These Air Fryer Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls are fresh and full of flavor! Packed with shrimp, veggies, and herbs, they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
You won’t believe how easy these are to make! Just wrap, air fry, and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce. Perfect for a light meal or snack that feels fancy! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Cooked shrimp adds great flavor and protein. If shrimp isn’t available, try using cooked chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Rice Paper Sheets: These are essential for wrapping. If you can’t find them, you can use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option, but the texture will be different.
Rice Vermicelli Noodles: These give a nice texture. If you’re gluten-free, choose rice noodles; otherwise, any thin pasta can work as a substitute.
Fresh Herbs: Basil is my go-to, but a mix of mint and cilantro adds freshness too. Feel free to experiment with whatever herbs you enjoy!
Vegetables: Lettuce or cabbage can vary. I prefer romaine for crunch, but any leafy green can substitute. Shred for easy wrapping.
How Do You Get the Rice Paper Just Right?
The key to rolling with rice paper is to soak it correctly. Make sure the water is warm, and dip the rice paper for about 10 seconds until it’s soft but not too mushy. Practice makes perfect!
- Soak rice paper in warm water for 10 seconds.
- Lay it on a clean surface and fill with a small amount of ingredients.
- Don’t overfill, or it may tear when rolling.
- Roll tightly for a sturdy wrap!
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 10-12 cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8-10 rice paper sheets
- 1 cup cooked rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (or mixed fresh herbs like mint and cilantro)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil for air frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or fresh chopped chili (optional)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts or sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and 8 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer. Overall, you can have these delightful shrimp rice paper rolls ready to serve in just about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fresh Ingredients:
Start by julienning the carrot and cucumber into thin strips. Tear or chop the fresh basil leaves, and shred the lettuce or cabbage into small pieces. Having all your ingredients ready makes rolling the shrimp simple and fun!
2. Soften the Rice Paper:
Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper sheet into the water for about 10 seconds, or until it’s soft but still pliable. Lay the sheet flat on a clean surface like a cutting board or clean countertop.
3. Assemble the Filling:
On the lower third side of the rice paper, place a small handful of cooked rice vermicelli noodles, some shredded lettuce or cabbage, a few strips of carrot and cucumber, and a couple of basil leaves to add flavor.
4. Add the Shrimp:
Place 2-3 cooked shrimp on top of the fresh vegetables you just laid down. This creates a flavorful and colorful filling.
5. Roll It Up:
Fold the bottom edge of the rice paper over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll it up tightly to enclose all the goodies inside, making sure it stays closed.
6. Prepare for Air Frying:
Lightly spray or brush each roll with a bit of cooking oil on all sides. This will help them get nice and crispy in the air fryer!
7. Air Fry the Rolls:
Place the rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not touching. This allows hot air to circulate and cook them evenly.
8. Cooking Time:
Set your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and cook for 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they’re slightly crispy and golden but still tender.
9. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the rolls are cooking, mix all the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl—soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, optional chili flakes, rice vinegar or lime juice, and sugar or honey. Stir until well combined for a flavorful dip!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the rolls from the air fryer and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. Serve them warm alongside your delicious dipping sauce.
Enjoy the crispy yet tender texture of these fresh shrimp rice paper rolls paired with a delectable umami dipping sauce!
Can I Use Fresh Shrimp Instead of Cooked?
Yes, you can use fresh shrimp, but make sure to cook them first! Boil or sauté them until they are pink and opaque, then let them cool before assembling your rolls.
How to Store Leftover Rolls?
If you have leftovers, store the rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Keep the dipping sauce separate to prevent sogginess. Enjoy them cold or warmed up for a quick bite!
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Proteins?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the rolls with any veggies you like, such as bell peppers or avocado, or swap in proteins like tofu or chicken for variety.
What Should I Do If the Rice Paper Tears?
If your rice paper tears while rolling, don’t worry! Just use a second sheet to wrap the filling again, ensuring to make it tighter. With a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it in no time!
