Spring rolls are a beloved snack or appetizer in many Asian cuisines, with variations found in countries like Vietnam, China, and Thailand. These crispy, flavorful rolls are traditionally deep-fried, but air-frying offers a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste or crunch. This recipe for Shrimp Paste Air Fried Spring Rolls brings an exciting twist to the classic spring roll by using shrimp paste as the key flavor component, giving the rolls a savory and umami-packed kick. Perfect for parties, appetizers, or as a snack, these rolls are quick to prepare and even easier to enjoy!
Written by the expert chefs at Fronteras Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, this guide will take you through each step of making this mouthwatering dish. Follow along and get ready to impress your guests with these light and crispy shrimp paste spring rolls!
Ingredients
Before we get started, make sure you have all the ingredients. This recipe makes about 12 spring rolls.
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons shrimp paste
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup bean sprouts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 12 spring roll wrappers (rice paper or wheat-based)
For Wrapping and Air Frying:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or cooking spray)
- Water, for sealing the wrappers
Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 small chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Paste Filling
- Process the shrimp: In a food processor, blend the shrimp until you achieve a coarse paste. The shrimp should still have some texture but be small enough to form a cohesive mixture with the other ingredients.
- Mix in shrimp paste and seasonings: Add the shrimp paste, minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, black pepper, sesame oil, and sugar to the shrimp mixture. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded carrots, cabbage, bean sprouts, and green onions.
- Combine shrimp and veggies: Add the shrimp mixture to the vegetables and stir well to ensure the filling is evenly combined.
Step 2: Wrapping the Spring Rolls
- Prepare the wrappers: Lay out your spring roll wrappers. If you’re using rice paper, dip each sheet in warm water for about 10-15 seconds until pliable. If you’re using wheat-based wrappers, no pre-soaking is necessary.
- Fill the wrappers: Place about 2 tablespoons of the shrimp and vegetable filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold the sides over the filling, then tightly roll from the bottom upwards, sealing the edge with a little water to ensure it stays closed.
- Repeat: Continue this process until all the filling and wrappers are used. You should have approximately 12 spring rolls.
Step 3: Air Fry the Spring Rolls
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly oil the spring rolls: Lightly brush each roll with vegetable oil or use cooking spray to ensure they crisp up in the air fryer.
- Arrange in the air fryer: Place the spring rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd them; cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook: Air fry the spring rolls for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Make the Dipping Sauce
- Combine ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili, and sesame seeds (if using).
- Serve: Pour the dipping sauce into small bowls for serving.
Tips and Variations
- Storage: If you have leftover spring rolls, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F (180°C) until crisp.
- Freezing: Uncooked spring rolls can be frozen and cooked later. Freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen for 10-12 minutes.
- Variation: If you want to add more flavor, consider including chopped cilantro or mint in the filling for a fresh, herbal note. You can also swap the shrimp with other proteins like ground chicken or pork if you prefer.
- Spicy Option: Add a teaspoon of chili paste or chopped fresh chilies to the filling if you like a bit of heat in your spring rolls.
- Vegan Option: Omit the shrimp and shrimp paste and use tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version of this dish.
Conclusion
These Shrimp Paste Air Fried Spring Rolls are a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions, while still delivering that satisfying crunch. With the unique addition of shrimp paste, they stand out with a rich, savory flavor that will keep your guests coming back for more. The simplicity of air-frying makes this recipe even more convenient, reducing both the mess and the oil used in preparation.
Next time you’re in the mood for a crispy, flavorful appetizer, give this recipe a try. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household! Enjoy, and don’t forget to share this recipe brought to you by the culinary experts at Fronteras Mexican Restaurant and Cantina—where passion for food meets creativity.
