These Air Fryer Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls are light and tasty! They’re filled with fresh shrimp, crunchy veggies, and wrapped in soft rice paper. Just a quick cook in the air fryer gives them a nice crisp.
Who doesn’t love a roll that’s both fun to make and eat? They make a perfect snack or appetizer! I love dipping them in a tasty sauce. Trust me, you won’t be able to eat just one! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: I used large cooked shrimp for a juicy bite. If you’re looking for alternatives, try cooked crab meat or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Rice Paper Wrappers: These are essential for that classic texture. If you can’t find them, tortillas can work in a pinch, though the flavor will differ!
Vermicelli Rice Noodles: These noodles add great texture. You can swap them for zucchini noodles for a low-carb option or skip them altogether if you’d prefer a lighter roll.
Fresh Herbs: I love using basil, mint, and cilantro for freshness. Feel free to mix it up; dill or chives can also add unique flavors.
Dipping Sauce: Hoisin sauce is a must for flavor. If you’re looking for something lighter, try soy sauce mixed with a bit of lime juice for a fresher taste.
How Do I Roll Rice Paper Properly?
Rolling rice paper can be tricky at first, but with some practice, it becomes easier! Here’s a simple guide to get perfect rolls.
- Make sure the shrimp and veggies are evenly distributed but don’t overfill. Keep it simple!
- After soaking the rice paper in warm water, let it sit for a moment to avoid tearing.
- Start by folding the bottom up over the filling and then tuck in the sides before rolling tightly. That keeps everything secure.
Try using a clean surface and a bit of oil on your hands to prevent sticking. If the wrap tears, you can always patch it with another piece! Practice makes perfect!
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 12 large cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 rice paper wrappers (8-inch diameter)
- 1 cup vermicelli rice noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 cup mixed fresh herbs (basil, mint, cilantro)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- Cooking oil spray
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and 6-8 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for a light meal or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by getting everything ready! Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions and let them cool. Wash and dry the lettuce and fresh herbs. Finally, julienne the carrot and cucumber into thin strips so they’re easy to fit into your rolls.
2. Soften the Rice Paper:
Take one rice paper wrapper and dip it into a bowl of warm water for about 15–20 seconds until it is soft and pliable. Be careful not to oversoak it! Once it’s ready, lay the wrapper flat on a clean surface.
3. Fill the Rolls:
In the center of the rice paper, place a few pieces of shrimp, a small handful of the cooked rice noodles, some mixed herbs, a bit of shredded lettuce, and a sprinkle of julienned carrot and cucumber. Be sure not to overfill, as you will need to roll it up!
4. Roll It Up:
Now comes the fun part! Fold the sides of the rice paper inward, then roll it tightly from the bottom edge up to the top edge. Make sure the filling is fully enclosed. Repeat this with the remaining rice papers until you’ve used everything up.
5. Prepare for Air Frying:
Lightly spray the finished rice paper rolls with cooking oil spray. This helps them get nice and crispy in the air fryer!
6. Air Fry the Rolls:
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Once it’s hot, arrange the rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, giving them some room to breathe between each roll. This ensures they cook evenly.
7. Cooking Time:
Air fry the rolls for 6–8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should come out crisp and slightly golden when they’re done.
8. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the rolls are cooking, mix together the hoisin sauce, peanut butter (if using), soy sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and rice vinegar in a bowl. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little water until you reach the desired consistency. Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the crispy rice paper rolls from the air fryer and sprinkle them with extra sesame seeds for a delightful crunch. Serve them warm with the dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy your delicious, crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls! They make a tasty appetizer or light meal.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before preparing the rolls. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
How Should I Store Leftover Rice Paper Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, place a damp paper towel in the container to prevent the rice paper from drying out.
What If I Can’t Find Rice Paper Wrappers?
If rice paper wrappers are unavailable, you can use thin flour tortillas. Keep in mind that the taste and texture will differ, but they can still be delicious as a substitute!
Can I Make These Rolls Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the shrimp with sautéed tofu, tempeh, or more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or avocado. You can also add more herbs for added flavor!