These Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls are crunchy and filled with fresh veggies and protein. They’re a fun and healthy snack you can whip up in no time!
I love how you can dip them in your favorite sauce. It’s like a little party for your taste buds! Perfect for when you want something light and tasty without the fuss!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper: This is the base for your rolls. If you can’t find rice paper, you might try using soft tortilla wraps or thin crepes, but the texture will be different.
Vermicelli Noodles: These add a nice chewy texture. If you need a gluten-free option, use rice noodles. You could also opt for glass noodles, but be sure to cook them according to package directions.
Protein: Shrimp and chicken are classic choices! If you want a vegetarian option, consider using tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for protein. Cooked lentils are also a great substitute.
Herbs: Fresh cilantro adds a lot of flavor. If you’re not a fan, use mint or basil. Dried herbs can work, but use them sparingly as they’re more concentrated.
Sesame Oil: It adds a nutty depth to the flavors. You can replace it with olive oil, but you’ll lose that unique taste. Using a little toasted sesame oil really enhances the dish.
How Do I Properly Wrap the Rice Paper Rolls?
Wrapping rice paper can be tricky, but practice makes perfect! Here are some tips to help you out:
- Use warm water to soften the rice paper, but don’t soak it too long—5 seconds is usually enough.
- Once softened, place the rice paper flat on a clean surface—like a cutting board or a plate.
- Keep the filling near the edge closest to you and don’t overfill, or it will be hard to roll.
- Fold the sides in first to keep the filling secure, then roll tightly from your edge. Think of it like rolling a burrito!
- If the first one doesn’t turn out, don’t worry—just keep rolling and you’ll get the hang of it!
Make sure you leave some space between each roll in the air fryer. They’ll get nice and crispy without sticking together!
How to Make Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice Paper Rolls:
- 10 sheets rice paper
- 1 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles
- 1 cup cooked shrimp or cooked chicken, chopped (optional)
- 1 medium carrot, finely julienned
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage or lettuce
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or mint leaves (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Cooking spray or a little 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 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook. So, you’re looking at a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. A quick and tasty dish to whip up for a snack or meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by cooking and chopping all your filling ingredients. Make sure your vermicelli noodles are cooked according to package instructions. If you’re adding shrimp or chicken, chop them into bite-sized pieces. Then, julienne the carrot, chop the cabbage or lettuce, slice the green onions, and mince the garlic.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked noodles, protein (shrimp or chicken), carrot, cabbage, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything together until well mixed, creating a colorful and tasty filling for your rolls.
3. Soak the Rice Paper:
Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Take one rice paper sheet and dip it into the water for about 5 seconds until it starts to soften. Make sure not to soak it too long, as it will become too fragile to handle!
4. Assemble the Rolls:
Lay the softened rice paper flat on a clean surface. Scoop 2-3 tablespoons of your filling mixture and place it near the edge of the rice paper closest to you. Next, fold the sides over the filling, and then roll it tightly from your edge, encasing the filling completely. Repeat this process with the remaining rice paper sheets and filling.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
While you’re assembling the rolls, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures they get crispy as soon as you pop them in!
6. Prepare for Air Frying:
Once all your rolls are assembled, lightly spray or brush them with oil on all sides. This helps them crisp up beautifully during the cooking process.
7. Air Fry the Rolls:
Place the rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, taking care to make sure they don’t touch. This allows the hot air to circulate around them. Air fry for about 8-10 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
8. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the rolls are air frying, whisk together your dipping sauce by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey in a small bowl. Adjust to taste!
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Once the rolls are crispy and golden, take them out of the air fryer. Serve them hot with the dipping sauce on the side, and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for an extra touch. If you like, add some sliced cucumber spirals or fresh herbs for garnish.
Enjoy your crunchy, flavorful Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls!
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests shrimp or chicken, you can easily use tofu, tempeh, or any other cooked protein you prefer. Just make sure it’s chopped into small, manageable pieces for easy rolling!
What if I Don’t Have Rice Vinegar for the Dipping Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor. You could even use lemon or lime juice for a fresh zing!
Can I Prepare the Rolls in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time! Once you’ve assembled them, cover them with a damp cloth to keep them moist and store them in the fridge for up to 2 hours prior to air frying. Just cook them right before serving for the best texture!
How to Store Leftover Rice Paper Rolls?
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispness before enjoying again!
