Save to Pinterest These crispy spring rolls deliver golden perfection without deep frying. The air fryer creates beautifully crisp wrappers while keeping the vegetable filling tender and flavorful. Each roll bursts with shredded cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, and aromatic aromatics like garlic and fresh ginger.
The process comes together in just 40 minutes, making them perfect for gatherings or weeknight appetizers. Serve alongside the quick whisked dipping sauce of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili flakes for that restaurant-quality finish at home.
My tiny apartment kitchen smelled incredible when I first attempted spring rolls without a deep fryer. I was skeptical they would actually crisp up, but watching them turn golden in the air fryer felt like discovering a kitchen superpower.
Friends could not stop grabbing them from the platter at my last dinner party. Someone actually asked if I had secretly ordered takeout, which I am still counting as a massive win.
Ingredients
- Shredded cabbage: Creates the perfect crunch and absorbs all those savory flavors
- Carrot, julienned: Adds sweetness and beautiful color throughout the filling
- Bean sprouts: Provide fresh texture and keep things light
- Green onions: Bring mild onion flavor and a pop of green
- Garlic and ginger: The aromatic foundation that makes everything taste authentic
- Soy sauce: Deep umami that ties all vegetables together
- Sesame oil: Toasty, nutty richness you cannot skip
- Spring roll wrappers: Thaw completely or they will tear and frustrate you
- Cornstarch slurry: The secret to keeping rolls sealed tight
- Oil spray: Essential for achieving golden color
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics:
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute until your kitchen smells amazing
- Cook the vegetables:
- Add cabbage, carrot, and green onions, cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, then stir in bean sprouts, soy sauce, and pepper for 2 more minutes
- Cool the filling:
- Remove from heat and let cool completely, otherwise hot filling will make your wrappers soggy
- Roll like a pro:
- Place wrapper in a diamond shape, spoon 2 tablespoons filling near the bottom corner, fold up, fold in sides, roll tight, and seal with cornstarch slurry
- Preheat smart:
- Get your air fryer to 390°F so they start crisping immediately
- Oil and arrange:
- Spray all sides with oil and place in a single layer, working in batches so they crisp instead of steam
- Air fry to perfection:
- Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, flip carefully, then finish with 5 to 7 more minutes until deep golden
- Whisk the sauce:
- Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili flakes until sugar dissolves
Save to Pinterest My sister now demands these every time she visits, and I happily oblige since they come together so quickly. They have become one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually so simple.
Make Ahead Magic
The filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, which actually helps flavors meld together. You can also roll uncooked spring rolls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag and air fry from frozen for 5 minutes longer.
Perfect Wrapping Technique
Keep your wrappers covered with a damp cloth while working since they dry out fast. Roll tightly but gently, and do not overstuff or they will burst during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These disappear fastest when served immediately while still hot and crispy.
- Pair with sweet chili sauce if you want something different
- Extra protein like cooked chicken or shrimp turns them into a meal
- Leftovers reheat surprisingly well at 375°F for 3 minutes
Save to Pinterest Hope these become your new go-to for easy, impressive appetizers that everyone will ask for again and again.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I freeze uncooked spring rolls?
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Yes, place uncooked rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to cooking time.
- → What other fillings work well?
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Try adding cooked ground pork, shredded chicken, shrimp, or crumbled tofu. Mushrooms, vermicelli noodles, or bamboo shoots also add great texture and flavor variation.
- → How do I prevent soggy wrappers?
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Ensure your vegetable filling has cooled completely before wrapping. Excess moisture creates soggy wrappers. Also avoid overfilling—2 tablespoons per roll is ideal.
- → Can I bake these instead?
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Bake at 400°F, brushing with oil and cooking 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. The texture won't be quite as crisp as air frying, but still delicious.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
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Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwaving makes them soggy, while the oven may dry them out too much.
