Air Fryer Rice Paper: Is It Possible?

Rice paper is a versatile ingredient, commonly used in Asian cuisine, that can be used to make dumplings, spring rolls, and chips. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including frying, air frying, baking, and microwaving. When cooked in an air fryer, rice paper becomes crispy and golden on the outside, while remaining chewy on the inside. This makes it a healthier alternative to deep-fried spring rolls or dumplings.

How to make rice paper rolls in an air fryer

Rice paper rolls are an excellent, healthier alternative to deep-fried spring rolls. They are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or light lunch. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious rice paper rolls in an air fryer.

Ingredients and Substitutions:

• Rice paper wrappers (medium or large; gluten-free if needed)
• Tofu (extra-firm or firm), or ground turkey/chicken for non-vegans
• Soy sauce or tamari/shoyu (use gluten-free if needed)
• Sweetener (sugar, maple syrup, brown sugar, or cane sugar)
• Vegetables (cabbage, carrot, green onion, ginger, garlic)
• Filling of choice (prawns, ground pork, glass noodles, etc.)
• Oil (vegetable, olive, or cooking spray)

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Crumble or mince the tofu, or use ground meat if preferred. Heat oil in a pan and add ginger and garlic. Fry until fragrant, then add cabbage and carrot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes before adding the tofu/meat and stir-fry sauce. Cook until heated through, then remove from heat and stir in green onion. Allow the filling to cool slightly before wrapping.

Step 2: Roll the Rice Paper

Fill a shallow plate with 1-2 inches of cold water. Dip a rice paper wrapper in the water for a few seconds on both sides until pliable but not too soft. Transfer the rice paper to a damp, smooth surface, such as a porcelain plate.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling in 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 tightly until sealed, like a mini burrito. Repeat until all the filling is used.

Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Brush or spray the rolls with oil. Arrange the rolls in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Air fry at 200°C/400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Tips for Success:

• Keep the work surface damp to prevent sticking.
• Do not oversoak the rice paper; it should still maintain its shape after soaking.
• Use a hard and smooth surface for wrapping, such as plastic, porcelain, or ceramic.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer; cook in batches if necessary.
• Do not overcook the filling, as this can cause the rice paper to tear.
• Avoid overstuffing the rolls; the filling should cover only ⅓ of the wrapper at most.
• Layering two sheets of rice paper can help prevent tearing, but it may make the rolls chewier.
• Serve immediately; these rolls are best enjoyed fresh.

Storing and Reheating:

The filling can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 4 days. Cooked rice paper rolls can be refrigerated for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh. To reheat, air fry at 200°C/400°F for 4-5 minutes.

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

Filling ideas for rice paper rolls

Rice paper rolls are a versatile dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. Here are some ideas for fillings to get you started:

Fresh Herbs and Vegetables

Rice paper rolls often include fresh herbs such as mint, coriander, and Thai basil, and vegetables such as carrot, lettuce, cucumber, and bean sprouts. When preparing your vegetables, try cutting them into thin strips or matchsticks, or use a julienne peeler to create strips. You could also include avocado, red cabbage, green cabbage, jalapeño, green onion, and mushrooms.

Proteins

Common protein options include chicken, pork, cooked prawns or shrimp, beef, and tofu. If you're not a fan of shrimp, you could substitute it with chicken or beans. For vegetarians and vegans, rice paper rolls are a great way to enjoy a meat-free snack, and tofu is a popular choice.

Noodles

Vermicelli rice noodles are a traditional addition to rice paper rolls. However, if you're gluten-free, you might want to opt for glass noodles or quinoa instead.

Fusion Combinations

Get creative and experiment with fusion combinations. For example, you could try combining traditional Vietnamese flavours with Japanese-style salmon sashimi, or include ingredients like alfalfa and watercress.

Sweet Twists

For a sweet twist on the savoury classic, try using coconut rice and in-season fresh fruit, paired with a sticky palm sugar caramel.

Dips and Sauces

Rice paper rolls are often served with a dipping sauce. A popular option is a Vietnamese peanut dipping sauce, which typically includes peanut butter, hoisin sauce, vinegar, garlic, and chilli. You could also try a sweet chilli sauce, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, or sriracha mayo.

How to prevent rice paper from sticking

Rice paper can be used in an air fryer, but it is important to take steps to prevent it from sticking. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Keep the work surface damp: Ensure that every surface that comes into contact with the rice paper is moist to prevent sticking. If you use a plate or tray to hold your uncooked rolls, lightly grease them with cooking spray beforehand.
• Do not oversoak the rice paper: The rice paper will soften slightly but still maintain its shape after soaking. Wrappers that are too soft will be sticky and difficult to work with.
• Use a hard and smooth surface for wrapping: Use surfaces such as plastic, porcelain, and ceramic. Avoid wooden boards as they are porous and will cause rice paper to stick.
• Avoid overcrowding when cooking: Ensure that the rice paper rolls do not touch each other while cooking. If you have a smaller air fryer, cook the rolls in batches.
• Refrain from overcooking the filling: Overcooked vegetables will release water, causing the filling to become soggy. A wet filling will cause the rice paper to tear easily.
• Avoid overstuffing the rolls: The filling should only cover 1/3 of the wrapper at most.
• Layer two sheets of rice paper: If you are new to wrapping rice paper rolls or if the brand of rice paper is particularly delicate, using two sheets can help prevent tearing.

It is important to note that rice paper is sticky and delicate, so following these tips will help prevent tearing and sticking during the cooking process.

How to reheat rice paper rolls

Yes, you can put rice paper in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat rice paper rolls:

• Take your rice paper rolls out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for a bit.
• Preheat your air fryer to 200°C/390°F.
• Place the rice paper rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have some space between them.
• Reheat the rice paper rolls for 4-5 minutes at 200°C/390°F. If they are straight out of the fridge, you may need to increase the heating time by 2-3 minutes.
• Serve the rice paper rolls with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Note: It is recommended to consume rice paper rolls fresh as they tend to lose their crispiness over time.

How to make rice paper chips in an air fryer

Rice paper is a versatile ingredient commonly used in Asian cuisine, especially for spring rolls. It is made from rice flour and can be transformed into incredibly light and crispy chips. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make rice paper chips in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

• Cut the rice paper sheets into your desired chip sizes. You can use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter for clean and uniform cuts.
• Lightly spray or brush the rice paper pieces with olive oil. This step is optional but helps the seasonings stick better.
• Sprinkle your chosen seasonings evenly over the rice paper pieces. You can mix them in a bowl before placing them in the air fryer for an even coat.
• Place the seasoned rice paper pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for about 4-6 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
• Let the chips cool for a minute or two before serving. They will continue to crisp up as they cool down.

Tips:

• Choose high-quality, thinner rice paper sheets as they crisp up more evenly and quickly.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Experiment with different seasonings and flavour combinations to find your favourite.
• The ideal cooking temperature is around 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C) to ensure the chips cook through without burning.
• Gently shake the basket or turn the chips halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them crispy. They are best eaten within a day or two.

Frequently asked questions