These extra crispy air fryer spring rolls are so easy to make and packed with a flavorful ground chicken filling. They're lighter, healthier, and even crispier than traditional deep-fried ones. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish!
Homemade air fryer spring roll recipe
Raise your hand if you ate spring rolls growing up. Whenever we had Chinese takeout, my dad always ordered spring rolls and orange chicken. They were crispy, crunchy, and utterly addictive, but they often left us feeling a bit heavy from all that deep-frying. That's why I created this lighter and simpler air fryer version! You also have to check out this air fryer healthy orange chicken recipe.
These air fryer spring rolls offer the same delightful flavors without the excess oil and grease, leaving you feeling light and satisfied. This simple recipe is made with wholesome ingredients like lean ground chicken, cabbage, carrots, green onion, garlic, and more.
The best part? You can choose from rice paper wrappers, wheat spring roll wrappers, or egg roll wrappers, offering flexibility to suit your preference. I've included cooking instructions for all three in the recipe card. My secret tip: rice paper rolls are the crispiest and lightest!
Spring rolls are the perfect appetizer or side dish for dinner. I promise you cannot tell they are healthier, and if we are being 100% honest, they are crispier than deep-frying. I seriously cannot wait to hear your thoughts; they are my favorite recipe lately!
Why you'll love this air fryer recipe:
- So Cripsy: Honestly, these spring rolls are crispier than deep frying.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthier: The air fryer allows you to enjoy crispy spring rolls with less oil than traditional frying methods, making them healthier.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze prepped spring rolls for up to one month and air fry them when you're ready to enjoy.
- High Protein: Each spring roll has 8 grams of protein.
- Low-Calorie: Each spring roll is 106 calories!
- Customizable: You can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These air fryer spring rolls will surely be a hit with family and friends, whether served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal.
- Vegan Options: You can make this recipe vegan by substituting the chicken for tofu for extra mushrooms.
- Try this Air Fryer Orange Chicken or these Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites next!
Ingredients needed
This air fryer spring roll recipe calls for simple ingredients. They're easy to cook, super crispy, protein-packed, and perfect for entertaining. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
- Ground Chicken: I recommend using 93% lean ground chicken for a juicy filling, but 99% lean works, too. You can also swap it with pork, turkey, or beef.
- Shredded Green Cabbage: Adds texture and a hint of sweetness. You can use pre-shredded cabbage or shred it yourself with a knife.
- Shredded Carrots: Provides crunch and vitamins. You can use pre-shredded carrots or grate fresh ones with a food processor or grater.
- Green Onions: For a little sharpness.
- Mushrooms: They add savory flavor and meaty texture. I used Baby Bella mushrooms, but white mushrooms or shiitakes also work.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is always the best when cooking. It's a must-have for the filling!
- Soy Sauce: Adds classic spring roll flavor. If necessary, choose low-sodium or Tamari (gluten-free) soy sauce.
- Rice Vinegar: This also helps achieve a classic spring roll flavor. If needed, it can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Cornstarch: Don't skip this ingredient! It plays a crucial role in removing excess liquid from the filling, ensuring that the wraps remain crispy after air frying.
- Spring Roll Wrappers or Egg Roll Wrappers: You can use either a spring roll wrapper (for extra crispiness) or an egg roll wrapper (for a heartier texture). Choose based on preference!
Kitchen tools needed
Here is a quick list of all the kitchen tools you'll need to make homemade spring rolls in the air fryer.
- Knife + Cutting board
- Skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Air fryer
How to make air fryer spring rolls
Air fryer spring rolls are easy to make and so delicious! Since they are made in the air fryer, you don't need an oven or hot oil to fry them. This recipe is a healthier version of a classic! Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make this recipe; just scroll to the bottom of this post for the full recipe and ingredient measurements.
Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat to make the filling. Then, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Next, brown the chopped mushrooms on one side for about 5 minutes, then mix until cooked.
Step 2:
After that, add the ground chicken with a pinch of salt and cook until mostly done. Stir in shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, soy sauce, and rice vinegar and cook until wilted; then sprinkle in cornstarch and cook until thickened.
Step 3:
Allow the filling to cool. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring it to the refrigerator or spreading it out on a baking sheet in the fridge.
Step 4:
Peel off an egg roll or spring roll wrapper when ready to assemble. Tip: if you use a typical spring roll or egg roll wrapper, you do not need to soak it in water, but I recommend covering the remaining wrappers with a damp paper towel or dish towel to prevent drying. If using a rice paper spring roll wrapper, remember to soak it in a shallow water bowl for about 10 seconds to soften it before filling; do this one at a time so they do not dry out.
