These Air Fryer Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls are fresh, crunchy, and so fun to make! Filled with shrimp and veggies, they are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.
Making these rolls is always a good time! I love how they turn crispy in the air fryer. Pair them with a sweet dip and you’re set for a tasty treat. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper: These delicate sheets are essential for wrapping. If you’re out of rice paper, you can use thin tortillas or lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Just remember, they won’t have the same texture, but they still work well!
Shrimp: Medium shrimp are a staple. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, try chicken, tofu, or even cooked crab meat. Just keep the cooking time in mind as it varies with different proteins.
Vermicelli Noodles: These soft noodles add great texture. If you don’t have vermicelli, rice noodles or even shredded cabbage can be a good alternative. They’ll give a different bite but still keep things light.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro and mint give freshness. If you’re not keen on cilantro, parsley or basil can be switched in. You could also skip herbs altogether if you prefer a more straightforward flavor.
Dipping Sauce: Both sweet chili and hoisin sauces work well. If you want a healthier dip, mix soy sauce with a little honey or make a peanut sauce for a unique twist!
How Can I Perfectly Roll Rice Paper Rolls?
Rolling rice paper can feel tricky, but with some practice, it becomes simple. Here’s how to get it right:
- Wet the rice paper until soft, but avoid soaking it for too long; it should still be pliable.
- Place your filling towards the bottom third of the sheet, but not too close to the edge.
- Fold in the sides first to prevent the filling from spilling out, then roll from the bottom gently but firmly.
- Make sure to keep the filling tight to avoid the rolls falling apart later. Turning the roll as you fold can help maintain the shape.
Don’t stress if your first few rolls are not perfect; they’ll still taste amazing! Just enjoy the folding process and have fun with the fillings.
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 12 rice paper sheets (round or square)
- 1/2 lb (225g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 3 green onions, chopped
For the Flavoring:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- Cooking spray or a little oil for air fryer
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Dipping sauce (sweet chili sauce or hoisin sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes for cooking, making it a quick meal option. You’ll spend around 5 minutes on prep, 10-15 minutes cooking the shrimp, and then rolling the rice paper. In just about half an hour, you can enjoy delicious, crispy rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This helps ensure your rolls come out crispy and cooked perfectly!
2. Season the Shrimp:
In a mixing bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if you’re using them. Mix well until the shrimp are evenly coated!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 6-8 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, giving the basket a shake halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly.
4. Prepare for Rolling:
While the shrimp are cooking, prepare a clean surface by placing a plate filled with warm water nearby. This water will help soften the rice paper.
5. Soften the Rice Paper:
Dip one rice paper sheet into the warm water for about 10-15 seconds, until it’s soft but still pliable. Carefully lay it flat on your working surface.
6. Fill the Rice Paper:
On the lower third of the soft rice paper, layer a small portion of cooked vermicelli noodles, some shredded carrots, a few leaves of cilantro and mint, some chopped green onions, and 2-3 cooked shrimp.
7. Roll It Up:
Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling to keep it secure, then roll from the bottom up tightly to enclose all the filling. It’s like a little present!
8. Repeat the Process:
Continue the same process with the remaining rice paper sheets and filling until you have all your rolls ready to go!
9. Prep for Air Frying:
Spray or brush the outside of the rolls lightly with cooking oil. This will help them become crispy during cooking.
10. Air Fry the Rolls:
Arrange the rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is small. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the rice paper is golden and crispy.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take them out of the air fryer and sprinkle with sesame seeds and any additional chopped herbs if you like. Serve warm with sweet chili sauce or your dip of choice!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls! They make a delightful appetizer or a light meal!
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While shrimp is a fantastic option, you can swap it out for chicken, tofu, or even fish. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure whatever protein you choose is cooked through.
How Do I Store Leftover Rice Paper Rolls?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep them from sticking together, you might want to place parchment paper between the rolls. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness!
What If I Can’t Find Rice Paper?
No worries! If rice paper isn’t available, you can use thin tortillas or large lettuce leaves as a substitute. Just remember that these alternatives will provide a different texture and flavor but will still deliver a delicious result.
How Do I Make the Rolls More Flavorful?
To amp up the flavor, try adding some sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, or even avocado inside the rolls. You can also experiment with different herbs or add a splash of lime juice for extra zest!
