Crispy Air Fryer Rolls

Crunchy Air Fryer Spring Rolls bring Asian street food vibes straight to your home, mixing tender ground pork and crisp veggies in a wonderfully crunchy shell. These homemade treats give you all the snap and enjoyment of fancy restaurant rolls, but they're way healthier since you're air frying them instead of dunking them in oil.

I first tried making these when I bought my air fryer, and now they're what my family asks for most. My children actually like them better than takeout ones, and they love helping roll them up – it's turned into our favorite weekend cooking activity.

Key Ingredients

• Spring Roll Wrappers: They're usually in the fresh produce area. These thin sheets turn into that awesome crispy exterior that breaks apart when you bite in
• Ground Pork: Go for about 20% fat to keep everything juicy. The fat really helps lock in all the good flavors
• Coleslaw Mix: This pre-cut stuff is a real time-saver and has just the right mix of cabbage and carrots
• Green Onions: These add a nice punch and make everything look prettier
• Garlic: Don't even think about skipping fresh garlic – it's what gives these their authentic taste
• Soy Sauce: This adds richness and that savory umami kick. Try the low-salt kind if you're watching your sodium
• Sesame Seeds: These tiny bits add a wonderful nutty flavor and extra bite

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Get Your Filling Ready

- Put your pan on medium heat and lightly brown those sesame seeds, keeping them moving so they don't burn

- Throw in your ground pork, breaking it into tiny bits with your spoon. Let it cook until there's no pink left, around 5-6 minutes

- Mix in your chopped garlic and green onions, and let them release their smell for about half a minute

2. Add Flavor and Veggies

- Toss in onion powder, black pepper, and ground ginger, making sure it's all mixed well

- Drizzle soy sauce all over, stirring so the meat gets coated everywhere

- Put in your coleslaw mix bit by bit, letting each handful soften a little before adding more

3. Roll Them Up

- Put your wrapper down so it looks like a diamond

- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling in a line just below the middle

- Fold the bottom point up over your filling, pulling back slightly to make it snug

- Bring in both side points to make neat edges

- Keep rolling upward, maintaining some tension for a tight roll

- Wet the top corner with a little water to seal it

4. Air Fry Until Golden

- Get your air fryer hot at 380°F (193°C)

- Lay out your rolls with space between them

- Coat them well with oil for even browning

- Cook for 4 minutes, then carefully turn them over

- Let them go another 4 minutes until they're golden all over

5. Cool and Enjoy

- Let them sit for 5-10 minutes – this helps them firm up and won't burn your mouth

- Put them on a nice plate with some yummy dipping sauces

Getting Your Filling Just Right

The secret to awesome spring rolls is getting the balance right. Too stuffed and they'll burst open, too empty and you're mostly eating wrapper. I've found that 3 tablespoons gives you the perfect amount. Your meat mix should be damp but not dripping – too much juice will make your wrappers go soggy.

Pin it

While testing different ways to make these, I learned that freezing them first actually makes them crispier in the air fryer. It was my mother-in-law who showed me this trick, and it's been super helpful for quick meals on busy nights. We always keep some frozen ones ready for when friends drop by unexpectedly.

Spring Roll Wrapper Basics

What makes spring rolls different from egg rolls comes down to their outer layer. Spring roll wrappers are super thin and get really crispy, while egg roll wrappers are thicker with a chewier bite. I really like spring roll wrappers because they're lighter and give you that satisfying crunch when they come out of the air fryer.

Great Foods to Serve With These

These rolls taste even better with the right sides and sauces. Their crispy outside works great with both sweet and hot dips. Try them alongside some fresh Vietnamese herbs or crunchy lettuce for a complete meal experience.

Keeping Them Fresh

Storing these properly keeps them tasting amazing. Put sheets of parchment paper between uncooked rolls so they don't stick together. When you want to warm up leftovers, just pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes and they'll get crispy again.

After making these spring rolls for years now, I've really come to love how flexible and reliable they are. They've saved so many dinner parties and casual get-togethers. The real secret is taking your time with the rolling and trusting your air fryer. Once you get the hang of it, you'll never want deep-fried ones again.

Prep Ahead Tricks

Pin it

What's really cool about these spring rolls is how easy they fit into your schedule. Make a bunch on Sunday afternoon, freeze them separately, and then you can have crispy, homemade rolls whenever you want them. This approach has totally changed how our family plans meals.

Tips from Experience

Working with these wrappers takes a soft touch and some patience. Keep them under a slightly wet towel while you're working so they don't dry out. If one tears, don't worry – just grab a new one and start over. It's these little things that turn good spring rolls into great ones.

Looking Back

After making batch after batch for countless family gatherings, these air fryer spring rolls have become a true family favorite. They hit that sweet spot between old-school flavor and new-school cooking. Whether you're super comfortable in the kitchen or just starting out, this recipe shows that homemade can be both doable and impressive.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

Sure! Make the filling ahead and refrigerate for up to two days. You can also roll the spring rolls and keep them uncooked for a few hours on wax paper until you're ready to air fry.

→ How do I stop the wrappers from ripping?

Keep the wrappers moist by covering them with a damp cloth while you're rolling. Avoid adding too much filling and roll them tightly but carefully.

→ Can I switch up the filling?

Absolutely! Swap the pork for chicken, shrimp, or stick to veggies and mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

→ Why are my spring rolls turning soggy?

Dry your filling well before rolling, preheat the air fryer, and let the rolls cool separately instead of stacking them, which traps steam.

→ What sauce goes best with these?

Pair them with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a combo of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a drizzle of chili oil.