The Extra Step That Makes Air Fryer Spring Rolls Taste Deep Fried

For air-fried spring rolls that are equally as crispy as their deep-fried counterparts, lightly brush each roll with a single, thin layer of oil before air frying.

Be careful not to use too much, or you'll end up with soggy rolls. Oil makes the perfect crisping agent because it can withstand extremely hot temperatures.

When hot oil touches the roll's outer crust, the moisture evaporates and leaves behind a golden-brown crust. An air fryer creates the same effect but uses hot circulating airflow.

It's a good mimicry, but as you may have experienced, the rolls just aren't the same without oil. That's why it helps to bring a bit of oil back into the process when you air fry.