Step 5: with egg roll wrappers
Place it in a diamond position and add a spoonful of filling. Roll halfway, fold in the sides, and continue rolling until sealed. If you are using an egg roll wrapper, use a cornstarch water slurry to seal the edges. Repeat until all spring rolls are assembled.
Step 5: with rice paper
Dip the circular wrapper in water for 10 seconds, then place it on a clean cutting board. Add a heaping spoonful of the filling to the bottom corner of the wrapper. Fold in the sides then roll until the wrapper is completely sealed.
Step 6:
Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and spray the basket with oil. Spray the assembled spring rolls generously with oil spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown on all sides. Work in batches if needed. Enjoy your crispy spring rolls!
Expert recipe tips:
- Cool the Filling: Ensure the filling is cooled and not overly moist to prevent soggy spring rolls. This is so important!
- Note on Spring Roll Wrappers: There are two kinds! One is rice paper based, so you must soak it in water before. One kind is wheat-based, so you do not. Check the instructions on the back of the package to make sure! A rule of thumb is that if the wrapper is a circle, it is usually a rice paper wrapper.
- Don't Overfill the Wrappers: Avoid overfilling the wrappers to prevent bursting during cooking. A generous spoonful of filling with ample space for sealing is ideal.
- Serve Immediately: To retain their crispy texture, serve the spring rolls immediately after air frying. Pair them with your preferred dipping sauce for enhanced flavor.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to experiment with various filling ingredients to customize the flavor, like ground turkey, ground pork, scallion, tofu, etc. Just ensure the filling is well-cooked and adequately seasoned.
- Make them Vegetarian or Vegan: Omit the ground chicken and use shredded tofu or extra mushrooms!
What to serve with spring rolls
Spring rolls go well with so many dishes; here are a few of our favorites!
- Dipping Sauces: Try sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, soy or hoisin sauce, or even Nuoc Cham.
- Stir-Fried Noodles: I love serving mine with pad Thai, chow mein, or lo mein.
- Fried Rice
- Soup: Enjoy your spring rolls alongside a comforting bowl of soup, such as hot and sour soup, egg drop soup, or miso soup
- Salad: We love this spicy cucumber salad!
- Dumplings
Easy ingredient substitutions:
I love this recipe, and it's been a staple in our house for years. Here are the best ingredient substitutions I have tested:
- Ground Chicken: Substitute with ground turkey, pork, beef, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Cornstarch: You can also use arrowroot starch or tapioca flour, and if needed, 1 tablespoon of regular flour.
- Mushrooms: Any variety, such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms, can be used based on preference and availability. If you don't like mushrooms, use tofu!
- Shredded Green Cabbage: Swap with thinly sliced Napa or savoy cabbage for varied texture and flavor.
- Shredded Carrots: Replace with grated or minced zucchini, bell peppers, or jicama for a different taste and texture.
- Soy Sauce: Use tamari for gluten-free or coconut aminos for soy-free alternatives with a sweeter flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: You can substitute with apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or lemon/lime juice.
- Spring Roll Wrappers or Egg Roll Wrappers: Rice paper or phyllo dough can be used as alternatives, adjusting cooking methods as needed. Remember, if you use rice paper, you need to soak the sheets first!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the ground chicken with another meat?
Yes, you can use other meats such as ground turkey, pork, or beef as alternatives to chicken in this recipe. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the type of meat you choose to use.
Are there two kinds of spring roll wrappers?
Yes! There are rice paper wrappers and wheat-based wrappers. Rice paper spring roll wrappers are thin, translucent wrappers made from rice flour and water. They are commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine and result in light and delicate spring rolls. This is my favorite one to use! There are also wheat-based wrappers made from wheat flour, water, and sometimes eggs. They are commonly used in Chinese cuisine, resulting in heartier spring rolls with a chewier texture.
What is the difference between a spring roll and an egg roll?
Crispy spring rolls have a delicate, thin, wice-based wrapper that results in a crispy texture when air-fried. Egg rolls, on the other hand, have thicker wrappers made from wheat, eggs, and water, allowing for more substantial fillings. Fresh spring rolls are core to Vietnamese cuisine, while crispy ones and egg rolls are often found in Chinese-American cuisine.
Can I make these spring rolls vegan or vegetarian?
