Get ready to make the crispiest, most delicious spring rolls right at home. Using an air fryer transforms this classic favorite into a healthier, quicker weeknight meal. Our recipe is packed with savory seasoned filling and wrapped in a perfectly golden, crunchy shell. Everyone will love these handheld treats. Let’s jump right in and learn how to make them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First, these spring rolls cook incredibly fast. The air fryer creates that signature crispy texture without deep frying. You get all the crunch with much less oil. Next, the filling is a simple mix of seasoned protein and colorful coleslaw.
The flavors are savory, gingery, and utterly satisfying. You can also make a big batch for meal prep. Furthermore, these rolls are perfect for parties, snacks, or a fun family dinner. Kids and adults alike will devour them. They are surprisingly easy to assemble, too. Finally, you can feel good about serving a lighter version of a takeout classic.
A Healthier Take on Takeout
Air frying cuts down on fat and calories significantly. You still achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish. The hot air circulation cooks the wrapper to perfection. It’s a fantastic kitchen hack for busy nights.
Recipe
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Air Fryer Chinese Spring Rolls
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, golden air fryer spring rolls filled with savory seasoned chicken and colorful coleslaw. A healthier, easier take on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (9 g)
- 1 pound ground chicken (454 g)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (2 g)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (1 g)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (2 g)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (15 ml)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (6 g)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (20 g)
- 1 ½ cups tricolor coleslaw mix (150 g)
- 8 spring roll wrappers (8 count)
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, heat the oil and add the sesame seeds.
- Once the seeds turn golden brown, add the ground chicken and cook, stirring, until browned.
- Add the onion powder, pepper, ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and green onions. Cook until most of the juices evaporate.
- Add the coleslaw mix and cook about 2 minutes more, until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Lay a spring roll wrapper in a diamond orientation. Place 2 to 3 spoonfuls of filling in the center, in a line.
- Lightly wet the edge of the wrapper with water. Fold left and right corners into the center, over the filling.
- Fold the bottom corner up and roll the wrapper around the filling, squeezing the air out as you roll.
- Lightly wet the exposed corner to seal it down.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange the spring rolls in the basket. Spray the spring rolls with oil.
- Cook on 380°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until crisp and golden brown.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Let the filling cool completely before wrapping to prevent soggy wrappers.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for best crispness.
- Uncooked spring rolls can be frozen on a tray, then stored in a bag for up to 2 months. Air fry from frozen, adding 2-4 minutes to cook time.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 231 kcal
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 267 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
Ingredients and Substitutions
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to success. Thankfully, this list is simple and flexible. You can find most items at any grocery store.
Base Components
- Spring Roll Wrappers: Look for thin, square spring roll or egg roll wrappers in the refrigerated section. They are pliable and seal easily with water.
- Protein: We use lean ground chicken for a light and tasty filling. You could also use ground turkey or a plant-based crumble.
- Coleslaw Mix: A bag of tricolor coleslaw saves so much time. It contains shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots.
Sauce and Seasonings
- Soy Sauce: Adds the essential savory, umami base. Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Ground Ginger: Provides warm, aromatic flavor. Fresh minced ginger works wonderfully too.
- Rice Vinegar: A touch of acidity brightens the whole filling.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted in the pan first, they add a wonderful nutty aroma.
- Aromatics: Garlic and green onions build layers of flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Follow these simple steps for perfect spring rolls every single time. The process is straightforward and even fun.
Step 1: Cook the Filling
Begin by heating oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the sesame seeds and toast them until they turn a light golden brown. This takes just a minute. Next, add the ground chicken. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon until it is fully browned and no longer pink.
After that, add the onion powder, black pepper, ground ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sliced green onions. Stir everything together and cook for a few minutes until the liquid reduces. Finally, add the coleslaw mix. Cook for about two more minutes, just until the cabbage wilts slightly. Remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
Place one spring roll wrapper on your work surface with a corner pointing toward you, like a diamond. Put about two to three generous spoonfuls of the filling in a horizontal line across the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill it. Then, use your finger or a brush to dab a little water along the edges of the wrapper. This acts as the glue. Fold the left and right corners inward over the filling.
