Ever had one of those nights when you’re hungry, it’s late, and all you’ve got is a fridge full of odds and ends? That’s where the magic happened for me and my sister. We found leftover noodles, a bit of chopped cabbage, and some sliced onions just sitting there, begging to be turned into something delicious. With a pack of wonton wrappers and a flash of inspiration, we rolled them all up and tossed them in the air fryer spring rolls. The result? Crispy, golden, bite-sized rolls of joy that disappeared faster than we made them.
The best part? These aren’t your typical air fryer spring rolls that soak up a ton of oil. Air frying gives you all that crunchy texture with barely any fat, making it the perfect guilt-free indulgence. You get that satisfying crispy outside and soft, flavorful inside without the mess or heaviness. Plus, it’s way quicker and healthier, perfect if you’re watching what you eat but still want to enjoy a solid comfort food snack.
My favorite way to mix things up is to take the basic veggie filling and add a bit of Chinese seasoning with a tiny Masala twist. It brings in a bold, spicy-sweet flavor that feels like Asian street food with a desi soul. Throwing in some leftover noodles is a game-changer. They soak up the sauces, add texture, and take your filling to another level. It’s a quick hack that makes your rolls taste like you got them from a top-tier fusion spot.
If you’ve never made air fryer spring rolls at home, don’t worry. This little step-by-step guide makes it easy to turn whatever’s in your fridge into something crave-worthy. Whether it’s a party starter, a light dinner, or even a midweek lunch, these rolls have you covered. They even reheat like a dream- so make extra! Sometimes, the best recipes start with leftovers. And this one? It’s more than food. It’s a memory, a vibe, and a crunchy, feel-good snack that brings everyone to the table.
What’s the Difference Between Spring Rolls and Egg Rolls?
Spring rolls and egg rolls often get mixed up, but they’re not the same thing. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you spot the difference.
🥠 Table: Spring Rolls vs Egg Rolls
Feature Spring Rolls Egg Rolls Wrapper Thin, translucent (rice or wheat)Thick, chewy (flour + egg-based) Filling Light veggies, sometimes meat Heavier meat, cabbage Cooking Method Fried, air-fried, or not cooked Deep-fried only Texture Crispy and light Crunchy outside, chewy inside Origin China + Southeast Asia Chinese-American cuisine
🗣️ Real-World Example
“I ordered egg rolls expecting something light, but they came out super greasy and thick. Turns out I wanted spring rolls all along!” – Layla, home cook from Dubai.
Key takeaway: If you want light, crispy, and healthy, air fryer spring rolls are the way to go.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s make your kitchen spring-roll-ready. The beauty of this dish is that it’s flexible- use what you have or follow our base recipe.
🧾 Base Ingredients
- Spring roll wrappers – wheat-based or rice paper
- Ground pork – or chicken, tofu, shrimp
- Stir-fry vegetables – cabbage, carrots, mushrooms
- Soy sauce – adds salty umami
- Oyster sauce – deep, savory flavor
- Shaoxing wine – Chinese rice wine for aroma
- Garlic paste – or freshly minced
- Ginger paste – or grated fresh
- Neutral oil, like vegetable or canola oil
🥬 Optional Add-ins
- Cooked noodles
- Crushed peanuts
- Chili paste for spice
- Chopped green onions
🔁 Substitute Table
IngredientSubstitutePorkChicken, tofu, beefOyster sauceHoisin or mushroom sauceShaoxing wineDry sherry or omitSpring roll wrappersRice paper, phyllo
💡 Tip: Frozen spring roll wrappers are easy to find in most grocery stores or Asian markets.
How to Make the Filling
Step-by-Step Guide
- Heat a pan with a little oil.
- Add garlic and ginger, cook until fragrant.
- Toss in ground pork, stir until browned.
- Add veggies and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Splash in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and wine.
- Cook until the liquid reduces and the veggies are tender.
- Let it cool fully before wrapping.
🌟 Case Study: Fast Family Dinner
“I prepped the filling in the morning, and when I came home from work, wrapping and air frying only took 15 minutes. My kids even helped wrap!” – Sara, working mom in Abu Dhabi.
How to Assemble Spring Rolls
Easy Folding Steps
- Lay a wrapper in a diamond shape.
- Add 2 tablespoons of filling in the center.
- Fold the bottom corner up over the filling.
- Fold in both sides, like an envelope.
- Roll tightly toward the top corner.
- Seal with water or flour paste.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Overfilling leads to breakage.
- Loose rolls – they’ll unroll in the fryer.
- No seal – they’ll dry out or burst open.
Air Fryer Cooking Instructions
📋 What You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- A little oil for brushing
- Prepared spring rolls
🔥 Cooking Steps
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush rolls with light oil.
