Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls are a fantastic treat that combines a crunchy, golden outside with a flavorful, veggie-packed inside. These rolls get perfectly crispy without the need for deep frying, making them a lighter but just as tasty option. The air fryer helps get that great texture with less oil, so you can enjoy the satisfying crunch without the mess.
I love making these spring rolls when I want a quick snack or appetizer that feels special but doesn’t take forever to prepare. The best part is you can fill them with whatever you like—my go-to is a mix of crunchy cabbage, carrots, and a bit of garlic for some punch. They come out perfect every time, and I always find myself eating more than I planned!
For serving, I like to pair these crispy spring rolls with a simple dipping sauce, like sweet chili or soy sauce with a splash of lime. It’s a combo that never fails to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re making them for a quick lunch, an easy dinner side, or a fun party snack, these air fryer spring rolls are a total winner in my kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spring roll wrappers: These are essential for the crispy outside. If you can’t find these, rice paper wraps can be used, but they might have a softer texture. Keep wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out while working.
Cabbage & Carrots: The classic crunchy veggies inside. You can swap cabbage with shredded kale or spinach for a different twist. Fresh carrots add sweetness and color, and pre-shredded bags work fine to save time.
Soy and oyster sauce: These add umami flavor. For a vegetarian option, use hoisin sauce or mushroom soy sauce instead of oyster sauce. Adjust to taste, as soy sauce can be salty.
Sesame oil: Just a small amount adds a lovely nutty aroma. Toasted sesame oil is best. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or use a mild olive oil without as much flavor.
How Do I Wrap Spring Rolls So They Don’t Fall Apart?
Wrapping spring rolls tightly but gently is the trick to keep them from opening during cooking:
- Place the wrapper diamond-shaped, corner facing you.
- Add filling close to the near corner but leave room on edges.
- Fold the bottom corner up over the filling.
- Fold in the two side corners to enclose the filling like an envelope.
- Roll up firmly toward the top corner.
- Dab water on the last corner to seal it securely.
- Don’t overfill, or the wrapper might tear.
Practice makes perfect! If a roll breaks, simply re-roll with a new wrapper.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love it because it cooks the spring rolls evenly and gets them super crispy without extra oil.
- Large skillet – used for sautéing the filling; a non-stick makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowls – handy for combining and cooling the filling ingredients.
- Pastry brush or spray bottle – for lightly brushing or spraying oil on the spring rolls before air frying.
- Kitchen towel or damp cloth – keeps spring roll wrappers from drying out while working.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded cabbage for chopped bok choy or spinach for a different green flavor.
- Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu to the filling for extra protein.
- Use sweet & sour or peanut sauce as a dipping option instead of chili or soy sauce.
- Stir in chopped herbs like cilantro or mint for a fresh taste.
Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or a mix of green and purple)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup bean sprouts (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for vegetarian)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for sautéing filling)
For Wrapping and Cooking:
- 1 package spring roll wrappers (about 20 wrappers)
- Cooking spray or a little oil (for brushing the spring rolls before air frying)
- Water (for sealing wrappers)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation, including mixing and wrapping, plus around 10-12 minutes to air fry the spring rolls. Total time: roughly 30-35 minutes from start to crispy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until you can smell the aroma. Then add shredded cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts if you like. Stir-fry the veggies for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften just a bit but keep their crunch.
2. Season the Filling:
Stir in soy sauce, oyster or hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sliced green onions, and black pepper. Mix everything well and cook for one more minute. Then take the pan off the heat and let the filling cool down a little before wrapping.
3. Roll the Spring Rolls:
Place one spring roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner facing you (like a diamond). Scoop about 2 tablespoons of filling near the corner closest to you. Fold that corner over the filling, then fold in both sides, and roll up tightly but gently toward the top corner. Wet the final corner with a little water to seal the roll shut. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
4. Air Fry the Spring Rolls:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Put the spring rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Lightly brush or spray some oil on the outside of the rolls to help them crisp up beautifully.
5. Cook Until Crispy:
Air fry the spring rolls for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them halfway through so they brown evenly. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook in batches.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the spring rolls cool for a minute or two before eating—they’ll be hot! Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like sweet chili, soy sauce, or a tangy peanut sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Spring Rolls in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes and avoid thawing them first. Cook frozen spring rolls at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and heated through.
How Do I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to regain their crispiness.
Can I Substitute the Vegetables in the Filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in shredded spinach, bok choy, mushrooms, or even finely chopped cooked chicken or shrimp for variety. Just keep the filling moist but not soggy for best results.
Do I Need to Use Oil When Air Frying?
Brushing or spraying a light layer of oil on the spring rolls before air frying helps them crisp up nicely, but it’s optional if you want to keep it oil-free. Without oil, they may be slightly less golden but still tasty.
