These crispy air fryer spring rolls are a tasty treat! Packed with fresh veggies and wrapped in thin rice paper, they are light and crunchy, making them super enjoyable.
Cooking them in the air fryer means less oil—and who wouldn’t love that? 😄 I love to dip them in sweet and sour sauce for a fun kickoff to dinner or as a snack anytime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spring Roll Wrappers: These are essential for holding your filling. If you can’t find spring roll wrappers, try using rice paper or even tortillas for a unique twist, but the texture will be different.
Vegetables: Shredded carrots and cabbage are perfect for crunch. You can swap them with zucchini, mushrooms, or any of your favorite veggies. Just make sure to keep the moisture low, so the rolls don’t get soggy.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a ton of flavor. If you’re short on fresh, garlic powder works in a pinch—just use less as it’s more concentrated.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a delicious nutty flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, any cooking oil like olive or canola can substitute, though you’ll miss that signature taste.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is perfect for dipping! If you want something spicier, you could try sriracha or a mix of soy sauce and honey for a sweet-savory effect.
How Do I Roll Spring Rolls Without Them Falling Apart?
Rolling spring rolls can be tricky, but practice makes perfect! Here’s how to do it right:
- Keep your filling in the lower third of the wrapper and don’t overfill—this helps avoid tearing.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling snugly, then tuck in the sides. This secures the filling inside.
- As you roll up to the top corner, use a bit of water along the edge to seal it shut. This acts like glue.
- Make sure to work quickly so the wrappers don’t dry out, which can make them fragile.
Remember, even if they don’t look perfect, they’ll still taste great! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 spring roll wrappers
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Flavorful Additions:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Brushing and Serving:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for brushing)
- Cooking spray (optional, for air fryer basket)
- Sweet chili sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook. Just 25 minutes in total, and you’ll have delicious, crispy spring rolls ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetable Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, bean sprouts, green onions, and minced garlic. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
2. Add Flavor:
Now, add in the soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the vegetables are well-coated with the tasty mixture.
3. Roll the Spring Rolls:
Take one spring roll wrapper and lay it on a clean surface, with one corner pointing toward you (it should look like a diamond). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the vegetable filling onto the lower third of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then tuck the left and right corners inward. Roll it up gently but tightly to the top corner, and seal the edge with a little water. Repeat this process with the rest of the wrappers and filling.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat it for about 5 minutes. This helps the spring rolls to cook evenly and get crispy.
5. Brush and Cook:
Lightly brush or spray the spring rolls with vegetable oil to help them crisp up. Then, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they’re not overlapping. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure they’re golden brown and crispy all over.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully remove the spring rolls from the air fryer and serve them hot with sweet chili sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious homemade spring rolls!
Can I Use Frozen Spring Roll Wrappers?
Yes, you can use frozen spring roll wrappers. Just be sure to thaw them completely before using. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If they feel too sticky, dust them lightly with cornstarch or flour before rolling.
What Can I Substitute for the Vegetables?
You can customize the filling based on what you have! Popular substitutions include shredded zucchini, mushrooms, or even cooked shrimp or chicken for added protein. Just make sure to keep the filling moisture low to prevent sogginess.
How Do I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
Store any leftover spring rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispiness, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crispy again!
Can I Make These Spring Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spring rolls a few hours in advance. Just cover them with a damp cloth to keep the wrappers from drying out until you’re ready to cook them. However, they are best cooked fresh for maximum crispiness.
