Yes, you can cook frozen spring rolls in an air fryer for a crisp, golden shell with very little oil.
If you have a box of frozen spring rolls and an air fryer on the counter, you might wonder,
can i cook frozen spring rolls in an air fryer? The good news is that you can, and the method is simple once you know the right time, temperature, and a few small tricks.
This guide walks through how to get crunchy, evenly heated spring rolls with fillings that stay juicy instead of drying out.
Why Frozen Spring Rolls Work In An Air Fryer
Frozen spring rolls respond well to hot, circulating air. The thin wrapper turns crisp, the filling heats up fast, and you skip the pot of oil on the stove.
You still get that satisfying crunch, but with less mess and fewer dishes. You also keep your kitchen cleaner, since there is no splatter from deep frying.
Another bonus is control. You can load just a few spring rolls for a quick snack or a full basket for guests.
The air fryer makes small batches easy, and you can adjust the time slightly for different brands, sizes, and fillings without much fuss.
Cooking Frozen Spring Rolls In An Air Fryer Time Guide
Spring rolls come in many sizes, from tiny party rolls to large, chunky ones filled with meat and vegetables.
The cooking times below give a practical starting point. You can tweak a minute or two either way based on your air fryer model and how browned you like the wrapper.
| Spring Roll Type | Air Fryer Temp | Cook Time (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Mini vegetable spring rolls (bite-size) | 380°F / 190°C | 6–8 minutes |
| Standard vegetable spring rolls | 380°F / 190°C | 8–10 minutes |
| Meat-filled spring rolls (chicken or pork) | 380–400°F / 190–200°C | 10–12 minutes |
| Extra-large spring rolls or lumpia | 380–400°F / 190–200°C | 12–14 minutes |
| Thin rice paper rolls (light filling) | 360°F / 180°C | 7–9 minutes |
| Cheese or mixed appetizer rolls | 370–380°F / 188–190°C | 8–10 minutes |
| Homemade pre-frozen spring rolls | 370–380°F / 188–190°C | 10–13 minutes |
Treat these numbers as starting points. Thicker wrappers and denser fillings need extra minutes, while very small rolls may finish faster.
Always check the packet on your brand of spring rolls. If it lists oven instructions, you can usually use the same temperature in the air fryer and cut the time down by a few minutes.
For meat or poultry fillings, use a food thermometer when possible.
The foodsafety.gov safe minimum internal temperature chart
advises heating leftovers and mixed dishes to 165°F (74°C), which is a sensible target for meat-filled frozen spring rolls too.
Can I Cook Frozen Spring Rolls In An Air Fryer? Step-By-Step Method
Many readers type “can i cook frozen spring rolls in an air fryer?” into a search bar because they want clear steps.
Here is a simple method that works for most brands, with small tweaks for size and filling.
Check The Packet Instructions
Look at the box for any specific notes on air frying. If the packet only lists oven directions, take that temperature as a guide.
Air fryers usually cook faster, so you can set your unit to the same temperature and plan for a shorter cook time.
Preheat The Air Fryer
Preheating helps the wrapper crisp from the moment it hits the basket.
Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and let it run for 3–5 minutes with an empty basket.
This step gives you more reliable results from batch to batch.
Arrange And Oil The Spring Rolls
Place the frozen spring rolls in a single layer. Leave a little space between each roll so hot air can move freely.
Lightly spray or brush the tops with a neutral oil such as canola, sunflower, or avocado oil.
You only need a thin coat; the goal is to help the wrapper blister and take on a deep golden color.
Cook, Turn, And Check
Close the basket and cook at 380°F (190°C). Use the time guide from the table above as your base. At the halfway point, pull out the basket and turn each spring roll.
Flipping helps both sides brown evenly and prevents pale patches where the wrapper touches the basket.
Close the basket again and finish the cook. Near the end, pick one spring roll and cut it open or probe it with a thermometer.
The wrapper should be crisp and the filling hot all the way through, with no cold spots in the center.
Rest And Serve
Once the spring rolls are done, let them sit on a rack or plate for 2–3 minutes.
This short rest helps the wrapper stay crisp instead of softening from steam.
Then plate them with your favorite dipping sauce and sides.
Do You Need To Thaw Frozen Spring Rolls First?
You do not need to thaw frozen spring rolls before air frying. In fact, cooking them straight from frozen usually gives a better texture.
Thawed spring rolls tend to weep moisture into the wrapper, which can lead to a chewy or soggy shell.
When you cook from frozen, the outside heats fast, then the heat moves inward.
The wrapper crisps while the center warms, especially when you leave enough space between rolls and flip them halfway through the cook.
