Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls are a fun and easy way to enjoy a crunchy snack or appetizer with less oil. These spring rolls come out perfectly golden and crispy thanks to the air fryer, and they’re stuffed with a tasty mix of fresh veggies and sometimes a little protein. If you love that satisfying crunch but want to skip deep frying, this recipe is a winner.
I really like using the air fryer because it makes cooking spring rolls quicker and less messy. Plus, you get that great crunch without soaking them in oil, which makes me feel better about grabbing a few extra. I usually fill mine with a mix of cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms, but you can easily switch it up to match what you have on hand. Just a little tip: spraying the rolls lightly with cooking spray before air frying helps get that perfect golden color.
These spring rolls are a big hit at my house, especially when I serve them with a simple dipping sauce like sweet chili or soy sauce mixed with a little garlic. They make great finger food for parties or a tasty side to a bigger Asian-inspired meal. Every time I make them, I catch myself sneaking a couple before they even get to the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spring Roll Wrappers: These are the base. You can find them in most grocery stores or Asian markets. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen wrappers work too but thaw fully before use.
Cabbage & Carrots: These add crunch and sweetness. Napa cabbage or regular green cabbage both work well. You can swap carrots with bell peppers or bean sprouts for a different crunch.
Mushrooms: Shiitake adds great flavor, but button or cremini mushrooms are fine substitutes. If you want a meatier option, cooked ground chicken or tofu can be added instead.
Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil: These provide savory depth and a hint of nuttiness. Tamari is a good gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Sesame oil is strong, so use sparingly or substitute with a mild oil if needed.
How Do You Get Spring Rolls Extra Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Air frying spring rolls is easy but a few tips make them perfectly crispy:
- Lightly brush or spray the spring rolls with oil before cooking. This creates a golden, crunchy outside without deep frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give them space so air can circulate and crisp all sides evenly.
- Flip the rolls halfway through cooking. This helps both sides brown evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F before cooking. This gives the rolls a nice quick sizzle when they hit the basket.
Following these tips, your spring rolls will be crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked inside—just like you want!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love it because it crisps the spring rolls evenly with less oil.
- Large skillet – perfect for sautéing the filling ingredients and softening vegetables.
- Mixing bowls – for assembling the filling and holding the prepared rolls.
- Cooking brush or spray – helps apply a light coat of oil to make the rolls extra crispy.
- Cooking tongs or spatula – to carefully move the rolls in and out of the air fryer.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping the veggies and garlic evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked ground chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of just vegetables for extra protein.
- Add a splash of hoisin sauce or oyster sauce to the filling for richer flavor.
- Mix in shredded cheese or cream cheese before rolling for a creamy twist.
- Include chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for more crunch and variety.
Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms (shiitake or button)
- ½ cup finely chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ cup cooked glass noodles (optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for sautéing)
For Wrapping & Cooking:
- 12 spring roll wrappers
- Cooking spray or a little oil for brushing the rolls
- Sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping
Time Needed
Plan for about 15 minutes of preparation and cooking your filling, 10-15 minutes to assemble the spring rolls, and around 12 minutes for air frying. Altogether, you’ll spend about 40 minutes from start to finish, making a quick and tasty snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Filling:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the shredded cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and green onions. Stir often and cook until the veggies are soft, about 5 minutes. Mix in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. If using, add cooked glass noodles and stir for 2 more minutes. Then, remove the pan from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
2. Roll the Spring Rolls:
Place a spring roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cooled filling near the bottom corner of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in both side corners snugly. Roll the wrapper tightly toward the top corner and use a little water to seal the edge. Repeat this with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Air Fry the Spring Rolls:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray or brush each spring roll with oil to get a crispy golden texture. Arrange them in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, giving each roll some space so they don’t touch. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning. When golden and crispy, remove from the air fryer.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Sprinkle sliced green onions over the hot spring rolls for a fresh touch. Serve immediately with sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful bites fresh from the air fryer!
Can I Use Frozen Spring Roll Wrappers?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely at room temperature before rolling. Keep them covered with a slightly damp towel to prevent drying out while you work.
Can I Make These Spring Rolls Ahead of Time?
You can prepare and roll the spring rolls a few hours ahead. Keep them covered and refrigerated, then air fry right before serving to keep them crispy and fresh.
How Do I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I Add Protein to the Filling?
Absolutely! Cooked ground chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great additions. Just mix them in with the veggies before rolling for extra flavor and substance.