These Air Fryer Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls are a fun and tasty treat! Filled with plump shrimp and crunchy veggies, they are light yet satisfying.
Air frying makes them crispy without all the oil. I love dipping them in peanut sauce for an extra kick—so good, you’ll be reaching for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper Sheets: The base of the rolls, rice paper is typically available in Asian markets. If you can’t find it, you could substitute with thin tortillas, but they won’t have the same texture or flavor.
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well in this recipe. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using cooked chicken or tofu instead.
Vermicelli Rice Noodles: These noodles add structure to the rolls. For gluten-free options, look for rice vermicelli specifically labeled as gluten-free.
Vegetables: Carrots, cilantro, green onions, and mint provide freshness. Feel free to swap out or skip any veggies based on preference or what you have on hand. Bell peppers or cucumbers are great alternatives too.
Dipping Sauce Ingredients: If hoisin sauce is unavailable, a mix of peanut butter and a bit of soy sauce can be a tasty alternative. Adjust sweetness with honey or brown sugar to taste.
How Can I Roll Rice Paper Perfectly Without It Sticking?
Rolling rice paper can be tricky, but with a little practice, you’ll get it! Start by soaking the rice paper in warm water for 10-15 seconds. You want it soft but not too mushy.
- Place the moist rice paper on a clean, flat surface to prevent sticking.
- When adding fillings, keep it organized near the edge and avoid overstuffing, which can cause breaks.
- Fold the sides in before rolling; this helps keep everything contained.
- Wrap tightly but gently to maintain the shape without tearing the rice paper.
Remember, it’s okay to slightly adjust your technique as you find what works best for you!
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 12 rice paper sheets
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (optional)
- 1/4 cup purple cabbage, finely shredded (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or a little oil for brushing
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Chili flakes to taste (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 8 minutes to cook in the air fryer. You’ll need a little time to assemble the rolls, but it’s a fun and simple process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). This usually takes about 5 minutes, and it helps the rolls cook evenly and get nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
Take your shrimp and season them with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a small amount of sesame oil. If you’d like, you can grill or sauté them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Once cooked, set the shrimp aside.
3. Soak the Rice Paper:
Find a shallow dish and fill it with warm water. Dip one rice paper sheet in the water for about 10-15 seconds. You want it to become soft and pliable. Once ready, lay it flat on a clean surface.
4. Fill the Rolls:
Near the edge of the softened rice paper, place a shrimp. Add a small handful of cooked vermicelli noodles, some julienned carrots, cilantro leaves, chopped green onions, mint, and purple cabbage (if using). Remember, less is more—don’t overfill!
5. Roll the Rice Paper:
Now it’s time to roll! Fold in the sides of the rice paper and then roll it tightly from the edge with the filling to the other side. Make sure it’s secure! Repeat this process for the remaining ingredients.
6. Brush with Oil:
Before air frying, lightly brush or spray each roll with some cooking spray or oil. This will help them get that crispy goodness when they cook!
7. Air Fry the Rolls:
Place the rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. Air fry them at 390°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes. Halfway through the time, give them a little turn to ensure they crisp up nicely all over.
8. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While your rolls are air frying, mix together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or lime juice), minced garlic, sesame seeds, and optional chili flakes in a small bowl for a tasty dipping sauce.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once your rolls are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. This helps prevent burns!
10. Enjoy!
Serve your crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls with the dipping sauce on the side, and enjoy this tasty twist on traditional spring rolls!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Other Proteins Besides Shrimp?
Absolutely! You can substitute shrimp with cooked chicken, tofu, or even crab meat for a different flavor. Just ensure your chosen protein is well-seasoned or marinated for the best taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rice paper rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep them separate from the dipping sauce to avoid sogginess. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness!
Can I Make These Rolls Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make them vegetarian by omitting the shrimp and adding more veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or mushrooms. You might also want to include some avocado for creaminess!
What Should I Do If the Rice Paper Tears?
If your rice paper tears while rolling, don’t worry! You can simply overlap another piece of rice paper to reinforce the area. This happens, especially if the paper is soaked a bit too long, so keep an eye on it while soaking!