How To Keep Air Fryer Spring Rolls Crispy
Crispy texture is the main reason many people choose air fryer spring rolls over microwave or oven versions.
A few small habits make a big difference to that crunch.
Space And Airflow
Avoid stacking or crowding. If the basket is packed tight, steam gets trapped and the wrapper softens instead of drying out.
Arrange the spring rolls in one layer with a little gap between each one. If you need more than the basket can hold, cook in batches.
Oil And Coating
Frozen spring rolls often contain a bit of oil in the filling already, but a light coat on the wrapper helps.
Use a spray bottle or pastry brush so you do not drench them. Too much oil can cause greasy spots and uneven browning.
Batch Size And Timing
Larger batches can need a minute or two extra. If you add more rolls than usual, start with the regular time, then check and extend in small steps.
On the other hand, very small batches of mini rolls can finish early, so keep an eye on color from the five-minute mark onward.
Safety Tips For Meat-Filled Spring Rolls
Meat-filled spring rolls need a bit more care than plain vegetable ones. You want a crunchy wrapper, but you also need the center hot enough to be safe.
That matters especially when the filling contains chicken, pork, or seafood.
Food safety agencies recommend heating poultry and mixed dishes to 165°F (74°C).
You can see this target on the USDA food safety basics temperature guidance,
which covers safe internal temperatures for many foods.
Use A Thermometer For Thick Rolls
For large, meat-heavy spring rolls, slide a thin food thermometer into the center after air frying.
Avoid hitting the wrapper or just the surface filling. If the reading is below 165°F (74°C), return the roll to the basket for a few more minutes and test again.
Watch For Leaks And Burst Wrappers
If a spring roll splits during cooking, the filling can dry out.
When you see a torn wrapper, move that roll to the edge of the basket so it still heats but does not lose as much moisture.
A little leak is fine, but large tears often mean the spring roll sat too long or the temperature ran too high.
Serving Ideas, Dips, And Leftovers
Once your frozen spring rolls are crisp and ready, you can turn them into a full meal or keep them as a snack.
A few smart pairings and storage habits will help you enjoy every last one.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
Spring rolls love bold, bright sauces. Mix and match what you have in the fridge or pantry. Some tasty pairs include:
- Sweet chili sauce with a splash of lime juice
- Soy sauce with rice vinegar, minced garlic, and a pinch of sugar
- Peanut butter with soy sauce, lime, and a dash of hot sauce
- Hoisin sauce thinned with water and sprinkled with sesame seeds
Side Dishes And Meal Ideas
Air fried spring rolls work well with simple sides.
You can serve them over shredded lettuce with sliced cucumber and herbs, pair them with fried rice or noodles, or set them next to a light soup.
They also sit nicely on an appetizer platter with dumplings, wings, and other finger foods.
Storing And Reheating Leftover Spring Rolls
Leftover spring rolls lose some crunch in the fridge, but you can bring back a lot of that texture with the air fryer.
Store them properly, and reheat with moderate heat so the wrapper does not burn before the center warms.
| Storage Method | How Long | How To Reheat |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge in a covered container | 1–2 days | Air fry at 350°F / 175°C for 3–5 minutes |
| Fridge on a rack over a tray | 1–2 days | Air fry at 350°F / 175°C for 3–4 minutes |
| Freezer (cooked leftovers) | Up to 1 month | Air fry at 360°F / 180°C for 6–8 minutes from frozen |
| Room temperature, covered | Up to 2 hours | Eat soon or chill; do not leave out longer |
| Room temperature, uncovered | Serve within 1–2 hours | For best quality, avoid long holds |
Try to cool leftover spring rolls slightly before refrigerating so condensation does not soak the wrapper.
Line the container with a paper towel to absorb extra moisture. For food safety, avoid leaving them out in the temperature “danger zone” for long stretches, especially if they contain meat or seafood.
Quick Air Fryer Spring Roll Checklist
Before you press the start button, run through this short checklist so every batch turns out crisp and evenly heated.
Spring Roll Prep
- Leave spring rolls frozen; do not thaw on the counter.
- Check the packet for any brand-specific directions.
- Plan extra time for large or meat-filled rolls.
Air Fryer Setup
- Preheat the air fryer to around 380°F (190°C).
- Place spring rolls in a single layer with space between them.
- Lightly brush or spray with neutral oil for better browning.
Cooking And Serving
- Turn the spring rolls halfway through the cook.
- Check that the center is hot, and meat fillings reach 165°F (74°C).
- Rest for a couple of minutes on a rack, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Once you follow these steps a few times, cooking a batch of frozen spring rolls in the air fryer becomes second nature.
You can adjust the time and temperature slightly for your brand and your air fryer model, and enjoy fast, crunchy rolls whenever the craving hits.