These Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls are a fun, healthy snack! Filled with fresh veggies and your choice of protein, they get crispy in the air fryer without all the oil.
Make sure to dip them in your favorite sauce for an extra burst of flavor! I can’t help but snack on them while preparing — they’re just too good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper Sheets: These are essential for wrapping your fillings. If you can’t find round sheets, square ones can work as well. They’re usually found in the international aisle of grocery stores or Asian markets.
Shrimp: I love using shrimp for its tender, sweet taste. If you’re not a fan, cooked chicken or tofu makes a great alternative. For a vegetarian option, try adding mushrooms or extra veggies.
Shredded Carrots & Cabbage: Both add a crunchy texture. You can swap them for other veggies like bell peppers or cucumber for a refreshing twist.
Fresh Cilantro: This adds a fresh flavor. If you’re not a cilantro fan, try fresh mint or basil. They give a different, yet tasty, aromatic note!
Hoisin Sauce: Great for the dipping sauce, but if you don’t have it, you can mix soy sauce with a little sugar to mimic the sweetness, or even use peanut sauce for a different flavor.
How Do I Get My Rice Paper Rolls to Stay Closed?
Rolling rice paper might seem tricky, but with a bit of practice, you’ll get it just right! Start by laying your filling in the lower third of the softened rice paper. To seal, fold the bottom up over the filling and tuck it in tightly before folding in the sides.
- Wrap it firmly, but not too tight to avoid tearing.
- Don’t skip the oil spray before air frying—it helps achieve a crispy texture!
- If rolls are hard to handle, use a damp cloth under them to prevent sticking.
How to Make Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 8-10 rice paper sheets (round, about 8 inches in diameter)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped or whole (can substitute with cooked chicken or tofu)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cooked rice vermicelli noodles (optional)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for filling)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil (for filling)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for brushing the rice paper rolls before air frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Optional: chili flakes or sriracha for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare the filling and assemble the rolls, plus about 8 minutes for air frying. Overall, plan for around 30 minutes to enjoy these delicious crispy rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine cooked shrimp, shredded carrots, purple cabbage, bean sprouts, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and cooked vermicelli noodles if you’re using them. Drizzle in the soy sauce and sesame oil, and toss everything together until well mixed.
2. Soften the Rice Paper:
Grab a large shallow dish or plate and fill it with warm water. Dip one rice paper sheet into the water for about 10-15 seconds. You want it to be soft but still a bit firm to the touch. Lay the softened rice paper flat on a clean surface like a countertop or a piece of parchment paper.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
Take 2-3 tablespoons of the filling and place it in a line about 1/3 of the way up from the bottom edge of the rice paper. Fold the bottom edge over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll it up tightly to seal. Repeat this process with the remaining rice paper sheets and filling until all are done.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. This step is important for the rolls to cook evenly.
5. Prepare for Air Frying:
Before air frying, lightly spray or brush the rice paper rolls with oil on all sides. This will help them get nice and crispy while cooking!
6. Air Fry the Rolls:
Place the rolled rice papers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through, until the rolls are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent overcooking.
7. Make the Dipping Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar or lime juice, and add chili flakes or sriracha for some spice if you like. Mix well and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Once your crispy rice paper rolls are done, arrange them on a plate. You can garnish them with extra sliced green onions or cilantro. Serve warm with your delicious dipping sauce on the side and enjoy your homemade treat!
Enjoy your delicious, crispy air fryer rice paper rolls!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for quicker thawing.
Can I Use Whole Rice Paper Sheets Instead of Cutting Them?
Absolutely! Using whole rice paper sheets works perfectly fine. Just be mindful of the amount of filling you add to ensure they roll up tightly without tearing.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Rice Paper Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain some crispiness.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
You can get creative with your fillings! Try adding slices of bell pepper, cucumber, radishes, or even cooked mushrooms. Just remember to balance textures and flavors for the best results.
