Easy Crispy Air Fryer Rolls

Crispy, golden, and packed with savory flavor, these air fryer spring rolls deliver all the satisfying crunch of traditional deep-fried versions without the mess and extra oil. The combination of seasoned ground pork, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices creates an irresistible filling that's perfectly encased in a shatteringly crisp wrapper.

I first tried making spring rolls in the air fryer after getting tired of the mess and lingering smell of traditional deep frying. I was skeptical they could achieve the same crispy texture, but was delighted to discover they came out perfectly golden and crunchy, with significantly less oil and cleanup involved.

Ingredients

• Ground pork – Creates a savory, juicy base for the filling. Its natural fat content adds flavor while remaining lighter than traditional deep-fried versions.
• Coleslaw mix – This convenient pre-shredded blend of cabbage and carrots saves chopping time while adding fresh crunch and color to the filling.
• Green onions and garlic – Provide aromatic foundation flavors that are essential to authentic Asian cooking.
• Soy sauce – Adds that crucial umami depth that makes these spring rolls so satisfying and crave-worthy.
• Spices – The combination of onion powder, black pepper, and ground ginger creates a balanced flavor profile with aromatic warmth.
• Spring roll wrappers – Thin wheat wrappers that crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, creating that signature crackly exterior.
• Sesame seeds – Optional but recommended for adding a nutty flavor dimension and slight textural contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Toast the sesame seeds –

Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the sesame seeds, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and lightly golden. This quick step brings out their nutty flavor and adds depth to the filling.

Brown the meat –

Add the ground pork to the same pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's no longer pink. The meat should be crumbled into small pieces for easy rolling later.

Season and flavor –

Add onion powder, black pepper, ground ginger, vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sliced green onions to the meat. These ingredients infuse the pork with layers of flavor as they cook together.

Reduce and concentrate –

Continue cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated. This concentration of flavors ensures the filling won't make the wrappers soggy during cooking.

Add the vegetables –

Stir in the coleslaw mix and cook just until wilted but still retaining some texture. This brief cooking preserves a slight crunch in the finished spring rolls.

Prepare for wrapping –

Set up your workstation with the spring roll wrappers, filling, a small dish of water, and your air fryer basket nearby. An organized setup makes the wrapping process much more efficient.

Fill and wrap properly –

Place a wrapper in a diamond orientation and add 2-3 tablespoons of filling in a line. Fold the sides over the filling, then the bottom point up, and roll tightly to the top, sealing with water. The tight rolling technique prevents air pockets that can cause spring rolls to burst during cooking.

Arrange in air fryer –

Place the wrapped spring rolls seam-side down in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, which would prevent proper air circulation and crispy results.

Apply oil lightly –

Brush or spray the spring rolls with a light coating of oil. This helps achieve that golden-brown exterior that makes them so appealing.

Air fry to perfection –

Cook at 380°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air circulation creates an evenly crispy exterior all around, similar to deep frying but with much less oil.

Cool briefly before serving –

Allow the spring rolls to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the filling to set slightly and prevents burnt mouths from the hot filling.

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The transformation that happens in the air fryer is truly impressive – the wrappers become golden and shatteringly crisp while the filling remains juicy and flavorful. The exterior develops that characteristic bubbly texture that makes spring rolls so appealing, all without a drop of deep-frying oil.

My grandmother, who was a master of traditional Chinese cooking, was initially skeptical about air-fried spring rolls. "They won't be the same," she insisted. But after trying one, she raised her eyebrows in surprise and admitted, "These are actually very good!" Coming from someone who spent decades perfecting the art of deep-frying, this was the ultimate endorsement.

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

• Fill and roll several hours before cooking, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
• Freeze uncooked spring rolls by arranging them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Cook frozen spring rolls directly from the freezer – no need to thaw! Simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Perfect Pairings

• Sweet and sour sauce for a classic pairing
• Chinese hot mustard for those who enjoy some heat
• Thai sweet chili sauce for a sweet-spicy combination
• Soy sauce mixed with a drop of sesame oil for a simple umami dip

After making countless batches of these spring rolls, I've found they're one of those rare recipes that genuinely rivals its traditional counterpart while being significantly easier and healthier. There's something deeply satisfying about achieving that perfect crispy texture without the hassle and mess of deep frying. Whether served as an appetizer for a Chinese feast or as part of a spread for game day, these air fryer spring rolls consistently earn rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these spring rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and even roll them up to 24 hours ahead. Store uncooked rolls in the fridge with a damp paper towel over them to prevent drying. Air fry just before serving.

→ What can I serve with these spring rolls?

These spring rolls pair well with sweet chili sauce, duck sauce, soy sauce, or hoisin sauce for dipping. A simple side salad with ginger dressing complements them nicely.

→ Can I substitute the ground pork?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or shrimp work well. For vegetarian options, try crumbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms with extra vegetables.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooled spring rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through.

→ Why are my spring rolls not crispy?

Make sure to spray the spring rolls with oil before air frying, don't overcrowd the basket, and flip them halfway through cooking. If they're still not crispy, try increasing the temperature slightly.