Crispy Rice Paper Chicken (Vietnamese Spring Roll Chicken)
Low-Calorie Vietnamese Spring Roll Chicken Recipe for Guilt-Free Enjoyment
Enjoy a delightful twist on chicken with this recipe using chicken breast, wrapped in delicate rice paper for a healthier, lighter option. These are easy to make in an air fryer and perfect for a guilt-free snack!
Ingredients- 2 packs frozen chicken breast balls (thawed)
- 15 sheets Vietnamese spring roll wrappers (rice paper)
- Hot water (for softening wrappers)
- A little cooking oil (for brushing)
- Sriracha sauce (for dipping)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
If using frozen chicken breast balls, thaw them by soaking in water until completely defrosted. This ensures they cook evenly and are tender.
Step 2
Prepare 15 sheets of rice paper wrappers. Having them ready makes the wrapping process smoother.
Step 3
Depending on the size of your chicken breast balls, you can use a whole rice paper sheet or cut it in half. I found cutting them in half made for neater rolls and easier handling.
Step 4
Once thawed, drain any excess water from the chicken breast balls and place them in a bowl, ready for the next step.
Step 5
Fill a wide, shallow dish with hot water. Briefly dip one rice paper wrapper at a time into the hot water until it becomes pliable and soft, about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to oversoak, as it can tear easily.
Step 6
Carefully lay the softened rice paper wrapper flat and place a prepared chicken breast ball in the center or towards one edge, depending on how you plan to roll.
Step 7
Fold the sides of the rice paper wrapper inward and then roll it up tightly, just like you would a spring roll or a burrito, ensuring the chicken is completely enclosed without any gaps.
Step 8
If using an air fryer, line the basket or tray with parchment paper. Then, using a pastry brush, lightly coat the parchment paper and the inside of the air fryer basket with a little cooking oil. This helps prevent sticking and promotes crispiness.
Step 9
Arrange the rolled rice paper chicken pieces in the prepared air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. This allows hot air to circulate freely for even cooking and crisping.
Step 10
Dip your pastry brush into the cooking oil again and lightly brush the tops and sides of each rice paper chicken roll. This oil will help them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and extra crispiness.
Step 11
Carefully place the oiled rice paper chicken rolls into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out.
Step 12
Air fry at 185°C (365°F) for approximately 9 minutes. The chicken should be cooking through, and the rice paper will start to turn golden.
Step 13
After 9 minutes, carefully remove the basket and flip each rice paper chicken roll over. This ensures both sides get evenly cooked and crispy.
Step 14
Return the flipped rolls to the air fryer and cook for another 8 minutes at 185°C (365°F). They should be beautifully golden and delightfully crispy.
Step 15
And there you have it! Your crispy rice paper chicken is perfectly cooked.
Step 16
Transfer the hot, crispy rice paper chicken to a serving plate. Serve immediately with sriracha sauce for dipping. The combination offers a delightful spicy kick, reminiscent of sweet and spicy fried chicken, but with a much lighter profile. Because it’s made with chicken breast and uses minimal oil, it’s a fantastic low-calorie alternative that you can enjoy without any guilt. Perfect for a healthy snack or a light meal!
