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There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly crispy spring roll—the crackling wrapper giving way to a savory, vegetable-packed filling. While traditional deep-frying delivers that crunch, it also comes with excess oil and cleanup hassle. That’s where this Air Fryer Spring Rolls Recipe changes the game, delivering golden, crispy rolls with a fraction of the oil and effort. Whether you’re prepping for a party or craving a quick snack, this method is a total win.
Key Ingredients
The beauty of this Air Fryer Spring Rolls Recipe lies in its fresh, vibrant filling. A colorful mix of napa cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, and mushrooms creates a satisfying crunch, while green onions add a mild zing. The cornstarch slurry acts as a natural binder, keeping everything together without weighing it down. A touch of sugar, salt, and pepper balances the flavors perfectly. You’ll also need spring roll wrappers and a bit of oil for brushing to achieve that irresistible golden crisp.
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Napa cabbage (finely shredded) | 2 cups |
| Bean sprouts | 2 cups |
| Carrots (finely shredded) | 1 cup |
| Mushrooms (finely chopped) | 1 cup |
| Green onion (finely sliced) | ½ cup |
| Cornstarch mixed with water | 1 tablespoon each |
| White sugar | 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Spring roll wrappers | 8-12 |
| Cornstarch mixed with water (for sealing) | 1 tablespoon each |
| Oil (for brushing) | 2-3 tablespoons |
Helpful Tools
- Air Fryer – The star of this recipe, delivering crispy results without deep frying.
- Large Skillet or Wok – Perfect for quickly stir-frying the vegetable filling.
- Basting Brush – Essential for evenly brushing oil onto the spring rolls for that golden finish.
Pro-Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Spring Rolls
- Finely shred all vegetables – Uniform, small pieces ensure even cooking and easy rolling.
- Don’t overfill the wrappers – About 3 tablespoons of filling per roll prevents bursting during cooking.
- Brush oil instead of spraying – Brushing gives more even coverage and superior crispiness.
- Preheat your air fryer – This step is crucial for even cooking and a crisp exterior.
- Leave space between rolls – Avoid overcrowding to ensure hot air circulates freely. For more delicious appetizer ideas, try these Sausage French Toast Roll Ups next!
How to Make Air Fryer Spring Rolls Recipe
- Prepare the filling – Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add napa cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, and mushrooms. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Season the mixture – Add green onion, cornstarch slurry, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Vegetables should be tender but still slightly crunchy. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Wrap the spring rolls – Lay a wrapper in a diamond shape. Brush the top corner with cornstarch slurry. Place 3 tablespoons of filling in the center. Fold the bottom up, then the sides inward (like an envelope), and roll tightly from the bottom. Seal the edge with more slurry if needed. Repeat until all filling is used.
- Preheat and prep – Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Brush each spring roll lightly with oil on all sides.
- Air fry to perfection – Place rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving ½ inch between them. Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Variations to Try
- Add protein – Mix in cooked ground pork, chicken, or shrimp for a heartier roll.
- Spice it up – Add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the filling for heat.
- Try different wrappers – While traditional wheat wrappers are best, egg roll wrappers also work if that’s what you have on hand.
Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls Recipe
Craving takeout but want a healthier option? These Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls are the ultimate quick and easy appetizer! Packed with savory vegetables and your choice of protein, they are wrapped up and air-fried to golden, crunchy perfection without the heavy oil of deep frying. Ready in under 30 minutes, they are perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family dinner side.
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 10 rolls
Ingredients
— The Filling —
1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
1/2 lb ground chicken, pork, or crumbled extra-firm tofu
2 cups shredded green cabbage or coleslaw mix
1 cup matchstick carrots
4 oz shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (or oyster sauce)
— The Rolls —
10-12 spring roll wrappers (thawed if using frozen)
1 tablespoon water (for sealing the wrappers)
Cooking spray (olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil)
Sweet chili sauce or soy sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
1. **Cook the Filling:** Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat or tofu and cook until browned. Add the cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
2. **Flavor and Cool:** Stir in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce, cooking for 1 more minute until the liquid evaporates. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool for at least 5-10 minutes. *Pro Tip: A cool, dry filling prevents the delicate wrappers from tearing and getting soggy.*
3. **Assemble the Rolls:** Place one spring roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface in a diamond shape (one corner pointing at you). Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled filling onto the bottom third of the wrapper.
4. **Roll Tightly:** Fold the bottom corner tightly over the filling. Fold in the two side corners snugly, and then roll tightly toward the top. Dip your finger in water and lightly wet the top corner to seal the roll closed. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
5. **Prepare for Air Frying:** Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the spring rolls in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Spray the tops of the rolls generously with cooking spray (this step is crucial for a crispy, golden exterior!).
6. **Air Fry:** Air fry at 390°F for 10-12 minutes. Flip the rolls halfway through the cooking time and give them another quick spray of oil. Cook until golden brown and blistered on all sides.
7. **Serve:** Remove from the air fryer and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately with sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Wrapper Tip: Make sure you are buying thin ‘spring roll wrappers’ (typically found in the freezer section of Asian markets) and not thick egg roll wrappers, as spring roll wrappers yield that classic shatteringly crisp bite.
Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Omit the meat and use extra vegetables (like bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, or bell peppers) or crumbled tofu. Ensure your hoisin/oyster sauce is vegan-friendly.
Make Ahead & Freeze: You can roll these ahead of time and freeze them uncooked in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. You can air fry them straight from frozen—just add 3-4 extra minutes to the cooking time!
Reheating: To restore their crunch, reheat leftover spring rolls in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the wrappers chewy and soggy.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian
FAQ
Can I make these spring rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge, covered, until ready to air fry.
Do I need to thaw frozen spring roll wrappers?
Absolutely. Let them thaw completely in the fridge before using, and keep them covered with a damp towel while working to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze air fryer spring rolls?
Yes, freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Spring Rolls Recipe delivers all the crispy, savory satisfaction of traditional spring rolls without the mess of deep frying. With fresh vegetables, a golden crunch, and endless customization options, it’s a must-try for any appetizer lover. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.