Spring Rolls for the Oven and Air Fryer: Buying Guide

Finding authentic yet convenient Asian snacks to enjoy at home can be a challenge. The market for frozen spring rolls is vast, and the differences in quality are often significant. Many products promise a crispy wrapper and a flavourful filling, but the end result after cooking doesn't always live up to expectations.

This article serves as your guide. We will introduce you to various types of spring rolls and provide you with objective criteria to help you decide which products are best suited for your needs and kitchen appliances. Our goal is to pave the way for a satisfying culinary experience, whether you're looking for a quick meal, an appetiser, or a party buffet item.

Buyer's Guide: What to Look for When Buying Spring Rolls?

To find the perfect spring rolls for your palate, a few objective criteria can help guide your selection.

1. The Filling: From Vegetarian to Savoury

The filling is the heart and soul of every spring roll and is the primary driver of its flavour profile. The most common varieties are:

• Vegetarian Spring Rolls: These are often filled with a mix of white cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and glass noodles. They are a versatile option suitable for many diets and offer a light yet aromatic base.
• Spring Rolls with Shrimp: A popular choice for seafood lovers. Here, the vegetable filling is enhanced with whole or chopped shrimp, giving the snack a succulent texture and a delicate, maritime flavour.
• Spring Rolls with Meat: These are classically prepared with seasoned minced pork or chicken. They are generally heartier and more filling, reminiscent of traditional Dim Sum.

Pay attention to the percentage of the main ingredients listed in the ingredients list to get an idea of the filling's quality.

2. Preparation: Suited to Your Kitchen Appliances

Not every frozen spring roll is equally well-suited for every cooking method. The manufacturer's instructions on the packaging are crucial here.

• Spring Rolls for the Oven: Many products are optimised for low-fat preparation in the oven. They are typically baked at a high temperature (approx. 200–220 °C) until golden brown and crispy.
• Spring Rolls for the Air Fryer: This preparation method is becoming increasingly popular as it delivers an exceptionally crispy result with little to no added oil. Check if the manufacturer provides a recommendation for the air fryer, including temperature and time settings.
• Conventional Deep Fryer: For the most authentic and crispy result, frying in hot oil is the traditional method. Some products, especially those with an uncooked pastry wrapper, are primarily designed for this type of preparation.

Choosing the right product for your preferred cooking method is critical for the final texture.

Our Top Spring Roll Picks

Based on filling, preparation methods, and clear product features, we have compiled a selection of different spring rolls.

Bibigo Vegetarian Spring Rolls

Why they stand out: These spring rolls from Bibigo feature a diverse vegetable filling that includes yam, edamame, carrots, and bamboo shoots. The wrapper is designed to develop a crispy texture when cooked in the oven or air fryer. Another convenient feature is the included soy dipping sauce, which completes the package.

Advantages:

• Purely vegetarian filling with a varied vegetable mix.
• Suitable for the oven (220 °C, 11–13 min.) and air fryer (200 °C, 8–9 min.).
• Includes a matching dip.
• The pack contains 10 pieces, ideal for snacks or as an appetiser.

Who they're for: Those looking for a meat-free, quick, and easy snack option. Ideal for a light bite between meals or as a complement to an Asian-inspired menu.

Bibigo Spring Rolls with Shrimp

Why they stand out: This variety combines succulent spring rolls with shrimp (19% content) with a crisp vegetable filling. The rolls are pre-baked, which allows for quick and even cooking in the oven. The balance between the seafood aroma and the seasoning of the sauce makes them an interesting alternative to the purely vegetarian version.

Advantages:

• A significant shrimp content of 19% for a distinct seafood flavour.
• Optimised for preparation in the oven (200 °C, 10–12 min.).
• Already pre-baked to a golden brown for a consistent result.
• A combination of shrimp, glass noodles, and fresh vegetables.

Who they're for: Seafood lovers who appreciate a sophisticated yet quick-to-prepare Asian snack. Well-suited as an appetiser for guests or as a special treat for dinner.

Delico Dim Sum Pork Spring Rolls

Why they stand out: Delico's spring rolls are inspired by the classic Dim Sum style, offering a hearty filling of seasoned pork and vegetables. Weighing approximately 40 grams each, they are noticeably larger and more filling than many other varieties. They are specifically designed for deep-frying to achieve maximum crispiness but can also be prepared in an air fryer.

Advantages:

• Hearty filling with 50% pork content in the filling mix.
• Larger format (approx. 40 g per roll) for a more substantial meal.
• Ideal for a conventional deep fryer or the air fryer (200 °C, 10–12 min.).
• Authentic taste reminiscent of the Cantonese "Yum Cha" tradition.

Who they're for: Anyone who prefers the traditional, meaty flavour of dim sum dishes and is looking for a substantial appetiser or a main-course-worthy snack.

Looking for More Options?

The world of frozen Asian foods is diverse and offers much more than just spring rolls. If you're looking for gyoza, wontons, or other specialities for your next party or a cosy night in, you can find more inspiration in our category.

? Explore our full range of Frozen Party Food

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What's the best way to get frozen spring rolls crispy? For an exceptionally crispy result, cooking in a deep fryer at around 170–180 °C is often the method of choice. A modern alternative is the air fryer, which achieves a very similar result with significantly less oil. It's important not to overcrowd the rolls so the hot air can circulate effectively. When using an oven, it helps to turn the rolls halfway through the cooking time.

2. Are vegetarian spring rolls always vegan? Not necessarily. While the filling is often plant-based, the wrapper or the production process may involve traces of eggs or dairy products. Checking the ingredient list and allergy advice on the packaging is essential. For example, the Bibigo Spring Roll Vegetables featured here state that they "May contain" traces of eggs, fish, shellfish, and milk.

3. Where can you order authentic Asian snacks like spring rolls online? Specialised online supermarkets for Asian foods offer a wide selection of frozen products that goes beyond the standard selection at local supermarkets. There, you can often find different brands and fillings, allowing you to specifically search for products designed for the oven, deep fryer, or to order dim sum online.

Written by: Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer