These Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls are tasty little pockets filled with fresh veggies and shrimp or tofu. They’re crispy outside and soft inside. Yum!
I love making these for a quick snack or light meal. Plus, they’re fun to dip in peanut sauce! It’s hard to eat just one, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper: This thin, delicate wrapping creates a perfect vessel for your fillings. You can also use spring roll wrappers if you can’t find rice paper, but they might need a bit more cooking time and can be thicker.
Vermicelli Rice Noodles: These are light and great for rolling. If you want a gluten-free option, check the packaging to ensure the noodles are made from rice. You can swap them with thin rice or soba noodles for a different texture.
Chicken or Tofu: Feel free to use shredded chicken for a meatier option, or switch to firm tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also use shrimp or beef, or even keep it simple with just veggies if you’re in a lighter mood.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro and mint add a refreshing kick. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley works just as well, or you can skip the herbs entirely for a more straightforward flavor.
Dipping Sauce Ingredients: Regular soy sauce is great, but tamari is perfect for gluten-free needs. Rice vinegar is pretty essential, but you could use apple cider vinegar in a pinch. Adjust chili levels based on how much heat you want—everyone has different preferences!
How Do You Roll Rice Paper Without Breaking It?
Rolling rice paper can be tricky, but with some practice, you’ll get the hang of it! First, remember to soak the rice paper in warm water until it’s soft but still slightly firm, about 10 seconds. This ensures it won’t rip when you roll.
- Gently lay the soaked rice paper on a clean surface, taking care not to let it stick.
- Place your filling near one edge and fold in the sides before rolling tightly, just like you would a burrito. This keeps the filling inside.
- Practice makes perfect! If one tears, don’t worry; it happens to everyone. Just try again with another sheet.
Also, don’t overfill the rolls; keep the filling to about 2-3 tablespoons to ensure you can close them easily. Enjoy making these tasty rolls!
How to Make Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 8 sheets rice paper
- 1 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken or tofu (optional for vegetarian)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves (optional)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil for air fryer
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp chili flakes or chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Optional: chopped fresh chili or sliced green onion
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes in total. This includes around 15 minutes for preparation (cutting, mixing, and rolling) and about 8-10 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a delicious snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by getting all your filling ingredients ready. Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions then drain them well. If you’re using chicken or tofu, cook and shred it up. Shred your carrots and cabbage, and chop the herbs and green onions. This will save you a lot of time later!
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked vermicelli noodles, shredded chicken or tofu, shredded carrots, cabbage, green onions, cilantro, and mint. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined. This will be your delicious filling!
3. Soak the Rice Paper:
Next, grab a large bowl and fill it with warm water. Take one rice paper sheet and dip it into the water for about 10 seconds, or until it becomes soft but still a bit firm. Lay it flat on a clean surface to prepare for rolling.
4. Roll the Rice Paper:
Place about 2-3 tablespoons of your filling near one edge of the rice paper. Fold the sides in gently, then roll tightly away from you, much like a burrito. It might take a few tries to get it just right, but that’s part of the fun!
5. Repeat and Preheat:
Keep rolling until you’ve used up all your rice paper sheets and filling. While you do this, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you finish rolling.
6. Prepare to Cook:
Once all the rolls are made, lightly spray or brush each roll with a little oil to help them get crispy in the air fryer. Make sure to arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overlapping.
7. Air Fry the Rolls:
Cook the rice paper rolls in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through. You’re looking for them to turn crisp and golden on the outside—so mouthwatering!
8. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While your rolls are cooking, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili flakes, sesame seeds, honey, and minced garlic. Mix everything well, and you can adjust the chili to your taste!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Once your rolls are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve them hot with the dipping sauce on the side. Feel free to garnish with extra herbs or sliced green onions for that final touch. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls!
Can I Use Different Fillings in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. You can use shrimp, beef, or a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or avocado. Just make sure whatever you use is cooked and chopped into small pieces for easy rolling!
How to Store Leftover Rice Paper Rolls?
Store any leftover rice paper rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep them from drying out, you can place a damp paper towel in the container. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispiness!
Can I Prepare These Rolls in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and roll the rice paper rolls up to a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered with a damp cloth in the fridge to prevent the rice paper from drying out. Cook them just before serving for the best texture.
What If I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No worries! You can bake the rice paper rolls in the oven at 400°F (200°C). Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until they’re crispy. You can also pan-fry them in a skillet with a little oil if you prefer!
