Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls are a fun and crunchy treat! These rolls are packed with fresh veggies and shrimp or tofu, all wrapped in soft rice paper. Plus, they cook up crispy without much oil!
Making these rolls is a fun activity, and they disappear quickly at my house. I like to dip them in peanut sauce for extra flavor—yum! They’re a healthy and tasty snack you can feel good about.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper: The star of this dish! Look for rice paper that’s thin but sturdy, usually found in Asian grocery stores. If you can’t find rice paper, you could use tortillas for a different texture, though it won’t have the same authentic taste.
Vermicelli Rice Noodles: These noodles add a light and chewy texture. If you’re avoiding gluten, you can use zucchini noodles or other gluten-free pasta options.
Chicken: Shredded chicken is a great choice for protein. If you prefer a vegetarian version, tofu is a fantastic substitute. Make sure to press and marinate it to boost flavor!
Carrots and Cucumbers: Shredded carrots add a slight sweetness, while cucumbers bring a refreshing crunch. Feel free to swap these with bell peppers or avocado if you prefer other tastes.
Cilantro and Green Onions: These herbs bring in freshness. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley or basil can work instead. Both are lovely alternatives!
How Do I Properly Roll Rice Paper Rolls without Them Falling Apart?
Rolling rice paper rolls can seem tricky, but with a little practice, it gets easier! Here’s how to do it correctly:
- First, soak the rice paper in warm water for 10-15 seconds until it’s soft. Don’t over-soak it or it might tear.
- Lay it flat on your surface. Place your fillings in the center, keeping space around edges.
- Start by folding the sides in, then roll from the bottom up. Keep it snug but not too tight, or the paper might rip.
Lastly, brushing the rolls with sesame oil helps them get crispy in the air fryer while adding a nice flavor. Happy rolling!
Delicious Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 8 sheets rice paper
- 1 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast (or tofu for vegetarian option)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup thinly sliced cucumber
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- ¼ cup bean sprouts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for brushing)
- Cooking spray (for air fryer)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time, plus another 6-8 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. Overall, you can have these delicious rice paper rolls ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Filling Ingredients:
Start by cooking and shredding your chicken breast (or tofu). While that’s happening, slice your carrots and cucumber, and chop the cilantro and green onions. Also, cook your vermicelli rice noodles according to package instructions. Make sure all the ingredients are ready to go!
2. Soak the Rice Paper:
Take a large shallow dish or pie plate and fill it with warm water. Dip one rice paper sheet into the water for about 10-15 seconds. You want it to be soft and pliable, so it’s easy to roll! Once done, lay it flat on a clean surface.
3. Fill the Rice Paper:
In the center of the rice paper, place a small amount of vermicelli noodles, shredded chicken (or tofu), carrots, cucumber, cilantro, green onions, and bean sprouts if you’re using them. Leave about 2 inches of space on all sides to make rolling easier!
4. Roll It Up:
Fold the sides of the rice paper in, then tightly roll from the bottom up, hugging the filling as you go. You’ll want a snug, yet gentle roll to prevent tearing the rice paper.
5. Brush with Sesame Oil:
Lightly brush or spray each roll with sesame oil. This will help the rice paper crisp up nicely while air frying, adding a bit of flavor too!
6. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the rolls.
7. Air Fry the Rolls:
Arrange the rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not touching for even cooking. Air fry them for about 6-8 minutes, turning them halfway through until they’re golden and crispy.
8. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
While the rolls are cooking, mix together all the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Taste and adjust according to your preference!
9. Enjoy Your Rolls:
Once cooked, carefully remove the rolls from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve them warm with the dipping sauce on the side, and garnish with extra chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls!
Can I Use Other Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute shredded chicken with cooked shrimp, beef, or even tempeh for a different flavor. Just ensure that any protein you use is cooked and ready to fill the rolls!
What Should I Do if My Rice Paper Tears?
If your rice paper tears while rolling, don’t worry! Just gently place another layer of rice paper over the tear, or use it as a chance to experiment and create fun shapes or cutouts. It will still taste delicious!
Can I Make These Rice Paper Rolls Vegan?
Definitely! Just replace the chicken with tofu or additional veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers, and ensure that your soy sauce is vegan. You’ll have a fresh and tasty vegan option!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice paper may lose some crispiness, but you can re-crisp them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving again.
