These crispy air fryer spring rolls are perfect for a tasty snack or appetizer! They are stuffed with fresh veggies and wrapped in a crunchy shell that cooks to perfection.
Plus, using the air fryer means less oil—yay for healthier munching! I love to dip them in sweet chili sauce for a bit of zing. You’ll want to make extra; they go fast! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: Shredded green cabbage works best for crunchiness. If you want a different flavor, Napa cabbage or even coleslaw mix can be a good swap.
Carrots: Freshly shredded carrots add color and crunch. You could replace them with zucchini or red bell peppers for a twist.
Bean Sprouts: They provide a nice crunch. If you can’t find them, water chestnuts finely chopped can offer a similar texture.
Chicken or Tofu: Use cooked, shredded chicken or crispy tofu. If you’re keeping it vegetarian, you can add cooked mushrooms for an extra umami flavor.
Spring Roll Wrappers: Traditional spring roll wrappers give the best results, but if you’re gluten-free, look for rice paper wraps as a substitute.
How Do You Roll Perfect Spring Rolls?
Rolling spring rolls neatly can be tricky, but with some practice, you can master it! Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Lay the wrapper flat like a diamond with a corner pointing at you.
- Put about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tucking it in as you go.
- Fold the sides toward the center, then roll it tightly to the top corner.
- Moisten the tip with water for sealing.
Don’t pack the filling too tightly, or they may burst while cooking! Also, if you have a few wrappers left over, you can simply cover them with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup cooked and shredded chicken or tofu (for vegetarian option)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ginger powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spring Rolls:
- 12 spring roll wrappers
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 10-12 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. So, in total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes to enjoy these delicious spring rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Filling:
Start by grabbing a large bowl and adding the shredded cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, and your choice of cooked chicken or tofu. Also, toss in the finely chopped green onions. It’s all about those fresh flavors coming together!
2. Seasoning the Mixture:
Next, pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything together gently until it’s all nicely mixed. Your filling should smell amazing!
3. Wrapping the Spring Rolls:
Take one spring roll wrapper and lay it flat with one corner pointing towards you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of your filling into the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then tuck in the sides and roll it tightly up to the top corner. Before sealing, dip your finger in water and moisten the tip to help it stick. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
4. Air Frying the Spring Rolls:
Now, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Once it’s ready, arrange your spring rolls in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Give them a light spray or brush with oil. This helps them get that lovely crispy texture!
5. Cooking to Perfection:
Air fry the spring rolls for about 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Be sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. When they’re done, they’ll look fantastic and smell delicious!
6. Serving:
Serve your crispy spring rolls hot, paired with your favorite dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce or soy sauce. Enjoy each crunchy bite!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in the Spring Rolls?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your vegetable mix. You can use bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas. Just make sure to chop them finely so they fit nicely in the spring roll wrappers and maintain a good texture when cooked!
How to Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep them crispy, try reheating them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-6 minutes before serving again.
Can I Make Spring Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the spring rolls in advance and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Cover them lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Just make sure to cook them straight from the fridge, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the air frying time!
What’s the Best Way to Seal the Spring Roll Wrappers?
To seal the wrappers effectively, use a little water on your fingertips to moisten the tip of the wrapper before rolling it up. This helps the edges stick together. If you find the wrappers are too dry, you can lightly dampen them before filling and rolling.
