If you’ve ever craved something crispy, golden, and wildly satisfying but still light enough for a weeknight these Air Fryer Rice Paper Noodle Rolls are your new obsession. Inspired by Vietnamese-style textures yet tailored for modern convenience, these addictive rolls deliver crunch, comfort, and a hint of nostalgia. In our test kitchen, they became an instant favorite, especially after we paired them with a simple chili-lime dip and captured gorgeous visuals for the step-by-step demo (don’t miss the frying sequence photos!).
Ready in under 15 minutes, these rolls are perfect for busy cooks looking for bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re meal-prepping, hosting, or simply snacking, this recipe nails the balance of crispy outside and chewy, noodly inside, thanks to the magic of the air fryer.
Table of Contents
Air Fryer Rice Paper Noodle Rolls Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories: ~68 per roll
Ingredients
- 12 sheets rice paper
- 3.5 oz (100 g) rice vermicelli noodles, softened
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup cooked shrimp or tofu, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (for brushing)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare vermicelli noodles according to package directions. Drain and cool.
- In a bowl, mix noodles with vegetables, shrimp/tofu, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Dip one sheet of rice paper in warm water for 5 seconds until pliable.
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto the lower third of the wrapper. Roll tightly.
- Lightly brush each roll with neutral oil.
- Arrange rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
- Serve immediately with chili-lime or peanut dipping sauce.
Substitutions & Dietary Swaps
These Air Fryer Rice Paper Noodle Rolls adapt beautifully to different diets. Swap shrimp for marinated tofu to keep the recipe vegan, or replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for gluten-free diners. You can also add shredded mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, bean sprouts, or even kimchi for extra depth.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Lightly oiling the rolls ensures even crisping in the air fryer.
- Don’t over-soak rice paper; 5 seconds is perfect.
- Allow rolls to rest 1 minute before cutting, they crisp up further.
- For maximum crunch, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating
Prepare filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store assembled but uncooked rolls in an airtight container for up to 6 hours. Reheat cooked rolls at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
- Rolls drying out? Add a light brush of oil before cooking.
- Rice paper tearing? You’re soaking too long or overfilling.
- Not crisp enough? Increase cook time by 1–2 minutes.
- Uneven browning? Flip at midpoint and rotate basket.
Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions
These crispy rolls shine with peanut dipping sauce, nuoc cham, chili crisp, and citrus-forward dressings. Serve alongside fresh herbs like basil, mint, or cilantro for brightness.
Pairing Recipes From Our Website
Air Fryer Rice Paper Noodle Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare vermicelli noodles according to package directions and drain.
- Mix noodles, vegetables, protein, soy sauce, sesame oil, and seasoning in a bowl.
- Dip one rice paper sheet in warm water for 5 seconds until pliable.
- Add filling and roll tightly into a cylinder.
- Brush rolls lightly with neutral oil.
- Air fry for 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Notes
FAQs
Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes! freeze uncooked rolls on a tray, then store airtight. Air fry from frozen +2 minutes.
Why did my rolls explode?
They were either overfilled or cooked at too high heat.
Can I bake instead of air fry?
Yes! bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.
What dipping sauces work best?
Peanut, sweet chili, nuoc cham, or soy-lime dipping sauces all pair perfectly.
Can I use two layers of rice paper?
Yes! doubling prevents tearing and creates extra crunch.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
Final Thoughts
Crispy, quick, and endlessly customizable, these Air Fryer Rice Paper Noodle Rolls are destined to become a staple in your meal rotation. If you loved this recipe, explore our other easy weeknight favorites and share your creation with us!