Description
Crispy Rice Paper Spanakopita offers a light and guilt-free twist on the classic Greek spinach pie by using rice paper wrappers and air frying them to golden perfection. Filled with a savory mixture of fresh spinach, herbs, feta, and Parmesan cheese, these spiral snacks are irresistibly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect appetizer or healthy snack option.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach
- 2 pieces Spring Onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (or fresh if available)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/4 cup Parsley, chopped
- 200 grams Greek Feta, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt, to taste
- 2 pieces Eggs (for binding)
For Assembly & Garnish
- 1 cup Water (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons White Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- 2 pieces Lemon Wedges (for serving)
- 1 cup Tzatziki (optional creamy dip)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped baby spinach, sliced spring onions, parsley, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Crumble in the Greek feta and season with freshly cracked black pepper and sea salt. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and set aside.
- Make the egg wash: In a flat bowl, whisk together the eggs, a splash of water, sea salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and homogenous to be used for dipping the rice paper sheets.
- Assemble the spanakopita rolls: Take one sheet of rice paper and dip it briefly into the egg wash to soften. Lay three sheets overlapping on your work surface to create a larger base. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese down the center, then evenly add the prepared spinach filling. Carefully roll the rice paper like a log and coil it into a spiral shape. Sprinkle sesame seeds generously on top for garnish.
- Preheat and air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 220°C (425°F). Place the spirals inside and cook for 12-15 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crisp. Rotate the spirals halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
- Serve: Carefully remove the crispy spirals from the air fryer and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Serve warm with optional tzatziki dip on the side to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
Notes
- Make sure not to over-soak the rice paper in the egg wash to avoid tears during rolling.
- If Parmesan cheese is not preferred, you can omit it for a lighter option or replace it with a vegan alternative.
- For a fully vegetarian snack, ensure that the feta used is vegetarian-friendly (without animal rennet).
- Use fresh lemon juice just before serving to keep the flavors bright and fresh.
- Rice paper sheets vary by brand; adjust soaking time accordingly to achieve pliability.
- Air fryer cooking times may vary slightly depending on the model; check for golden crispiness as an indication.
