These Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls are a fun and tasty treat! Filled with colorful veggies and your choice of protein, they are crispy on the outside and fresh on the inside.
Making these rolls is an easy way to enjoy a healthy snack. I love dipping them in peanut sauce—it’s the perfect combination! You’ll want to make a big batch to share (or not)! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper Sheets: These are essential for wrapping the filling. You can find them in either round or square shapes. If you can’t find rice paper, try using thin tortillas or spring roll wrappers as an alternative, though the texture will vary.
Protein: I love using shredded chicken for flavor, but you can easily swap this out for cooked shrimp, pork, or tofu based on your preference or dietary needs. For a vegetarian option, tofu works really well!
Vegetables: Carrots and cabbage add crunch and freshness. If you’re out of cabbage, shredded lettuce can work. You could also consider adding cucumber for an extra crunch. Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint bring a vibrant flavor; if you’re not a fan, you can skip or substitute with basil.
Dipping Sauce: The blend of soy sauce and rice vinegar gives a great zing. If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce. Agave syrup can substitute for honey if you’re vegan. Feel free to adjust the garlic and spice levels to your taste!
How Can I Soften Rice Paper Sheets Without Tearing Them?
Softening rice paper can be tricky! Here’s how to do it without ripping:
- Use warm water, ideally in a shallow dish. The warm water helps the rice paper become pliable more effectively.
- Dip one sheet at a time for 10-15 seconds. It should feel soft but still have a little firmness. If it’s too soft, it may tear.
- Don’t stack the wet sheets; instead, place them on a flat surface so they don’t stick to each other.
Practice makes perfect! If you tear one, don’t worry—it happens. Just grab another and keep going! It’s all part of making these delicious rolls.
How to Make Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice Paper Rolls:
- 8-10 rice paper sheets (round or square, about 8-inch size)
- 1 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu (your choice)
- 1/2 cup julienned carrots
- 1/2 cup finely shredded cabbage or lettuce
- 2-3 green onions, chopped finely
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (optional), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or fish sauce (for filling seasoning)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for filling seasoning)
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for brushing
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Optional: chili flakes or sliced fresh chili for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, including 15 minutes for preparation and about 10-12 minutes for cooking. You’ll have a delicious, crispy snack ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked vermicelli noodles, your choice of shredded protein (chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu), julienned carrots, shredded cabbage or lettuce, chopped green onions, cilantro, mint (if using), and minced garlic. Drizzle in the soy sauce or fish sauce and sesame oil, then mix everything together well so all the flavors combine.
2. Soften the Rice Paper:
Fill a large shallow dish or pie plate with warm water. One at a time, dip each rice paper sheet into the water for about 10-15 seconds. You want it soft but still a little firm to the touch. Be careful not to soak them too long, or they’ll tear!
3. Fill and Roll:
Take one softened rice paper and place it on a flat surface. Add 2-3 tablespoons of your filling mixture in the center, near the bottom edge of the rice paper. Fold the bottom edge over the filling, then fold the sides in towards the center and continue rolling tightly until you have a neat roll. Repeat this process with the remaining sheets and filling until you’re done.
4. Prepare the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. While it’s warming up, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
5. Cook the Rolls:
Carefully place the rolled rice paper rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don’t touch so they can crisp up nicely. Lightly spray or brush the tops of the rolls with oil.
6. Air Fry:
Cook the rolls in the air fryer for 8-12 minutes. Be sure to turn them halfway through the cooking time so they get golden brown and crispy on all sides.
7. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the rolls are cooking, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and toasted sesame seeds. If you like a little heat, feel free to add chili flakes or fresh chili to taste.
8. Serve:
Once the rice paper rolls are done, place them on a serving plate. You can garnish them with extra chopped green onions and cilantro if you like. Serve right away with the dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy your crispy, delicious Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls!
Can I Make These Rice Paper Rolls Vegetarian or Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use tofu or skip the protein altogether and load up on more vegetables or additional vermicelli noodles. For the dipping sauce, substitute honey with agave syrup or omit it for a vegan option.
How Can I Store Leftover Rice Paper Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
What Can I Use Instead of Vermicelli Noodles?
If you don’t have vermicelli noodles, you can substitute them with other types of cooked noodles, such as rice noodles or even thin spaghetti. Just ensure the noodles are cooked before adding them to the filling.
How Do I Prevent My Rice Paper From Tearing?
To avoid tears, make sure to only soak the rice paper sheets in warm water for 10-15 seconds until they are pliable but still slightly firm. Handle them gently while filling and rolling, and work on a flat surface to minimize sticking.
