Air Fryer Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake Spring Rolls with Graham Cracker Coating

 

Air Fryer Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake Spring Rolls with Graham Cracker Coating

Taste Profile:

These spring rolls offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavours. You get the initial crispness of the air-fried spring roll wrapper, followed by the smooth, creamy, and slightly tangy strawberry cheesecake filling. The graham cracker coating adds a sweet, buttery crunch that perfectly complements the rich filling. It's a comforting yet exciting dessert, reminiscent of a deconstructed cheesecake but in a fun, handheld form. The warmth from the air fryer enhances the flavours, making them even more irresistible.

Yields: 8-10 spring rolls

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 10-12 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to help thicken and prevent sogginess)

For the Spring Rolls:

• 8-10 spring roll wrappers (standard 8.5-inch/21cm square, found in the refrigerated section of most Asian markets)
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for graham cracker coating)
• Optional: Cooking spray (for air frying)

For Serving (Optional):

• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate sauce or strawberry coulis

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the finely diced fresh strawberries and cornstarch until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix the strawberries.
2. Set up Your Rolling Station: Lay out your spring roll wrappers on a clean, dry surface. Have your beaten egg in a small bowl and the graham cracker crumbs mixed with the 2 tablespoons of sugar in another shallow dish.
3. Assemble the Spring Rolls:
• Place one spring roll wrapper in a diamond shape in front of you (one corner pointing towards you).
• Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling onto the bottom corner of the wrapper, leaving about an inch from the edge.
• Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tucking it in snugly.
• Fold in the left and right corners towards the centre.
• Roll the spring roll tightly from the bottom upwards, forming a neat cylinder.
• Before you reach the very top, brush the top corner with a little egg wash to seal the roll completely. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
4. Coat the Spring Rolls: Dip each assembled spring roll into the beaten egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, gently roll the spring roll in the graham cracker crumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
5. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
6. Air Fry the Spring Rolls: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray if desired (this helps with browning and prevents sticking). Place the coated spring rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch. You'll likely need to cook them in batches.
7. Cook to Golden Perfection: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. The filling should be warm and slightly gooey.
8. Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the spring rolls from the air fryer. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Success:

• Don't Overfill: Resist the urge to overfill the spring rolls, as this can lead to bursting during air frying. A tablespoon or two is usually sufficient.
• Seal Tightly: Ensure your spring rolls are sealed tightly with egg wash. A loose seal can cause the filling to leak out.
• Single Layer is Key: When air frying, always cook in a single layer. Overcrowding the basket will result in uneven cooking and soggy spring rolls.
• Work Quickly with Wrappers: Spring roll wrappers can dry out quickly. Keep them covered with a damp towel while you're working, or work efficiently to assemble the rolls.
• Chill if Making Ahead: If you're preparing these in advance, you can assemble and coat the spring rolls, then arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to¹ 4 hours. Air fry just before serving.
• Customise Your Fruit: While strawberries are classic, feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even diced peaches.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the sugar in the cheesecake filling to your preference. If your strawberries are very sweet, you might use a little less.
• Dipping Sauce Ideas: These are delicious on their own, but you could also serve them with a side of chocolate sauce, strawberry coulis, or even a simple vanilla glaze for extra indulgence.