Air Fryer Vegetable Spring Rolls recipe

Okay, let me tell you, I’ve always been a bit intimidated by spring rolls. The deep frying, the potential for greasy messes, and the delicate wrappers – it all seemed a little too fussy for a weeknight snack. But then came the air fryer revolution, and with it, the promise of crispy, healthier versions of all my fried food favorites. Naturally, spring rolls were high on my list to conquer. And let me just say, Jamie Sherman’s Air Fryer Vegetable Spring Rolls recipe? Absolute game-changer!

From the moment I prepped the vibrant medley of fresh vegetables – the napa cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms – I knew this was going to be something special. The aroma as they sautéed in the pan was intoxicating, and the simplicity of the filling was wonderfully refreshing. The real magic, though, happened in the air fryer. Forget the heavy, oily texture of traditional spring rolls; these emerged golden brown, unbelievably crispy, and light as air.

My family devoured them. Even my veggie-skeptic kids couldn’t get enough, dipping them enthusiastically into the tangy-sweet chili sauce. These Air Fryer Vegetable Spring Rolls have become a regular feature on our appetizer rotation, perfect for everything from casual family dinners to impromptu gatherings with friends. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, healthier alternative to fried spring rolls that’s surprisingly easy to make, look no further. This recipe is a winner!

Ingredients

This recipe utilizes fresh, flavorful vegetables and simple pantry staples to create a delightful and healthy spring roll filling. The ingredients are easily accessible and offer a wonderful balance of textures and tastes.

For the Spring Roll Filling:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: The base for sautéing the vegetables, providing a neutral flavor and preventing sticking. You can use canola oil, peanut oil, or any other neutral cooking oil you prefer.
• 2 cups finely shredded napa cabbage: Napa cabbage, with its mild flavor and delicate texture, forms the bulk of the filling. It cooks down beautifully and provides a pleasant sweetness.
• 2 cups mung bean sprouts: Bean sprouts add a delightful crunch and freshness to the spring rolls. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
• 1 cup finely shredded carrots: Carrots contribute sweetness, vibrant color, and a slight bite to the filling. They also add nutritional value, being rich in beta-carotene.
• 1 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms bring an earthy, umami-rich flavor to the spring rolls. Their meaty texture adds depth to the vegetable filling. You can use fresh or dried shiitake mushrooms (rehydrated and chopped). For a more budget-friendly option, cremini or white button mushrooms can be substituted, though they will have a milder flavor.
• ½ cup finely sliced green onion: Green onions, also known as scallions, offer a mild onion flavor and a pop of freshness. They are added towards the end of cooking to retain their vibrant green color and delicate taste.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (cornstarch slurry): This cornstarch slurry acts as a thickening agent, binding the vegetable filling together and preventing it from becoming too watery. This is crucial for achieving spring rolls that are not soggy.
• 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar: Sugar balances the savory flavors and enhances the overall taste profile of the filling. It adds a subtle sweetness that complements the vegetables beautifully. Adjust the amount to your preference – some prefer a less sweet filling.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Salt is essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of all the vegetables. Use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Black pepper adds a touch of warmth and spice, enhancing the overall flavor complexity of the filling. Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended for its superior flavor.

For Preparing the Spring Rolls:

• 12 square spring roll wrappers: These thin, delicate wrappers are the key to achieving crispy spring rolls. Look for spring roll wrappers in the refrigerated or frozen section of Asian grocery stores or well-stocked supermarkets. Rice paper wrappers are NOT the same and will not work in this recipe. Ensure you are using spring roll wrappers made from wheat flour.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (cornstarch slurry for sealing): This slurry is used to seal the spring rolls, ensuring they stay closed during air frying. It acts as a natural glue.
• 2 – 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for brushing: Brushing the spring rolls with a thin layer of vegetable oil is crucial for achieving a golden brown, crispy exterior in the air fryer. This helps them crisp up beautifully without becoming dry. You can use the same vegetable oil as used for the filling.

