Air-Fried Spring Rolls: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

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, but still retain the same fantastic flavour and crispy texture. This guide will take you through the simple steps to making your own air-fried spring rolls, as well as some tips for getting the best results.

Choosing a filling

When it comes to choosing a filling for your air fryer spring rolls, the possibilities are endless! You can go for a traditional vegetable filling, add some protein, or get creative with unique ingredient combinations. Here are some detailed suggestions to help you decide:

Vegetable Filling Ideas:

• Cabbage: Finely shred or dice cabbage to use as the base of your filling. You can use napa cabbage or green cabbage, ensuring it is thinly sliced to cook quickly and evenly.
• Carrots: Finely shred or dice carrots to add a pop of colour and a touch of sweetness to your spring rolls.
• Mushrooms: Thinly slice shiitake or portabella mushrooms to include in your vegetable mix. They add a savoury, earthy flavour.
• Bean sprouts: Mung bean sprouts are commonly used in spring rolls and provide a crunchy texture.
• Green onions: Spring onions, or scallions, add a mild onion flavour and a bright green colour to your filling.
• Onions: Finely dice an onion to add a more potent onion flavour to your filling.

Protein Options:

• Chicken: Shredded or diced cooked chicken is a great way to add protein to your spring rolls. You can use breast or thigh meat, seasoned and cooked to your preference.
• Pork: Ground pork is a popular choice for spring rolls, adding savoury flavour and texture. You can also use shredded cooked pork.
• Beef: Ground beef or cooked shredded beef can be a tasty protein option for your spring rolls.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan option, include diced tofu in your filling. It will take on the flavours of the other ingredients while adding plant-based protein.

Other Creative Additions:

• Noodles: Soak and cut rice noodles or bean thread noodles to add a unique texture and bulk to your spring rolls.
• Spices and Seasonings: Don't be afraid to experiment with spices and seasonings. Ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and pepper are commonly used to enhance the flavour of spring roll fillings.
• Sauces: In addition to spices, you can include sauces like sriracha, sesame oil, or fish sauce to give your filling a flavour boost.

Remember, the key to a successful spring roll filling is to ensure all your ingredients are finely chopped or shredded, so they cook evenly and fit neatly into your wrappers. Get creative and enjoy the process of crafting your perfect air fryer spring rolls!

Rolling technique

The rolling technique is a crucial part of making spring rolls, and while it may seem intimidating at first, it is quite straightforward and enjoyable. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you master the art of rolling spring rolls for your air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Workstation

Before you begin rolling, it is essential to have everything ready. Set up your workstation with the spring roll wrappers, filling, a small bowl of water, and a pastry brush (if you plan to brush the oil on the spring rolls). Having everything within reach will make the rolling process more efficient and enjoyable.

Step 2: Place the Wrapper

Take a single spring roll wrapper and lay it out flat on your workstation. It is best to orient the wrapper in a diamond shape, with one corner facing you. This orientation will make it easier to fold and roll the wrapper into the desired shape.

Step 3: Add the Filling

Place the filling in the centre of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make rolling more challenging and may cause the wrapper to tear. A good guideline is to use about 2-3 tablespoons of filling for each spring roll.

Step 4: Fold the Wrapper

Start by folding the bottom third of the wrapper up and over the filling. Then, fold in the left and right corners, creating an envelope shape. At this point, you should have a straight edge at the top, with the remaining wrapper pointing away from you.

Step 5: Roll the Spring Roll

From the bottom, start rolling the wrapper up towards the top, ensuring you roll tightly to avoid air pockets. As you roll, gently press along the seam to seal the wrapper. You can use a little water or a cornstarch and water mixture to help seal the edges if needed.

Step 6: Seal the Spring Roll

Once you have finished rolling, seal the final corner of the wrapper by gently pressing it down. You can use a little water or the cornstarch mixture to secure it. Place the finished spring roll on a baking tray or plate while you repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Tips for Success:

• Don't overfill the wrappers. This is a common mistake, but it can lead to messy results. Stick to the recommended amount of filling for the best results.
• Take your time and be gentle when rolling. Spring roll wrappers can be delicate, so handle them with care to avoid tearing.
• If you plan to cook the spring rolls immediately, preheat your air fryer to get that extra crispiness.
• For even browning and crispiness, brush the spring rolls with oil before placing them in the air fryer. This step adds moisture and helps achieve that perfect golden colour.

