These Air Fryer Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls are a tasty treat! Filled with juicy shrimp, crunchy veggies, and wrapped in soft rice paper, they’re fun to eat and great for sharing.
I love making these rolls because you can dip them in your favorite sauce! Plus, air frying means they’re crispy without all the oil—yummy and light for everyone!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal for this recipe as they offer a nice bite. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, try using marinated tofu or chickpeas as a substitute.
Rice Paper Sheets: These are essential for wrapping. If you can’t find rice paper, you could use thin tortillas, though they won’t have the same texture. Be sure to warm them to make rolling easier.
Rice Vermicelli Noodles: These give the rolls a nice texture. You can swap them with thin rice noodles or even quinoa if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.
Herbs: Fresh cilantro and mint are key for flavor. If you don’t have them, parsley and basil can work in a pinch, although they will change the taste.
Dipping Sauce Ingredients: Hoisin sauce is sweet and thick. If you don’t have it, a mix of soy sauce and peanut butter can work. For a spicier kick, consider sriracha or chili flakes instead of chili paste.
How Do I Properly Roll Rice Paper Rolls?
Rolling rice paper can be tricky at first, but practice makes perfect. Here’s a simple guide to help you get it right:
- Soak rice paper in warm water for 10-15 seconds until it’s soft. Don’t let it get too mushy!
- Lay the softened sheet on a clean surface. Add your filling in the center.
- Fold the sides inward, then start rolling from the bottom up, keeping it tight but not too tight!
- Seal the edges to prevent any filling from escaping.
Try to keep your filling balanced; too much can make rolling hard! If it tears, just grab another sheet; it happens to everyone!
For an extra touch, give the rolls a light spray of oil before air frying. This will help create a crispy outer layer. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 rice paper sheets
- 1 cup cooked rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- ½ cup bean sprouts
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or light oil for air fryer
- Lime wedges, for garnish
For the Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili paste or Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time. The cooking time is around 6-8 minutes for the shrimp in the air fryer, plus an additional 3-4 minutes if you choose to crisp the rolls. In total, plan for about 30 minutes to have everything ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the shrimp marinate for about 10 minutes while you get the other ingredients ready.
2. Air Fry the Shrimp:
Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the marinated shrimp in the basket in a single layer. Air fry them for about 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are cooked through and have a nice, slight crisp. Once done, set them aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Rice Paper Sheets:
In a shallow dish, prepare some warm water. Take one rice paper sheet and dip it into the water for about 10-15 seconds, until it softens but is still pliable. Lay the softened rice paper on a clean surface to assemble your rolls.
4. Assemble the Rolls:
In the center of the rice paper, place a few cooked shrimp, a small amount of rice vermicelli noodles, julienned carrots, chopped cilantro, mint leaves, green onions, and bean sprouts. Make sure not to overfill!
5. Roll It Up:
Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom to the top, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed. Repeat this process with the remaining rice sheets and filling until you have all your rolls prepared.
6. Crisping the Rolls (Optional):
If you’d like your rice paper rolls to be extra crispy, lightly spray them with oil and place them back in the air fryer. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes or until the rolls are slightly crispy on the outside.
7. Make the Dipping Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar or lime juice, sesame oil, and chili paste (or Sriracha, based on your spice preference). Sprinkle in the toasted sesame seeds for that extra crunch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the warm air-fried shrimp rice paper rolls with the dipping sauce and lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to fully thaw them first. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water.
How to Store Leftover Rice Paper Rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They may lose some crispness, but you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
What Can I Substitute for Rice Vermicelli Noodles?
If you don’t have rice vermicelli, you can use thin rice noodles, soba noodles, or even quinoa as a gluten-free alternative. Just make sure it’s cooked and cooled before using it in the rolls.
How Do I Make the Rolls Vegetarian?
No problem! Simply replace the shrimp with marinated tofu or chickpeas. Add your favorite vegetables and herbs for flavor, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version!