For the Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce:

• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce: This ready-made sauce provides the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors for dipping. You can find Thai sweet chili sauce in most supermarkets in the Asian food aisle.
• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar: White vinegar adds a crucial tanginess that cuts through the sweetness of the chili sauce and balances the richness of the spring rolls. Rice vinegar can also be used for a slightly milder flavor.
• 2 – 4 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note to the dipping sauce, enhancing its freshness and flavor. If you are not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute with finely chopped green onions or omit it altogether.

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create perfectly crispy and delicious Air Fryer Vegetable Spring Rolls.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Filling

1. Heat the oil: Place a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and let it heat until it shimmers slightly. This indicates that the oil is hot enough for cooking.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the finely shredded napa cabbage, mung bean sprouts, shredded carrots, and chopped shiitake mushrooms to the hot pan.
3. Stir-fry: Stir constantly to ensure the vegetables cook evenly and don’t burn. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften slightly and become slightly translucent. They should still retain some of their crunch. Avoid overcooking at this stage, as they will cook further in the spring rolls and air fryer.
4. Add flavor and thicken: Add the finely sliced green onion, cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water), granulated sugar, salt, and ground black pepper to the pan.
5. Cook further: Stir everything together well to combine all the ingredients and distribute the seasoning evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. The cornstarch slurry will thicken the mixture slightly, creating a cohesive filling. The vegetables should be cooked down but still have a slight bite – you don’t want them to be mushy.
6. Cool the filling: Remove the vegetable mixture from the heat and transfer it to a large bowl. Set it aside to cool completely. It’s important to let the filling cool before assembling the spring rolls, as warm filling can make the wrappers soggy and difficult to handle.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer and Prepare the Spring Rolls

1. Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that the spring rolls start cooking immediately and achieve maximum crispiness.
2. Prepare cornstarch slurry for sealing: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. This will be used to seal the spring rolls.
3. Assemble spring rolls: Lay out a single spring roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface. Orient it in a diamond shape with one corner pointing towards you.
4. Brush with slurry: Using your finger or a small brush, lightly brush some of the cornstarch slurry along the top half corner of the wrapper (the corner furthest away from you). This will act as the “glue” to seal the spring roll.
5. Add filling: Scoop about 3 tablespoons of the cooled vegetable filling into the center of the wrapper. Avoid overfilling, as this can make the spring rolls difficult to close and prone to bursting during air frying.
6. Fold the wrapper: Fold the bottom third of the wrapper (the corner closest to you) up and over the filling.
7. Fold in sides: Fold in both the left and right corners of the wrapper over the filling, creating an envelope shape.
8. Roll and seal: Continue to roll the spring roll tightly from the bottom up, away from you, until it forms a baton-like shape.
9. Seal the seam: Press down gently along the final seam to seal it closed. If needed, brush on a little more of the cornstarch slurry to ensure a secure seal.
10. Repeat: Repeat steps 3-9 for the remaining spring roll wrappers and filling.

Step 3: Air Fry the Spring Rolls

1. Brush with oil: Brush each side of the assembled spring rolls with a thin, even layer of vegetable oil. This is crucial for achieving a crispy, golden brown exterior. Use a silicone basting brush or your fingers to ensure even coverage.
2. Arrange in air fryer: Place the spring rolls in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Ensure there is roughly ½-inch of space between each spring roll to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.
3. Air fry: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.
4. Flip halfway: After 6-7 minutes, carefully flip the spring rolls using tongs or a spatula. This ensures even browning and crisping on both sides.
5. Cook until golden brown: Continue air frying for the remaining time, or until the spring rolls are golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your spring rolls.
6. Remove and cool slightly: Once cooked, carefully remove the spring rolls from the air fryer basket and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. This helps maintain their crispiness.

