There’s something undeniably irresistible about Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls — golden, crackly shells, crisp and piping hot, with a vibrant, savory filling that bursts with flavors and crunch. These homemade spring rolls strike that perfect balance between fresh and indulgent, offering all the big takeout taste with far less oil and a fraction of the effort. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to air fried appetizers, this version will soon become your go-to for parties, quick snacks, or anytime you crave an Asian-inspired treat with a healthy twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of basic but vibrant ingredients is all it takes to make these fabulous spring rolls. Each element is essential to the final bite — from the colorful vegetables to the bold aromatics, every addition brings a pop of flavor, satisfying crunch, or a perfect golden hue.
- Spring roll wrappers: These thin, crisping wrappers are your ticket to that signature shatteringly crunchy exterior.
- Shredded cabbage: For a juicy, hearty base that pairs perfectly with almost anything.
- Shredded carrots: They add a touch of sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
- Bean sprouts: Give the filling a delicate crunch and refreshing finish.
- Green onions: Their mild sharpness lifts the whole mix and adds lovely color specks.
- Garlic (minced): Essential for that mouthwatering aroma as soon as you start the filling.
- Ginger (grated): Brings warmth and classic depth to every bite.
- Soy sauce: Lends savory depth and balances the veggies with umami.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash gives the entire filling a hint of toasty, nutty flavor.
- Cornstarch slurry: This quick fix helps bind the filling so it stays juicy but not soggy inside the roll.
- Olive oil spray: A light mist is all it takes for that irresistible air fryer crunch with hardly any added fat.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by bringing out the magic in your ginger and garlic. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sizzle the minced garlic and grated ginger for about a minute — your kitchen will begin to smell amazing! This quick step ensures every bite of your spring roll filling is layered with depth and warmth that only sizzling aromatics can offer.
Step 2: Soften the Veggies
Add your cabbage, shredded carrots, and green onions straight into the pan. Sauté them for just 3 to 4 minutes, keeping the heat lively so you soften the veggies without losing their crunch. This gentle cooking brings out their sweetness and helps the colors stay bright and cheery in your Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls.
Step 3: Finish the Filling
Next, toss in the bean sprouts, drizzle in soy sauce, and stir in your cornstarch slurry. This smart little trick ensures the filling isn’t watery yet remains juicy. Give everything a good mix and let it cook for another minute. Then, remove the skillet from the heat so the filling can cool slightly — much easier to handle when rolling!
Step 4: Roll It Up
Now comes the hands-on fun! Lay out a spring roll wrapper with a corner facing you. Add about two tablespoons of the cooled filling near the bottom. Fold the bottom tip over, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly to form a neat log. Seal the edge with a dab of water to keep everything snug. Repeat for the rest, and you’ll have a tidy row of rolls ready for crisping.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) — this ensures maximum crunch. Arrange your spring rolls in a single layer in the basket (don’t crowd them!), then give each roll a light olive oil spray. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, giving them a flip at the halfway mark so every side gets that crunchy golden finish. The result: Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls that are beautifully crisped without the need for deep frying.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Garnishes
No spring roll is complete without a little flourish on top! Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or toasted sesame seeds for visual pop and extra flavor. For a little spice, add finely sliced red chili or a dash of chili flakes.
Side Dishes
Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls are delicious served with a platter of dipping sauces: think classic soy sauce, sweet chili, hoisin, or a homemade garlic dipping sauce. Pair them with a light Asian salad, a bowl of miso soup, or simply a mound of steamed jasmine rice to make it a more substantial meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your spring rolls upright in a mason jar for a party snack, slice them in half on a bias for a modern platter look, or serve them in lettuce cups for an extra-fresh twist. They’re even wonderful as part of a DIY spring roll bar where everyone picks their favorite dipping sauce and toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover spring rolls into an airtight container once they’ve cooled. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days, and the texture still holds up beautifully (especially compared to traditional deep-fried versions).
Freezing
If you’d like to prep in advance, simply assemble the uncooked rolls, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, air fry straight from frozen — just add 2 to 3 more minutes to your cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls in the air fryer itself (trust me, it revives the crunch like magic!). Just set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 3 to 4 minutes until hot and crispy all over. Skip the microwave to avoid soggy wrappers if you can help it.
FAQs
Can I add protein to these spring rolls?
Absolutely! Try adding cooked shrimp, ground pork, shredded chicken, or tofu to the filling. Just be sure to use fully cooked proteins and keep the overall filling amount about the same for best results.
Are these spring rolls vegan?
The basic Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls recipe is vegetarian and can be fully vegan if you use wrappers without egg. Always check the label if you wish to keep things plant-based!
Do I need to thaw the wrappers first?
Yes, if your spring roll wrappers are frozen, let them soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start. This makes them flexible and much easier to roll without tearing.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before assembling your Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls to prevent condensation inside the wrappers.
What’s the best dipping sauce to serve?
Sweet chili sauce is a classic and brings a lovely balance of heat and sugar, but you can use anything from plum sauce to spicy peanut, homemade garlic soy, or even a tangy vinegar-based dip for a little zing.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried these Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls, you’ll want to keep the ingredients on hand for quick snacks, party appetizers, or an easy family dinner. This recipe brings big flavor and crunch without the hassle or heaviness of deep frying. Don’t be surprised if these become your new favorite way to celebrate fresh, flavorful food — give them a try and share the deliciousness with friends and family!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 spring rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls are a delightful vegan appetizer or Asian snack that’s easy to make and healthier than deep-fried versions. The filling of shredded cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts is seasoned with a fragrant mix of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, then wrapped in spring roll wrappers and air fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the Spring Rolls:
- 12 spring roll wrappers
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatic Vegetables: In a skillet, sauté garlic and ginger in sesame oil until fragrant. Add cabbage, carrots, and green onions, cook until softened.
- Prepare Filling: Stir in bean sprouts, soy sauce, and cornstarch slurry. Cook briefly, then let cool.
- Assemble Spring Rolls: Place filling in spring roll wrappers, fold, and roll tightly.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer, spray spring rolls with olive oil, cook until crispy and golden.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can add cooked shrimp, ground pork, or tofu for extra protein.
- Ensure wrappers are egg-free for a vegan version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 spring roll
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
