Do you love the irresistible crunch of a hot, savoury spring roll but not the heavy, greasy feeling that often comes with it? You can get that perfect restaurant-style crispiness at home with an air fryer. It uses only a fraction of the oil.
Instead of being deep-fried, the air fryer’s powerful fan circulates hot air all around the wrapper. It creates that signature golden crunch with just a light spritz of cooking spray. This simple swap is the secret to making delicious and healthy spring rolls. Get ready to enjoy one of your favourite takeout treats without any of the guilt.
The biggest difference between a restaurant spring roll and an air-fried version comes down to one thing: oil. When deep-fried, a spring roll soaks up tablespoons of oil, which can easily double its calorie count. By using an air fryer, you cut the fat and calories by more than half. this turns a heavy treat into a light, guilt-free snack.
An air fryer works like a small, powerful oven. The intense, moving heat is what cooks the filling through. More importantly, it creates that irresistible crispy, crackly shell on the outside. The secret to a perfect golden-brown finish is a very light spritz of cooking spray. That tiny bit of oil is all the hot air needs to brown the wrapper and give it a beautiful, blistered crunch, just like the deep-fried version.
The most important choice you’ll make at the grocery store is the wrappers. For the best air fryer results, look for thin, square “spring roll wrappers” in the refrigerated or frozen section. They are designed to become light and shatteringly crisp. Be careful not to grab thicker “egg roll wrappers,” which can turn out tough. Also, avoid delicate “rice paper wrappers,” which are meant for soft summer rolls and won’t crisp up properly.
Putting together the classic, savoury filling is wonderfully simple, and using a pre-shredded coleslaw mix saves time. Here’s what you’ll need for a flavorful, low-calorie treat:
This recipe is flexible, too. Ground turkey or even crumbled firm tofu works beautifully as a substitute for the chicken or shrimp.
This part might look tricky, but once you do one or two, you’ll see it’s as simple as folding a letter. The key is to not overfill it and to create a tight package. This ensures your spring rolls don’t burst in the air fryer.
Work with one wrapper at a time on a clean, dry surface:
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. This quick step ensures the spring rolls start sizzling the moment they go in, which is the secret to getting that fantastic crispy texture.
To prevent the delicate wrappers from sticking, give the air fryer basket a light spritz with cooking oil. The most important rule for crispy spring rolls is to arrange them in a single layer with a little space between each one. This allows the hot air to circulate freely, browning every surface evenly. You may need to cook them in two small batches, but it’s well worth it.
Slide the basket in and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, giving the basket a gentle shake halfway through to help them brown on all sides. You’ll know they are ready when they turn a deep golden-brown and look irresistibly crunchy.
To reheat leftover spring rolls, forget the microwave, which can make them soggy. Place them in the air fryer basket at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 4 minutes. They’ll emerge piping hot and just as fantastically crisp as when you first made them.
You can also air fry frozen spring rolls with no thawing required. Arrange your frozen rolls in the basket. Lightly spray them with oil, and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking them halfway through. It’s a perfect way to have a healthy snack ready anytime.
Every great spring roll deserves a great dip. For a simple and healthy dipping sauce, just stir together two parts low-sodium soy sauce with one part rice vinegar. This adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the filling perfectly, without the extra sugar in many bottled sauces.
Just a short while ago, a crispy spring roll might have felt like an unhealthy indulgence. Now you know how to make golden, light, and tasty spring rolls at home. They turn a past guilty pleasure into a simple, guilt-free treat.
Your air fryer is more than just a convenience; it’s your partner in making healthier choices feel like a reward. Try a small batch this week and enjoy that satisfying crunch anytime you wish.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. Nutritional values are a guide and may vary depending on the quantities & brands used.
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