Crispy spring rolls with golden edges and a tender vegetable filling. That's what happens when you air fry them at 400°F with a light oil coating instead of deep-frying.
The air fryer does all the work. You get the crunch without standing over hot oil or dealing with splatter.
This works for weeknight appetizers when you want something that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in 30 minutes. Make a batch for meal prep and reheat them crispy all week.
Air fryer vegetable spring rolls deliver crispy wrappers and savory filling without deep-frying. Sauté cabbage, carrots, and aromatics, wrap tightly in spring roll wrappers, then air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Light oil on the wrappers creates golden edges while keeping the filling moist.
Why This Recipe Works
Air frying creates crispy wrappers without submerging them in oil because high heat circulates around each roll. For a version that comes together quickly, this easy rolls recipe uses a similar technique with different filling options.
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Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
10-12 min
Total Time
30-35 min
Servings
8-10 rolls
Difficulty
Easy
Category
Appetizer
Quick Tip
Lightly oil wrappers for extra crispiness.
Best For
Weeknight | Meal prep | Entertaining
What makes this technique reliable:
- Preheating the air fryer jump-starts the crisping process so wrappers brown evenly in 10-12 minutes
- Flipping halfway prevents one side from burning while the other stays pale
- Light oil coating helps wrappers turn golden instead of staying dry and paper-like
- Leaving space between rolls allows hot air to circulate and crisp all sides at once
- Using fresh wrappers prevents cracking during rolling and tearing during cooking
What You'll Need
Most of these ingredients sit in your pantry or crisper drawer already. Rolls exists to mop up what is left on the plate. For a version that comes together quickly, easy crust side pairs well when you need something to round out the meal.
- shredded cabbage
- carrot (julienned)
- green onion (chopped)
- garlic (minced)
- ginger (grated)
- soy sauce
- sesame oil
- spring roll wrappers
- vegetable oil spray
Ingredient Details
- Spring roll wrappers
Use wheat-based wrappers for air frying - rice paper turns brittle and doesn't crisp the same way - Cabbage
Shred finely so it cooks quickly and rolls tightly without tearing the wrapper - Carrot
Julienne into thin matchsticks - thick chunks poke through wrappers and create uneven texture - Garlic and ginger
Mince both fine so they distribute evenly and don't create lumps in the filling - Soy sauce
Adds umami and seasoning but too much makes filling watery - stick to 2 tablespoons - Sesame oil
Use toasted sesame oil for nutty flavor - plain sesame oil tastes flat - Vegetable oil spray
Spray or brush wrappers lightly before air frying - oil creates golden, crispy edges
Ingredient Swaps
You can adjust vegetables based on what you have without losing the crisp texture. Most people skip kofta, but it balances the meal. For a version that comes together quickly, a simple kofta variation uses the same air fryer method with spiced meat filling.
Four practical swaps:
- Soy sauce → tamari - Same savory depth but gluten-free and slightly less salty
- Spring roll wrappers → rice paper wrappers - Different texture, requires soaking, less crispy but still works
- Cabbage → bok choy - Milder flavor, more tender, cooks faster in the filling
- Carrots → bell peppers - Different sweetness, adds color, slightly softer when cooked
Tamari Instead of Soy Sauce
Works for: Gluten-free diets, less salty flavor preference
Skip if: You want traditional salty umami punch
Rice Paper Instead of Wheat Wrappers
Works for: Gluten-free needs, softer chewier texture
Skip if: You want maximum crispness and sturdy structure
Instructions
The filling cooks in one skillet and takes 5 minutes to sauté before wrapping. A good soup can make or break the plate. For a version that comes together quickly, homemade soup recipe pairs well when you want something warming alongside crispy appetizers.
Sauté the filling. Heat a skillet over medium-high, add garlic and ginger, stir 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cabbage and carrots, cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil, cook 1 minute more. Transfer to a bowl and let cool 5 minutes.
Wrap the spring rolls. Lay one wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you. Place 2-3 tablespoons filling in the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck tightly, fold in the sides, then roll up snugly. Brush the top corner with water to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
Prep the air fryer. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3-4 minutes. Lightly spray or brush each spring roll with oil on all sides - this creates the golden crispy exterior.
Air fry in batches. Place spring rolls in a single layer in the basket, leaving ½ inch space between each. Cook 6 minutes, flip each roll, cook 4-6 minutes more until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if needed.
