Air Fryer Spring Rolls: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer spring rolls are a healthier alternative to deep-fried spring rolls, offering the same fantastic flavour and crunch without the mess. They are fun, easy to make, and perfect for serving with your favourite dipping sauce. This guide will take you through the simple steps to making your own air fryer spring rolls at home.

Choosing and preparing your filling

The filling is arguably the most important part of your spring roll, so it's worth taking the time to select the right ingredients and prepare them properly. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you choose and prepare your filling for air fryer spring rolls:

Select Your Ingredients

You can choose from a variety of ingredients to create a delicious filling for your spring rolls. Here are some options to consider:

• Vegetables: Cabbage, carrots, green onions, garlic, mushrooms, and bean sprouts are commonly used. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers, bok choy, or zucchini. Just make sure they are finely chopped or shredded to ensure even cooking.
• Protein: You can add cooked ground pork, shredded chicken, beef, tofu, or even shrimp to your filling. This will make your spring rolls more substantial and filling.
• Noodles: Rice noodles or cellophane noodles can add an interesting texture to your filling. Soak them in warm water to soften, then cut them into shorter lengths before adding them to your filling.
• Spices and Seasonings: Ginger, soy sauce, onion powder, black pepper, and sesame seeds can enhance the flavor of your filling. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite blend.

Prepare Your Filling

Once you've selected your ingredients, it's time to prepare your filling:

• Cook Your Ingredients: Start by heating some oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add your garlic, ginger, and any other spices or seasonings to release their flavors. Then, add your protein (if using) and cook until browned. Next, add your vegetables and cook until they are slightly softened but still have a crunch. Finally, add your noodles (if using) and cook until they absorb the juices from the pan.
• Season and Thicken: To enhance the flavor of your filling, add seasonings like soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. If your filling seems watery, you can thicken it by creating a cornstarch and water slurry and stirring it into the mixture.
• Cool the Filling: Before assembling your spring rolls, it's important to let the filling cool down completely. This will make it easier to handle and prevent the spring roll wrappers from becoming soggy.

Now that your filling is ready, you can move on to the next step of assembling and frying your air fryer spring rolls!

Rolling technique

The rolling technique is a crucial part of making air fryer spring rolls. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you master the technique:

Step 1: Prepare the filling

Before you begin rolling, make sure your filling is ready and cooled. You can prepare the filling by cooking your choice of meat and vegetables in a pan with oil and spices. Common meat options include ground pork, chicken, beef, or tofu. For vegetables, you can use cabbage, carrots, green onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Don't forget to add your preferred sauces, such as soy sauce or vinegar, to taste. Once cooked, set the filling aside to cool.

Step 2: Lay out the wrapper

Place a single spring roll wrapper on a flat surface in front of you. The wrapper should be oriented in a diamond shape, with one corner facing you. You can use either spring roll wrappers or wonton wrappers, which can be found at most grocery stores or Asian markets.

Step 3: Place the filling

Scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling onto the wrapper, placing it in a line parallel to your body. Be careful not to overfill the wrapper, as this can make rolling difficult and cause the spring rolls to break open.

Step 4: Fold the wrapper

Now it's time to start rolling! First, fold the bottom third of the wrapper up over the filling. Then, fold in the left and right corners towards the centre, creating an envelope shape.

Step 5: Roll and seal

Continue rolling the wrapper from the bottom up, making sure it's tight and there are no air pockets. To seal the spring roll, you can use a cornstarch and water mixture, or simply wet your fingers with water and gently brush it onto the opposite corner of the wrapper.

Step 6: Repeat

Repeat these steps until you have the desired number of spring rolls. You can place the assembled spring rolls on a baking tray while you finish the rest.

Step 7: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 380-400°F (about 190-200°C). You can also use this time to brush or spray the spring rolls with a thin layer of oil. This step will help ensure a crispy texture.

Step 8: Cook the spring rolls

Place the spring rolls into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for the air to circulate. Cook at the preheated temperature for about 8-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.

And that's it! You now know the basics of rolling air fryer spring rolls. With practice, you'll be able to make delicious, crispy spring rolls with ease. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings and serving them with your favourite dipping sauces!

Cooking method and temperature

The cooking method for air-fried spring rolls is relatively uniform across different recipes. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Firstly, prepare the filling of your choice. This could include a variety of ingredients such as vegetables (cabbage, carrots, onions, garlic, mushrooms, etc.), meat (ground pork, beef, or chicken), and seasonings (soy sauce, ginger, green onions, etc.). Cook the filling in a pan or wok until the ingredients are softened and cooked through.

Next, lay out a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface. Place a diagonal strip of the filling across the wrapper, ensuring you don't overfill it. The amount of filling can vary from 2-3 tablespoons to a heaped tablespoon, depending on the size of the wrapper.

Now, it's time to roll! Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the left and right sides, and continue rolling it up tightly, ensuring there are no air pockets. Seal the wrapper by wetting your fingers with water and gently brushing it onto the opposite corner. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of spring rolls.

Before placing the spring rolls in the air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to around 380-390°F (175-200°C). Brush or spray the spring rolls with oil to ensure crispiness and even browning.

Arrange the spring rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Cook the spring rolls at the preheated temperature for about 8-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. They are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

Let the spring rolls cool down for a few minutes before serving. They can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or a full meal, paired with various dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce, honey mustard, or soy sauce.

Tips for Success:

• Ensure your vegetables and other filling ingredients are finely diced or shredded to ensure even cooking.
• Don't overfill the wrappers to prevent tearing and ensure a tight roll.
• Preheating the air fryer is essential for achieving the desired crispiness.
• Brushing the oil onto the spring rolls instead of using a spray bottle can lead to more even coverage and crispiness.
• If cooking in batches, place the cooked spring rolls on a baking rack to keep them crispy while the next batch cooks.
• You can make these spring rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a day or two or freeze them for future use. Reheat in the air fryer to retain crispiness.

Dipping sauces

Sweet Chilli Sauce

A classic option that adds heat and sweetness, a combination that many people love. This sauce is readily available in stores, or you can make your own by combining ingredients like rice wine vinegar, lime juice, chilli, and garlic.

Honey Mustard Sauce

This sauce combines the smooth richness of honey with the sharp tang of mustard. It's a perfect choice for those who enjoy contrasting flavours.

Chili Garlic Sauce

For those who want a bold, explosive sauce, chili garlic sauce is an excellent option. The combination of garlic and chillies will create a memorable impression with each bite.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

The perfect balance of sweet and sour flavours, this sauce is a favourite among many. It pairs perfectly with the crispy outer shell of the air-fried spring rolls.

Ranch Dressing

A creamy, smooth option for those who love ranch flavour. It adds a whole new level of flavour to the spring rolls.

Peanut Sauce

A rich and tangy peanut sauce is an ideal dipping sauce, especially during the cold winter months. It can be easily purchased or made at home by blending peanut butter with coconut milk, hoisin sauce, lime juice, and spices.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is sweet, savoury, and tangy, with a hint of spice. It adds depth of flavour to the spring rolls and is very popular in Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. You can make your own by mixing hoisin sauce, water, lime juice, and sugar.

Storing and reheating

If you want to freeze your spring rolls, it is best to do so before cooking them. Place them on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and freeze. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to three months.

When you are ready to eat your spring rolls, you can reheat them in the air fryer to ensure they stay crispy. Put them into the air fryer basket straight from frozen and cook at 380°F for around six minutes. You can also reheat them in the oven, but they may not be as crispy.

Frequently asked questions