Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls are a fantastic way to enjoy a crunchy snack without the extra oil from frying. These rolls are filled with a tasty mix of veggies and sometimes meat, all wrapped in a delicate, thin pastry that gets perfectly crispy in the air fryer. The best part is that they come out golden brown and crunchy on the outside while staying nice and juicy on the inside.
I love how quick and simple these spring rolls are to make, especially when you’re craving something crunchy but want to keep it a bit lighter. Using the air fryer means less mess and a lot less oil, but you still get that wonderful crunch. I usually like to prepare a big batch and keep them in the fridge for easy snacks or a quick appetizer for friends coming over.
My favorite way to serve these spring rolls is with a dipping sauce like sweet chili or a tangy soy sauce—it adds such a nice punch of flavor. They’re perfect as party snacks or to serve alongside a fresh salad or stir-fried veggies for a casual meal. Anytime I make these crispy air fryer spring rolls, they disappear fast because everyone loves that satisfying crunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork: This gives a nice flavor and texture, but you can swap it with ground chicken, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to cook the filling until no longer pink before wrapping.
Cabbage & Carrots: These veggies add crunch and mild sweetness. You could also use shredded napa cabbage, bean sprouts, or julienned bell peppers if you like.
Spring Roll Wrappers: These thin sheets crisp up nicely in the air fryer. If you can’t find them, you might try thin wonton wrappers, but spring roll wrappers tend to hold better and crisp more.
Beaten Egg: It’s a simple glue to seal the wrapper edges. For an egg-free alternative, use a paste made from flour and water or cornstarch and water.
How Do You Get Spring Rolls Crispy Without Overcooking the Filling?
Balancing a crispy outside with perfectly cooked filling can be tricky. Here’s how I do it:
- Cook the filling fully before wrapping. This way, the inside doesn’t need much cooking in the air fryer.
- Don’t overfill the wrappers; keep about 2 tablespoons to avoid bursting or soggy rolls.
- Brush or spray the rolls lightly with oil to help them crisp in the air fryer without drying out.
- Air fry at 400°F and flip halfway for even browning. This usually takes 10-12 minutes, but watch for golden color.
- Allow the rolls to cool for a minute after cooking; they crisp up even more as they rest.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend this because it crisps the spring rolls evenly without needing much oil.
- Large skillet – for cooking the filling; a non-stick one makes cleanup easier.
- Bowls – for mixing the filling ingredients and for sealing the edges with beaten egg.
- Cooking brush or spray bottle – to lightly oil the spring rolls for a crispy finish.
- Serving platter – to display the crispy rolls and garnishes nicely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground pork with cooked shrimp or tofu for different textures and flavors.
- Mix in chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a fresh touch.
- Add a splash of hoisin sauce or sriracha to the filling for extra sweetness or spice.
- Include shredded water chestnuts or mushrooms in the filling for crunch and earthy flavor.
Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- ½ pound ground pork (or chicken or shrimp)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Wrappers & Finishing:
- 12 spring roll wrappers (6-7 inch size)
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing the wrappers)
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil (for air frying)
- Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro and lime wedges
- Sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep and cooking time, plus a few extra minutes for assembling and air frying. The air fryer does all the hard work to get the rolls perfectly crispy in around 10-12 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Filling:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground pork, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess fat. Add minced garlic and fresh ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Next, stir in the shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes until veggies are tender but still have a little crunch. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well and cook for 1-2 more minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
2. Wrap the Spring Rolls:
Lay one spring roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling near the corner closest to you. Fold that corner over the filling, then fold in the two side corners tightly, and roll away from you until almost fully wrapped.
Brush the top corner with beaten egg to seal the roll tightly. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Air Fry to Crispy Perfection:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray or brush the spring rolls with oil, then arrange them in a single layer in the basket without touching. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the spring rolls are golden brown and crispy all over.
Remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the crispy spring rolls with chopped green onions or cilantro, add lime wedges on the side, and serve with sweet chili or soy dipping sauce. Perfect as a snack or appetizer!
Can I Use Frozen Spring Rolls in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time and air fry them from frozen until crispy and heated through. No need to thaw beforehand.
How Should I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and cool the filling a day in advance, then assemble and air fry the spring rolls when ready. This makes for an easy, quick cooking process.
What Are Good Substitutions for the Meat?
If you prefer, replace ground pork with ground chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Just cook the filling fully before wrapping and proceed as usual for best results.