Frozen Spring Rolls in Air Fryer: Quick & Crispy

Cooking frozen spring rolls in an air fryer is a quick and efficient way to enjoy this popular snack or appetizer without the excess oil associated with deep frying. Whether you have vegetable, shrimp, or meat-filled spring rolls, the air fryer can provide a crispy and delicious result. 

This method is healthier and maintains the spring rolls’ delightful crunch while ensuring the interior filling is thoroughly cooked.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to achieve perfectly cooked frozen spring rolls in your air fryer, making it a hassle-free addition to your culinary repertoire.

Reasons for Using Frozen Spring Rolls in Air Fryer

Using an air fryer to cook frozen spring rolls offers several compelling reasons:

Healthier Cooking

 The amount of oil used for cooking is substantially less when using air frying.This is particularly important for spring rolls, as deep frying can result in high levels of saturated fat. Air frying allows you to enjoy these delicious treats with far fewer calories and less unhealthy fat.

Texture and Crispiness

 Air fryers are designed to circulate hot air rapidly around the food. This circulation creates a crispy exterior similar to deep frying but without the excessive oil. Your spring rolls will have that delightful crunch that’s associated with deep-fried foods.

Convenience and Speed

Air fryers are incredibly convenient and quick. Preheating an air fryer takes only a few minutes, and cooking frozen spring rolls in it is hassle-free. It’s perfect for those times when you’re craving a snack or appetizer and want it ready in a matter of minutes.

Uniform Cooking

 The fan inside the air fryer ensures that the heat is distributed evenly. This means your spring rolls will cook uniformly, avoiding issues with uneven frying or undercooked sections.

Minimal Mess

Traditional deep frying can result in hot oil splatters and require the disposal of used oil. With an air fryer, there’s less mess. It eliminates oil splatter, and many air fryer components are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.

Versatility

While frozen spring rolls are a perfect match for air frying, these kitchen appliances can handle a wide variety of foods. From chicken wings and fries to vegetables and even desserts, air fryers offer versatility that can enhance your culinary repertoire.

Energy Efficiency

 Air fryers are generally energy-efficient appliances, consuming less electricity than conventional ovens or stovetops. This can translate to cost savings over time, making them an economically sound choice.

Customization

You have control over the cooking time and temperature with an air fryer, allowing you to achieve your desired level of crispiness. Whether you prefer extra crunchy spring rolls or a softer exterior, the air fryer enables you to tailor the outcome to your taste.

How to Air Fry Frozen Spring Rolls

Air frying frozen spring rolls are easy and results in crispy, delicious appetizers. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Frozen spring rolls of your choice

1.    Preheat the Air Fryer

Begin by preheating your air fryer to about 360°F (180°C). Preheating ensures that the spring rolls will cook evenly and become crispy.

2.   Arrange the Spring Rolls

 While the air fryer is preheating, take the frozen spring rolls and place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not crowded. If you have a large batch, you may need to cook them in batches for the best results.

3.   Optional: Lightly Oil

 For an extra crispy texture, you have the option to lightly spray or brush the frozen spring rolls with a small amount of oil. This step is not mandatory but can enhance the overall crispiness.

4.   Set the Cooking Time

 Once the air fryer is preheated, set the cooking time to approximately 7 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer. The goal is to have the spring rolls turn a golden brown color and become crispy.

5.    Flip Halfway Through

 At the halfway point of the cooking time (around 4-5 minutes), carefully open the air fryer and flip the spring rolls using tongs or a spatula. This step helps ensure that both sides cook evenly, resulting in a uniformly crispy exterior.

6.   Check for Doneness

 To ensure that the spring rolls are thoroughly cooked, check for a few key indicators:

• The crust should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
• The filling should be heated through and piping hot.
• If you’re uncertain, you can cut one open to check the interior temperature.

7.    Serve Hot

Once the spring rolls are perfectly air-fried, promptly remove them from the air fryer to prevent overcooking due to residual heat. Serve them immediately while they’re hot and at their crispiest.

8.   Dip and Enjoy

 Pair your air-fried frozen spring rolls with your preferred dipping sauce, such as sweet chili, soy, or peanut sauce. Enjoy the delightful contrast of the crunchy exterior and the flavorful, piping-hot interior.

Read More:

• How to Cook Waffle Fries in Air Fryer?
• Baked Apples in the Air Fryer

Types of frozen spring rolls

Type of spring rolls	Description and Filling
Vegetable Spring Rolls	Filled with fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and sometimes mushrooms. Light and refreshing.
Shrimp Spring Rolls	Filled with cooked shrimp and vegetables, offering a sweet and savory flavor. Typically served with dipping sauce.
Chicken Spring Rolls	Filled with cooked chicken pieces, often marinated or seasoned, along with vegetables. Hearty and savory in taste
Crab Spring Rolls	Made with imitation crab meat, providing a mild seafood flavor. Often served with a creamy dipping sauce.
Tofu or Vegetarian Spring Rolls	Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, typically containing tofu or a tofu-vegetable mixture, seasoned with herbs and spices.
Egg Rolls	Not traditional spring rolls but popular, filled with cabbage, carrots, and ground pork, wrapped in a wheat flour wrapper, and deep-fried.
Lumpia	Filipino spring rolls with various fillings, such as shrimp, or vegetables. Smaller and thinner than typical spring rolls.
Spicy Spring Rolls	Made with spicy ingredients like chili peppers for those who enjoy a spicy kick in their food.
Fruit Spring Rolls	Unique spring rolls filled with fresh fruit slices like mango, banana, or berries. Served with sweet dipping sauces, often a dessert.
Fusion Spring Rolls	Inspired by various cuisines, may feature fusion flavors like Thai-inspired rolls with Thai basil and peanut sauce.