Rest before serving. Transfer cooked rolls to a plate and let rest 2-3 minutes so the filling sets and doesn't leak when you bite in. Serve with sweet chili sauce or soy-ginger dipping sauce.
What to Serve With It
Spring rolls work as an appetizer or light lunch but need something filling to make a complete meal. Rich mains need something to cut through, and soup does exactly that. When planning your bunless burgers dinner, these crispy rolls add variety to the plate without competing for attention.
| Side Dish | Prep | Why It Works | How to Serve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steamed jasmine rice | Easy | Neutral base that soaks up dipping sauce and balances crispy texture | Serve warm in small bowls alongside rolls |
| Simple cucumber salad | Easy | Cool, tangy crunch contrasts fried wrapper and warm filling | Toss sliced cucumbers with rice vinegar, serve chilled |
| Edamame pods | Easy | Adds protein and salty bite without extra cooking | Steam 5 minutes, sprinkle with sea salt |
| Miso soup | Easy | Warm, savory soup complements crispy texture and adds comfort | Make ahead, reheat, serve in small bowls |
| Mixed greens salad | Easy | Fresh, light contrast balances fried appetizer | Dress lightly with sesame-ginger vinaigrette |
Three ways to serve it:
- For weeknight dinners: Pair with jasmine rice and cucumber salad for a light meal that feels complete
- For entertaining: Serve as finger food with three dipping sauces - sweet chili, peanut sauce, soy-ginger
- For meal prep: Pack rolls with edamame and mixed greens for grab-and-go lunches all week
Store and Reheat
Cooked spring rolls stay crispy for 3-4 days when stored properly in the fridge. The crust works best when it hits the table at the same time as the main. For a version that comes together quickly, tender pork side dish reheats just as easily and pairs well with Asian-inspired appetizers.
| Method | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🔥 Air Fryer | 5-7 min at 350°F | Restoring crispness - wrappers stay golden and crunchy |
| 🔥 Oven | 10 min at 375°F | Reheating larger batches evenly without crowding |
| 📦 Microwave | 30-45 sec | Quick reheating but wrappers turn soft and chewy |
For best results when storing:
- Cool completely before storing - Hot rolls create steam in the container and turn wrappers soggy
- Use shallow airtight containers - Stack no more than two layers with parchment between to prevent sticking
- Refrigerate within 2 hours - Cooked vegetable filling spoils quickly at room temperature
- Freeze for longer storage - Wrap individually in plastic, freeze up to 1 month, air fry from frozen at 375°F for 12-15 minutes
- Skip the microwave when possible - It heats fast but turns crispy wrappers soft and rubbery
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but the texture changes - rice paper stays softer and chewier in the air fryer. Soak wrappers briefly in warm water until pliable, then wrap and air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
Cooked rolls last 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
400°F for 10-12 minutes with a flip halfway through creates golden, crispy wrappers without burning. Preheat the air fryer for 3-4 minutes before cooking.
Wet filling or no oil on the wrappers causes sogginess. Pat sautéed vegetables dry with paper towels before wrapping, and spray or brush wrappers with oil before air frying.
Yes - wrap uncooked rolls individually in plastic wrap, freeze up to 1 month. Air fry from frozen at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and heated through.
Air Fryer Vegetable Spring Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shredded cabbage and julienned carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil, then cook 1 minute more. Transfer the filling to a bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.2 teaspoons garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger, 2 cups cabbage, 1 cup carrot, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Lay one spring roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you. Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck tightly, fold in the sides, then roll up snugly. Brush the top corner with water to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.8 pieces spring roll wrappers
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3-4 minutes. Lightly spray or brush each spring roll with vegetable oil on all sides to promote golden crispiness.vegetable oil spray
- Place spring rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving about ½ inch space between each. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip each roll and cook for 4-6 more minutes until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if needed.8 pieces spring roll wrappers
- Transfer the cooked spring rolls to a plate and let rest for 2-3 minutes so the filling sets and doesn't leak when bitten. Serve with your choice of dipping sauce like sweet chili or soy-ginger.
Notes
- Pat sautéed vegetables dry before wrapping to avoid soggy wrappers.
- Preheat the air fryer to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Leave space between rolls in the air fryer basket for better air circulation.
