These crispy air fryer spring rolls are a fantastic snack or appetizer! Filled with colorful veggies and a touch of spice, they offer a tasty crunch without all the oil.
Making these spring rolls is super easy. Just wrap, air fry, and enjoy! I love serving them with a sweet dipping sauce—it’s a fun way to kick up the flavor! 🌟
Ingredients & Substitutions
Spring Roll Wrappers: These are essential for that crispy texture. Look for them in the frozen section of your grocery store. If you can’t find spring roll wrappers, rice paper wraps are a great alternative, although they can be a little trickier to work with.
Cabbage: Shredded green cabbage adds crunch and volume. You can substitute with napa cabbage or even coleslaw mix if you’re in a pinch.
Carrots: Shredded carrots bring sweetness to the mix. If you’re short on time, pre-shredded carrots are widely available. Otherwise, zucchini can be used for a lower-carb option.
Protein (Chicken/Shrimp): While I love the addition of cooked chicken or shrimp, feel free to skip the meat for a vegetarian option or substitute tofu for added protein. You can also use leftover roasted meats!
Sesame Oil: This adds a nutty flavor, which I think is crucial. Olive oil or vegetable oil can work in a pinch but won’t give the same taste. You could also use toasted sesame oil for a richer flavor.
How Do You Roll Spring Rolls Properly?
Rolling spring rolls can seem tricky at first, but here’s a simple way to make sure they’re tight and won’t burst in the air fryer. Start with the wrapper diamond-shaped in front of you.
- Place the filling close to the bottom corner.
- Fold that corner over the filling, then the two side corners inward like an envelope.
- Finally, roll it up tightly toward the top corner, wetting the tip to seal it closed.
This technique should keep your filling secure, ensuring a nice, crisp roll without any mess during cooking!
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
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup cooked and shredded chicken or shrimp (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or a little oil for brushing
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or chopped fresh chili
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional 10 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a few minutes chopping and mixing ingredients, and then cooking the spring rolls until they are golden and crispy. A quick and tasty treat, ready in just half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, chopped green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, and sesame oil. If you’re using chicken or shrimp, add that in too. Mix everything together really well, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This filling is packed with flavor!
2. Roll the Spring Rolls:
Now, grab a spring roll wrapper and lay it on a clean flat surface, making sure one corner is pointing towards you (it should look like a diamond). Take about 2 tablespoons of the filling and place it near the corner that is closest to you. Fold that corner over the filling, and then fold the two side corners inward. Finally, roll it up tightly towards the opposite corner, sealing the edge with a little water or beaten egg. Repeat this with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Air Fry the Spring Rolls:
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. While it heats up, lightly spray or brush the spring rolls with a bit of oil to help them get crispier. Place the spring rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through so they get crispy and golden brown on all sides.
4. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the spring rolls are cooking, mix all the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until well combined, and taste to adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully remove the spring rolls from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate. If you like, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve them right away with your delicious dipping sauce. Enjoy every crispy bite of your homemade air fryer spring rolls!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in the Filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just chop them finely and make sure they are not too watery to avoid soggy rolls.
Do I Have to Use Soy Sauce in the Dipping Sauce?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Just keep in mind that it will slightly change the taste.
How Do I Know When the Spring Rolls Are Done Cooking?
The spring rolls are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you want to ensure they’re perfectly cooked, you can cut one in half to check if the filling is heated through!
Can I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are crisp again, or you can microwave them, though they won’t be as crispy.
