These crispy air fryer spring rolls are a tasty treat filled with colorful veggies and maybe some protein too! They’re quick to make and super satisfying—perfect for any snack attack.
What’s great is how healthy they can be, without the extra oil from frying. I often whip these up when friends come over, and they disappear fast! Who can resist that crunch? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spring Roll Wrappers: Look for rice paper or wheat-based wrappers. If you can’t find spring roll wrappers, you can use tortillas or even puff pastry to create a different type of roll.
Cabbage: Shredded green cabbage is standard, but you can mix it up with purple cabbage for color or use coleslaw mix. If you want a lighter option, bok choy works well too.
Carrots: Fresh, shredded carrots add crunch. You can substitute them with zucchini or bell peppers for a different flavor and texture while keeping it vibrant.
Bean Sprouts: These add a nice crunch but are optional. You can replace them with chopped broccoli stems or simply omit them if you prefer.
Sesame Oil: This adds a great flavor, but can be substituted with olive oil or peanut oil for a different twist.
How Do You Get Your Spring Rolls Crispy in the Air Fryer?
To achieve those perfectly crispy spring rolls, follow these key steps:
- Preheat your air fryer for at least 3 minutes. This helps them cook evenly.
- When brushing with oil, ensure you cover all sides lightly. Too much oil can make them soggy.
- Arrange the rolls in a single layer. They need space for hot air to circulate.
- Turn the rolls halfway through cooking for even browning on all sides.
- Let them cool slightly before serving. This helps maintain their crunch!
How to Make Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spring Rolls:
- 12 spring roll wrappers
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup bean sprouts (optional)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing
For Dipping:
- Sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 12 minutes to cook, for a total of about 32 minutes. You’ll spend some time mixing up the filling and assembling the rolls, but the air fryer will do the hard work of making them crispy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts (if using), green onions, garlic, and ginger. Give it a good mix so that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Season the Filling:
Add in the soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and flavorful. This will be the delicious filling for your spring rolls!
3. Assemble the Spring Rolls:
Take one spring roll wrapper and lay it flat on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you (like a diamond). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling mixture near the corner closest to you, spreading it slightly but leaving the edges clear.
Fold the corner closest to you over the filling. Then, fold the left and right corners inward toward the center. Finally, roll the wrapper tightly towards the top corner, sealing the edge with a little water to keep it secure.
4. Repeat the Rolling Process:
Continue to fill and roll the remaining wrappers with your filling until everything is used. Don’t worry if your rolls aren’t perfect—they’ll still taste great!
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. This step is important to achieve a nice crispy texture!
6. Oil the Spring Rolls:
Lightly spray or brush the spring rolls with cooking oil to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Make sure to coat all sides.
7. Air Fry the Spring Rolls:
Carefully place the spring rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time for even browning and crisping.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove the spring rolls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve them with sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your delicious homemade spring rolls!
Can I Use Different Fillings for My Spring Rolls?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can add proteins like cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu, or mix in other veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even avocado for a unique taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
Store any leftover spring rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain their crispy texture.
Can I Freeze the Spring Rolls Before Cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled spring rolls! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can be cooked straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Can I Use Instead of Spring Roll Wrappers?
If you’re out of spring roll wrappers, try using rice paper, flour tortillas, or even filo pastry. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the wrapper used!