Crispy Frozen Spring Rolls in the Air Fryer – No Thaw, All Crunch
You’ll love how easy it is to make frozen spring rolls in the air fryer.
Whether you’re prepping a quick snack or serving them as a party appetizer, these little rolls cook up with a golden, crispy shell and warm, flavorful filling — all without needing to thaw or deep fry.
When you’re in a hurry, just toss them in your air fryer straight from the freezer. A light brush of oil helps the wrapper crisp up evenly.
They cook in under 12 minutes, and you don’t even need to stand over a stove. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and you’re good to go.
Quick Cooking Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 minutes | 10–12 minutes | 12–14 minutes | Snack / Appetizer | Asian | 2–4 |
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | 2 Servings | 4 Servings | 6 Servings | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen spring rolls | 4–6 pieces | 8–12 pieces | 12–18 pieces | Frozen egg rolls, samosas |
| Cooking oil (optional) | 1 tsp | 2 tsp | 3 tsp | Olive oil, avocado oil spray |
Cooking Tools Needed
| Tool | Use | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Air fryer (basket-style preferred) | Crisping and heating | Oven-style air fryer |
| Tongs | To flip rolls halfway | Spatula |
| Oil brush or spray bottle | To coat surface lightly | Paper towel with oil |
How Long to Cook Frozen Spring Rolls in Air Fryer?
Cooking time depends on air fryer style, spring roll size, and filling.
- Basket-style air fryer:
- 380°F for 10–12 minutes
- Flip halfway for even browning
- Oven-style air fryer:
- 390°F for 12–13 minutes
- Place on middle rack and rotate once
- Small or compact air fryers:
- 370°F for about 9–10 minutes
- Check early if they’re thin or small
Size & filling matters:
- Mini spring rolls: Reduce time by 2 minutes
- Thick veggie/meat rolls: Add 1–2 minutes
- Light oil brushing speeds up browning and avoids drying out
How to Make Frozen Spring Rolls in Air Fryer – Step-by-Step
For best results, use a basket air fryer at 380°F.
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set the temperature to 380°F and preheat for 3 minutes. This step makes a big difference in creating a crisp outer wrapper from the start.
Step 2: Arrange the Spring Rolls
Place the frozen spring rolls in the basket in a single layer with space in between. Avoid stacking, which blocks airflow.
Step 3: Lightly Oil (Optional)
If you want a golden crispy finish, brush or spray a light layer of oil over each spring roll. This helps get that pan-fried texture without deep frying.
Step 4: Cook and Flip
Cook for 5–6 minutes, then pause to flip each roll using tongs. Return to the fryer for another 5–6 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Let Cool Slightly
Once done, let the rolls cool for 1–2 minutes before serving. The filling will be piping hot and needs a moment to settle.
Serving & Decoration Tips
- Slice each roll diagonally and serve with sweet chili, soy garlic, or tamarind dip
- Garnish your plate with shredded lettuce, cilantro, or sesame seeds
- Serve as a side to noodle bowls, fried rice, or stir-fried veggies
- For parties, stick a toothpick in each roll for easy finger food
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha mayo or hot sauce drizzle
- Cheesy Version: Serve with melted cheese dip
- Fusion Plate: Pair with taco toppings like guacamole or black bean salsa
- Dessert Spring Rolls: Try with sweet fillings like banana and chocolate (use different air fryer settings for dessert types)
Storing Tips
- ✅ Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- ✅ Reheat in the air fryer at 370°F for 3–4 minutes
- ✅ Freeze already-cooked rolls for up to a month
- ❌ Do not microwave — it softens the wrapper
- ✅ Wrap in parchment before storing to prevent sticking
Extra Tips for Best Air Fryer Results
- ✅ Preheat before every batch
- ✅ Use oil spray for extra golden crunch
- ✅ Flip halfway through for even cooking
- ✅ Avoid overcrowding — space equals crispiness
- ✅ Check early if you’re using mini or thin-style spring rolls
Common Mistakes, Solutions & Prevention
| Mistake | Cause | Solution | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uneven cooking | Not flipped or crowded basket | Flip halfway, spread out rolls | Leave gaps between rolls |
| Wrapper too dry | Overcooked or no oil | Reduce cook time or use oil spray | Check doneness at 9 mins |
| Filling leaks out | Overcooked or split wrapper | Lower temp and cook slower | Use mid-range heat like 370–380°F |
Helpful FAQs
Q1: Can you cook spring rolls and dumplings together in the air fryer?
A1: Only if they have similar cook times. Otherwise, one may overcook while the other stays underdone.
Q2: Do frozen spring rolls need to be thawed first?
A2: Not at all. They cook best from frozen, which helps keep the wrapper crisp and intact.
Q3: Can I reheat leftover spring rolls in the air fryer?
A3: Yes. Reheat at 370°F for 3–4 minutes. They’ll crisp up like freshly cooked.
Q4: Is it okay to line the basket with foil or parchment?
A4: Use perforated parchment only. Solid liners block airflow and can affect crispiness.
Let’s Get Rolling – Air Fryer Style!
Now that you know how to cook frozen spring rolls in air fryer, it’s time to get crispy! Try it out, serve it with your favorite dip, and share your experience in the comments below.
