Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls are a fantastic way to enjoy a crunchy, golden treat without the extra oil of traditional frying. They come packed with a mix of fresh veggies and sometimes some savory fillings wrapped up in thin, flaky spring roll wrappers that crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. The best part is getting that satisfying crunch with every bite, alongside a burst of flavorful fillings inside.
I love making these spring rolls whenever I want a quick snack or a light appetizer that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. Using the air fryer makes the whole process super easy and much less messy than deep frying—you just pop them in, set the timer, and wait for that perfect crispy finish. Plus, I find they’re great for meal prep and can be warmed up again later without losing their crispiness, which is always a win in my book.
My favorite way to enjoy these spring rolls is with a simple dipping sauce, like sweet chili or soy sauce mixed with a little fresh lime juice and garlic. It adds a nice tang and extra flavor that complements the crunch perfectly. Whether served as a snack, party finger food, or part of a meal, everyone seems to love how light and delicious these crispy air fryer spring rolls turn out.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spring Roll Wrappers: These thin sheets create the crisp, flaky outer layer. If you can’t find them, rice paper wrappers can work but give a different texture. Keep wrappers covered with a damp cloth to avoid drying out.
Vegetables: Cabbage and carrots bring crunch and freshness, while mushrooms add earthiness. You can swap mushrooms with bell peppers or zucchini for variety. Using fresh bean sprouts adds a nice light crunch.
Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: Soy sauce adds salty depth. Oyster sauce is optional but adds richness — you can replace it with hoisin or a splash of mushroom sauce for vegetarian versions.
Garlic & Ginger: These add essential aroma and flavor to the filling. Fresh grated ginger is best but ground ginger is okay if fresh isn’t available. Don’t skip these; they brighten the whole dish.
Oil or Cooking Spray: A light brush or spray of oil helps the rolls get that golden crisp in the air fryer. Use vegetable or sesame oil for a subtle nutty flavor.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Spring Rolls in the Air Fryer?
Getting the crisp texture without deep frying can be tricky. Here’s how to nail it every time:
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) so it’s hot when you start cooking.
- Lightly spray or brush each spring roll with oil. Too much oil can make them soggy, too little and they won’t crisp evenly.
- Place rolls in a single layer without overcrowding—air needs to circulate around each roll.
- Flip halfway through cooking to brown evenly on all sides.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes; check as air fryer models vary. Look for golden brown and firm texture.
- Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crunch!
Remember, patience is key. Don’t rush the cooking or crowd the basket. The air fryer does the magic with hot circulating air, making these spring rolls crisp and light without deep frying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – This is the best way to get crispy rolls without frying! It circulates hot air for even browning.
- Large mixing bowl – Perfect for tossing and combining the filling ingredients.
- Pan or skillet – Used to sauté the vegetables and aromatics for the filling.
- Cooking brush or spray bottle – For lightly coating the spring rolls with oil before cooking.
- Plate or cutting board – To assemble and roll the spring rolls easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cooked shredded chicken, tofu, or shrimp inside for extra protein and heartiness.
- Use hoisin sauce or a splash of sesame oil instead of oyster sauce for a vegetarian twist.
- Mix in chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for more fresh flavor.
- Try different vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or baby corn to change up the texture and taste.
Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup thinly sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: cooked shredded chicken or tofu for protein
For Assembling:
- 12 spring roll wrappers
- Cooking spray or a light brush of vegetable oil
For Serving:
- Lime wedges
- Chopped green onions
- Your favorite dipping sauce (like sweet chili or soy sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the filling and wrap the rolls, plus 8-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, plan for around 25-30 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Heat a little oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the shredded cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and sliced green onions. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables soften but still keep a little crunch. Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
2. Assemble the Spring Rolls:
Lay one spring roll wrapper flat with a corner facing you (like a diamond). Put 2-3 tablespoons of filling near that corner. Fold the corner over the filling, then fold in the two side corners. Roll away from you tightly until the wrapper seals. Use a little water on the last edge to help it stick. Repeat this for all the wrappers and filling.
3. Cook the Spring Rolls:
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray or brush each spring roll with oil for a crispy finish. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve:
Serve the spring rolls hot, garnished with chopped green onions and lime wedges on the side. They’re perfect with sweet chili sauce or a soy sauce dipping mix.
Can I Use Frozen Spring Roll Wrappers?
Yes! Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. Keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out while working.
Can I Prepare Spring Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the spring rolls and store them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before cooking. Just cover them with a damp towel or plastic wrap to keep the wrappers soft and fresh.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cooked spring rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to keep them crispy.
Can I Add Protein to the Filling?
Yes! Shredded cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp are great additions. Just mix them into the filling before assembling the rolls for extra flavor and heartiness.