These Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls are crispy and packed with fresh veggies and tasty proteins. Plus, you can make them lighter by air frying instead of frying in oil!
Making these rolls is so much fun! I love to add my favorite fillings and watch them puff up in the air fryer. Great for a snack or as a light meal—everyone loves to munch on them! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper Wrappers: These are essential for making the rolls. If you can’t find them, consider using thin tortillas as a substitute, though the texture will differ.
Protein: Shrimp brings a delightful taste, but you can swap it with cooked chicken or tofu to accommodate dietary preferences. Just ensure whatever you choose is already cooked!
Rice Noodles: Vermicelli noodles are typically used for their lightness. If unavailable, use cooked spaghetti or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Fresh Herbs: Mint and cilantro add freshness. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley works as a substitute, but it has a different flavor profile.
Vegetables: Carrots and cucumbers add crunch. Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers or bell pepper strips for variety!
How Do I Roll Rice Paper Without It Breaking?
Rolling rice paper can be tricky! Here are some tips to help you roll them perfectly:
- Soak each rice paper in warm water for just 10-15 seconds until it’s pliable, but not too soft; it will continue to soften as you fill it.
- Don’t overfill your rolls! Less is more when it comes to the filling; it keeps the rolls intact.
- Start rolling from the bottom while folding in the sides first. Tightly but gently roll up to avoid tearing.
- Practice makes perfect! If a roll breaks, it’s still tasty, so don’t worry! Just enjoy your delicious creation.
Rolling can get easier with a bit of practice, so keep at it! This is a fun recipe to tweak and make your own. Happy cooking!
How to Make Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 10 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped (or cooked chicken/tofu as preferred)
- 1 cup cooked rice noodles (vermicelli), drained
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage (optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or a light brushing of oil
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time. You can enjoy these tasty rolls in about 30 minutes, including the time needed for preparing your dipping sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Filling:
Start by getting all your filling ingredients ready. Chop the shrimp (or your choice of protein), julienne the carrot and cucumber, rinse and dry the fresh herbs, and shred the lettuce if you are using it. This makes it easier to roll your rice paper later!
2. Soften the Rice Paper:
Grab a large shallow dish or bowl and fill it with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10-15 seconds, or until it becomes soft and pliable. Once done, carefully remove it and place it on a clean, damp kitchen towel or cutting board.
3. Fill the Rice Paper:
On the lower third of the rice paper wrapper, layer some rice noodles, shrimp, julienned carrot, cucumber, fresh herbs, chopped green onions, and shredded lettuce (if desired). Keep in mind not to overfill—it’s best to leave a little space for rolling!
4. Roll Them Up:
Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then carefully roll it tightly from the bottom up to create a neat roll. Set each roll aside and continue this process with any remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Prepare for Air Frying:
Give each roll a light spray or brush of oil on all sides to help achieve a lovely golden crisp when cooked.
6. Air Fry the Rolls:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the rice paper rolls in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer, ensuring there’s space between each roll so they can cook evenly.
7. Cooking Time:
Air fry the rolls for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to get that even crispiness all around!
8. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While your rolls are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey or sugar (if using) in a small bowl. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some toasted sesame seeds for added flavor!
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once the rice paper rolls are perfectly cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly for a minute or two. Then, garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the warm rice paper rolls with your delicious dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy this light and crispy appetizer or snack—perfect anytime!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp or Chicken?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and cook frozen shrimp or chicken before using it in the rolls. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water. For chicken, cook until it’s no longer pink in the center.
What Can I Substitute for Rice Noodles?
If you don’t have rice noodles, you can use thin spaghetti or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just ensure whichever substitute you choose is cooked and drained before assembling your rolls.
How Do I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rice paper rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, consider placing a damp paper towel in the container to prevent them from drying out.
Can I Make These Rolls Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can easily make these rolls vegetarian by using tofu or extra vegetables like bell peppers and avocado instead of shrimp. The combination is both delicious and satisfying!
