These crispy air fryer rice paper rolls are a fun and tasty treat! Packed with fresh veggies, herbs, and your choice of protein, they’re great for a light meal or snack.
Making these rolls is a breeze! I love how quick they cook in the air fryer—just a few minutes, and they’re golden and crunchy. Plus, you can dip them in your favorite sauce for an extra boost of flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper: Rice paper sheets are essential for this recipe. If you cannot find them, you can use other thin wraps like spring roll wrappers, but the texture will be different.
Shrimp or Prawns: Cooked shrimp adds flavor and protein. For a vegetarian option, try using tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms as a filling. I love using marinated tofu for added taste!
Vermicelli Rice Noodles: These are light and perfect for the rolls. If you don’t have them, any thin pasta could work, but the texture may change. I’ve used glass noodles before, and they taste great!
Fresh Herbs: A mix of mint, cilantro, and Thai basil gives the rolls freshness. If you don’t have all, just use one or consider parsley as a substitute. I always add extra mint for a refreshing kick.
Lettuce or Cabbage: Both provide crunch. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, try using thinly sliced cucumbers. I often use cabbage for an extra crunch.
How Do You Properly Soften Rice Paper?
The key to perfect rice paper rolls is in how you soften the rice paper. If not done right, they can tear or be too stiff to roll. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a shallow dish with warm water, deep enough for the rice paper to be fully submerged.
- Dip one sheet for about 10 seconds. It should feel soft but still have a little firmness.
- Carefully lay it flat on a clean surface to avoid sticking.
Quickly work with each sheet, as they soften more while you fill. Practice makes perfect!
What’s the Best Way to Assemble and Roll the Rice Paper Rolls?
Assembling and rolling the rice paper rolls can be tricky, but with these steps, you’ll get it right:
- Place your fillings in the lower third of the rice paper sheet (not too much, or it’ll burst).
- Be sure to fold the sides inwards to keep everything secure.
- Roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top. The rice paper will stick to itself, so ensure it’s snug.
This way, you’ll create neat rolls that hold together well when cooking!
How Can You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Air Fried Rolls?
To get crispy rolls, follow these steps:
- Make sure to coat the rolls lightly with oil or cooking spray. This helps them crisp up nicely.
- Air fry in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. This ensures even cooking and browning.
- Flip the rolls halfway through cooking for golden results on both sides.
This will give you rice paper rolls that are crunchy on the outside and delicious on the inside!
How to Make Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 12 rice paper sheets (round or square)
- 300g cooked shrimp or prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles
- 1 cup fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil), chopped
- 1 cup lettuce or cabbage, shredded
- 2 green onions, finely sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 small carrot, grated (optional)
- Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil for air frying
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Sesame seeds for garnish
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or fresh chili (optional)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 8 minutes to cook in the air fryer, plus additional time to chill the sauce if you prefer it cold. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to enjoy these delicious rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
Start by getting all your fillings ready. Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. Finely chop the fresh herbs, slice the green onions, shred the lettuce or cabbage, and grate the carrot if you’re using it. Having everything prepped makes the assembly much easier!
2. Soften Rice Paper:
Fill a large shallow dish or pan with warm water. Take one rice paper sheet and dip it into the warm water for about 10 seconds. You want it to soften but still be slightly firm, as it will continue to soften while you fill and roll it. Once softened, lay it flat on a clean surface.
3. Assemble Rolls:
On the lower third of the rice paper sheet, place a small handful of vermicelli noodles, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a bit of shredded lettuce or cabbage, and the grated carrot if you chose to include it. Next, lay 2-3 shrimp pieces on top, and add a sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
4. Roll It Up:
To roll, fold the sides of the rice paper inwards over the filling. Then, starting from the bottom, roll it up tightly until you reach the top. It should look like a neat little spring roll! Repeat this process for all the rice paper sheets.
5. Preheat Air Fryer:
While you’re assembling, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures your rolls start cooking right away.
6. Prepare Rice Paper Rolls for Air Frying:
Once your rolls are ready, lightly spray or brush them with oil. This will help them crisp up beautifully while they cook in the air fryer.
7. Air Fry:
Carefully place the rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 180°C for 6-8 minutes. Don’t forget to turn them halfway through so they get evenly crispy and golden on all sides!
8. Make Dipping Sauce:
While the rolls are air frying, grab a small bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, chili flakes, and toasted sesame seeds. This sauce is the perfect complement to the crispy rolls!
9. Serve:
Once the rolls are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and garnish with extra sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve them warm with lime wedges and your fresh dipping sauce.
Enjoy your crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls! They’re great as an appetizer or a light meal.
Can I Use Other Fillings for the Rice Paper Rolls?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. You can use cooked chicken, tofu, or a variety of vegetables like bell peppers or avocado. Just make sure to chop everything finely for easy rolling!
How Do I Store Leftover Rice Paper Rolls?
If you have any leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, place a damp paper towel between layers. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes when ready to enjoy again!
What Can I Substitute for Shrimp?
If you’re looking for a substitute for shrimp, consider using cooked chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also fill the rolls with just vegetables such as sliced cucumbers or bell peppers for a fresh, veggie-packed version.
Can I Make the Dipping Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! The dipping sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This way, you’ll have a ready-to-use sauce when you’re ready to enjoy your rice paper rolls!