If you have some leftover spring rolls laying around, you’re going to need to use the proper technique to reheat them. There are multiple ways to reheat spring rolls, each one with different advantages.
The traditional rice paper variety and the fried crispy spring rolls have different methods of reheating. You don’t want your rice paper spring rolls to become hard and crunchy. You also don’t want your fried spring rolls to become soggy and oily.
You can choose to bake, pan-fry, microwave, air fry, or steam your egg rolls to reheat them. You’ll soon be able to determine which method is best for you.
Traditional Rice Paper Spring Rolls Vs. Fried Spring Rolls
Firstly, it is important to determine which variety of spring rolls you have on hand. The reheating methods for both of these rolls vary greatly. You’re looking for completely different outcomes for each type of spring roll.
If you have the traditional translucent variety, then you’re going to want to gently steam them. This allows them to retain their soft and pliable exterior. If you were to reheat these in the air fryer, for instance, they would become crunchy and unpleasant.
If you have the fried variety of spring rolls, you’ll have several options for reheating them. You can choose to use the oven the stovetop, or even the air fryer.
How to Reheat Fried Spring Rolls
The best thing about a freshly fried spring roll is the crispy exterior. When you bite into one, you get the crunchiness mixed with the delicious warm filling. Now, you may be wondering how to turn the sad-looking cold leftovers into something hot and delicious again.
How Do You Make Spring Rolls Crispy Again?
The most common concern with reheating spring rolls is how to get them to be crispy again. Once they cool down and have been refrigerated, they can turn soft. You have several options, you can either bake them in the oven, reheat them on the stove, or throw them into the air fryer.
The important this is you don’t want to steam them. This will result in a soggy fried spring roll. You can use the microwave to reheat them, but this could result in steam – so it’s not recommended for this variety.
Reheating Spring Rolls In The Oven
This method will work using either a regular oven or a toaster oven. Keep in mind, using the oven to reheat spring rolls will work best for the fried variety.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add parchment paper or brush a thin layer of oil onto a baking sheet.
You want to be careful to not add too much oil, as the fried spring rolls have already been cooked in oil. You don’t want to end up with a greasy and oily finished product.
Heat the rolls for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process.
Remove the spring rolls from the oven and give them a minute to cool before eating.
This method will give you the results you’re likely looking for. The filling will be nicely reheated and the exterior will have a great crunch.
Reheating Spring Rolls On The Stove
This method is another great option for getting the crispy exterior back on your spring rolls. While the outside is crisping up again, the inside will be gently reheated. If you don’t want to wait on the oven to preheat, this is the method for you.
Place a pan (preferably nonstick) onto the stove and heat it on low. If you don’t have a nonstick pan, simply brush a thin layer of oil onto the pan before placing your spring rolls inside.
Arrange your spring rolls into a single layer inside of the pan. (Don’t overcrowd them – they won’t heat up evenly.)
Heat the rolls on each side for a minute or two, or until desired texture is achieved.
Remove from pan and allow to cool before enjoying your spring rolls.
Overall, this is another great way to reheat your spring rolls. It is a bit quicker than the oven method but may result in a less crunchy exterior.
Reheating Spring Rolls In The Air Fryer
An air fryer is a great tool for jobs such as this. You’ll be able to enjoy your reheated spring rolls quickly and you won’t have to sacrifice crispiness.
Heat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Arrange your spring rolls in a single layer inside of the basket.
Allow the spring rolls to reheat for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Remove the basket and allow the spring rolls a moment to cool.
Since the air fryer cooks using hot air, you don’t have to worry about adding any oil to your rolls. The benefit to this is you won’t end up with a greasy reheated spring roll.
A quick note on reheating food in the air fryer. If you choose to use aluminum foil in the basket, you must do so with caution.
How to Reheat Traditional Rice Paper Spring Rolls
While you don’t have as many options when it comes to reheating this variety, it can still be done. There are several tips to keeping the outside of the spring roll soft. This type of spring roll reheats best through the use of steam.
No worries if you don’t have access to a stovetop steamer! There is a tip on how to steam them using a conventional microwave as well.
Reheating Spring Rolls In A Steamer
Whether you have a regular stovetop steamer or a traditional bamboo steamer, both will work for this. They will gently reheat your spring rolls while keeping some moisture inside.
Set up a pot on the stovetop and boil some water inside of it.
Line your steamer and arrange your spring rolls into a single layer. Make sure to not overcrowd them!
Allow your spring rolls to steam for up to 1-2 minutes, turning halfway through.
Wait a moment for the spring rolls to cool a bit so that you can enjoy them.
This method is super fast and will give you great results. The steamer reheats spring rolls very well and keeps the texture consistent with how they were when they were fresh.
Make sure to keep an eye on the steamer. As this process only takes a couple of minutes, you can’t walk away from it. You don’t want your spring rolls to become dried out.
Using the microwave would arguably be the fastest and most convenient method. However, the results may vary depending on what your desired outcome is.
Wrap your rice paper spring roll in a damp paper towel.
On a microwave-safe plate, heat for 40 seconds. Then, flip the spring roll and heat for another 30 seconds.
Let the spring roll sit for a moment to cool down before you eat it.
By using a damp paper towel to wrap your spring roll, you’re creating steam. This is a great trick for reheating your spring rolls in a pinch.
Depending on what type of filling is in your spring rolls, the fresh herbs may wilt some. This shouldn’t affect the taste, however.
Can You Reheat Frozen Spring Rolls?
The answer is, absolutely you can! Spring rolls freeze well and can be taken out to thaw for a quick and delicious snack. If you plan on reheating several of them, it is best to take them out the night before.
Spring rolls are best thawed in the fridge. This allows them to slowly come up to temperature and won’t affect the quality.
Once they have been properly thawed, you would simply follow the above methods for reheating them.
In Conclusion
Regardless of what type of spring roll you have, you’ll now know how to properly reheat them. You can choose to steam the traditional variety to keep the soft and pliable exterior. If you have fried spring rolls, you can bake, pan-fry, or air fry them for the desired crispiness.
Spring rolls make delicious leftovers and you can even pop a few into the freezer for later. You just need to make sure to thaw them out before attempting to reheat them. Reheated spring rolls can make for a delicious quick snack or even a meal.
