Air Fryer Spring Rolls: From Frozen To Crispy!

Frozen spring rolls are a quick and easy snack that can be made in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. The air fryer creates a deliciously crispy exterior with minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep-fried spring rolls. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the rolls and the type of air fryer, but on average, it takes about 10 minutes to cook frozen spring rolls in an air fryer.

How to cook frozen spring rolls in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen spring rolls
• Oil (optional)
• Sauce of your choice

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Baking sheet (if cooking in the oven)
• Aluminium foil (optional)
• Tongs

Method:

Frozen spring rolls are a quick and easy snack to make in your air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook them:

Step 1: Prepare the spring rolls

Place the frozen spring rolls in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. This will allow air to flow between them so they become crispy on all sides. You can lightly brush or spray them with oil for a crispier exterior, but this is optional.

Step 2: Air fry

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Then, air fry your spring rolls for 5 to 7 minutes, or until crispy and golden. If your air fryer is a different style, such as a toaster oven, you may need to increase or reduce the cooking time, so keep an eye on them.

Step 3: Serve

Frozen spring rolls are best served fresh, as they don't store well after cooking. You can serve them with your favourite dipping sauce, such as sweet chilli sauce, dark soy sauce, peanut sauce, hoisin sauce, or sweet and sour sauce. Enjoy!

Tips:

• If your spring rolls are larger, you may need to increase the cooking time.
• It is not necessary to thaw spring rolls before air frying. They will turn out crispy if cooked straight from frozen.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the spring rolls in batches if needed.

The benefits of using an air fryer

Frozen spring rolls can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. Depending on the air fryer model, the temperature should be set between 400°F and 400°F (200°C and 204°C) for 5 to 15 minutes.

Now, here are some benefits of using an air fryer:

Healthier Cooking

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep fryers as they require far less oil. This results in meals that contain lower amounts of fat and calories. The convection process in air fryers also promotes the Maillard reaction, which improves the appearance and taste of food despite less fat being used.

Crispy Food

Air fryers can produce crispy food without the need for oil frying. They achieve this by using convection-style heating to envelop food in super-hot air on all sides. This makes them perfect for creating crispy French fries, onion rings, fish sticks, and other traditionally fried foods.

Fast Cooking

Air fryers cook much faster than traditional methods due to their intense heat, which is constantly circulated. Many models also have a brief preheat time or none at all, reducing cooking time by 30-50% compared to a regular oven.

Less Messy

Air fryers are less messy than deep fryers since they require only a minimal amount of oil. They are also easier to clean, requiring just a soft-bristle brush, dish soap, and water.

Safety

Air fryers are generally safer as they are self-contained devices with less hot fat involved in the cooking process. There is less risk of splashes and burns, and they are designed to shut off automatically after the timer ends to prevent food from burning.

Compact and Versatile

Air fryers are relatively small kitchen appliances, taking up minimal counter space. They are also versatile, capable of preparing a wide range of foods, including baked goods, vegetables, steaks, and frozen foods.

How to get the perfect crispy texture

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen spring rolls, giving them a deliciously crispy exterior in just a few minutes. Here are some tips to ensure you get that perfect crunchy texture:

Use the Right Oil

While air fryers can crisp up spring rolls without any oil, adding a small amount of oil will help to enhance that crispy exterior. Oils with a higher burning point, such as avocado oil or rapeseed oil, are ideal as air fryers produce intense heat. You can brush or spray the spring rolls with a thin layer of oil before placing them in the air fryer.

Single Layer and Space

It is important to place the frozen spring rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures that all sides of the spring rolls get crispy. Overcrowding the air fryer basket will result in soggy spring rolls. If you are cooking a large batch, cook them in multiple batches to ensure even cooking.

Temperature and Timing

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your spring rolls and the model of your air fryer. For smaller spring rolls, cook for 4-5 minutes at 400°F, then flip them over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until crispy and golden brown. For larger spring rolls, you may need to increase the cooking time to 5-7 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Flip Midway

While some recipes suggest that flipping the spring rolls halfway through the cooking process is not critical, others recommend it for more even cooking, especially if your spring rolls are on the larger side. If you choose to flip them, do so carefully to avoid tearing the wrappers.

Don't Overcook

While it may be tempting to add a few extra minutes to ensure crispiness, be careful not to overcook the spring rolls. Overcooking can lead to dry and hard spring rolls. If needed, adjust the cooking time by a minute or two to find the perfect balance of crispiness and moisture.

Defrosting and Reheating

For the best results, cook frozen spring rolls directly from the freezer. Do not thaw them before air frying as this can affect the texture. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. However, keep in mind that reheated spring rolls may not be as crispy as the first cook.

How to store leftover spring rolls

Storing leftover spring rolls can be tricky, as the rice paper wrappers tend to dry out and become rubbery or brittle when refrigerated. However, there are some methods you can use to keep them fresh for a day or two. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftover spring rolls:

For short-term storage (up to a few hours):

• Arrange the spring rolls in a single layer on a serving tray.
• Soak a clean dish towel or tea towel in cool water and cover the rolls.
• Keep the tray away from heat sources, such as ovens or direct sunlight, to maintain a cool temperature.
• Refresh the cloth with cool water every hour to keep it damp.
• This method is ideal for spring rolls that will be served within a few hours, such as when preparing for a party.

For longer storage (up to 2-3 days):

• Individually wrap each spring roll tightly in plastic wrap or cling film.
• Place the wrapped spring rolls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.
• Bring the spring rolls to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Note that the rice paper wrappers may still dry out slightly, so this method is best for spring rolls that can be served slightly drier, such as fried spring rolls.

Some additional tips to prevent sticking and tearing:

• Use a light spray of oil on the spring rolls before wrapping or storing.
• Place a piece of lettuce, such as butter lettuce, under each spring roll to prevent sticking and for presentation.
• Cut the spring rolls with a wet knife to prevent the wrappers from tearing.
• If the spring rolls are to be served cold, use damp paper towels or tea towels to cover them in the container, ensuring the towels are slightly moist but not dripping wet.

It is worth noting that spring rolls are generally best enjoyed fresh, and the above methods may alter their texture and taste. For optimal results, it is recommended to make and serve spring rolls immediately.

Dipping sauce suggestions

There are many different sauces that you can use to dip your air-fried spring rolls in. Here are some ideas:

Sweet and Sour Sauce

This is a classic pairing with spring rolls. The sweet and tangy flavour of the sauce complements the savoury and crispy spring rolls perfectly. You can either buy a pre-made sauce or make your own at home by combining ingredients such as sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce.

Sweet and Spicy Sauce

For those who like a little kick to their food, a sweet and spicy sauce is a great option. This sauce typically includes ingredients such as tangy ginger, spicy sriracha, and corn starch to give it a sticky texture.

Peanut Sauce

A creamy peanut sauce with a hint of ginger is a delicious option for those who want something a little different. You can make this sauce with almond butter for a slightly healthier option that still has a great flavour.

Avocado Crema

Avocado crema may sound like an unusual pairing with spring rolls, but the cool avocado crema with the hot spring rolls is a match made in heaven!

Soy Sauce

A simple yet classic option, soy sauce is a great choice for those who want a savoury and salty dip for their spring rolls. You can also mix soy sauce with other ingredients such as garlic, ginger, or scallions to create a more complex flavour profile.

Sweet Thai Chili Sauce

This sauce is a popular choice for spring rolls, as it has a balance of sweet and spicy flavours that many people enjoy. You can either buy a pre-made sauce or make your own at home by combining ingredients such as red chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, and sugar.

Frequently asked questions