Appetizers & Snacks, Lunch, Side Dishes

Air Fried Spring Rolls

  • Prep 10 mins
  • Total 19 mins
  • Medium
  • Serves 16

Air-Fried Spring Rolls

If you love ordering spring rolls when you go out to dinner and have always believed that air-fried spring rolls are too complicated to make, we have great news: air-fried spring rolls are not that difficult and you can make restaurant-worthy rolls in your home by following this recipe.

History of Spring Rolls

The origin of spring rolls date back to 265 to 420 AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. They were originally created to celebrate spring in China. But the spring rolls back then didn’t look like the way they do now because modern cooking skills had not come into play. Instead, the spring rolls were flat like a pancake. It wasn’t until the Ming Dynasty that cooks began rolling them up like they are served today. 

3 Ways to Prepare Air-Fried Spring Rolls

Air-fried spring rolls offer a lot of serving options. Here’s how you can serve these delectable treats after making them.

Appetizer

Air-fried spring rolls make a great appetizer because the crispy outer shell provides the crunch that so many people crave. And the rolls are light enough to provide a scrumptious appetizer without the risk of diners getting too full for the main course.

Side Dish

Side dishes are an important part of any meal, and one of the best side dishes is spring rolls. Air-fried rolls are crispy, providing a great texture alongside whatever you’re serving as the main course. Imagine cooking a savory meal of Asian noodles and greens served alongside air-fried spring rolls.

Full Meal

If you want to create a full meal of air-fried spring rolls, it’s possible. You can add chicken, pork,ground beef, or tofu to the rolls to make them more filling. Or, if you want to keep the rolls vegetarian but want to add meat to your meal, you can use the air fryer to make spicy coconut chicken wings to serve alongside the rolls. 

And don’t forget, if you’re going to use the spring rolls as your full meal, be sure to make plenty of them! With so many filling variations, you’re bound to be satisfied by a spring roll feast!

6 Dipping Sauce Ideas for Air-Fried Spring Rolls

Without the right dipping sauce, your air-fried spring rolls won’t be at their best. Sauce adds another dimension to the rolls and a whole new kick of flavor. Here are some of the sauces that you can use to increase the flavor of your rolls. And you don’t have to pick just one! 

  • Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce is great because it adds heat and sweetness – a combination loved by many.
  • Honey Mustard Sauce: This is another sauce that gets its flavor by combining opposite flavors. The smooth richness of honey contrasted against the sharpness of mustard makes this sauce irresistible! 
  • Chili Garlic Sauce: Adding garlic with chilis makes a sauce that will explode in your mouth. Consider this one if you’re looking for a sauce that will create an impression when you bite into it. 
  • Sweet and Sour Sauce: the perfect pairing of sweet and sour is what makes this sauce so delectable. It’s why it’s a favorite among so many people. 
  • Ranch Dressing: Some people will put ranch dressing on just about anything, and if you’re a lover of ranch, try dipping your rolls in it. The smooth creaminess will add another level to your rolls!
  • Peanut Sauce: A rich and tangy peanut sauce is the perfect accompaniment to spring rolls. This sauce is especially good during the cold winter months. 

Tips for Homemade Air-Fried Spring Rolls

When making air-fried spring rolls, here are a few tips that will help.

Tip #1

 If you’re making more than one batch in a single-basket air fryer, place the cooked rolls on a baking rack while cooking the next batch to ensure they stay crispy.

Tip #2

If you want to make these rolls anytime, prep ahead. Keep containers of the vegetables already chopped and ready to go in the fridge. The next time you get a craving, it will only take minutes to make them.

Tip #3 

Just because the recipe calls for the traditional mix of cabbage, mushrooms, and carrots, that doesn’t mean you have to stick to it! Make your own filling by adding chicken, or even beans. Let your imagination run wild! 

FAQ:

Q: What’s the best way to store air fried spring rolls?

A: The best way to store air-fried spring rolls is to place them in an air-tight container. Then, store them in a refrigerator for two to three days. When you want to reheat them, place them back in your air fryer to ensure they stay crispy. 

Q: What’s the difference between spring rolls vs egg rolls?

A: The difference between spring rolls and egg rolls is the wrapper. Spring rolls are wrapped in a thin layer such as rice paper. Egg rolls are wrapped in a thicker batter. 

Q: Are air fried spring rolls vegan?

A: You can make any dish vegan by adjusting the recipe. Air-fried spring rolls can be vegan by ensuring the wrapper is free of dairy products. You will also want to make sure that no dairy is included in the filler. 

Q: Where can I find spring roll wrappers?

A: Spring roll wrappers are available in many places. For instance, you should be able to find them at your local grocery store. If you can’t find them there, you can always order them online. 

Q: How long can air fried spring rolls last outside the fridge?

A: Air fried spring rolls can last about two hours outside of the fridge. To keep them fresh, put them in an airtight container. They will store that way in the fridge for two to three days. 

Q: What’s the best way to reheat air fried spring rolls?

A: The way you reheat spring rolls will decide how crispy they are. For instance, by reheating your spring rolls in the air fryer, they will become crisp again. That may not be true if you reheat them in an oven. 

Q: Which countries did fried spring rolls originate from?

A: Spring rolls originate from China. But the original rolls did not look like the modern ones. They were flat and not crispy like they are now. 

Air-Fried Spring Rolls Recipe

Ready to make these delicious rolls? While you’ll have a little prep time, once you’ve chopped the vegetables, your rolls will be ready in minutes.

Cooking mode

Step-by-step instruction without your screen going to sleep

  • 4 teaspoons toasted sesame oil 
  • 6 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed 
  • 1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger 
  • 2 cups thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms 
  • 4 cups chopped green cabbage
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 cup grated carrot
  • 16 rice paper wrappers 
  • Cooking oil spray (sunflower, safflower, or refined coconut) 
  • Gluten-free sweet and sour sauce or Thai sweet chili sauce, for serving (optional) 

Utensils

  • Large Saute Pan
  • Step 1

    Place a wok or sauté pan over medium heat until hot.

  • Step 2

    Add the sesame oil, garlic, ginger, mushrooms, cabbage, carrot, and salt. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage is lightly wilted. Remove the pan from the heat.

  • Step 3

    Gently run a rice paper under water. Lay it on a flat nonabsorbent surface (such as a countertop). Place about 1/4 cup of the cabbage filling in the middle. Once the wrapper is soft enough to roll fold the bottom up over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll the wrapper all the way up. (Basically, make a tiny burrito.)

  • Step 4

    Repeat step 3 to make the remaining spring rolls until you have the number of spring rolls you want to cook right now (and the amount that will fit in the air fryer basket in a single layer without them touching each other). Refrigerate any leftover filling in an airtight container for about 1 week. 

  • Step 5

    Insert the crisper plate into the basket and the basket into the unit. Preheat the unit by selecting AIR FRY, setting the temperature to 390°F, and setting the time to 3 minutes.  Select START/STOP to begin.

  • Step 6

    Once the unit is preheated, spray the crisper plate and the basket with cooking oil. Place the spring rolls into the basket, leaving a little room between them so they don’t stick to each other. Spray the top of each spring roll with cooking oil.

  • Step 7

    Select AIR FRY, set the temperature to 390°F, and set the time to 9 minutes. Select START/STOP to begin.

  • Step 8

    When the cooking is complete, the egg rolls should be crispy and lightly browned. Serve immediately, plain or with a sauce of choice.