Spring rolls are an incredibly popular dish, known for their crispy exterior and flavorful fillings. But what if you could enjoy them without all the oil from deep frying? Enter the air fryer, a brilliant kitchen gadget that lets you indulge in golden, crunchy spring rolls while keeping the fat content low. These air-fried golden spring rolls are packed with healthy ingredients like vermicelli noodles, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, creating a nutritious, flavorful dish. Served with a light Vietnamese-style salad, these spring rolls are perfect for a family meal or a dinner party, offering both a satisfying crunch and the fresh, vibrant taste of herbs and spices.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these healthy, golden air-fried spring rolls.

Ingredients:

• 340g vermicelli rice noodles – These thin rice noodles provide a light, chewy texture and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.
• 250g Coles Australian Pork Mince – The pork mince brings savory richness to the filling and pairs beautifully with the fresh vegetables and herbs.
• 1 garlic clove, crushed – Fresh garlic adds a sharp, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• 2 tsp finely grated ginger – Ginger adds warmth and depth, balancing out the richness of the pork.
• 1 tsp lemongrass paste – Lemongrass delivers a subtle citrusy note that brightens up the filling.
• 2 tsp fish sauce – This essential Vietnamese ingredient gives the filling its signature umami flavor.
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into long matchsticks – Carrots bring a crisp texture and natural sweetness, contrasting beautifully with the savory filling.
• 3 spring onions, thinly sliced lengthways – Spring onions add a mild, oniony bite to the mix.
• 10 sheets spring roll pastry, thawed – Thin, crispy spring roll wrappers encase the filling, becoming beautifully golden and crunchy when air-fried.
• 1 cup (80g) bean sprouts – Bean sprouts add a fresh, crisp texture to the salad base, pairing perfectly with the warm spring rolls.
• 1/2 cup mint leaves – Mint adds a refreshing, aromatic flavor to the salad, complementing the richness of the pork.
• 1/2 cup coriander leaves – Coriander brings a zesty, herbaceous note to the dish.
• 2/3 cup (160ml) Vietnamese-style salad dressing – This light, tangy dressing ties the entire dish together, balancing the rich, savory spring rolls.
• 1 long red chili, thinly sliced (optional) – Chili adds heat and a pop of color, for those who enjoy a little spice.

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Start by cooking the vermicelli rice noodles in a large saucepan of boiling water. These noodles only need about 4 minutes to become tender. Be sure to check the package instructions for specific cooking times. Once the noodles are tender, refresh them under cold running water to stop the cooking process, and drain well. This step is crucial to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy.

Take 1 cup of the noodles and cut them into shorter lengths, which will be used in the filling for the spring rolls. The remaining noodles will be set aside to form the base of the dish.

Step 2: Create the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cut noodles, pork mince, crushed garlic, grated ginger, lemongrass paste, fish sauce, half the carrot matchsticks, and one-third of the spring onions. This mixture forms the delicious, savory filling for the spring rolls. The balance of flavors here is essential, with the savory pork being uplifted by the fresh ginger and lemongrass, and the crunch of the carrots providing texture.

Mix the ingredients thoroughly so that the noodles, meat, and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Spring Rolls

To assemble the spring rolls, place a spring roll pastry sheet on a clean work surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling mixture diagonally across one corner of the pastry. Be careful not to overfill the pastry, as this could cause it to tear.

Brush a little water onto the opposite corner of the pastry to help seal the roll. Fold in the sides of the pastry, then roll it up tightly to enclose the filling completely. Repeat this process with the remaining pastry sheets and filling until you have assembled all your spring rolls.

Step 4: Air Fry the Spring Rolls

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C. This high temperature ensures that the spring rolls will cook quickly and evenly, achieving a crispy exterior without the need for deep frying. Lightly spray the spring rolls with olive oil spray to help them achieve that golden-brown finish in the air fryer.

Place the spring rolls in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between them for the air to circulate. Cook the spring rolls for 15 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking. This ensures that all sides get evenly crispy and golden. Once they are cooked through and beautifully golden, remove them from the air fryer.

Step 5: Prepare the Noodle Salad

While the spring rolls are cooking, prepare the accompanying salad. Divide the reserved vermicelli noodles among serving bowls. Top the noodles with bean sprouts, mint leaves, coriander leaves, and the remaining carrot matchsticks and spring onions. This fresh, vibrant salad provides a perfect balance to the crispy, savory spring rolls, offering both a refreshing contrast in texture and flavor.

Step 6: Serve the Spring Rolls

Once the spring rolls have finished cooking, cut them in half diagonally and arrange them over the prepared noodle salad in each bowl. The combination of warm, crispy spring rolls and cool, fresh salad creates a delightful contrast in textures and temperatures.

Drizzle each bowl with Vietnamese-style salad dressing, which brings a tangy, slightly sweet, and sour flavor to the dish, tying all the elements together. For an added kick of heat, sprinkle with thinly sliced chili, if desired.

Recipe Notes:

• Cooking without an air fryer: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make these spring rolls by frying them on the stove. Simply heat enough oil in a small saucepan to submerge the rolls, and cook them in batches for about 2 minutes or until they are golden and cooked through. Allow them to cool slightly before cutting them in half.
• Customizing the filling: Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding different vegetables, using chicken or beef mince instead of pork, or incorporating additional spices like chili flakes or ground cumin for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

• Energy: 3280 kJ (784 cal)
• Protein: 19.9g
• Total Fat: 35.6g
• Saturated Fat: 8.9g
• Carbohydrates (Total): 96.0g
• Sugars: 3.7g
• Sodium: 658.8mg

This air-fried golden spring roll recipe offers a delicious and healthier take on a classic favorite. The savory filling, combined with the fresh noodle salad and light dressing, creates a dish that is satisfying, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner, a party snack, or a flavorful lunch, these spring rolls are sure to impress.

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