Next, take the bottom corner and fold it up and over the filling and the side flaps. Now, roll the whole bundle tightly upward toward the remaining top corner. Press gently to remove any air pockets. Finally, dab a bit more water on the top corner and press it down to seal the roll. Repeat with all wrappers.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange the spring rolls in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Lightly spray the tops of the spring rolls with oil. This helps them crisp up beautifully. Cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through the cooking time. They are ready when the wrappers are crisp and a deep, golden brown all over. Let them cool on a rack for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. The filling will be very hot.
Pro Tips for Success
Use these expert tips to avoid common mistakes and ensure crispy results.
- Cool the Filling: Let the meat and cabbage mixture cool before wrapping. A hot filling will make the wrappers soggy and difficult to handle.
- Don’t Overfill: Using too much filling can cause the wrapper to tear during rolling or cooking. Stick to the recommended amount.
- Seal Tightly: Make sure the final seam is sealed well with water. A loose seal can cause the spring roll to open up in the air fryer.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: Air needs to circulate around each roll for even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use a Rack: Letting the cooked spring rolls cool on a wire rack prevents the bottom from getting steamy and soft.
Flavor Variations
This recipe is a fantastic base for creativity. Feel free to experiment with different fillings.
- Vegetarian Spring Rolls: Swap the ground chicken for crumbled firm tofu or a can of rinsed and mashed black beans. Add sliced mushrooms for extra heartiness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
- Different Veggies: Try using shredded Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced bell peppers, or bean sprouts instead of coleslaw mix.
- Sweet and Tangy: Add a tablespoon of orange marmalade to the filling for a hint of citrus sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
These spring rolls are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with other dishes. For instance, serve them with a simple side salad for a light lunch. Alternatively, they make a fantastic appetizer for a larger gathering. You can also pair them with fried rice or a bowl of steaming hot soup for a more substantial dinner.
A classic sweet chili sauce or a simple soy-vinegar dip is the perfect accompaniment. For a fun twist, try them with a peanut sauce. If you’re planning a game day spread, these crispy rolls will be a huge hit alongside other favorites like soft pretzel bites with cheese dip. They are also a great addition to a summer meal lineup, complementing other fresh summer dinner ideas for your family.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
You can easily make these ahead of time for quick meals later.
Refrigerating
Store leftover cooked spring rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispness.
Freezing Uncooked Spring Rolls
This is a fantastic meal prep strategy. Assemble the spring rolls completely but do not cook them. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen rolls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. To cook, air fry directly from frozen. You do not need to thaw them. Simply spray with oil and cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 231 kcal | 15 g | 12 g | 12 g | 1 g | 0.1 g | 267 mg |
FAQs About Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Here are answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
Can I bake these in the oven instead?
Absolutely. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the spring rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Why are my spring rolls soggy?
Sogginess usually comes from three things. First, the filling was too wet or hot when wrapped. Second, the air fryer basket was overcrowded. Third, they were not flipped during cooking, so one side steamed. Ensure your filling is cool and cook in a single layer.
Can I use egg roll wrappers?
Yes, you can. Egg roll wrappers are typically thicker than spring roll wrappers. The cooking time and result will be very similar, yielding a crispy, chewy shell.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
A simple mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds is classic. Sweet chili sauce, duck sauce, or a spicy mustard are also excellent choices.
Can I make them ahead for a party?
Yes, they are perfect for parties. You can fully cook them, let them cool, and store them. Reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes just before serving. They are a great finger food for any event, similar to other popular delicious baseball snacks for every game day.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, making Chinese spring rolls in your air fryer is a game-changer. The process is simple, quick, and yields incredibly satisfying results. You get a crispy, golden exterior and a flavorful, savory filling without the mess of deep frying. This recipe is also wonderfully adaptable to your tastes and dietary needs.
Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, they are sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try tonight. You might just find your new favorite way to enjoy spring rolls. Happy cooking!