Step 4: Prepare the Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

1. Combine sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the Thai sweet chili sauce, distilled white vinegar, and finely chopped cilantro.
2. Adjust to taste: Taste the dipping sauce and adjust the flavors to your preference. Add more vinegar for tanginess, more chili sauce for sweetness and spice, or more cilantro for herbaceousness.
3. Serve: Serve the Air Fryer Vegetable Spring Rolls immediately while they are hot and crispy, accompanied by the sweet chili dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

These Air Fryer Vegetable Spring Rolls offer a lighter and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried spring rolls. Please note that nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

• Servings: 12 spring rolls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 104 kcal

This calorie count is significantly lower than that of deep-fried spring rolls, making these air fryer versions a guilt-free indulgence. The spring rolls are also packed with vegetables, providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Preparation Time

This recipe is relatively quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight appetizer or snack.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (includes chopping vegetables and preparing filling)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes (includes cooking filling and air frying spring rolls)
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

Air Fryer Vegetable Spring Rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Appetizer: Serve them as a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties, gatherings, or before a meal. Arrange them attractively on a platter with the sweet chili dipping sauce in the center.
• Snack: Enjoy them as a satisfying and healthy snack any time of day. They are perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a light evening bite.
• Side Dish: Serve them as a flavorful side dish to complement Asian-inspired main courses like stir-fries, noodle dishes, or grilled meats.
• Lunch or Light Meal: Pair them with a fresh salad or a bowl of soup for a light and balanced lunch or dinner.
• Dipping Sauces: While the sweet chili dipping sauce is classic and delicious, feel free to experiment with other dipping sauces to cater to different tastes. Consider:
  • Peanut Sauce: A creamy and nutty peanut sauce adds richness and depth of flavor.
  • Soy Sauce with Ginger and Garlic: A simple yet flavorful dipping sauce made with soy sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
  • Hoisin Sauce: A sweet and savory sauce that pairs well with vegetable spring rolls.
  • Sriracha Mayo: A spicy and creamy dipping sauce for those who like a kick.

Additional Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Vegetable Spring Rolls

To ensure your Air Fryer Vegetable Spring Rolls are a resounding success, keep these helpful tips in mind:

1. Don’t Overfill the Wrappers: Resist the urge to overstuff the spring roll wrappers. Too much filling makes them difficult to roll and seal properly, increasing the risk of them bursting open during air frying. Stick to about 3 tablespoons of filling per wrapper.
2. Seal Wrappers Tightly: Properly sealing the wrappers is crucial for preventing them from unraveling in the air fryer. Use the cornstarch slurry generously along the final seam to create a strong seal. Press down gently to ensure it adheres well.
3. Don’t Skip the Oil Brushing: Brushing the spring rolls with a thin layer of oil is essential for achieving that signature crispy, golden brown exterior in the air fryer. It also helps prevent them from drying out. Ensure even coverage on all sides.
4. Air Fry in Batches if Necessary: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you are making a large batch of spring rolls, cook them in batches to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to steamed, rather than crispy, spring rolls.
5. Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Air fryer models vary, so cooking times may need slight adjustments. Keep an eye on the spring rolls during the last few minutes of air frying and cook until they are golden brown and crispy to your liking.

FAQ About Air Fryer Vegetable Spring Rolls

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you master this delicious recipe:

Q1: Can I use frozen spring roll wrappers?

A: Yes, you can use frozen spring roll wrappers. Thaw them completely according to package instructions before using. Make sure they are pliable and not brittle before you start filling and rolling.

Q2: Can I prepare the spring rolls ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the spring rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 hours before air frying. Place them in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and cover them loosely with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Brush with oil just before air frying.

Q3: Can I use different vegetables in the filling?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetable filling to your liking. Other vegetables that work well include:

• Shredded broccoli or cauliflower florets
• Chopped bell peppers (any color)
• Snow peas or snap peas
• Baby corn
• Water chestnuts (canned, drained and chopped)

Just ensure that any hard vegetables are finely chopped or shredded so they cook through quickly.

Q4: Can I make these spring rolls gluten-free?

A: To make gluten-free spring rolls, you need to use gluten-free spring roll wrappers. These are available in some specialty stores or online. Double-check the ingredient list of your wrappers to ensure they are indeed gluten-free. The filling and dipping sauce are naturally gluten-free.

Q5: Can I bake these spring rolls instead of air frying?

A: While air frying yields the best crispy results, you can bake these spring rolls in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the brushed spring rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and crispy. They may not be quite as crispy as air-fried spring rolls, but they will still be delicious.

Enjoy making and savoring these fantastic Air Fryer Vegetable Spring Rolls! They are a delightful and healthy way to enjoy a classic Asian appetizer.

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