Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls are a fantastic twist on a classic favorite. These rolls are packed with fresh veggies and sometimes your favorite protein, wrapped in a thin wrapper that turns perfectly golden and crunchy in the air fryer. You get all the crispiness without having to deep fry, which makes them a lighter and easier snack or appetizer.
I love making these spring rolls when I want something quick but still super satisfying. The air fryer does most of the work, and the cleanup is a breeze—no messy oil splatters! I usually fill mine with cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms, but you can swap in whatever you like. A little soy sauce or sweet chili dipping sauce on the side makes every bite pop with flavor.
One of my favorite moments with these crispy spring rolls is sharing them with friends during casual get-togethers. They’re fun to eat, and everyone always asks for more. If you’ve never tried air frying spring rolls before, I promise it’s a game changer. You get that great crunch without all the fuss, and they’re surprisingly addictive!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spring Roll Wrappers: These thin, crispy skins are essential for the classic crunch. You can find them at most Asian grocery stores. If not, rice paper rolls can be a gluten-free alternative but won’t crisp up exactly the same.
Cabbage & Carrots: Shredded cabbage and grated carrots form the crunchy veggie base. Napa cabbage works great for its mild flavor. You can also add shredded broccoli or bean sprouts if you like.
Mushrooms & Onion: Mushrooms add a nice umami touch, but you can skip them or swap with finely chopped bell peppers for a different flavor. Onions add sweetness when sautéed.
Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil: Soy sauce brings saltiness, while sesame oil adds nutty aroma. For a gluten-free option, use tamari sauce. If you don’t have sesame oil, a mild olive oil works fine.
How Do I Wrap Spring Rolls So They Don’t Unravel When Air Frying?
Wrapping spring rolls tightly helps keep filling inside and ensures even cooking. Here’s how I do it:
- Place the wrapper like a diamond with one corner towards you.
- Add filling near that corner but don’t overstuff.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold both sides toward the center.
- Roll firmly toward the top corner, sealing the edge with a dab of water.
- Make sure the roll feels snug but not stretched or torn.
This technique helps the spring rolls hold shape during air frying and gives a nice, even crisp.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love it because it cooks the spring rolls evenly and makes them crispy without extra oil.
- Skillet or frying pan – used to cook the filling on the stove; non-stick is easiest to clean.
- Mixing bowls – handy for preparing the filling ingredients.
- Pastry brush or spray bottle – to lightly coat the spring rolls with oil for crispness.
- Plate or baking sheet – for assembling and holding the wrapped spring rolls before air frying.
- Cooking thermometer (optional) – helps keep the oil at the right temperature if using the stove.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap out vegetables: add shredded cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein and flavor.
- Use different sauces: a splash of hoisin or sriracha in the filling can add a spicy or sweet kick.
- Change seasonings: include ginger, green onions, or cilantro in the filling for fresh, vibrant flavors.
- Add nuts: sprinkle chopped peanuts or cashews inside for crunch and richness.
Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 spring roll wrappers
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (napa or green cabbage)
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking filling)
- Cooking spray or a light brushing of oil (for air frying)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and assemble the filling and spring rolls, plus about 10–12 minutes to air fry until crispy. Overall, plan for around 35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Filling:
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add mushrooms (if using), grated carrots, and shredded cabbage. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for one more minute, then remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
2. Assemble the Spring Rolls:
Lay out a spring roll wrapper flat with one corner pointing at you (like a diamond). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling near the corner closest to you. Fold that corner over the filling, then fold in the left and right sides. Roll tightly toward the opposite corner, sealing the edge with a little water. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Air Fry to Crispy Perfection:
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray or brush the spring rolls with oil for a crispy finish. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket so they don’t touch. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. Remove and let cool slightly before serving.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the spring rolls with sliced green onions. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like sweet chili or soy sauce. Enjoy your crispy and delicious spring rolls as an appetizer or snack!
Can I Use Frozen Spring Rolls in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before air frying for even cooking and crispiness. If cooking straight from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cook time and check frequently.
What Can I Substitute for Spring Roll Wrappers?
If you can’t find spring roll wrappers, rice paper wrappers are a good alternative but will result in a slightly different texture. They need to be softened in warm water before rolling. Avoid using thicker dough wrappers meant for egg rolls, as they may not crisp as well in the air fryer.
How Do I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to regain crispiness instead of using a microwave, which can make them soggy.
Can I Add Protein to the Filling?
Absolutely! Cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu work great when chopped finely and mixed into the vegetable filling. Just make sure any added protein is cooked before filling the wrappers.