These crispy air fryer spring rolls are a fun and tasty treat! Packed with colorful veggies and your choice of meat or tofu, they cook up golden and crunchy without the extra oil.
Making them is a breeze! I love serving them with a yummy dipping sauce for a perfect snack. Plus, they’re light, making it easier to have another one (or two)! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spring Roll Wrappers: You can use either round or square wrappers depending on what you have available. If you want a gluten-free option, look for rice paper wraps instead, which are sometimes used for fresh spring rolls.
Cabbage: Both green and napa cabbage work well. For a crunchier texture, you might opt for savoy cabbage or even bok choy. If you’re not a fan of cabbage, try using thinly sliced bell peppers or zucchini.
Bean Sprouts: They add a nice crunch but are optional. If you’re not keen on them, you can replace them with finely chopped mushrooms or simply omit them altogether.
Sesame Oil: This adds a wonderful nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute it with a mild oil like canola or olive, but you’ll miss out on that unique taste. Just add a sprinkle of sesame seeds to the filling for a little extra flavor!
Egg for Sealing: While I love using an egg wash to seal the rolls, you can easily make this vegan by using water or a flour slurry. Both work great to keep everything wrapped nicely!
How Can I Ensure My Spring Rolls Are Perfectly Crispy?
Getting that delicious crispiness in air fryer spring rolls comes down to a few key steps. First, make sure to preheat your air fryer properly; this helps the spring rolls cook evenly from the get-go. Second, lightly spray them with cooking spray—this encourages browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer and leave space in between.
- Turn the rolls halfway through cooking to achieve that golden brown all around.
- For added crunch, a light spritz of oil just before cooking makes a big difference!
Let them cool slightly after cooking; this gives you a chance to enjoy their crispy texture before diving in!
How to Make Delicious Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spring Rolls:
- 12 spring roll wrappers (round or square)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or napa)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts (optional)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for sautéing)
- Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing spring rolls; optional; use water or flour slurry for vegan option)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes in total, giving you 10 minutes for preparation and about 15 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and easy way to whip up a tasty snack or appetizer!
Step-By-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant and aromatic.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
Add in the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, bean sprouts (if using), and chopped green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry the mixture for about 3 to 5 minutes, just until the veggies soften slightly but still keep a nice crunch.
3. Season the Filling:
Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well so all the flavors combine and let it cook for another minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool down.
4. Assemble the Spring Rolls:
On a clean surface, lay one spring roll wrapper flat. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled filling near one edge of the wrapper. Start folding the edge over the filling, then fold in the sides tightly. Continue rolling until the spring roll is fully sealed. If you’re using an egg wash, brush the edge of the wrapper to seal it securely. Repeat this process for the remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Air Fry the Spring Rolls:
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes. Once preheated, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the spring rolls in a single layer, making sure to leave some space between each roll for even cooking.
6. Add Extra Crispiness:
For an extra crunchy finish, spray the tops of the spring rolls lightly with cooking spray before cooking. This helps them get beautifully golden brown.
7. Cook:
Cook the spring rolls in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. Once they are golden and ready, carefully remove them from the fryer.
8. Serve:
Let the spring rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them hot with sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce on the side for a delicious treat!
Enjoy your crispy, healthy air fryer spring rolls! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in the Filling?
Absolutely! You can mix and match with other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms based on your preference. Just make sure to chop them finely so they fit well in the spring rolls!
How Can I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
Store any leftover spring rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Freeze Uncooked Spring Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked spring rolls! Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet until they are firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time in the air fryer.
What Dipping Sauce Pairs Well with These Spring Rolls?
Sweet chili sauce is a classic choice, but you can also try peanut sauce, soy sauce mixed with vinegar, or a spicy dipping sauce for added flavor. Feel free to get creative with your favorite sauces!
