Air Fryer Spring Rolls: Frozen To Crispy In Minutes

Frozen spring rolls are a quick and easy snack to make in an air fryer. They can be cooked in under 10 minutes, with minimal preparation and no mess to clean up after. The air fryer's circulation of hot air means the spring rolls come out crispy, without being dried out. They can be cooked with or without oil, though oil will give a more traditional, crispy taste.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. While some recipes suggest that preheating is optional, it is worth noting that an unpreheated air fryer could be the reason why your spring rolls are not cooked through. Preheating your air fryer will ensure that your spring rolls are cooked evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

The ideal temperature for preheating your air fryer is between 350-400°F (175-200°C). Most air fryers will take around 2 minutes to preheat to 400°F, but this may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer. It is recommended to refer to your air fryer's instructions for the most accurate preheating guidelines.

Once your air fryer has reached the desired temperature, you can proceed with the next steps of the recipe. Place the frozen spring rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with enough space for air to circulate. Brush or spray the spring rolls with a small amount of oil, such as vegetable, avocado, or extra virgin olive oil. Avoid using cooking sprays containing chemicals.

Return the basket to the air fryer and set the temperature between 375-400°F (180-204°C). Cook the spring rolls for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. For best results, shake or flip the spring rolls halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Oil the spring rolls

Oil is an important component when making spring rolls with an air fryer, as it helps to achieve that crispy exterior. While it is possible to make them without oil, it is recommended to brush or spray the spring rolls with a small amount of oil before placing them in the air fryer. This will ensure that the spring rolls turn out crispy and golden brown.

When oiling the spring rolls, it is best to use a neutral vegetable oil, such as rapeseed oil, avocado oil, or sesame oil. These oils have a higher smoke point, which is important because air fryers produce a more intense heat. Using an oil with a lower smoke point may result in a burnt taste.

To oil the spring rolls, simply brush them lightly with oil or spray them with an oil sprayer. Be sure to get an even coating, as this will help ensure that all sides of the spring rolls become crispy. If you are making a large batch of spring rolls, you may need to re-oil the brush or sprayer halfway through to ensure that there is enough oil for all of the spring rolls.

After oiling the spring rolls, it is important to place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure that they are not touching. This will allow the hot air to circulate around each spring roll, ensuring that they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides. If you are making a large batch, you may need to cook the spring rolls in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Arrange the spring rolls in the air fryer

When arranging the spring rolls in the air fryer, it's important to ensure they are not overcrowded. This is crucial to achieving the desired crispiness and avoiding sogginess. Place the spring rolls in a single layer, leaving enough space between them to allow for proper air circulation. If your air fryer basket is on the smaller side and you wish to cook a larger batch, it's best to cook them in batches.

For optimal results, brush each spring roll lightly with oil before placing them in the air fryer. This step is optional but recommended for achieving that golden brown exterior. You can use a brush to apply the oil or spray the spring rolls with a light coating of oil.

Once the spring rolls are arranged in the air fryer, you can proceed with the cooking process. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, which is typically around 400°F (200°C), and cook the spring rolls for the suggested time, usually around 4-7 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispness and golden colour.

Remember, it's essential not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and the best results. If you're cooking a large batch, consider cooking in batches or using an additional air fryer if available.

Air fry for 4-7 minutes

Air frying your frozen spring rolls for 4-7 minutes is the perfect amount of time to get them golden brown and crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook up to 20 spring rolls at once, making it a quick and easy snack or appetizer.

When air frying, it's important to ensure that there is adequate airflow around each spring roll. Place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket, with space between each one. This will ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. If you're cooking a large batch, you may need to cook them in batches so as not to overcrowd the basket.

Halfway through the cooking process, take out the basket and flip the spring rolls to ensure even cooking on both sides. You can also give the basket a little shake to turn them over.

If you're using a basket-style air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes before placing the spring rolls inside. If you have a different style of air fryer, such as a toaster oven, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

For maximum crispiness, brush each spring roll lightly with oil before placing them in the air fryer. Avocado oil, vegetable oil, or a neutral-flavored oil like soybean oil or rapeseed oil are good choices due to their high smoke points. You can also use a spray oil or cooking oil spray if you prefer.

After air frying for 4-7 minutes, your spring rolls should be golden brown and crispy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Serve with your favourite sauce

So, you've cooked your frozen spring rolls in the air fryer, and now it's time to serve them with your favourite sauce. But what sauces go well with spring rolls? Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sweet chilli sauce: This is a popular choice for spring rolls, as it has a nice balance of sweet and spicy flavours. You can buy this sauce ready-made or make your own at home by combining chillies, sugar, garlic, and other ingredients.
• Soy sauce: Soy sauce is another classic option for dipping spring rolls. It has a salty, savoury flavour that complements the spring rolls well. You can use light or dark soy sauce, depending on your preference.
• Peanut sauce: Peanut sauce is a great choice if you're looking for something a little different. It's creamy, nutty, and often has a bit of a kick from ginger or other spices. You can make your own or buy it pre-made.
• Hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce is another Chinese dipping sauce that goes well with spring rolls. It's sweet, salty, and has a unique flavour that will enhance your spring rolls.
• Spicy ketchup: If you're looking for something a little more familiar, try mixing things up with a spicy ketchup. It's perfect if you like your food on the milder side but still want a bit of a kick.
• Fish sauce: For those who enjoy fish, fish sauce can be a great dipping option for spring rolls. It's salty and savoury, with a unique flavour that will enhance your spring rolls.

When serving your spring rolls with sauce, it's a good idea to provide small bowls or plates for dipping. This helps to avoid making a mess and makes it easier for your guests to enjoy their food. You can also provide some fresh herbs or sliced chillies as garnishes to add extra flavour and colour to your dish.

Frequently asked questions