These Air Fryer Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls are fresh, crunchy, and packed with delicious shrimp. They’re perfect for a light lunch or a fun snack!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a roll that’s crispy on the outside and filled with yummy flavors? I enjoy dipping them in spicy sauce—yum!
Making these rolls is super easy! Just fill, roll, and air fry. In no time, you’ll have a tasty treat that everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for these rolls, but you can use chicken or tofu if you prefer a different protein. Frozen shrimp work well too; just thaw them before cooking.
Rice Paper Wrappers: These thin wrappers are key to holding the ingredients together. If you can’t find them, you could use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
Vegetables: Shredded carrots and cabbage add crunch and color. Feel free to substitute with bell peppers, cucumbers, or whatever veggies you have on hand.!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a lovely flavor, but if you’re not a fan, mint or basil can also work well. Dried herbs can substitute in a pinch, but fresh is best!
Sauce Ingredients: If hoisin sauce isn’t available, you might use sweet chili sauce for a different taste. And for the acid, lime juice is a bright substitute for rice vinegar.
How Do I Properly Prepare Rice Paper Wrappers?
Softening rice paper correctly is crucial for a good wrap. Start by filling a large shallow dish with warm water. You’ll need to dip each wrapper:
- Immerse the rice paper for about 10-15 seconds until it feels soft but still firm enough to handle.
- Carefully lay the wrapper on a clean surface. If it’s too soft, it may tear; too hard, and it won’t fold well.
- Keep working in batches to ensure you don’t rush the process. Once filled, fold carefully to seal without ripping.
This technique helps to make your rolls not only look nice but also hold together well while you eat!
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- Cooking spray or a little oil for brushing
- Sesame seeds for garnish
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 15 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend some time assembling the rolls and making the dipping sauce, and then just let the air fryer do its magic. It’s simple and quick, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until they are coated evenly. This adds great flavor to your shrimp!
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Lightly spray or brush the shrimp with some oil and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and slightly crispy. Once done, remove them and let them cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Rice Paper Wrappers:
In a large shallow dish, fill it with warm water. Take one rice paper wrapper and dip it into the water for about 10-15 seconds until it’s softened but still a bit firm. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
4. Assemble Your Rolls:
Place 2-3 shrimp in the center of the softened rice paper wrapper, and top with some shredded carrots, cabbage, cilantro, and green onions. Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom to the top, just like rolling a burrito. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling ingredients.
5. Air Fry the Rolls:
Gently spray or brush each roll with oil. Place the rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you’re making a lot, you may need to work in batches. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the rice paper turns slightly crispy but not burnt.
6. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the rolls are air frying, prepare your dipping sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey or sugar (if using). Sprinkle sesame seeds into the sauce for a nice touch!
7. Serve:
Once your shrimp rice paper rolls are crispy and golden, serve them warm alongside the prepared dipping sauce. Feel free to garnish with extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Enjoy your tasty and healthy air fryer shrimp rice paper rolls!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before using them. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging them in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
How Do I Store Leftover Rice Paper Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the rice paper from getting too sticky, it’s best to separate them with parchment paper or wax paper. Reheat gently in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again!
Can I Make These Rolls Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the shrimp with tofu or other protein sources like sliced mushrooms or tempeh. Just season and cook them similarly, ensuring they are seasoned well for delicious flavors.
What Should I Pair with the Rolls for a Complete Meal?
These shrimp rice paper rolls are great on their own, but you could serve them with a light salad or a side of rice noodles for a filling meal. Adding a variety of dipping sauces can also enhance the flavors and keep things exciting!