Spring Rolls: Air Fryer Cooking Times Explained

Air fryers have simplified the process of making spring rolls, which are a great snack or appetizer. They can be cooked in under 10 minutes, and the cleanup is minimal. The air fryer's hot air circulation ensures a super-crisp exterior without drying them out. The intense heat and fans mean there is no preheat time, and the small size of air fryers means less energy is used compared to a conventional oven.

How to cook frozen spring rolls in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen spring rolls
• Oil (vegetable, avocado, or another variety of your choice)
• Your choice of dipping sauce (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Air fryer basket or tray

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Brush the frozen spring rolls with a thin layer of oil.
• Place the spring rolls in the air fryer basket or on the tray in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
• Air fry the spring rolls at 400°F (200°C) for 4 minutes.
• Remove the basket or tray, turn the spring rolls, and place them back in the air fryer for another 4 minutes at the same temperature.
• If you prefer your spring rolls extra crispy, air fry for an additional 2 minutes.
• Remove the spring rolls from the air fryer and serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce.

Tips

• It is important to ensure that the spring rolls are not overcrowded in the air fryer to ensure they cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.
• While some recipes suggest brushing the spring rolls with oil, this step is optional. However, it can enhance the crispiness of the spring rolls.
• The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so adjust the timing as needed and keep an eye on your spring rolls to avoid overcooking.
• For larger spring rolls, you may need to increase the cooking time. Start with 5 minutes on each side and then check if they are warmed through.
• Frozen spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The benefits of using an air fryer

Air fryers have become a popular alternative to traditional deep fryers in recent years. Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer:

Health Benefits

Air fryers require far less oil than deep fryers, resulting in meals that contain lower amounts of fat and calories. The convection process they employ promotes the Maillard reaction, which improves the appearance and taste of food despite less fat being used. This makes air fryers perfect for creating crispy French fries, onion rings, fish sticks, and other traditionally fried foods.

Speed and Efficiency

Air fryers cook much faster than traditional methods due to the intense heat they generate, which is constantly circulated inside the fryer. Many models also don't require preheating or have a very short preheat time, reducing cooking time by 30-50% compared to a regular oven. They are also more energy-efficient than traditional ovens and stovetops, using less electricity and reducing your carbon footprint.

Ease of Use and Cleanup

Air fryers are straightforward to use, requiring little monitoring during cooking. Simply set the temperature and time, and let the fryer do the work. They are also self-contained, making them safer to use with less concern about splashes and burns. Additionally, the minimal amount of oil needed means less mess, and air fryers are easy to clean with just a soft-bristle brush, dish soap, and water.

Versatility and Convenience

Air fryers are surprisingly inexpensive, typically ranging from $50 to $150. They are compact, taking up minimal counter space, and are easily transportable for use while camping or travelling. Air fryers are also versatile, handling a wide range of foods such as vegetables, meats, and even desserts. They are perfect for busy weeknights, delivering tasty, crispy food without the mess and health concerns of deep frying.

How to make spring rolls from scratch

Ingredients

• Oil (vegetable, sesame, or a neutral oil like rapeseed)
• Spring roll wrappers (or the ingredients to make them from scratch)
• Filling of your choice (meat, vegetables, noodles)

Making the Wrappers from Scratch

This is a time-consuming process, so make sure you have plenty of time on your hands. The batter method is recommended over the dough method as it produces better-textured wrappers.

To make the wrappers, you will need:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch (also known as corn flour)
• 1.25 cups water (or as required to make a flowing batter)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1-2 teaspoons oil for making the wrappers

Method:

• Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.
• Add water and whisk until you have a smooth, slightly thin batter without any lumps.
• Heat a non-stick flat pan or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet on low heat. Grease the pan with a small piece of kitchen towel dipped in oil.
• Lift the pan above the stovetop burner and add 2-3 tablespoons of batter. Spread the batter with a spoon in a circular motion to make a thin crepe.
• Place the pan back on the stovetop and cook the crepe on low heat until the sides start to curl up and it becomes translucent.
• Once cooked, lift the wrapper with a spatula and place it on a tray or plate with the cooked side facing up.
• Allow the wrappers to cool before stacking them.

Filling and Rolling the Spring Rolls

• Prepare your filling of choice. Some options include ground beef, mixed vegetables, onion, garlic, and noodles. You can also make a savoury pork and veggie filling.
• Dip a spring roll wrapper in water and place it on a cutting board or countertop.
• Add your filling—a couple of slices of each veggie, a few leaves of herbs, and a pinch of noodles.
• Fold the sides of the spring roll over the filling. Then, pull the edge closest to you up and over the filling, rolling it up tightly like a burrito.
• Brush the spring rolls with oil.

Cooking the Spring Rolls in an Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (175-200°C). Place the spring rolls in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Storing and Serving

Spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to prevent the wrappers from drying out and sticking together. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, such as sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, or a peanut sauce.

How to store spring rolls

Spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, it's important to store them correctly so they stay delicious. Here are some tips on how to store spring rolls:

Storing Fresh Spring Rolls

If you need to store fresh spring rolls for a few hours before serving, the best way is to arrange them in a single layer on a tray and cover them with a clean, damp dish towel or cloth napkin. Keep the tray away from heat sources and direct sunlight to maintain the optimal temperature. Refresh the cloth with cool water as needed. This method ensures the spring rolls stay fresh and prevents the rice paper from drying out or cracking.

Storing Leftover Spring Rolls in the Fridge

When storing leftover spring rolls in the fridge, it's best to wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. This prevents the rolls from sticking together and helps maintain their texture and flavour. Refrigerated spring rolls should be consumed within two to four days for the best quality.

Freezing Spring Rolls

If you have a large number of spring rolls, you can freeze them. Arrange the uncooked spring rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the spring rolls to a resealable plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to cook, take them directly from the freezer, brush or spray with oil, and air fry according to your recipe.

Storing Cooked Spring Rolls

Some sources suggest that cooked spring rolls do not store well and are best eaten immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The rice paper wrappers may become drier and rubbery, so it is recommended to bring the rolls to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving and provide a dipping sauce to enhance their flavour and texture.

What to serve with spring rolls

Spring rolls are a delicious snack, appetiser, or main course. They are usually served with a dipping sauce, such as sweet chilli sauce, and can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. But what else can you serve with spring rolls?

Savoury Sides

If you're looking for something savoury to serve with your spring rolls, why not try one of the following:

• Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce
• Tempura prawns
• Chinese egg drop soup
• Fried rice in garlic
• Sweet and sour chicken
• Chinese chicken wings
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Noodles
• Coleslaw
• Tzatziki
• Falafel
• Cabbage
• Roasted vegetables

Sweet Sides

If you have more of a sweet tooth, you could try pairing your spring rolls with:

• Sweet and sour sauce
• Pineapple fried rice

Salads

If you fancy something a little lighter, a salad could be a good option. You could try:

• Asian chopped salad
• Asian quinoa salad
• Cucumber salad

Frequently asked questions