Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls are a fantastic way to enjoy a crunchy, tasty snack or appetizer without the mess of deep frying. These rolls come filled with a mix of fresh veggies and sometimes a bit of protein, wrapped up tightly in a thin rice paper or spring roll wrapper. When cooked in the air fryer, they get perfectly golden and crispy on the outside while staying deliciously tender inside.
I love making these spring rolls because they’re quick to prepare and much lighter than the fried version. Using the air fryer means I don’t need to worry about tons of oil, and cleanup is a breeze. I often like to experiment with different fillings, adding mushrooms, shredded carrots, or even a little shrimp to keep things exciting.
My favorite way to serve these crispy spring rolls is with a dipping sauce—something sweet and tangy like a simple hoisin or a spicy peanut sauce adds the perfect kick. They’re always a hit when I bring them to gatherings, and the best part is how easy it is to customize. Plus, I find that reheating leftover spring rolls in the air fryer keeps them just as crispy as when fresh! It’s a little healthy twist that feels like a treat every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spring Roll Wrappers: These are essential for that crispy outside. If you can’t find them, rice paper wrappers work but need gentle handling to prevent tearing. For gluten-free, choose rice or other specialty wrappers.
Vegetables: Cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts give great crunch and freshness. You can swap mushrooms for zucchini or bell peppers for different textures and flavors.
Protein: Chicken or shrimp add hearty flavor, but you can leave them out for a vegetarian version or add tofu or cooked ground meat instead.
Sauces: Soy sauce is key for seasoning. If avoiding soy, try tamari or coconut aminos. Oyster sauce boosts umami but can be skipped or replaced with a vegetarian mushroom sauce.
Oil: A light brush of vegetable or neutral oil helps achieve that golden crisp in the air fryer without deep frying.
How Do I Make the Spring Rolls Crispy Without Oil Soaking?
The secret to crispy spring rolls in the air fryer is in even preparation and air circulation:
- Brush or spray oil lightly on each roll before cooking. Don’t soak them; a little goes a long way.
- Arrange rolls in a single layer with space between. Crowding leads to sogginess because steam gets trapped.
- Flip them halfway through cooking for browning on all sides.
- Preheat your air fryer to ensure immediate crisping on contact.
- Use a moderate temperature (around 375°F). Too high can burn the outside before heating inside; too low can leave them chewy.
Following these tips helps you get golden, crispy rolls every time, without the mess of deep frying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I like it because it cooks the spring rolls evenly and gets them really crispy without much oil.
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for tossing the vegetables and mixing ingredients easily.
- Cooking brush or spray – helps evenly coat the spring rolls with a little oil for crispy texture.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping veggies and prepping the fillings efficiently.
- Plate or tray – to hold assembled spring rolls before cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cooked shrimp or pork—these proteins give a richer flavor without changing the filling too much. Great for non-vegetarian options.
- Try different sauces like sweet chili, spicy peanut, or hoisin for dipping—each adds a fun twist to your spring rolls.
- Include chopped herbs like cilantro or basil—fresh herbs add brightness and a fresh taste to the filling.
- Use different veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, or edamame—these add variety and color to your spring rolls.
Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 spring roll wrappers
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup finely chopped mushrooms (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or shrimp (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for brushing
- Cooking spray for air fryer
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the filling and assemble the spring rolls. Plan for another 8-10 minutes to air fry until crispy. In total, you’ll need around 25-30 minutes, perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Filling:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until you can smell their aroma, about 30 seconds. Then toss in the shredded cabbage, carrots, mushrooms (if using), and bean sprouts. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the veggies are tender but still a little crisp.
2. Season and Cool:
Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), black pepper, and chopped green onions to your cooked veggies. Mix well. If you want protein, stir in shredded chicken or shrimp now. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool a bit before wrapping.
3. Wrap the Spring Rolls:
Place one spring roll wrapper on your clean surface with a corner facing you like a diamond. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling near the corner closest to you. Fold that corner over the filling, then fold in the two side corners. Roll it tightly towards the far corner and seal the edge with a little water. Repeat for all wrappers.
4. Cook in the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly brush or spray each spring roll with vegetable oil—this helps get them perfectly crispy. Arrange them in a single layer inside your air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch (you may need to cook in batches).
5. Air Fry Until Crispy:
Cook the spring rolls for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through to get all sides golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili, hoisin, or peanut sauce.
Enjoy your crispy, delicious air fryer spring rolls!
Can I Use Frozen Spring Roll Wrappers?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely at room temperature or in the fridge before using, so they don’t tear when wrapping.
Can I Prepare Spring Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 4 hours before cooking. Just give them a light brush of oil right before air frying.
How Should I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
Feel free to swap veggies or add proteins like tofu, ground pork, or shrimp. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil also add wonderful flavor.