These Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls are crispy and filled with your favorite veggies and goodies. They’re light, fresh, and perfect as a snack or appetizer!
Making these rolls is super fun! Just wrap your fillings in rice paper, air fry until golden, and you’ve got a delicious treat. They disappear quickly at my house! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper Sheets: These are essential for wrapping your rolls. Look for spring roll or rice paper brands at Asian markets. If you’re out of rice paper, you can use thin tortillas as a substitute, though the texture will differ.
Shrimp, Chicken, or Tofu: I love using shrimp for its delicate flavor, but grilled chicken or crispy tofu works great too. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, tofu is a fantastic choice. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned!
Cabbage: Purple cabbage adds a beautiful crunch and color. However, green cabbage or even bok choy can be swapped in if needed. They bring similar textures and flavors.
Fresh Herbs: Mint and cilantro give these rolls a fresh taste. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try using basil or parsley instead for different flavor notes.
Dipping Sauce Ingredients: If you don’t have hoisin sauce, honey works for a touch of sweetness. Tamari can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free version. Feel free to adjust spices based on your heat preference!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Rice Paper for Rolling?
Soaking rice paper correctly is vital for good results. You want them soft but not too mushy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Fill a shallow dish with warm water, which makes it easier to soften the rice paper.
- Dip one sheet into the water for about 10-15 seconds—just enough for it to start softening.
- Carefully lift it out, allowing excess water to drip off. It should still have some firmness; it’ll soften more as you roll.
Wrap your filling snugly, but don’t overstuff, as this can lead to tears. Practice makes perfect! It might take a few tries to get that perfect roll, but it’s fun along the way.
How to Make Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 8 rice paper sheets
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, sliced in half lengthwise (or cooked chicken or tofu for variation)
- 1 cup cooked rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Cooking oil spray or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for brushing
- Lime wedges, for serving
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or honey (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20-25 minutes in total: 10 minutes for preparation and another 10-15 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. A quick and enjoyable meal awaits you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
First, get all your filling ingredients ready! Slice the shrimp in half lengthwise, shred the cabbage, julienne the carrot, and chop the fresh mint and cilantro. The more organized you are, the easier it will be to roll later!
2. Soak the Noodles:
In a bowl, soak the cooked rice vermicelli noodles in hot water for about 5 minutes, or until they soften. After soaking, drain them well and set aside for later use.
3. Soften the Rice Paper:
Find a large shallow dish or pie plate and fill it with warm water. Dip one rice paper sheet into the water for about 10-15 seconds, until it softens but is still slightly firm. You want it pliable but not too mushy!
4. Fill and Roll:
Lay the softened rice paper flat on a clean surface. In the bottom third of the sheet, add some shrimp halves, a handful of softer vermicelli noodles, a bit of shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, mint, cilantro, and a sprinkle of green onions. Then, fold the bottom edge over the filling, bring the sides in, and roll tightly up to the top to form a neat roll. Keep repeating this with the remaining sheets and filling.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
While you’re finishing up rolling, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. This will ensure your rolls get crispy!
6. Oil the Rolls:
Next, lightly spray or brush the outside of each roll with vegetable oil. This step helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
7. Air Fry the Rolls:
Carefully place the rolls in your air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Look for a beautiful golden and crispy finish!
8. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the rolls are air frying, whisk together all the dipping sauce ingredients—soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin (or honey), sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes or hot sauce (if using)—in a small bowl. Set it aside for serving!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the rolls are crisp, take them out of the air fryer. Garnish with sesame seeds and any extra chopped green onions you saved. Serve hot with the dipping sauce and lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls as a delightful appetizer or light meal!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Options in This Recipe?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, use rice paper for wrapping and tamari instead of soy sauce in the dipping sauce. Both ensure you can enjoy these delicious rolls without gluten.
What Can I Use Instead of Shrimp?
If shrimp isn’t your preference, cooked chicken or crispy tofu make great alternatives. Feel free to get creative and use your favorite protein!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed and crispy again!
Can I Make the Dipping Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dipping sauce in advance! Just mix all the ingredients together and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving, and you’re all set!
