Air Fryer Recipe: Chinese Water Chestnut Mince Pork Rolls with Egg Pancake Parcels
Air Fryer Chinese Water Chestnut Mince Pork Rolls with Egg Pancake Parcels
These savoury parcels are a delightful combination of crunchy water chestnuts, juicy minced pork, and a tender egg pancake, all crisped to perfection in the air fryer. The taste is a harmonious blend of sweet, savoury, and slightly umami, with a satisfying textural contrast. The water chestnuts provide a unique freshness and snap that balances the richness of the pork.
Ingredients:
For the Pork Mince Filling:
- 300g pork mince (preferably with a little fat for juiciness)
- 1/2 cup (about 75g) fresh water chestnuts, finely diced
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
For the Egg Pancakes:
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cooking oil (for greasing the pan)
For the Egg Batter Coating:
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions and Method:
1. Prepare the Pork Mince Filling:
* In a medium bowl, combine the pork mince, finely diced water chestnuts, and chopped spring onions.
* Add the light soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar, and white pepper.
* Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is slightly sticky. Set aside.
2. Make the Egg Pancakes:
* In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, water, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
* Heat a 6-8 inch non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. Lightly grease with 1/2 teaspoon of cooking oil, wiping off any excess with a paper towel.
* Pour about 2-3 tablespoons of the egg mixture into the hot pan, tilting and swirling to create a thin, even pancake.
* Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the edges are set and the pancake is cooked through but still pliable. No need to flip.
* Carefully slide the cooked egg pancake onto a plate. Repeat with the remaining egg mixture until you have 4-6 pancakes (depending on your pan size and desired thickness). Stack them with a piece of parchment paper in between if they are sticking.
3. Assemble the Parcels:
* Lay an egg pancake flat on a clean surface.
* Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the pork mince filling in a log shape along one edge of the pancake, leaving space on the sides.
* Fold in the two side edges of the egg pancake over the filling.
* Carefully roll up the pancake tightly from the filled edge, forming a neat parcel.
* Repeat with the remaining egg pancakes and pork filling.
4. Prepare for Air Frying:
* In a shallow dish, whisk together the beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of water for the egg batter coating.
* Carefully dip each assembled pork roll parcel into the egg batter, ensuring it's evenly coated on all sides. Allow any excess to drip off.
5. Air Fry:
* Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes.
* Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a little oil or use parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers to prevent sticking.
* Place the coated pork roll parcels in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary.
* Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the egg pancake is golden brown and crispy, and the pork filling is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 71°C/160°F).
6. Serve:
* Carefully remove the cooked parcels from the air fryer.
* Serve hot, optionally with a side of sweet chilli sauce or a light soy sauce for dipping.
Tips:
- Don't overfill the pancakes: This will make them difficult to roll and more prone to breaking.
- Thin egg pancakes are key: Thinner pancakes are more pliable and create a better texture in the final product.
- Cook egg pancakes on low heat: This prevents browning too quickly and keeps them flexible.
- Evenly diced water chestnuts: This ensures a consistent crunch throughout the filling.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: This allows for proper air circulation, resulting in evenly cooked and crispy parcels. Cook in batches if needed.
- Adjust cooking time: Air fryer cooking times can vary. Keep an eye on your parcels and adjust the time as needed to achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior.
- Rest the pork filling: If you have time, let the pork filling marinate for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavours to meld.
- Freezing: These parcels can be assembled and then frozen before air frying. If air frying from frozen, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
Enjoy your delicious Air Fried Chinese Water Chestnut Mince Pork Rolls with Egg Pancake Parcels!