Spring rolls are beloved around the world for their crisp, golden wrappers and flavorful, veggie-packed fillings. Traditionally, these delicious rolls are deep-fried, but the air fryer offers a fantastic alternative: crispy, golden spring rolls with a fraction of the oil. With the right techniques, you can achieve a perfectly crunchy shell and a tender, well-seasoned vegetable filling—all in under 30 minutes.
In this in-depth guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to make Air Fryer Veggie Spring Rolls at home with confidence. From choosing the best wrappers and vegetables to avoiding soggy rolls and customizing dipping sauces, this recipe will help you master the process with ease. Whether you’re serving these as appetizers, party snacks, or part of a light meal, air-fried spring rolls are a crowd-pleasing, healthier alternative to traditional fried versions.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Veggie Spring Rolls
Air frying brings out the best in spring rolls without the hassle of deep frying. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Crispy with Minimal Oil: Perfectly crunchy with just a light cooking spray.
- Quick Cook Time: Ready in 10-12 minutes in the air fryer.
- Customizable Fillings: Use your favorite veggies, mushrooms, noodles, or even tofu.
- Healthier Alternative: Lower in fat and calories compared to deep-fried spring rolls.
- Perfect for Dipping: Pairs beautifully with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or peanut sauce.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Spring rolls can be deceptively simple, but there are a few potential pitfalls. Let’s troubleshoot them upfront:
1. Soggy or Chewy Wrappers
The biggest challenge is preventing soggy, under-crisped wrappers.
Solution: Lightly spray the rolls with oil and preheat the air fryer. Don’t overstuff, and make sure the filling isn’t too wet.
2. Cracking or Bursting Rolls
If the rolls crack while cooking, they may have been wrapped too tightly or the wrappers may have dried out.
Solution: Keep wrappers covered while assembling and don’t over-tighten the roll. Use a damp cloth to keep the wrappers pliable.
3. Uneven Cooking
If the air fryer basket is crowded, the rolls won’t crisp evenly.
Solution: Cook in a single layer with space between each roll. Flip halfway through for uniform crispness.
4. Wet Filling Causes Sogginess
Excess moisture from cooked veggies can make the rolls soggy inside.
Solution: Pre-cook the filling to release moisture and cool it before wrapping.
Selecting the Best Ingredients
Spring Roll Wrappers:
- Use thin spring roll wrappers (found in the freezer section of most Asian grocery stores), not rice paper wrappers.
- Thaw frozen wrappers according to package instructions.
Vegetables:
- Classic mix includes shredded cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and green onions.
- Other options: bell peppers, zucchini, bamboo shoots, or vermicelli noodles.
Seasonings:
- Soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil add rich flavor.
- Optional: Add a little hoisin sauce or chili garlic sauce to the filling for a flavor boost.
Dipping Sauce:
- Sweet chili sauce
- Soy sauce with sesame oil and rice vinegar
- Peanut sauce
- Hoisin sauce
Equipment Recommendations
- Air Fryer: Basket-style preferred for crispy, even cooking.
- Non-Stick Pan: For sautéing the filling.
- Tongs: Essential for flipping the rolls.
- Pastry Brush (optional): For brushing oil over the rolls evenly.
Smart Substitutions and Dietary Adjustments
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and check wrapper labels carefully.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- Spicy: Add chili paste or sriracha to the filling or dipping sauce.
- Protein Boost: Add tofu, edamame, or cooked shrimp to the filling.
Preparation Strategies for Best Results
- Pre-Cook the Filling: Cooking vegetables ahead of time prevents sogginess and helps condense flavors.
- Cool the Filling: Hot filling can tear the wrappers.
- Keep Wrappers Moist: Cover with a damp towel to prevent drying out during assembly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Ensures crisping starts right away.
- Oil the Rolls Lightly: A light coat of oil is crucial for that golden finish.
Flavor Boosting Tips
- Add Fresh Herbs: Chopped cilantro, Thai basil, or mint can add bright flavor.
- Layer Sauces: Toss some of the filling in hoisin or oyster sauce for a sweet-savory note.
- Serve with Multiple Dips: Sweet chili sauce, soy-ginger dip, and spicy peanut sauce make great dipping trios.
- Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty crunch to the exterior.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup shiitake or button mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Assembly
- 12 spring roll wrappers (thawed if frozen)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for sealing)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing
Dipping Sauce (Optional)
- Sweet chili sauce
- Soy sauce mixed with rice vinegar and sesame oil
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Filling
Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
Sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and soy sauce. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften and release moisture.
Stir in bean sprouts and sesame oil, then cook for another minute.
Transfer the filling to a plate and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Wrappers
Place one spring roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape (point facing you).
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling near the bottom of the wrapper.
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly. Seal the edge with the flour-water paste.
Repeat with remaining wrappers.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Air Fry the Spring Rolls
Lightly brush or spray each spring roll with oil on all sides.
Arrange spring rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Sensory Tip: You should hear a light crackling when touched with tongs and see a golden blistered surface.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces.
Optional: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Troubleshooting and Tips
- Spring Rolls Aren’t Crispy: Ensure you brushed them with enough oil and didn’t overcrowd the air fryer.
- Filling Is Watery: Make sure you sautéed the vegetables long enough to cook off excess moisture.
- Wrappers Crack During Cooking: Keep wrappers covered with a damp cloth while assembling to maintain flexibility.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer veggie spring rolls pair well with:
- Sweet chili sauce
- Soy-ginger dipping sauce
- Spicy peanut sauce
- Asian-style noodle salad
- Miso soup or hot and sour soup
These also make excellent appetizers alongside sushi rolls or dumplings.
Storage and Reheating
Storage:
- Store cooked spring rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Oven: Warm at 375°F (190°C) for 7-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Fast but will soften the wrapper.
Spring rolls can also be frozen before air frying. Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Air fry directly from frozen, adding 2-4 extra minutes to the cook time.
Recipe Variations: Deep-Fried vs. Oven-Baked vs. Air Fryer
Think of each method like comparing pie, cobbler, and crumble:
- Deep-Fried Spring Rolls: Like a cobbler—rich, indulgent, crispy but oily.
- Oven-Baked Spring Rolls: Like a pie—structured but not as crisp.
- Air Fryer Spring Rolls: Like a crumble—quick, crisp, and lightly golden with less oil.
The air fryer version gives you the crunch of frying with the convenience and lightness of baking.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Veggie Spring Rolls are a fantastic, crispy, plant-based snack or appetizer that comes together quickly and with much less oil than traditional methods. With a crisp golden shell and a flavorful, tender vegetable filling, these spring rolls are endlessly versatile and perfect for dipping.
Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a light lunch, or a family dinner, this recipe is approachable, adaptable, and sure to become a favorite in your air fryer rotation.
Happy air frying and happy dipping!