Cooking method

Firstly, prepare your filling. For a simple vegetable filling, finely chop or shred your chosen vegetables. You can use a combination of napa cabbage, mung bean sprouts, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, and green onions. You can also add some protein to your filling, such as ground pork, shredded chicken, or tofu.

Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add some oil. Add your vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes to soften. Add your protein, if using, and cook until browned. You can also add spices and sauces to taste, such as garlic, soy sauce, or ginger. Stir everything together and remove from the heat.

Next, prepare your spring roll wrappers. You can buy these from most Asian grocery stores or online. Place a wrapper on a flat surface in a diamond orientation. Place 2-3 spoonfuls of your filling in the center, in a line parallel to your body.

Now it's time to roll your spring rolls. Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up over the filling. Then, fold in the left and right corners towards the middle, so it looks like an envelope. Roll it up from the bottom, trying to make it tight so there aren't any air pockets. You can use a cornstarch and water mixture to seal the edges.

Once you have rolled all your spring rolls, it's time to cook them. Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F. Brush or spray the spring rolls with oil—this will help them get crispy. Place the spring rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them so they don't stick together.

Cook the spring rolls for around 8-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately, with your choice of dipping sauce.

You can also make these spring rolls in advance and freeze them. Place them on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and freeze for 4-5 hours or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3-6 months. When you're ready to eat, you can cook them straight from frozen in the air fryer.

Dipping sauces

There are many different sauces that you can use for dipping your air-fried spring rolls. Here are some ideas:

Sweet Chilli Sauce

This sauce is great for adding a kick of heat and sweetness to your spring rolls. It is a popular choice for spring rolls and can be bought from most supermarkets, or you can make your own.

Honey Mustard Sauce

Honey mustard sauce combines the smooth richness of honey with the sharpness of mustard. This sauce is perfect for those who want a bit of sweetness to contrast the savoury spring rolls.

Chili Garlic Sauce

This sauce is not for the faint-hearted! The combination of garlic and chilli will explode in your mouth and leave a lasting impression.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

This sauce is a favourite among many due to its perfect pairing of sweet and sour flavours. It is a great choice for those who want a sauce that is not too spicy but still has a lot of flavour.

Ranch Dressing

Some people love ranch dressing so much that they will put it on anything. If you are one of those people, then this may be the perfect dipping sauce for your spring rolls! The smooth creaminess of ranch will add another dimension to your rolls.

Peanut Sauce

A rich and tangy peanut sauce is a perfect dipping sauce for spring rolls, especially during the cold winter months. It is creamy, sweet, and nutty, adding a delicious richness to the spring rolls.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is sweet, savoury, and tangy with a bit of spice. It is similar to soy sauce but with more depth of flavour and is very popular in Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. It adds a nice kick of umami to your spring rolls.

Vietnamese Fish Sauce

This sauce is sweet and tangy with bright citrus flavours and is ubiquitous in Vietnamese cuisine. It can also double as a vermicelli bowl sauce. For a vegan option, substitute with half water and half soy sauce and season with sea salt.

Storing and reheating

Storing your spring rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator will keep them fresh for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. To do this, first place the uncooked spring rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them. Then, transfer the frozen spring rolls to a resealable plastic bag and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to cook your frozen spring rolls, there's no need to thaw them first. Simply place them directly into the air fryer basket and cook for a few minutes longer than you would with fresh spring rolls.

To reheat spring rolls in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to around 375°F (190°C). Place the spring rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other. Reheat for 4 to 6 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. If you want them extra crispy, you can lightly spray them with cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer.

If you're reheating a large batch of spring rolls, you may need to do it in batches to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, you can use a wire rack inside the air fryer to create more space.

Frequently asked questions