

To cook the rice paper rolls in the air fryer, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and arrange the rolls in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Spray the rolls with some oil and air fry at 200°C/400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also cook rice paper rolls by pan-frying or baking.

Tips

• Keep the work surface damp to prevent the rice paper from sticking.
• Do not oversoak the rice paper.
• Use a hard and smooth surface for wrapping, such as plastic, porcelain, or ceramic.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
• Do not overstuff the rolls.
• Layer 2 sheets of rice paper if you are new to wrapping or if the brand of rice paper is delicate.
• Eat the rice paper rolls immediately, as they tend to lose their crispiness and turn soft.

Dipping Sauces

Some dipping sauces that go well with rice paper rolls include sweet chili sauce, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and sriracha mayo.

Rice paper chips in an air fryer

Rice paper chips are a great, healthy snack option. They are low in calories and fat, gluten-free, and can be easily incorporated into various dietary preferences. The air fryer is perfect for cooking these chips as it uses hot air and very little to no oil, resulting in a crispy, light, and non-greasy snack.

Ingredients

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

Method

• Cut the rice paper sheets into your desired chip sizes. A sharp knife or pizza cutter can be used for more precise and uniform cuts.
• Lightly spray or brush the rice paper pieces with olive oil.
• Sprinkle your chosen seasonings evenly over the rice paper pieces. You can also mix the rice paper pieces with the seasonings in a bowl before placing them in the air fryer for a more even coat.
• Place the seasoned rice paper pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
• Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for about 4-6 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly.
• Let the chips cool for a minute or two, and then enjoy your homemade, crispy rice paper chips!

Tips

• Choose high-quality, thinner rice paper sheets as they tend to crisp up more evenly and quickly.
• 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.
• Experiment with different seasonings and unique combinations to find your favorite flavor profiles.
• The ideal cooking temperature is around 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C).
• Keep an eye on the cooking time as rice paper chips can burn quickly. Start checking them around the 3-4 minute mark.
• 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. They will continue to crisp up as they cool down.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain crispiness. They are best eaten within a day or two.
• If you are in a humid environment, the rice paper might absorb moisture and become chewy. Cooking them a bit longer can help.
• Experiment with the thickness of the rice paper. Thinner rice paper will result in extra crispy chips, while slightly thicker cuts provide a bit of chewiness.
• For more intense flavor, consider double seasoning – once before cooking and a light sprinkle immediately after while the chips are still hot.

Variations

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

Warnings

One user has reported that their rice paper got sucked into the heating element of their air fryer, causing a smoky mess. It is important to keep an eye on your air fryer and ensure that the rice paper does not come into contact with the heating element.

Rice paper chip seasoning

Rice paper chips can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for seasoning your rice paper chips:

• Salt and pepper: A classic combination that can be used as a base for other seasonings.
• Nutritional yeast: This will give your chips a cheesy flavour.
• Smoked paprika powder: For a smoky, BBQ flavour. Use sparingly.
• Fajita spice mix: A combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and oregano. This will give your chips a fiery Mexican flavour.
• Buffalo spice mix: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, sweet smoked paprika powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, and oregano.
• Cajun spice mix: A blend of cayenne pepper, sweet smoked paprika powder, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Indian masala powder: A blend of spices that can add a unique and flavourful kick to your chips.
• Sweet chili: A mix of chili powder and a hint of sugar for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Cheese and onion: Nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour, mixed with onion powder.
• BBQ flavour: A combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of brown sugar.

When seasoning your rice paper chips, it is important to use fine powder mixes or grind your spices into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. This will ensure that the seasonings stick to the chips. You should also avoid using any wet ingredients, as these will make the chips soggy.

Additionally, it is recommended to season the chips after frying, as seasoning before frying may cause the spices to burn and turn bitter.

Rice paper chip storage

Rice paper chips are best enjoyed fresh, as they tend to lose their crispiness over time. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container to keep them crispy. They are best eaten within a day or two.

• Store them in an airtight container: This will help to keep them crispy and fresh.
• Avoid humidity: If you live in a humid environment, the rice paper might absorb moisture and become chewy. Cooking them a bit longer can help with this.
• Use within the specified date: Check the packaging for a use-by date and try to consume them before that date.
• Keep them dry: Rice paper is a dried product, so storing it in a cool, dry location such as a pantry is ideal. You can also keep it in the fridge, which will help extend its shelf life.
• Discard soft rice paper: If your rice paper feels soft after storage, it has deteriorated and should be discarded.
• Avoid overcrowding: Don't stack too many chips in one container, as this can cause them to soften and lose their crispiness.

Rice paper chip dipping sauces

Rice paper chips can be paired with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas to elevate your snacking experience:

Peanut Dipping Sauce

A creamy and nutty sauce, this classic combination is a perfect match for rice paper chips. To make it, simply whisk together coconut milk, peanut butter, curry paste, and a squeeze of lime juice. For a thinner consistency, add a tablespoon of water. Sprinkle lime zest and a pinch of cayenne pepper on top of your chips for an extra kick.

Sweet Chilli Sauce

For those who enjoy a sweet and spicy kick, sweet chilli sauce is an excellent choice. It pairs perfectly with the crispiness of the rice paper chips.

Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce, with its savoury and slightly sweet flavour, is another great option for dipping your rice paper chips. It adds a delicious umami boost to your snack.

Spicy Mayo

For those who like their snacks on the spicier side, a creamy spicy mayo can be a wonderful choice. Try sriracha mayo for that extra kick of heat and a hint of garlic.

Soy-Ginger Dipping Sauce

A savoury, tangy, and slightly spicy soy-ginger dipping sauce is a great option to pair with your rice paper chips. It adds a burst of flavour to your snack.

Japanese Sesame Sauce

Japanese sesame sauce is a creamy and nutty condiment that goes well with rice paper chips. It's easy to make and can be ready in just 5 minutes. This versatile sauce can also be paired with salads, hot pots, noodles, stir-fries, and more.

Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce)

Nuoc Cham is a classic Vietnamese dipping sauce that's sweet, salty, and tangy. It's easy to make at home and pairs perfectly with rice paper chips, adding a burst of flavour to your snack.

Tamarind Dipping Sauce

Tamarind sauce is a perfect match for rice paper chips, especially if you're looking for something tangy and sweet. It's a classic combination that's commonly served with spring rolls.

Creamy Harissa Sauce

For something a little different, try a creamy and bold harissa sauce. It's made with tahini, harissa paste, lemon, and maple syrup, whisked until smooth. This sauce adds a tangy and spicy kick to your rice paper chips.

Frequently asked questions