Reheating Spring Rolls: Air Fryer Method

Spring rolls are a beloved appetiser, enjoyed worldwide for their crispy exterior and delicious fillings. But what happens when you have leftovers? The microwave might leave them soggy, and the oven can be overkill. Enter the air fryer – your secret weapon for restoring them to their original crispy glory.

Why an air fryer is a good option for reheating spring rolls

Reheating spring rolls in an air fryer is a great option for several reasons. Here are some advantages of using an air fryer to reheat your spring rolls:

Quick and Convenient

Reheating spring rolls in an air fryer is a fast and hassle-free process. It only takes a few minutes to achieve crispy results, making it a time-saving option for busy individuals or those looking for a quick snack.

Crispy Texture

Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, creating a crispy exterior similar to deep-frying but with less oil. This helps retain the original crunchiness of the spring rolls, making them just as enjoyable as when they were freshly cooked.

Healthier Option

Unlike deep-frying, which requires a significant amount of oil, air fryers use minimal or no oil. This makes reheated spring rolls a healthier choice, especially for those looking to reduce their calorie intake and fat consumption.

Even Heating

Air fryers heat up quickly and distribute heat evenly, ensuring that all sides of the spring rolls are consistently reheated. This results in a uniform texture and taste throughout, providing a delightful dining experience.

No Sogginess

Unlike microwaving, which can leave spring rolls soggy and chewy, air frying maintains the crispiness and texture of the spring rolls. The hot air circulation prevents them from becoming too moist during the reheating process.

Versatility

Air fryers can handle various types of spring rolls, including homemade, store-bought, meat-filled, vegetarian, or frozen varieties. This versatility makes them suitable for different preferences and dietary restrictions.

Easy Cleanup

Air fryers are designed with removable parts that can be washed separately, making cleanup a breeze compared to traditional frying methods.

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers are energy-efficient, consuming less energy than ovens, making them ideal for reheating small food portions like spring rolls without wasting energy.

Overall, using an air fryer to reheat spring rolls is a practical and efficient way to enjoy crispy and tasty spring rolls while also offering health and convenience benefits.

How to reheat spring rolls in an air fryer

Reheating spring rolls in an air fryer is a great way to bring back that delightful crunch and retain their original flavours. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly reheated spring rolls:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 375°F (190°C). This allows the air fryer to reach the optimal temperature, ensuring your spring rolls cook evenly and efficiently.

Step 2: Arrange the Spring Rolls

Place the spring rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow proper air circulation and ensure even cooking. If you're reheating multiple spring rolls, you may need to do this in batches.

Step 3: Reheat the Spring Rolls

Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook the spring rolls for 4 to 6 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even heating. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the spring rolls and the air fryer model, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Step 4: Check for Crispiness

After the cooking time is up, check the spring rolls for crispiness. If they aren't crispy enough, continue cooking for another minute or two. Be careful not to overcook, as this can lead to a dry texture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the spring rolls are perfectly crispy and heated through, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth. Enjoy the delightful taste of freshly reheated spring rolls!

Tips for the Best Results:

• Use a cooking spray or brush the spring rolls with a small amount of oil before placing them in the air fryer for an extra crispy finish.
• If reheating frozen spring rolls, there is no need to thaw them beforehand. Place them directly in the air fryer and add a minute or two to the cooking time.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Cook the spring rolls in batches if needed.
• Check for hot spots in the air fryer and rearrange the spring rolls during cooking if necessary.
• Serve your reheated spring rolls with your favourite dipping sauces, such as sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, or peanut sauce.

How to prevent spring rolls from sticking to the air fryer basket

Yes, you can reheat spring rolls in an air fryer. It is an excellent way to restore the delightful crunch of this beloved appetizer and retain their original flavors.

To prevent spring rolls from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can try the following:

Lightly Grease the Air Fryer Basket

Before placing the spring rolls in the air fryer, lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This will create a barrier between the spring rolls and the basket, preventing them from sticking.

Use Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil

Another option is to use parchment paper or aluminum foil as a barrier between the spring rolls and the basket. Place the spring rolls on top of the parchment paper or foil, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and then place them in the air fryer.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is essential for even cooking and can also help prevent sticking. Most air fryers have a preheat mode, but if yours does not, simply set it to the desired temperature and let it run for about three minutes before adding your spring rolls.

Avoid Overloading the Basket

Do not overload the air fryer basket with too many spring rolls. This can impede airflow and affect the crispiness of the spring rolls. It can also increase the likelihood of sticking. Arrange the spring rolls in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your spring rolls come out crispy and delicious, without any sticking to the air fryer basket.

How to store leftover spring rolls

Knowing how to store leftover spring rolls is essential to keep them fresh and tasty. Here are some detailed tips on how to store leftover spring rolls:

Use Fresh Ingredients:

Start with fresh, crisp vegetables and fillings. The fresher the ingredients, the better the spring rolls will taste, and the longer they will last.

Cooling is Crucial:

Resist the temptation to store the spring rolls immediately after frying. Allow them to cool down to room temperature naturally. Storing warm spring rolls will cause condensation in the container, resulting in soggy rolls.

Wrap Individually:

The rice paper wrappers of spring rolls are delicate and prone to drying out or sticking together. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from becoming conjoined and to maintain freshness.

Use a Damp Tea Towel:

Covering the spring rolls with a damp tea towel helps maintain moisture levels, ensuring the rice paper remains soft and chewy. This is especially important for fresh Vietnamese spring rolls.

Store in an Airtight Container:

After wrapping the spring rolls, place them in an airtight container. If stacking the rolls, separate each layer with parchment paper or damp paper towels to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator, and they should be good for 2-4 days.

Single Layer Storage:

When storing crispy spring rolls, keep them in a single layer in the container to prevent them from pressing against each other. This helps maintain their crispy exterior. If you have multiple layers, use parchment paper to separate them.

Freeze for Longer Storage:

If you have a large batch of spring rolls, freezing is a great option. First, lay them in a single layer on a tray and freeze them without touching. Once frozen solid, transfer them to zip-lock bags or airtight containers. This ensures they retain their shape and don't stick together. Frozen spring rolls can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your leftover spring rolls for several days, or even months, while preserving their freshness, flavour, and texture.

How to cook frozen spring rolls without an air fryer

If you don't have an air fryer, you can either bake your frozen spring rolls in the oven or fry them in oil on the stove.

Oven

Arrange your frozen spring rolls on a wire rack and preheat the oven to 350°F to 425°F (180°C to 220°C). Heat the spring rolls for 12 to 20 minutes, until the outer layer is crispy, flipping them halfway through. If you don't have a wire rack, use a preheated baking tray and rotate the spring rolls halfway through.

Stove

Add half an inch of oil to a frying pan and fry the spring rolls for 3 minutes on each side, or until golden.

Tips

• Don't thaw the spring rolls before cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the pan or baking tray. Cook the spring rolls in batches if necessary.
• Adjust the cooking time if your spring rolls are larger. Start with 5 minutes on each side and check if they are warm all the way through.
• Serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions