Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls are a delightful treat packed with fresh veggies and savory fillings wrapped in a golden, crunchy skin. Thanks to the air fryer, these rolls get perfectly crisp without the extra oil, making them a lighter and super tasty snack or appetizer.
I love how quick and fuss-free these spring rolls are to make—I just load up my air fryer basket and let it work its magic. It’s such a win when you get that satisfying crunch on the outside while the inside stays tender and full of flavor. Plus, I feel good serving something that’s crispy but not greasy.
My favorite way to enjoy these is with a simple dipping sauce, like sweet chili or soy sauce mixed with a little garlic and ginger. They’re great for a party snack or even as a quick side dish to a bigger meal. Whenever I make a batch, they tend to disappear fast, which always feels like a good sign!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spring Roll Wrappers: These are thin and delicate, giving that perfect crisp in the air fryer. If unavailable, rice paper wrappers or wonton wrappers can also work with slight texture changes.
Protein: I like shredded chicken for ease, but shrimp, pork, or tofu are great too. For a vegetarian option, just load up on veggies and add mushrooms for umami.
Veggies: Cabbage and carrots add crunch and sweetness. Bean sprouts are optional but give freshness. You can swap cabbage with napa cabbage or shredded kale for a twist.
Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil: These bring flavor and a little nuttiness. Tamari or coconut aminos work well as gluten-free options. Use toasted sesame oil for a stronger aroma.
How Do You Get Spring Rolls Super Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Getting them crispy without oil-dripping mess is the best part of air frying. Here’s what I do:
- Preheat your air fryer first to ensure even heat.
- Lightly brush or spray oil on each roll; not too much, just enough to help them crisp up.
- Arrange rolls in a single layer so air circulates fully—don’t overcrowd the basket.
- Flip halfway through cooking for even browning on all sides.
- Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, but check early as air fryers vary.
If you skip oil, the rolls might brown less evenly and be less crispy. This simple step makes a noticeable difference while still keeping it healthier than deep frying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love it because it makes spring rolls crispy without using much oil.
- Mixing bowl – perfect for combining all your filling ingredients smoothly.
- Small spoon – helps to neatly fill each wrapper without mess.
- Pastry brush or spray bottle – for lightly coating the rolls with oil for extra crispiness.
- Plate or tray – for assembling the rolls before placing in the air fryer.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked shrimp or tofu to fit your taste or dietary needs.
- Add chopped water chestnuts or mushrooms for extra crunch and umami flavor.
- Mix in a teaspoon of hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for a richer, sweeter filling.
- Use rice paper wrappers instead of spring roll wrappers for a different texture and look.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (or cooked shrimp, pork, or tofu)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup grated carrots
- ½ cup bean sprouts (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
For Wrapping and Cooking:
- 12 spring roll wrappers
- Cooking spray or a little vegetable oil for brushing
- Dipping sauce (sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or your favorite)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble the spring rolls, plus 8-10 minutes to cook them in the air fryer. You’ll need about 3 minutes to preheat the air fryer before cooking. Altogether, it’s around 25-30 minutes to enjoy crispy spring rolls ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked shredded chicken (or your choice of protein), shredded cabbage, grated carrots, bean sprouts, sliced green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and grated ginger. Stir well to evenly combine all the flavors.
2. Assemble the Spring Rolls:
Lay one spring roll wrapper flat on a clean surface, positioning it like a diamond with one corner pointing towards you. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the filling onto the corner closest to you. Fold this corner over the filling, then fold in the left and right corners toward the center to form an envelope. Roll the wrapper tightly towards the opposite corner to enclose the filling. Seal the edge with a dab of water to keep it closed.
3. Cook the Spring Rolls in the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for around 3 minutes. Lightly spray or brush each spring roll with vegetable oil to get that golden crispiness. Arrange the rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the rolls halfway through to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once crispy and golden, carefully remove the spring rolls from the air fryer. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, and sprinkle sliced green onions or add a lime wedge on the side for a fresh touch. Dig in and enjoy the crunch!
Can I Use Frozen Spring Rolls in the Air Fryer?
Yes! You can air fry frozen spring rolls straight from the freezer. Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes until they are heated through and crispy. No need to thaw them first.
What Can I Substitute for Spring Roll Wrappers?
If you don’t have spring roll wrappers, rice paper wrappers or even wonton wrappers can work. Keep in mind that texture and cooking time might vary slightly with different wrappers.
How Do I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
Store leftover spring rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the filling up to 2 days ahead and keep it refrigerated. When ready to serve, assemble and air fry the spring rolls fresh for best texture.
