Spring rolls are one of those snacks everyone loves, crispy on the outside, packed with tasty fillings inside, but frying them at home can feel messy and heavy with oil. That’s where the air fryer comes in. With just a quick spritz of oil and a few minutes of cooking, you can get that same golden crunch without the grease, plus way less cleanup. It’s an easy, lighter way to enjoy a favorite appetizer, whether you’re making them for a cozy dinner, a party starter, or just a quick craving fix.

Air fryer spring rolls
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Chicken
- 2 cups Shredded Green Cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 3-4 pieces green onions
- 1 Cup Chopped Mushrooms
- 2-3 Cloves Garlic
- Wrappers
- Cornstarch
- Rice vinegar
Why you’ll love this air fryer recipe:
Lighter but still crispy. You’ll get that golden, crunchy bite without feeling weighed down by oil. It’s the best of both worlds crispy outside, tender inside, and way less greasy.
Quick and reliable. No waiting for oil to heat or worrying about burning. Just pop the rolls in, set the timer, and they come out evenly crisp every time. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute snacks.
Zero frying mess. Forget splatters, oily stovetops, or lingering smells. Cleanup is as simple as rinsing out the basket.
Totally customizable. Go classic with pork and shrimp, keep it veggie-friendly with tofu and noodles, or get creative with fusion fillings. The air fryer doesn’t judge it crisps them all beautifully.
Simple tricks, big results. A quick preheat, a light brush of oil, and flipping halfway through are all it takes to make them restaurant worthy.
Safer and cleaner. No bubbling pot of oil means no splashes, burns, or greasy smoke, just safe, stress-free cooking.
Perfect for sharing. Make a batch, keep them warm in the oven, and serve with your favorite dipping sauces. They disappear fast at parties and family dinners.
A little indulgent, a little healthy. They taste just as satisfying as fried spring rolls, but you can enjoy them guilt-free and maybe even go back for seconds.
Kitchen tools needed
- 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 a fun, healthier twist on the classic! You get all the crunch and flavor without turning on the oven or dealing with a pot of hot oil. This version is lighter, simple to make, and comes together step by step, even if you’re new to rolling spring rolls. Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements, but here’s the process in detail:
Step 1: Make the filling
Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. Toss in the chopped mushrooms and let them brown on one side for about 5 minutes before stirring. Cook until softened and golden.
Step 2: Cook the meat and veggies
Add the ground chicken with a pinch of salt and cook until it’s no longer pink. Mix in shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, soy sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar. Stir everything together until the veggies wilt down. Sprinkle in cornstarch and cook for another minute to help thicken and keep the filling from getting watery.
Step 3: Let it cool
Transfer the filling to a bowl or spread it on a tray to cool. You can even pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to speed things up. This makes rolling easier.
Step 4: Prepare the wrappers
Take one wrapper at a time to work with. If you’re using egg roll or spring roll wrappers, there’s no need to soak them; just cover the extras with a damp towel so they don’t dry out. If you’re working with rice paper wrappers, dip each one in water for about 10 seconds to soften before rolling.
Step 5: Roll them up
- With egg roll wrappers: Place the wrapper like a diamond shape in front of you. Spoon some filling onto the bottom corner, roll it halfway, fold in the sides, then keep rolling until sealed. Use a cornstarch-and-water slurry to seal the edges. Repeat until all the rolls are made.
- With rice paper wrappers: Place the softened wrapper on a cutting board. Add a spoonful of filling at the bottom, fold in the sides, then roll tightly until sealed. Do one at a time so the wrappers don’t dry out.
Step 6: Air fry to crispy perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Lightly spray the basket with oil, then arrange the spring rolls in a single layer. Give the rolls a generous spritz of oil, too. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy all over. If you’re making a big batch, cook in rounds so they crisp evenly.
Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy that satisfying crunch without the mess of frying!
Expert recipe tips
Let the filling cool down: If the filling is too hot or too wet, the wrappers will turn soggy. Give it a little time to cool before rolling your spring rolls will stay crispier this way.
Know your wrappers: There are two main types. Rice paper (usually round) needs a quick soak in water to soften, while wheat-based wrappers (often square) are ready to use straight from the package. Double check the instructions on the wrapper just to be sure.
Don’t overstuff: It’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, but less is more here. A heaping spoonful is plenty. This leaves enough space to seal properly and keeps them from bursting in the air fryer.
Serve right away: These are at their best fresh out of the air fryer, when they’re still perfectly crunchy. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy immediately.
Play with flavors: Mix things up with different fillings! Try ground turkey, pork, tofu, or extra veggies. Just make sure everything is cooked and seasoned before rolling.
Go meatless if you like: For a vegetarian or vegan option, skip the chicken and load up on mushrooms, tofu, or your favorite plant-based protein.
What to serve with spring rolls
- Dipping sauces
- Noodles
- Fried rice
- Soup
- Salad
- Dumplings
FAQs
Do I need to thaw frozen spring rolls before air frying?
Nope, you can cook them straight from the freezer. Just pop them into the air fryer and adjust the cook time (usually 10–12 minutes at 380°F).
Can I reheat leftover spring rolls?
Absolutely! Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to bring back the crunch. Avoid microwaving, which makes them soggy.
Are air fryer spring rolls healthier than fried ones?
Yes, they use just a fraction of the oil, which cuts down on calories and grease while still giving you that crispy bite.
