These Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls are a fun and tasty treat! They are filled with your choice of fresh veggies, shrimp, or tofu, all wrapped in soft rice paper.
Making these rolls is a breeze! Just fill, roll, and pop them in the air fryer. They get crispy without all the oil—so you can enjoy them guilt-free and feel pretty clever while snacking! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper Sheets: You can use round or square rice paper sheets. If you can’t find these, look for spring roll wrappers, but cooking times may vary. I prefer the thinness of rice paper for that delicate bite!
Protein: Shrimp is my favorite, but you can easily swap it out for cooked chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. Canned tuna or even chickpeas can work in a pinch, too!
Vermicelli Rice Noodles: These are essential for texture! If you want to try something different, you can use other types of noodles, like rice or even thin pasta, but they might not have the same lightness.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro adds a refreshing kick, but if you’re not a fan, mint works wonderfully for a different flavor. You can also skip the herbs altogether if desired.
Dipping Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness by using maple syrup instead of honey. Also, adjusting chili flakes will cater to your heat preference; fresh chili can add a bolder flavor!
How Do I Prepare Rice Paper Without Getting It Too Wet?
Dipping rice paper can be tricky, but the goal is to get it soft enough to roll yet not overly wet. Here’s my technique:
- Fill a shallow dish with warm water. It should be warm, not boiling, to avoid tearing the paper.
- Dip one rice paper sheet for 10-15 seconds. Look for it to be slightly firm but pliable. It will continue to soften when you lay it down.
- Once out of the water, lay it flat on a clean surface to roll. Work quickly to keep from drying out, but don’t stress too much—practice makes perfect!
If it tears, no worries! Just use the extra parts to patch it up or make mini rolls with less filling. Enjoy the process!
How to Make Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice Paper Rolls:
- 12 rice paper sheets (round or square)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped (or cooked chicken or tofu)
- 1 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or thinly sliced lettuce
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or mint leaves, chopped
- ½ cup bean sprouts (optional)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp chili flakes or chopped fresh chili (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tsp chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 20 minutes for preparation and another 10 minutes for cooking in the air fryer, totaling around 30 minutes. It’s a quick and fun way to make a delicious light meal or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by chopping the cooked shrimp (or your chosen protein) and shredding the carrots and cabbage. Make sure your vermicelli noodles are cooked and ready to go. Gather all the ingredients together for easy mixing!
2. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp (or chicken/tofu), cooked vermicelli noodles, shredded carrots, cabbage, chopped green onions, cilantro or mint, and bean sprouts if you’re using them. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, letting the flavors mix and mingle.
3. Soften the Rice Paper:
Pour warm water into a large shallow dish or pan. Dip one rice paper sheet into the water for about 10-15 seconds. You want it soft but still slightly firm because it will continue to soften as you work with it.
4. Roll the Rice Paper:
Lay the softened rice paper flat on a clean surface. Place a portion (about 2-3 tablespoons) of the filling near one edge of the rice paper. Fold in the sides and then roll tightly from that edge, tucking in the filling as you go. Make sure it’s securely wrapped!
5. Repeat the Process:
Keep going with the remaining rice papers and filling until everything is rolled up. If any rice paper tears, just patch it up with another piece; it’s all part of the fun!
6. Air Fry the Rolls:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush each rice paper roll with a bit of oil to help them crisp up in the fryer. Arrange the rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not crowded.
7. Cooking Time:
Air fry the rolls for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. You’re looking for them to be golden and crispy!
8. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the rolls are air frying, whisk together the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), sesame oil, minced garlic, chili flakes, and chopped green onions until well mixed.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the rice paper rolls are cooked, serve them hot with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your crunchy and flavorful creation!
These Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls are perfect for sharing or as a delightful light meal! Dive in and enjoy!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Noodles in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the vermicelli rice noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or even spiralized veggies for a low-carb option. Just make sure they’re cooked according to package instructions before mixing with the other ingredients.
What If I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No problem! You can bake these rolls in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray them lightly with oil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden.
How to Store Leftover Rice Paper Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes to get them crispy again or microwave for a softer option.
Can I Freeze These Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked rice paper rolls! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, just air fry them straight from the freezer; add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