- Arrange in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
💬 “No deep fryer? No problem. These air fryer spring rolls came out just as crispy-without the mess!” – Tom, food blogger in Sharjah.
Cooking Time & Temperature Chart
TypeTemperatureTimeNotesFresh, homemade rolls375°F8-10 minsFlip halfway throughFrozen spring rolls400°F10-12 minsNo thawing neededLarge spring rolls370°F12-14 minsCheck for doneness inside
Pro tip: Brush with oil for that extra golden crunch.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Make it a meal or a mini feast. These sidekicks are perfect pairings.
🥢 Dipping Sauces
- Sweet chili sauce
- Soy-vinegar blend
- Garlic hoisin dip
- Peanut satay sauce
🥗 Side Dishes
- Fried rice
- Stir-fried noodles
- Asian slaw
- Steamed dumplings
Spring Roll Wrapper Substitutes
No wrappers? No problem. Here’s what you can use instead:
Wrapper Alternative Pros to Use Rice paper Gluten-free, soft Soften in water, roll gently Phyllo dough Extra crispy, oven-friendly Use 2-3 layers, brush with oil Lettuce leaves Low-carb, fresh Use sturdy leaves like romaine
💡 Pro tip: Avoid tortilla wraps- they tear easily when air-fried.
Vegetarian & Vegan Options
Skip the meat, not the flavor!
🥬 Best Veggie Fillings
- Tofu + cabbage + carrots
- Mushrooms + bell peppers + onions
- Glass noodles + spinach + green beans
🍄 Flavor Boosters
- Soy sauce
- Miso paste
- Chili garlic sauce
- Nutritional yeast
Cooking Frozen Spring Rolls in the Air Fryer
Yes, you can cook them straight from the freezer!
🍽️ Steps
- Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange rolls in a single layer.
- Cook 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- No oil needed (already pre-oiled).
🧊 “I keep a stash of frozen rolls for lazy dinners. The air fryer makes them crispy with zero effort!” – Ayesha, busy college student in Ajman.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Spring Rolls
💡 Quick Tips
- Don’t overfill your rolls
- Seal tightly to keep contents in
- Use a light oil spray for that golden finish
- Place in single layers to avoid sogginess
- Let them rest for 2 mins before eating (super hot inside!)
🔁 Storing & Reheating
ActionMethodStoreAirtight box, fridge 3 daysReheat375°F, 3-4 mins in air fryerFreezeUncooked rolls, up to 1 month
Final Thoughts
Air fryer spring rolls are one of those rare dishes that are easy to make, incredibly flexible, and loved by everyone. Whether you’re trying to use up leftovers or planning a family gathering, these golden bites deliver every single time.
One of the best things about making spring rolls in an air fryer is how simple and mess-free the process is. No splattering oil. No deep-frying stress. Just wrap, place, and press a button- and boom! You’ve got crispy perfection in minutes.
You also don’t need to be a pro cook. With just a few pantry staples and fresh or frozen veggies, you’re all set. You can go classic with pork, creative with noodles, or vegan with tofu and mushrooms. Each variation brings a new flavor twist, and the air fryer keeps things light without sacrificing crunch.
Plus, these roles are so easy to customize. Want something spicy? Add chili. Craving a sweet dip? Whip up some hoisin honey sauce. They’re the kind of food you can keep experimenting with and never get bored.
Even better? They reheat well. Make a batch, stash them in the fridge or freezer, and enjoy quick snacks or last-minute appetizers anytime. They’re perfect for kids, adults, picky eaters, or anyone who loves that satisfying crunch.
So go ahead-make these air fryer spring rolls your new kitchen favorite. They’re light, fast, and endlessly delicious.
Simple to make. Fun to eat. Impossible to stop at one. 🥢✨
FAQs
What temperature should I cook spring rolls in the air fryer?
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for homemade rolls. For frozen ones, bump it up to 400°F (200°C). This helps get that crispy texture without overcooking the filling.
Can I freeze homemade spring rolls before air frying?
Yes! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. No need to thaw- just air fry them directly from frozen for 10-12 minutes at 400°F.
Do I need to use oil in the air fryer?
Just a light brush or spray of oil is enough. This gives your spring rolls that golden brown finish while keeping them light and healthy.
Can I make these spring rolls vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely. Swap the meat for tofu, mushrooms, or vegetables. Use plant-based wrappers and avoid sauces with oyster or fish ingredients to make them fully vegan.
Why are my air fryer spring rolls not crispy?
Make sure they’re not overcrowded in the basket. Use a light oil spray and don’t skip the preheat step. Flip halfway for even crisping and cook until golden brown.