Why Aren’t My Frozen Spring Rolls Cooked Through?

If your frozen spring rolls aren’t cooked through in the air fryer, there could be several reasons for this issue. Here are some common factors and troubleshooting tips:

Overcrowding

Overloading the air fryer basket with too many spring rolls can obstruct proper air circulation. This can lead to uneven cooking, and some rolls may remain undercooked. Ensure you arrange the spring rolls in a single layer with some space between them to allow hot air to circulate.

Frozen Solid

If the spring rolls are extremely cold or frozen solid when you put them in the air fryer, they may need extra cooking time. Consider letting them thaw slightly at room temperature for a few minutes before cooking to promote even cooking.

Low Temperature

Ensure your air fryer is set to the recommended cooking temperature, usually around 165°F (74°C) Cooking at a lower temperature can result in slower and incomplete cooking.

Insufficient Preheating

Even cooking requires preheating the air fryer.Ensure that you preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before placing the frozen spring rolls inside. Preheating guarantees that the cooking process begins right away.

Check for Obstructions

Occasionally, foreign objects or food particles can obstruct the air fryer’s fan or vents. This can affect the airflow and cooking performance. Clean your air fryer thoroughly to remove any blockages.

Cooking Time

If you followed a recommended cooking time and the spring rolls are still undercooked, consider adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness using visual cues, texture, and a food thermometer.

Temperature Fluctuations

Some air fryers may experience temperature fluctuations during cooking. To counter this, you can rotate the spring rolls halfway through the cooking process to ensure even exposure to heat.

Quality of Air Fryer

The quality and performance of air fryers can vary between models and brands. If you consistently face issues with undercooked food, it might be worth investing in a higher-quality air fryer.

Thicker Spring Rolls

If you’re using larger or thicker spring rolls, they may require additional cooking time. Consider adjusting the cooking time or flipping them to ensure even cooking.

Check Internal Temperature

For added assurance, use an instant-read food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the spring rolls. They should reach a minimum of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked through.

By addressing these potential factors and making adjustments, you can improve the cooking results and ensure that your frozen spring rolls are thoroughly cooked and crispy in the air fryer.

How to Check if the Frozen Spring Rolls Done?

Checking if frozen spring rolls are done is essential to ensure they are thoroughly cooked and safe to eat. Here’s how to check their doneness:

1. Examine the appearance of the spring rolls. They should be golden brown and have a uniformly crispy exterior. If they appear pale or have uneven browning, they may need more cooking time.
2. Gently press the surface of a spring roll with a fork or tongs. A properly cooked spring roll should feel firm and crisp to the touch. If it feels soft or doughy in some areas, it may need additional cooking time.
3. Use an instant-read food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the spring roll. Insert the thermometer into the center of a spring roll without touching the filling. The minimum safe internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If it hasn’t reached this temperature, continue cooking until it does.
4. Listen for a sizzling sound coming from the spring rolls. When they are done, you may hear a faint sizzle or crackling noise, indicating that any remaining moisture evaporates and the exterior is crisping up.
5. If you’re unsure about the doneness, you can cut one of the spring rolls open. The filling should be hot and cooked through without any visible raw or cold spots. The wrapper should be golden brown and crispy.
6. If you followed a recommended cooking time, it’s a good idea to adhere to the suggested time and then check for doneness using the methods mentioned above. Adjust the cooking time if needed.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Frozen Spring Rolls

Air fryer frozen spring rolls can be served with a variety of accompaniments to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some options to consider:

Accompaniments	Description and Serving Ideas
Dipping Sauces	– Sweet chili sauce: Sweet and slightly spicy. – Soy sauce: Classic and savory, can be mixed with rice vinegar and green onions. – Peanut sauce: Creamy and nutty. – Hoisin sauce: Sweet and savory depth of flavor.
Salad	Simple mixed greens salad with cucumber and carrot, served with a light vinaigrette dressing.
Rice	Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to complement the spring rolls’ flavors.
Noodles	Rice noodles or glass noodles served as a cold salad or warm stir-fry with a flavorful sauce.
Vegetable Stir-Fry	Stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a colorful and nutritious side dish.
Sliced Fresh Fruit	Platter of sliced fresh fruit such as pineapple, mango, or watermelon for a refreshing contrast.
Edamame	Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt for a protein-rich and nutritious side.
Coleslaw	Crunchy coleslaw with a tangy dressing for texture and flavor variation.
Fried Rice	Customize fried rice with vegetables, protein, and seasonings to complement your spring rolls.
Soup	Light broth-based soups like miso soup or clear vegetable soup for a comforting addition.
Asian Slaw	Cabbage-based Asian slaw with a soy-based dressing for a crunchy and flavorful side dish.

FAQs

Final Verdict

In conclusion, air-frying frozen spring rolls is a convenient and delightful way to enjoy this popular appetizer. Cooking them directly from frozen ensures a crispy, golden exterior while maintaining the savory fillings intact. 

With a quick preheat and just a few minutes of cooking time, you can have a satisfying snack or meal. Remember to pair them with your favorite dipping sauces and complementary sides for a complete culinary experience. 

So, whether it’s a quick snack or part of a larger feast, your air fryer is your secret weapon for perfectly cooked, crunchy spring rolls.

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