These crispy air fryer rice paper rolls are packed with fresh veggies and your choice of protein. They’re super crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside—what’s not to love?
Honestly, I can’t get enough of these rolls! They’re great for dipping in peanut sauce or soy sauce. Plus, they’re easy to whip up for a quick snack or light meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper Sheets: Essential for wrapping, rice paper sheets are light and let the fillings shine. If you can’t find these, consider using flour tortillas as a substitute for a different taste, but expect a different texture!
Vermicelli Rice Noodles: These noodles add bulk and a soft texture. If you’re out, try using cellophane noodles or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just make sure to cook them first!
Purple Cabbage: I love purple cabbage for its crunch and color. Green cabbage or even some leafy greens can be a great swap if purple isn’t available. They taste just as good!
Chopped Cooked Shrimp or Chicken: This is optional but adds protein. You can omit it for a vegetarian version or use tofu instead for a tasty alternative.
Dipping Sauce Ingredients: Instead of soy sauce, you could use coconut aminos for a soy-free option. Honey can be swapped with maple syrup for a vegan choice.
How Can I Get the Rice Paper Rolls to Roll Perfectly?
Rolling rice paper can feel tricky at first, but it’s all about the technique. When soaking the rice paper, make sure it’s pliable but not too soft; this helps prevent tearing.
- Dip each sheet in warm water for 10-15 seconds until softened.
- Place the filling at the bottom third of the sheet, but don’t overfill it; keep a bit of space at the edges!
- Fold the sides in and roll tightly, securing the filling safely inside.
Practice makes perfect! If the first few rolls aren’t perfect, don’t worry—just keep trying, and they’ll get easier.
How to Make Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice Paper Rolls:
- 8 rice paper sheets (spring roll wrappers)
- 1 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (spring onions)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup chopped cooked shrimp or cooked chicken (optional)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (for seasoning)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Cooking spray or a little oil (for air frying)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You will spend around 15 minutes preparing the ingredients and assembling the rolls, and then about 10 minutes for air frying. Don’t forget to add a little extra time for making the dipping sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fillings:
Start by cooking and rinsing the vermicelli rice noodles. Then shred the purple cabbage and carrots, chop the green onions and cilantro, and if you’re using shrimp or chicken, chop them into small pieces. Once done, mix these ingredients together in a bowl with soy sauce and sesame oil until well combined.
2. Soften the Rice Paper:
Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Carefully dip one rice paper sheet into the water for about 10-15 seconds, or until it’s softened but still a bit pliable. Don’t soak it too long, or it might tear!
3. Assemble the Rolls:
Lay the softened rice paper flat on a clean surface. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of your filling mixture near the bottom third of the wrapper. Make sure not to overfill!
4. Roll It Up:
Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then start rolling tightly from the bottom to the top. Make sure to seal the roll well to keep everything inside. Repeat this process with the remaining rice paper sheets and filling.
5. Prepare for Air Frying:
Lightly spray or brush the rolls with cooking oil. Then, sprinkle sesame seeds over them for a lovely crunch and flavor.
6. Air Fry the Rolls:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the rice paper rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer—avoid overlapping to ensure even cooking. Air fry them for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through for that crispy golden finish!
7. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the rolls are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and if you’re using them, the grated ginger and minced garlic in a small bowl. Mix well to combine.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the rolls are crispy and golden, serve them hot alongside the savory dipping sauce. Don’t forget to garnish with some chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh touch!
These crispy air fryer rice paper rolls are not just a delight to eat but also super fun to make! Perfect as an appetizer or snack. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Fillings in My Rice Paper Rolls?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the fillings to your liking. You can add various vegetables, tofu, or even cooked meats like beef or pork. Just ensure the ingredients are cooked and seasoned to your taste before adding them to the rolls.
How Should I Store Leftover Rice Paper Rolls?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep them from sticking together, you can layer them with parchment paper. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make the Dipping Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dipping sauce in advance! Just whisk together the ingredients and store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
What Can I Use Instead of Rice Paper?
If you’re unable to find rice paper, you can use flour tortillas or lettuce leaves as an alternative. Flour tortillas will give a different texture, and lettuce leaves offer a fresh crunch! Just keep in mind that cooking times will vary.
