Spring rolls are a beloved snack or appetizer in many Asian cuisines. Traditionally, they are deep-fried to achieve that satisfyingly crispy texture. However, with the rise of healthier cooking methods, many people are looking for alternatives to deep-frying. Enter the air fryer, a kitchen gadget that promises to deliver the same crispy goodness with less oil and fewer calories. In this article, we will explore how to cook spring rolls in an air fryer, providing you with a deliciously crispy and healthy alternative.
Getting Started: Preparing the Spring Roll Filling
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s start by preparing the filling for your spring rolls. The great thing about this dish is that you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Here’s a simple and versatile vegetable filling recipe:
Ingredients
– 1 cup shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms
– 1 cup chopped bell peppers
– 1 cup chopped onions
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a pan, heat some oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
2. Add the onions and cook until they become translucent.
3. Add the bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, and mushrooms. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
4. Season the filling with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.
5. Allow the filling to cool down completely before proceeding to the next step.
Wrapping the Spring Rolls
With the filling ready, it’s time to wrap the spring rolls. If you’re a beginner, it might take a few tries to get the hang of it, but don’t worry, practice makes perfect! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
Ingredients
– Spring roll wrappers (available at Asian grocery stores)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (used as a sealant)
Instructions
1. Take a spring roll wrapper and place it on a flat surface so that it forms a diamond shape in front of you.
2. Spoon about two tablespoons of the prepared filling onto the lower corner of the wrapper, leaving a small border.
3. Fold the left and right sides of the wrapper towards the center, ensuring that the filling is secured inside.
4. Roll the wrapper tightly from the bottom towards the top, enclosing the filling completely.
5. Use the cornstarch-water mixture to seal the edge of the wrapper by lightly brushing it with the mixture.
6. Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Air Frying the Spring Rolls
Now that you’ve successfully wrapped the spring rolls, it’s time to air fry them to achieve that crispy texture we all crave. Follow these steps to cook your spring rolls in an air fryer:
Ingredients
– Prepared spring rolls
– Cooking spray or oil for brushing (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly coat the spring rolls with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil. This step is optional but will help enhance the crispiness.
3. Place the spring rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other.
4. Cook the spring rolls for approximately 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
5. Once the spring rolls turn golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
6. Serve the spring rolls hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, or soy sauce.
Extra Tips for Perfectly Air-Fried Spring Rolls
– Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leaving enough space between the spring rolls ensures they cook evenly and achieve that desired crunchiness.
– You can experiment with different fillings, such as minced chicken, shrimp, or tofu, to add variety to your spring rolls.
– If you’re short on time, you can also prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to wrap and air fry the spring rolls.
– To reheat any leftover spring rolls, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes until they become crispy again.
Conclusion
Cooking spring rolls in an air fryer is a fantastic alternative to deep-frying. By using this kitchen gadget, you can achieve that perfect crispiness with significantly less oil. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a snack, or looking for a new appetizer recipe, these air-fried spring rolls are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, wrap them up, air fry until golden, and enjoy this deliciously crispy and healthy treat!