Crispy Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls with Soy-Sesame Dipping Sauce Recipe
These Crispy Air Fryer Rice Paper Rolls are a delightful, healthier twist on traditional fried spring rolls, offering a crunchy exterior without the need for deep frying. Filled with a savory stir-fry of tofu, cabbage, carrot, garlic, and ginger, these rolls are paired with a flavorful soy-based dipping sauce enhanced with shaoxing wine and sesame oil. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they are quick to prepare using an air fryer, resulting in a light yet satisfyingly crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 rice paper rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari/shoyu (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon sugar
For the Stir Fry
- ½ block extra-firm tofu pressed (around 200g/7oz)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 small carrot, shredded
Other Ingredients
- 8 rice paper sheets
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Stir Fry Filling: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Crumble the pressed tofu into the pan, and sauté with minced garlic and ginger until fragrant and slightly golden, about 3-5 minutes. Add the shredded cabbage and carrot, cooking until the vegetables soften but still retain some crunch, approximately 4-6 minutes. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to evenly coat the mixture. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Soften the Rice Paper Sheets: Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. One at a time, dip a rice paper sheet into the water for about 5-10 seconds until pliable but not overly soggy. Place the softened sheet onto a clean surface or plate.
- Assemble the Rolls: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the tofu and vegetable stir-fry onto the lower third of each rice paper sheet. Fold the bottom edge over the filling, then fold in the sides snugly before rolling up tightly to seal the roll.
- Air Fry the Rolls: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the rolls with cooking oil to help achieve crispiness. Place the rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the rice paper is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the crispy rice paper rolls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with the dipping sauce prepared earlier for an irresistible bite.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, which helps achieve a better texture in the filling.
- If you prefer gluten-free, make sure to use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in the dipping sauce.
- Do not soak rice papers for too long in water to avoid tearing; they should be just pliable enough to roll.
- You can customize the filling by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms according to taste.
- Spraying or brushing a little oil on the rolls before air frying improves crispiness significantly.
Keywords: air fryer rice paper rolls, crispy rice paper rolls, tofu spring rolls, vegetarian appetizer, healthy spring rolls, air fryer snacks