Tiffany Haney
Spring rolls are a delicious snack, but frying them can be messy and time-consuming. Luckily, air fryers offer a convenient, less messy alternative to frying spring rolls, and they take less than 10 minutes to cook. The cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model and the size of the spring rolls. In this article, we will explore the steps to cooking spring rolls in an air fryer, the benefits of using an air fryer, and some tips to ensure your spring rolls come out crispy and delicious.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Spring Rolls in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 380°F to 400°F (200°C to 204°C) |
| Time | 4 to 8 minutes, up to 10 minutes |
| Oil | Brush or spray with vegetable, avocado, sesame, or neutral oil |
| Preparation | Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes. Place spring rolls in a single layer, not touching. Brush with oil and turn halfway through |
| Serving | Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve hot with a dip like peanut sauce, avocado crema, or sweet and spicy sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times for different air fryer styles
There are many different types of air fryers, from toaster ovens to touchscreen models. While they all offer a healthier alternative to deep frying, cooking times can vary between models.
The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer is a good option for those seeking a user-friendly tool at a reasonable price. It offers strong cooking results, with a large, square-shaped basket that can accommodate batches of fries or wings without overcrowding. However, it is slow to preheat and lacks smart functions.
The Ninja Air Fryer is a smaller and more affordable option that still delivers good performance. It features an analog control panel, which may appeal to those who are not fans of touchscreens.
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is recommended for those seeking an air fryer toaster oven. It has a large size that can fit a whole roast chicken, and its digital screen and knobs are user-friendly.
The Haier I-Master Series 5 Multi Air Fryer is another notable option, as it cooks a whole chicken in just 45 minutes and is energy-efficient.
Regardless of the air fryer model, the cooking time for spring rolls is generally around 8 minutes at 400°F (200°C). It is important to preheat the air fryer, brush the spring rolls with oil, and cook them in a single layer to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.
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Preheating the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process, as it ensures your spring rolls cook evenly and efficiently. While some sources suggest that preheating is not necessary, it is a good idea, especially if you want to avoid any sogginess.
To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Allow it to run for about 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the desired temperature. This step is crucial, as it prepares the appliance for the spring rolls, ensuring they cook properly.
If you skip preheating, you may end up with unevenly cooked spring rolls that are crispy on the outside but still frozen or undercooked on the inside. This is because the air fryer hasn't had a chance to reach the optimal temperature for cooking your spring rolls.
Additionally, preheating helps to ensure your spring rolls don't stick to the air fryer basket. This is particularly important if you're cooking a large batch, as it can be tricky to remove them without breaking or tearing the wrappers. By preheating, you create a more favourable surface for the spring rolls to cook on, reducing the chances of sticking.
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Brushing spring rolls with oil
When selecting an oil for this recipe, it is recommended to use a neutral-flavoured, high heat-resistant oil such as canola, vegetable, or rapeseed oil. It is important to note that the oil should be heated to at least 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure optimal cooking results.
The amount of oil you use will depend on the size of your spring rolls and the number you are cooking. As a general rule, use enough oil to generously coat the spring rolls without saturating them. For a batch of 8 frozen spring rolls, 2 teaspoons of oil should be sufficient.
After brushing the spring rolls with oil, it is important to place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the air fryer may result in uneven cooking and prevent the spring rolls from becoming crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the spring rolls in batches.
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Filling and wrapping spring rolls
To fill and wrap spring rolls, you will need spring roll wrappers, a damp kitchen towel, a large bowl of warm water, and your desired fillings. The wrappers can be made from rice paper or wonton.
First, prepare your fillings. Common spring roll fillings include cooked vermicelli noodles, cooked meat, shrimp, tofu, vegetables (such as carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, onions, and bell peppers), and herbs (such as basil, mint, and cilantro). You can cook the fillings beforehand or add them raw, depending on your preference.
Next, set up your workspace by spreading the damp kitchen towel on a flat surface. Fill the large bowl with warm water and soak a spring roll wrapper in it for about 10-15 seconds, or until it becomes soft and pliable. If you are using rice paper wrappers, you may need to cut them into the desired size and shape before soaking.
Once the wrapper is soft, lay it flat on the kitchen towel. Place your fillings in the center of the wrapper, leaving several inches of space around the edges. If you are using a wonton wrapper, you can place the fillings on one corner of the wrapper, forming a diamond shape. Use about two tablespoons of filling for each roll.
Now, it's time to start rolling. Fold the left and right sides of the wrapper towards the center, and then pull the side closest to you up and over the fillings, rolling it tightly towards the top of the wrapper to seal it closed. If you are using a wonton wrapper, you may need to wet your fingers with water and gently brush it onto the opposite corner of the wrapper to help it stick.
Finally, repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and fillings. You can serve spring rolls with a variety of sauces, such as peanut sauce, sweet chili sauce, or dark soy sauce.
Spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh, as the wrappers can harden or dry out over time. However, you can make them in advance and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To store, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and keep them in an airtight container.
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Dipping sauces
Spring rolls can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model, so it is always good to keep an eye on the spring rolls while they cook.
Now, onto the dipping sauces!
Sweet Chili Sauce
A popular choice to pair with spring rolls is sweet chili sauce. This sauce can be easily purchased from a store or made at home. To make it, you will need soy sauce, chili, lime juice, ginger, and sugar. You can adjust the quantities of these ingredients to suit your taste.
Soy Sauce
On its own, soy sauce also makes a great dip for spring rolls. You can add a little bit of lime juice or ginger to enhance its flavor.
Dumpling Sauce
If you are looking for something different, you can try making a dumpling sauce. Heat oil and chili oil in a pan, and add vegetables of your choice—onions, carrots, cabbage, and green onions work well. Then, add soy sauce, sriracha, and toasted sesame seed oil. Cook for a few minutes, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
Tangy Dipping Sauce
For a tangy dip, you can mix vinegar, fresh lemon or lime juice, chili garlic sauce, chili oil, and a little sugar. This sauce is influenced by Thai cuisine and pairs well with the seasoned filling of the spring rolls.
Gyoza Sauce
Gyoza sauce is another option to dip your spring rolls in. You can either buy it from a store or make it at home.
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Frequently asked questions
Spring rolls take between 5 to 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer.
The air fryer should be set to 400°F (200°C) or 380°F, depending on the recipe.
Some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer for 5 minutes, while others suggest there is no need to preheat.
The spring rolls are cooked when they are golden brown and crisp.
