Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls are a fantastic way to enjoy this classic snack without the extra oil from deep frying. They come out perfectly crunchy on the outside while keeping the filling warm and flavorful inside. You can fill them with whatever you like—vegetables, shrimp, chicken, or a mix—and the air fryer gives them a light, crispy texture that’s just irresistible.
I love making these spring rolls because they’re quick and easy to prepare, and the air fryer does all the hard work. There’s something so satisfying about biting into a roll that’s crispy and golden without feeling greasy. I usually like to brush a little bit of oil on the rolls before popping them in the air fryer to help get that perfect crispiness. Plus, they’re a great snack to have on hand for guests or a simple family dinner.
My favorite way to enjoy these spring rolls is with a tangy dipping sauce like sweet chili or soy sauce mixed with a bit of garlic and ginger. It really brings out the flavors and adds a nice contrast to the crunch. If you’re a fan of finger foods that are easy to share and full of taste, these crispy air fryer spring rolls are a must-try in your kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spring Roll Wrappers: These are thin and crisp up nicely in the air fryer. You can find them in Asian markets or the freezer section of some stores. If you can’t find them, rice paper wrappers are a good gluten-free alternative but have a different texture.
Vegetables: Cabbage and carrots add crunch and sweetness. Feel free to swap in bell peppers, bean sprouts, or shredded zucchini if you want to mix it up or use what you have on hand.
Protein: Cooked chicken, shrimp, or pork work well for extra flavor. For a vegetarian version, tofu or extra mushrooms are great choices. Keep the filling balanced to avoid soggy rolls.
Sauces and Seasonings: Soy sauce and oyster sauce bring umami and depth. For a vegetarian diet, use mushroom sauce or extra soy sauce in place of oyster sauce. Sesame oil adds a nice nutty flavor but use sparingly as it’s strong.
Sealing Mixture: The cornstarch paste works like glue to keep the rolls closed and prevent filling from leaking during cooking. If you don’t have cornstarch, use all-purpose flour mixed with water instead.
How Do You Get Spring Rolls Crispy and Well-Sealed in the Air Fryer?
Getting a golden, crispy shell and secure wrap is key when air frying spring rolls. Here’s how to get it right:
- Brush or spray the rolls lightly with oil before air frying. This helps the wrappers crisp up instead of drying out.
- Don’t overfill the rolls; too much filling makes them hard to seal tightly and can cause splits during cooking.
- Use the cornstarch-water paste to seal the edges like glue. Press firmly so the wrapper sticks well.
- Arrange rolls in a single layer without crowding the basket. This ensures hot air circulates and crisps every side evenly.
- Turn the rolls halfway through cooking for all-around browning and crunch.
- Preheat your air fryer first, so the crisping begins immediately when you add the rolls.
With these tips, your spring rolls will have a crispy, golden outside and a tasty, warm filling every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend this because it cooks the rolls evenly and makes them crispy without much oil.
- Large skillet – useful for stir-frying the filling on the stovetop.
- Small bowl – for mixing the cornstarch with water to seal the rolls.
- Pastry brush or spray bottle – helps lightly oil the spring rolls for extra crispiness.
- Plate or tray – for placing finished rolls before air frying to prevent mess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use shrimp instead of chicken or pork for a seafood twist that’s sweet and savory.
- Mix in chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for extra crunch and texture.
- Add a teaspoon of five-spice powder or curry powder to the filling for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with a drizzle of hoisin sauce or a spicy sriracha dip for extra flavor.
Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spring Rolls:
- 1 package (10-12 sheets) spring roll wrappers
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken, shrimp, or pork (optional)
- ½ cup finely chopped mushrooms (shiitake or cremini)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water (for sealing wrappers)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and assemble, plus around 10-12 minutes for cooking the spring rolls in the air fryer. In total, plan for around 30-35 minutes from start to finish for a crispy and delicious snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add shredded cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and your choice of cooked protein if using. Stir-fry everything for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and meat is heated through.
Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Mix in the sliced green onions and cook for another minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool to make it easier to handle when rolling.
2. Assemble the Spring Rolls
Lay one spring roll wrapper flat on a clean surface in a diamond shape. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of filling near the bottom corner of the wrapper.
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the two side corners tightly to prevent filling from falling out. Roll the wrapper upward toward the top corner.
Brush a little of the cornstarch mixture on the top corner and press firmly to seal the spring roll. Repeat this process with all the filling and wrappers.
3. Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly brush or spray the spring rolls with vegetable oil to help them crisp up.
Place the rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them to allow hot air to circulate.
Air fry for 8-12 minutes, turning the spring rolls over halfway through cooking until they are golden and crispy.
4. Serve
Once cooked, remove the spring rolls from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with the reserved green onions.
Enjoy your spring rolls with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or any dipping sauce you love!
Can I Use Frozen Spring Rolls in the Air Fryer?
Yes! You can air fry frozen spring rolls without thawing. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and check for crispiness. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
Store leftover spring rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the filling up to a day in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Assemble and air fry the spring rolls when you’re ready to serve for the freshest result.
What Can I Substitute for Spring Roll Wrappers?
If you can’t find spring roll wrappers, rice paper sheets make a tasty gluten-free alternative. Keep in mind they have a different texture and may require gentle soaking before rolling.