Chinese Spring Rolls: Deep-Fried or Air-Fried

There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of a freshly made Chinese spring roll. Whether deep-fried to golden perfection or air-fried for a healthier twist, these delicious appetizers are packed with flavorful fillings like savory minced meat, shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and just the right amount of seasoning. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or snack time, spring rolls are a timeless favorite.

Imagine serving a platter of these crispy delights with a tangy dipping sauce, watching everyone savor each bite. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate this restaurant-style treat at home, now’s your chance! This recipe will guide you step-by-step to make authentic Chinese spring rolls that can be deep-fried or air-fried to suit your preference. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love Chinese Spring Rolls

• Crispy Perfection: The golden, crunchy wrapper provides the perfect contrast to the tender, flavorful filling.
• Customizable: Tailor the filling to your taste with your favorite meats, seafood, or vegetables.
• Healthier Option: Air-frying lets you enjoy all the flavor with less oil.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a quick snack, a dinner party, or a family meal, spring rolls always impress.
• Fun to Make: Rolling spring rolls is a rewarding and enjoyable experience, perfect for involving kids or friends.

Ingredients for Chinese Spring Rolls

Category	Ingredient	Details/Substitutions
Wrappers	Spring roll wrappers	15 large flour-based wrappers (25×25 cm/10×10 inches)
Meat and Seafood	Minced pork (or chicken/beef)	200 g (7 oz)
	Shrimp, shelled and cubed	120 g (4 oz)
Vegetables	Carrot, grated	120 g (about 2 cups)
	Bean sprouts	130 g (about 2 cups)
	Chinese chives (or shredded cabbage)	100 g (about 2 cups)
	Shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced	6 (rehydrate if using dried)
	Scallions, finely chopped	2 stalks
	Dried mung bean vermicelli, rehydrated and cut into pieces	100 g (about 2 cups after soaking)
Eggs	Eggs	2, for sealing and coating
Seasonings	Oyster sauce	2 tablespoons (use vegan substitute if needed)
	Sesame oil	1 teaspoon
	Salt	½ teaspoon
	Sugar	½ teaspoon
	Ground white or black pepper	¼ teaspoon
For Frying	Cooking oil	For deep-frying or air-frying
Optional Dipping Sauce	White rice vinegar (or lemon/lime juice)	2 tablespoons
	Light soy sauce	1 teaspoon
	Sugar	1 pinch
	Garlic, minced	1 clove
	Fresh chili pepper, finely chopped	To taste

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chinese Spring Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil.
2. Cook the minced pork (or your protein of choice) until browned and fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through.
3. Stir in the grated carrot, bean sprouts, Chinese chives (or shredded cabbage), shiitake mushrooms, and scallions. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
4. Add the rehydrated mung bean vermicelli and mix until well combined.
5. Season the mixture with oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, sugar, and ground pepper. Stir everything together and remove from heat. Let the filling cool slightly before assembling the rolls.

Step 2: Assemble the Spring Rolls

1. Place a spring roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with one corner facing you, so it looks like a diamond shape.
2. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto the lower third of the wrapper.
3. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the two side corners to create an envelope shape.
4. Roll the wrapper tightly upward, sealing the top corner with a dab of beaten egg to secure it.
5. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling. Cover assembled rolls with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.

Step 3: Fry the Spring Rolls

For Deep-Frying

1. Heat a deep pot or fryer with enough oil to fully submerge the rolls to 350°F (175°C).
2. Gently lower a few spring rolls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
3. Fry for 3–4 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

For Air-Frying

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly brush the rolls with oil or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Arrange the rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
4. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Step 4: Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, combine white rice vinegar, light soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and chopped fresh chili pepper.
2. Mix well and adjust flavors to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the crispy spring rolls on a platter with a bowl of dipping sauce on the side. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious crunch and savory filling!

Tips for Perfect Spring Rolls

• Don’t Overfill: Overstuffed rolls may tear during frying. Use just enough filling for a snug wrap.
• Seal Well: Use beaten egg or water to seal the edges of the wrapper securely.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Frying in hot oil (350°F) ensures crispy rolls without soaking up excess oil.
• Keep Wrappers Covered: Cover unused wrappers with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
• Reheat Smartly: Reheat leftover spring rolls in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.

Nutritional Information (Per Spring Roll)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	180
Protein	9 g
Carbohydrates	15 g
Fat	9 g
Sodium	350 mg

Ways to Enjoy Chinese Spring Rolls

1. As an Appetizer: Pair with dipping sauces like sweet chili or soy-vinegar.
2. For Lunch: Serve alongside fried rice, lo mein, or stir-fried noodles.
3. As a Snack: Enjoy these rolls on their own for a satisfying midday treat.
4. For Parties: Double the recipe to create a crowd-pleasing finger food platter.
5. With Soup: Pair with hot and sour soup or wonton soup for a comforting meal.

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Spring Rolls: Replace the meat with tofu or extra mushrooms.
• Seafood Spring Rolls: Use only shrimp and add crab or scallops for a seafood feast.
• Spicy Spring Rolls: Add a dash of sriracha or red chili flakes to the filling.
• Dessert Rolls: Fill with banana and chocolate for a sweet treat.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze uncooked spring rolls?

Yes, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen; just add extra cooking time.

2. What’s the difference between deep-frying and air-frying?

Deep-frying gives the rolls a more traditional crispy texture, while air-frying is a healthier option that uses much less oil.

3. Can I use store-bought wrappers?

Absolutely! Store-bought spring roll wrappers are convenient and work perfectly for this recipe.

4. How do I keep spring rolls crispy?

Serve them immediately after frying, and avoid stacking them to prevent steaming.

5. Can I reheat leftover spring rolls?

Yes! Use an oven or air fryer at 375°F to reheat and restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.

6. Can I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free wrappers and ensure all seasonings (like soy sauce and oyster sauce) are gluten-free.

What to Pair with Chinese Spring Rolls

• Sweet Chili Sauce: A perfect dipping sauce for a touch of sweetness and heat.
• Steamed Dumplings: Serve as part of an appetizer platter.
• Asian Slaw: A refreshing side to complement the savory rolls.
• Fried Rice or Noodles: For a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

These Chinese spring rolls are crispy, savory, and downright irresistible. Whether you choose to deep-fry for a classic touch or air-fry for a healthier alternative, this recipe guarantees success every time. Serve them hot with a tangy dipping sauce, and watch them disappear in minutes.

Ready to roll? Gather your ingredients, heat up your oil or air fryer, and treat yourself to these crunchy delights today!

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