Chinese Spring Rolls (春卷), Deep-Fried or Air-Fried

Step 1

Ready-made spring roll wrappers usually come frozen. Defrost in the fridge the night before.

Step 2

Put all the ingredients for the filling into a large mixing bowl (NB: leave out one egg yolk for brushing the wrappers).

Step 3

Add all the seasonings. Mix until well combined (It’s best to do so with your hands. Wear kitchen gloves if available).

Step 4

Gently separate the spring roll wrappers one by one. Remember to always cover them with a clean damp cloth as they dry out easily.

Step 5

Place one wrapper on a flat surface with one of the four corners facing towards you. Put about 3 tbsp of the filling above the closest corner (Use a spoon to help shape it into a rectangle).

Step 6

Lift the closest corner to wrap the filling then roll it to the half-line of the wrapper. Try to wrap it as tight as possible without leaving any air pockets inside. But be gentle during this process to avoid tearing.

Step 7

Lightly press two ends of the filling then fold the left and right corners of the wrapper towards the middle.

Step 8

Roll the cylinder until only a triangle is left at the top. Brush a layer of egg yolk over the triangle. Roll again to seal completely. Repeat to assemble all the rolls.

Step 9

Heat the oil for deep frying until it reaches 180°C/350°F. Gently slide in the rolls one by one (Do not overcrowd. Fry them in batches if necessary).

Step 10

Fry over medium heat. Flip over a few times to ensure even browning. When they become golden, transfer out to a tray lined with kitchen paper to absorb excess oil.

Step 11

Preheat the air fryer at 200°C/390°F for 3 minutes. While waiting, brush a layer of oil all around the spring rolls.

Step 12

Put the rolls over the crisper tray of the air fryer in a single layer. Leave to cook for 8-10 minutes. Then flip over and cook for a further 5 minutes until they become golden.

Step 13

Serve warm on their own or with the dipping sauce.

Step 14

To reheat leftover spring rolls, put them in a preheated oven at 200°C/390°F for about 5 minutes, or in an air-fryer at 200°C/390°F for 3 minutes or so.

Step 15

You may store uncooked spring rolls, right after they’re assembled, in the freezer for up to three months (Keep them in an air-tight bag/container).

Step 16

Cook as usual without defrosting. If deep frying, raise the temperature to 190°C/375°F. If air-frying, prolong the cooking time by 3-5 minutes.