You can make these spring rolls vegan or vegetarian by substituting ground chicken with crumbled tofu or an extra 4 ounces of mushrooms. Also, make sure you use vegan spring roll wrappers.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembling and air frying the spring rolls.
Are spring rolls gluten-free?
No, not all spring rolls are gluten-free; it depends on the type of wrapper you use. To make these spring rolls gluten-free, use rice paper wrappers or gluten-free spring roll wrappers. Also, ensure you use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
Can you freeze spring rolls?
You can freeze the assembled spring rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to one month. When ready to cook, air fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I keep the spring rolls crispy?
Make sure to generously spray the assembled spring rolls with oil spray before air frying. Flipping them halfway through the cooking process will ensure even crispiness on all sides.
How to store and reheat spring rolls:
Storing: Store any leftover cooked spring rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven before serving.
Reheating: Reheat leftover spring rolls in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are warmed and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes. Do not microwave because they will get soaggy.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Air Fryer Orange Chicken
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites
- Air Fryer Pineapple
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
- Asian Chicken Meatballs
- Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs
- Spicy Cucumber Salad
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 oz mushrooms, chopped small
- 1 lb ground chicken, 93% lean recommended
- 1 ½ cups shredded green cabbage, *
- 1 ½ cups shredded carrots, * Alternatively, you can use 3 cups of coleslaw mix instead of the cabbage and carrots
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 12 - 15 spring roll wrappers, rice or wheat-based or egg roll wrappers
- Salt & pepper
- Pinch of cornstarch mixed with water, slurry to seal spring roll wraps
- Avocado oil spray, for air frying (you can also use more regular olive oil)
Instructions
Make the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add chopped mushrooms to the skillet. Allow them to brown on one side for about 5 minutes without stirring. Then, mix them until all the liquid is cooked out and the mushrooms are cooked through.
- Add ground chicken to the skillet along with a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper. Cook until the chicken is mostly cooked, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Cook until cabbage and carrots are wilted.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and continue cooking until all liquid is evaporated and the mixture thickens. Ensure the filling isn't too wet, as it may affect the crispiness of the spring rolls.
Cool the Filling: IMPORTANT
- Allow the filling to cool. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring it to the refrigerator or spreading it out on a baking sheet in the fridge.
Assemble Spring Rolls:
- When ready to assemble, peel off an egg roll or spring roll wrapper. If you are using a typical spring roll or egg roll wrapper, you do not need to soak it in water, but I recommend covering the remaining wrappers with a damp paper towel or dish towel to prevent drying. If using a rice paper spring roll wrapper, remember to soak it in a shallow water bowl for about 10 seconds to soften it before filling; do this one at a time so they do not dry out. Note: Egg roll wrappers are thicker and made with yeasted dough, while spring roll wrappers are thinner and more delicate. Both are great, egg roll wrappers make these more like a wonton. I like using rice paper spring roll wrappers.
- Rice Paper: Dip the circular wrapper in water for 10 seconds, then place it on a clean cutting board. Add a heaping spoonful of the filling to the bottom corner of the wrapper. Fold in the sides then roll until the wrapper is completely sealed.
- Rice Paper: Place the wrapper in a diamond position. Add a heaping spoonful of the filling to the bottom corner of the wrapper. Roll halfway, then fold in the sides. Continue rolling until the wrapper is completely sealed. Use the cornstarch water slurry to seal the edges.
- Repeat the process until all the spring rolls are assembled.
Air Fry Them:
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil spray.
- Add the spring rolls to the air fryer and spray them generously with avocado or olive oil spray.
- Rice Paper: Air fry the spring rolls for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown on all sides. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
- Egg Roll Wrapper: Air fry the spring rolls for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown on all sides. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
Sharing is caring!
Me says
Hi, are the calories for 100 grams?
Nancy says
Hi,
Made these today, I love the easy recipe!
Lisa says
This recipe was easy and delicious! Absolutely planning on making this again
Melissa says
Thought they came together easily and tasted great. Just what I was craving but much healthier. Definitely will be on my lunch rotation.
Darlene says
Is it possible to bake these in a regular or convection oven? I don't own an air fryer (yet 😅).
Tati Chermayeff says
Yes! Bake at 400°F until golden brown and crisp for about 20 to 25 minutes. Make sure you still spray them is avocado oil to ensure crispiness!
Darlene says
Thank you so much for the conventional oven temperature & time! Greatly appreciated!
Ulrika Mårtensson says
Looks so delish😀Wonder if You easily can deep fry them, since We disn't have an air fryer? In that case for how long and in what degrees? Thanks for Your help🌞