Air-Fried Spring Rolls: A Chinese Delicacy Made Easy

Chinese spring rolls are a tasty, traditional food that is popular in many regions of China. They are also known as egg rolls in American English and are one of the most sought-after dishes in overseas Chinese restaurants. They are usually deep-fried, but an air fryer can be used to minimise oil usage and still achieve the same great taste and texture.

Choosing the right wrappers

The wrapper is a key component of a Chinese spring roll. It encloses the filling and contributes to the overall texture and taste of the dish. Here are some tips for choosing the right wrappers for your air-fried Chinese spring rolls:

Type of Wrapper

The most common type of wrapper for Chinese spring rolls is a thin wheat wrapper. These wrappers are designed to become shatteringly crisp when deep-fried. They are usually square and made of wheat flour. You can typically find them in the frozen section of Asian/Chinese grocery stores, labelled as "Spring Roll Pastry" or "Spring Roll Wrappers".

It is important to note that spring roll wrappers are different from egg roll wrappers, which are thicker and chewier due to the addition of egg. While egg roll wrappers can be used in a pinch, they will produce a different texture and taste.

Additionally, avoid using round rice paper wrappers, which are typically used for uncooked Vietnamese-style spring rolls. These wrappers will not hold up to the heat of the air fryer and are not suitable for this cooking method.

Wrapper Size

Spring roll wrappers come in various sizes, including 8x8 inches, 10x10 inches, and smaller sizes. The size you choose will depend on the amount of filling you plan to use and your desired spring roll size. Remember that if you use larger wrappers, you may need to increase the cooking time in the air fryer.

Freshness

When choosing spring roll wrappers, always check the expiration date to ensure you are using fresh wrappers. Fresh wrappers will be more pliable and easier to work with. If you are using frozen wrappers, be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before use, and keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out and tearing.

Availability

Spring roll wrappers can typically be found in the frozen section of Asian grocery stores. Some larger supermarkets may also carry them in the produce section, usually alongside tofu and other vegetarian protein options. If you cannot find them at your local grocery store, try visiting an Asian market or specialty food store.

Storage

If you are not using all of your spring roll wrappers at once, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. To store them in the refrigerator, keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out. For longer-term storage, place the wrappers in an airtight container or bag and store them in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Preparing the filling

Step 1: Choose Your Ingredients

Select the ingredients you want to include in your filling. Common options include cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, green onions, mushrooms, ground beef or pork, and garlic. You can also add noodles, such as rice noodles or mung bean vermicelli. If you want a vegetarian option, you can skip the meat and add more vegetables or protein like tofu.

Step 2: Chop and Prepare the Vegetables

Make sure to finely chop or shred the vegetables. This ensures they cook quickly and fit nicely into the spring roll wrappers. You can also grate or julienne the carrots to add a crunchy texture.

Step 3: Cook the Filling

Heat some oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add your chosen vegetables, meat, and noodles to the pan. Cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened. This usually takes around 6 minutes. You can also add seasonings like soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and sugar to taste. Stir everything together and cook for a few more minutes until the filling thickens.

Step 4: Cool and Assemble

Once your filling is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool down. You can now start assembling your spring rolls. Place a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface, add 2-3 tablespoons of filling, and roll it up tightly, making sure to seal the edges with a cornstarch and water mixture or some beaten egg.

Step 5: Freeze or Cook

At this point, you can choose to freeze your uncooked spring rolls for later or cook them right away. If you want to freeze them, place them on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and freeze for 4-5 hours before transferring to a freezer bag. Frozen spring rolls can be stored for up to 3-6 months. To cook the spring rolls, you can either air fry or deep fry them. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F and brush the spring rolls with oil. Cook for 8-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. For deep frying, heat oil in a wok or pot to 350°F and fry the spring rolls in batches until golden.

Rolling the spring rolls

Place a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface, with one of the four corners facing towards you. The wrapper should be in a diamond orientation.

Put about 2-3 tablespoons of filling above the closest corner. Use a spoon to shape the filling into a rectangle or a line. Do not overfill the wrapper.

Lift the closest corner and fold it over the filling. Then, roll the wrapper to the halfway line, wrapping it as tightly as possible without tearing it.

