Air Fryer Rice Paper Chips: Quick, Easy, And Healthy!

Rice paper chips are a delicious, healthy snack that can be made in an air fryer. They are a great alternative to traditional potato chips as they are lower in calories and fat, and are also gluten-free and vegan. In this article, we will discuss how to make rice paper chips in an air fryer, the benefits of air frying, and provide step-by-step instructions for making these crispy treats.

Choosing the right rice paper

Rice Paper Composition

Rice paper is typically made from a combination of rice flour and tapioca starch. When selecting rice paper, opt for those made from 100% rice flour. These tend to yield more delicate chips that are easier to handle and less prone to breakage. Rice paper with tapioca starch may result in chips that are too fragile.

Thickness

When purchasing rice paper, look for thinner sheets. Thinner rice paper sheets crisp up more evenly and quickly in the air fryer, resulting in a lighter and airier chip. Thicker rice paper may produce chips with a chewier texture, which some may prefer, but it will take longer to achieve the desired crispness.

Quality

Always choose high-quality rice paper. This is crucial for achieving the best results. High-quality rice paper will yield crispier and more flavorful chips. Look for brands that are well-known or recommended by chefs and home cooks.

Gluten-Free Option

If you are gluten-intolerant or prefer gluten-free options, rice paper is an excellent choice. Most rice paper brands are gluten-free, but it is essential to check the label to ensure the product meets your dietary needs.

Cutting Technique

While this may not directly impact the type of rice paper you choose, the cutting technique is worth mentioning. When preparing the rice paper for the air fryer, use a sharp knife, kitchen shears, or a pizza cutter to cut the sheets into your desired chip sizes. This ensures even and clean cuts, and uniform pieces will cook more consistently.

In summary, when selecting rice paper for making chips in an air fryer, opt for high-quality, thin sheets made from 100% rice flour. This will give you the best chance of creating crispy, flavorful, and delicate rice paper chips.

Cutting technique

The cutting technique is an important step in achieving the perfect rice paper chip. Here are some tips to ensure your chips are cut effectively and efficiently:

Use a Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: Opt for a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to ensure clean and even cuts. This will help you achieve uniformly sized pieces, which is essential for consistent cooking. Aim for chip-sized pieces, cutting the rice paper sheets into quarters or your desired size.

Avoid Breaking by Hand: While it may be tempting to break the rice paper sheets with your hands, this method often results in a mess. Small pieces might fly around your kitchen, and it's challenging to break them into a specific shape. Cutting with scissors or a sharp knife provides a neater result.

Uniformity Ensures Consistent Cooking: Cutting your rice paper sheets into uniform pieces is crucial for consistent cooking. When the pieces are similar in size, they will cook at the same rate in the air fryer, resulting in evenly cooked chips.

Single Layer in the Air Fryer: To ensure proper cooking and crisping, place the cut rice paper pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping or overcrowding the pieces, as this will lead to uneven cooking and less crispy chips. Cook in batches if necessary.

Avoiding overcrowding

When making rice paper chips in an air fryer, it is important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Here are some tips to prevent overcrowding and ensure your chips turn out crispy and evenly cooked:

Cook in Batches:

If you have a lot of rice paper pieces to cook, consider cooking them in batches. This will give each chip enough space to cook properly without overlapping. You can also use multiple layers of the air fryer rack if your model has that feature.

Single Layer:

Always arrange the rice paper pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This ensures that hot air circulates evenly around each chip, resulting in uniform cooking. Avoid stacking or overlapping the pieces.

Basket Size:

Choose an air fryer with a basket size that suits your needs. If you plan to make large batches of rice paper chips, opt for an air fryer with a larger capacity. This will give you more space to work with and reduce the need to cook multiple batches.

Cutting Technique:

Use a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or kitchen scissors to cut the rice paper sheets into uniform chip-sized pieces. Uniform pieces will cook more evenly and reduce the risk of overcrowding.

Spacing:

When placing the rice paper pieces in the air fryer basket, make sure they are well-spaced and not touching each other. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. Leave some breathing room between each piece.

By following these tips, you can avoid overcrowding in your air fryer and ensure that your rice paper chips turn out crispy, delicious, and perfectly cooked every time.

Oil application

The oil application process is crucial to achieving the perfect rice paper chips in your air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to ensure your chips are crispy and delicious:

Type of Oil

You can use a variety of oils for frying rice paper chips, such as vegetable oil, olive oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil. Choose an oil that has a high smoke point and is suitable for high-heat cooking.

Amount of Oil

When using an air fryer, you only need a light application of oil to the rice paper. Excess oil can make the chips soggy instead of crispy. A light spray or brush of oil is usually sufficient. If frying in a pan, you will need enough oil to cover the rice paper, approximately 0.5 inches deep.

Application Method

There are a few ways to apply oil to your rice paper, depending on the method of cooking:

• Spray or Brush: If using an air fryer, the best way to apply oil is by using a cooking spray or lightly brushing the oil onto the rice paper. This ensures an even and light coating.
• Deep Frying: When deep-frying in a pan, heat the oil to the desired temperature, then place the rice paper into the oil. It should puff up within a few seconds.

Oil Temperature

The temperature of the oil is important to get right. For deep frying, heat the oil to around 180°C. You can test if the oil is ready by popping a corner of the rice paper into the oil – it should bubble immediately. For air frying, the oil doesn't need to be hot, as the air fryer will heat the oil along with the rice paper.

Oil Absorption

Rice paper is thin and delicate, so it can absorb oil quickly. That's why it's important to use a suitable oil temperature and cooking time. The longer the rice paper stays in the oil, the more oil it will absorb, so work quickly.

Seasoning

Firstly, it is important to note that seasoning should only be added after frying the rice paper. If you add seasoning before frying, it will not stick to the dry rice paper, and may burn and turn bitter during the high-heat frying process.

When it comes to choosing a seasoning, you can opt for store-bought spice mixes or create your own. For the seasoning to stick to the rice paper, it is important to use fine powder mixes. Avoid using wet ingredients. Here are some seasoning options:

• Salt and pepper: A classic combination that provides a simple yet effective flavour.
• Nutritional yeast: This can be powdered using a mortar and pestle to create a cheesy flavour.
• Smoked paprika powder: Provides a smoky, BBQ flavour. Use sparingly for the best taste.
• Fajita spice mix: A blend of chilli powder, cumin, garlic, and oregano, with a hint of smoked paprika, creates a fiery Mexican flavour.
• Buffalo spice mix: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, sweet smoked paprika powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, and oregano.
• Cajun spice mix: Combine cayenne pepper, sweet smoked paprika powder, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder for a flavourful kick.
• Indian masala powder: A blend of spices that adds a unique and aromatic flavour.
• Garlic powder: A simple yet effective seasoning that adds a punch of garlic flavour.
• Onion powder: This can be combined with nutritional yeast for a cheese and onion flavour.
• Sweet chilli: A mix of chilli powder and a hint of sugar creates a sweet and spicy flavour.
• BBQ flavour: Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of brown sugar for a classic BBQ taste.

You can also experiment with different seasonings and create your own unique combinations to find your favourite flavour profile. Additionally, you can try double seasoning—seasoning once before cooking and again with a light sprinkle immediately after the chips are done.

Remember to apply the seasonings evenly. You can mix the rice paper pieces with the seasonings in a bowl before placing them in the air fryer to ensure an even coat.

Frequently asked questions