Air-Fryer Spring Rolls: The Perfect Crunchy Treat

Air-fried spring rolls are a tasty treat that can be made at home with relative ease. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried spring rolls, with the same fantastic flavour and crunch. The wrappers are thin and delicate, making them crispier than egg rolls, which are wrapped in a thicker batter. Spring rolls are typically filled with vegetables, but you can also add meat or tofu to make them more filling. The best sauces to serve with spring rolls include sweet chilli sauce, honey mustard sauce, and sweet and sour sauce.

Choosing the right wrapper

The wrapper you choose for your air-fried spring rolls is important as it can affect the taste, texture, and overall success of your dish. Spring roll wrappers can be found in most supermarkets, usually in the produce section, or in Asian grocery stores. They can also be purchased online.

Spring Roll Wrappers

Spring roll wrappers are typically thin and made from wheat. They create a delicate, crispy texture when fried. Spring roll wrappers are usually square, measuring around 8 x 8 inches or 10 x 10 inches. They are not the same as the round rice flour wrappers used for uncooked Vietnamese-style spring rolls.

Egg Roll Wrappers

Egg roll wrappers are thicker and chewier than spring roll wrappers as they contain egg, flour, and water. They are easier to stuff with filling due to their thickness and are therefore usually larger. Egg roll wrappers can be used as a substitute for spring roll wrappers, but they are generally not vegan.

Wonton Wrappers

Wonton wrappers are similar in appearance to spring roll wrappers but are too small for this particular recipe.

Rice Paper Wrappers

Rice paper wrappers are used for uncooked spring rolls and are not suitable for this recipe.

Tips for Choosing the Right Wrapper:

• If you are vegan, ensure your wrapper is free of dairy products and that the filling also contains no dairy.
• For crispy spring rolls, brush the oil onto the wrapper instead of using a spray bottle.
• If you can't find spring roll wrappers, egg roll wrappers can be used, but they will produce a thicker, chewier spring roll.
• Square wheat-based wrappers are best for this recipe, measuring around 8 x 8 inches or 10 x 10 inches.
• Avoid round rice flour wrappers as these are intended for uncooked spring rolls.
• Wonton wrappers are too small for this recipe.

Preparing the filling

• Oil (avocado, olive, sesame, or vegetable)
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Meat of your choice (ground pork, turkey, chicken, beef, or tofu)
• Vegetables (cabbage, napa cabbage, mung bean sprouts, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, green onions, scallions, or garlic)
• Spices (onion powder, black pepper, ground ginger, or coriander root)
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Cornstarch
• Water

Once you have gathered your ingredients, follow these steps:

• Heat some oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat.
• If using sesame seeds, toast them in the oil first until golden brown.
• Add your choice of meat and cook until browned.
• Add your spices, soy sauce, and rice vinegar (if using) and cook until most of the juices evaporate.
• Toss in your vegetables and cook until tender and wilted.
• If using cornstarch, mix it with water to create a slurry and add it to the filling. This will help thicken the filling and make it easier to work with.
• Stir everything together and remove from the heat.
• Let the filling cool completely before assembling your spring rolls.

You can also add some variety to your filling by including pre-cooked noodles (such as rice noodles or cellophane noodles) or substituting the meat with shredded chicken, pork, or your preferred protein.

Rolling the spring rolls

Rolling spring rolls can seem intimidating, but it's actually quite easy and fun. The key is to get everything ready before you start. Set the thawed wrappers on a flat surface and have the filling and a small bowl of water ready.

First, lay out a single wrapper with one of the corners facing you, so it looks like a diamond. Place about two tablespoons of filling in the centre, in a line parallel to your body. Don't add too much filling!

Brush a little water along the top corner of the wrapper. Fold the bottom third of the wrapper up and over the filling. Then, fold in the left and right corners, so it looks like an envelope. Roll it up from the bottom, squeezing out the air and making sure it is tight, with no air pockets. You can use a bit more water to seal the wrapper shut. Place the finished spring roll seam-side down and repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Cooking the spring rolls

Now that your filling is prepared, it's time to assemble and cook your spring rolls. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Folding and Assembling the Spring Rolls

• Take a single wrapper and lay it out in a diamond shape.
• Place two to three spoonfuls of the filling in the center, forming a line parallel to your body.
• Lightly wet the edges of the wrapper with water.
• Fold the left and right corners towards the center, covering the filling.
• Fold the bottom corner up and continue rolling the wrapper tightly, squeezing out any air pockets.
• Lightly wet the exposed corner to seal the roll.
• Repeat this process until you have the desired number of spring rolls.

Air Frying the Spring Rolls

• Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F.
• Brush or spray the spring rolls with oil. This step is essential for achieving the desired crispiness and is preferable to using an oil spray bottle.
• Place the spring rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch each other.
• Cook for 8-14 minutes at 350°F-390°F, flipping them halfway through the cooking process.
• Your spring rolls are ready when they turn golden brown and crispy.
• Let the spring rolls cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

You can serve these delicious spring rolls with various dipping sauces, such as sweet and sour sauce, hot mustard sauce, or Thai sweet chili sauce. Enjoy!

Dipping sauces

Air fryer spring rolls are a healthier alternative to deep-fried spring rolls, and they're quick and easy to make. But what takes them to the next level is the dipping sauce! Here are some ideas for delicious dipping sauces to serve with your air fryer spring rolls:

Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet chili sauce is a popular choice for spring rolls, offering a sweet and spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the crispiness of the rolls. You can buy this sauce or make your own by combining chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, and sugar.

Soy Sauce

For a simple yet classic option, soy sauce is a great choice. Its salty, savory flavor enhances the taste of the spring rolls without overwhelming them. You can also mix soy sauce with other ingredients like honey or garlic to create a unique sauce.

Peanut Sauce

Peanut sauce is a classic dipping sauce for spring rolls, offering a rich and nutty flavor. It's especially delicious with spring rolls that have a shrimp or chicken filling. You can make your own by blending peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

Hot Mustard Sauce

If you like a little spice, hot mustard sauce is a great option. The creaminess of the mustard balances out the spiciness, making it a perfect pairing for the crispy spring rolls. You can adjust the spiciness to your taste by adding more or less mustard powder.

Chili Garlic Sauce

Chili garlic sauce is another great choice for those who like a little heat. It has a strong garlic flavor with a spicy kick from the chili peppers. You can make your own by blending chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, and salt.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a sweet and savory sauce that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It has a thick, sticky texture and a unique flavor that comes from a blend of soybeans, garlic, chili, and five-spice powder. It's a perfect pairing for spring rolls, especially when combined with peanut sauce.

Sriracha Aioli

For a spicy and creamy option, try sriracha aioli. The creaminess of the aioli balances out the spiciness of the sriracha, making it a perfect dip for the crispy spring rolls. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Sweet and sour sauce is a classic choice for spring rolls, offering a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. It's typically made with a combination of sugar, vinegar, and ketchup, and it's the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Other Ideas

You can also experiment with different fillings and create your own unique dipping sauces to pair with them. For example, try making shrimp or vegetarian spring rolls and create a special sauce to complement those flavors. Don't be afraid to get creative and try out different combinations!

Frequently asked questions