Gently press the two ends of the filling, and then fold in the left and right corners of the wrapper towards the middle, creating an envelope shape.

Continue rolling the wrapper until only a triangle is left at the top. You can brush a layer of egg yolk or water on the remaining corner to help seal the wrapper.

Finally, roll the wrapper again to seal it completely. Repeat these steps with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Once you have enough spring rolls, preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (190-200°C). While the air fryer is preheating, brush or spray the spring rolls with oil. This step is crucial for achieving the desired crispiness.

Place the spring rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for the air to circulate. Cook at 380-400°F (190-200°C) for 8-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

Your spring rolls are ready when they are golden brown and crispy. Enjoy them with your favourite dipping sauce!

Cooking in the air fryer

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to start cooking your Chinese spring rolls in the air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect crispy and delicious spring rolls:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Before you start assembling the spring rolls, make sure your filling is ready. If you're using a raw filling, ensure that the ingredients are finely chopped or shredded. This will ensure that they cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer. You can sauté or stir-fry the filling beforehand, but it's not necessary, as the air fryer will cook the filling perfectly.

Step 2: Assemble the Spring Rolls

Place a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface in front of you, with one of the corners facing towards you, forming a diamond shape. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of your chosen filling in the centre, closer to you. Be careful not to overfill the wrapper, as this can lead to leakage.

Step 3: Fold and Seal

Now, it's time to turn your filling into a neatly sealed cylinder. Start by folding the bottom corner of the wrapper up over the filling. Then, fold in the left and right corners towards the middle, creating an envelope shape. Continue rolling the wrapper tightly from the bottom up, pressing down gently to seal and remove any air pockets. You can use a bit of water or a cornstarch and water mixture to seal the edges.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to preheat at around 380-400°F (190-200°C). Preheating is essential for achieving the desired crispiness. While the air fryer is preheating, brush or spray the spring rolls with a thin layer of oil. This step ensures that your spring rolls will be crispy and evenly browned.

Step 5: Cook the Spring Rolls

Place the spring rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, 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 at 380-400°F (190-200°C) for 8-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your spring rolls are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool down for a few minutes before serving. They are best served hot and can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce. Some popular dipping sauce options include sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, hot mustard sauce, and sweet and sour sauce.

Tips for Success:

• Always preheat your air fryer for the best results.
• Brush the oil onto the spring rolls instead of using a spray bottle for a crispier texture.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Be careful not to overfill the spring roll wrappers to avoid leakage.
• You can freeze uncooked spring rolls and cook them directly from frozen in the air fryer whenever you crave a quick snack.

Storing and reheating

Storing:

If you have leftover spring rolls, you can store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels. Place them in a single layer and separate the layers with extra paper towels or parchment paper to minimize contact and prevent sogginess. Spring rolls will last 3-4 days in the fridge.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze your spring rolls, either cooked or uncooked. Flash freeze them first by placing them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freezing them until solid. Then, transfer the frozen spring rolls to a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

There are several methods you can use to reheat your Chinese spring rolls and recapture their crispy texture and flavour:

• Air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350-375°F (180°C). Place the spring rolls in the basket, ensuring they don't touch, and heat for 2-5 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the spring rolls on a wire rack or a preheated baking tray, leaving space between them. Heat for 5-10 minutes, turning halfway if using a tray.
• Skillet or non-stick pan: Use a small amount of oil and heat over medium heat. Add the spring rolls and cook, turning occasionally, until evenly crispy. Drain any excess oil on a paper towel.
• Deep fryer: Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (180°C). Fry 1-2 spring rolls at a time for 30-45 seconds. Drain the excess oil to maintain crispiness.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Before reheating, pat the spring rolls dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which can affect the crispiness.
• Avoid overcrowding the spring rolls during reheating to allow for even heat circulation.
• For frozen spring rolls, there is no need to thaw before reheating. Fry or air fry directly from frozen, adjusting the timing as needed.
• Reheat in short intervals and monitor closely to prevent burning.

By following these instructions, you can enjoy your Chinese spring rolls again with a crispy exterior and a hot, flavourful interior.

Frequently asked questions