Crispy Air Fryer Rice Paper Spring Rolls with Leftover Chicken - These innovative spring rolls transform leftover chicken into golden, crispy parcels using rice paper wrappers air-fried to perfection. The rice paper becomes shatteringly crisp while the chicken and vegetable filling stays moist, all wrapped with fresh mint and cabbage. Served with sweet chili-peanut sauce, they turn yesterday's roast into today's exciting appetizer in 25 minutes.

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Crispy Air Fryer Rice Paper Spring Rolls with Leftover Chicken - These spring rolls work because rice paper contains tapioca starch that puffs and crisps dramatically when exposed to dry heat. After testing various moisture levels, I found dipping the wrappers for exactly 5 seconds provides enough pliability to roll without becoming too wet to crisp properly. The air fryer's circulating hot air creates even browning without the oil saturation of deep frying. Shredding the chicken along the grain ensures it stays tender inside the crispy shell. This technique demonstrates how understanding ingredient properties—specifically how starches react to different cooking methods—can create novel textures from familiar ingredients.

Dietary Notes

✓ Leftover Transformation
✓ Reduced Oil Cooking
✓ Appetizer or Main
✓ Gluten-Free Option

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Why You'll Love This

Zero Food Waste: Transforms leftover proteins into exciting new meals creatively.
Perfect Crisp Texture: Air frying creates shattering crunch without deep-fry oiliness.
25-Minute Appetizer: Impressive party food faster than ordering takeout.
Customizable Fillings: Works with any leftover meat or tofu for endless variations.

Crispy Air Fryer Rice Paper Spring Rolls with Leftover Chicken

👩‍🍳 Author: Chef Nour

⏰ Prep Time: 15min

❄️ Cool Time: 0

🔥 Cook Time: 10min

🥨 Yield: 2

🍞 Method: Air Frying

🌾 Diet: None

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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restaurant Ingredients

6 sheets rice paper wrappers (8.5-inch diameter)
1 cup leftover cooked chicken, shredded
½ cup green cabbage, thinly shredded
1 small carrot, julienned
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or grapeseed)
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 small clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon roasted peanuts, chopped
for garnish cilantro sprigs

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✏️

rice paper wrappers (8.5-inch diameter) Rice paper wrappers contain tapioca starch that expands and crisps dramatically when exposed to dry heat. Dipping them for exactly 5 seconds in warm water makes them pliable enough to roll without becoming too wet, which is crucial for achieving that shattering crisp texture in the air fryer.
leftover cooked chicken, shredded Shredding leftover chicken along the grain ensures it stays tender inside the crispy wrapper. The chicken should be moist but not wet—excess moisture from sauces or gravy can make the rice paper soggy and prevent proper crisping during air frying.
green cabbage, thinly shredded Thinly shredded cabbage adds necessary moisture and crunch that contrasts with the crispy wrapper. Its high water content steams slightly during cooking, keeping the filling moist while its texture holds up better than lettuce, which would wilt completely.
carrot, julienned Julienned carrots add sweet flavor and vibrant color that makes the filling visually appealing. Cutting them into thin matchsticks ensures they cook through during the brief air frying time while maintaining pleasant crunch that contrasts the tender chicken.
fresh mint leaves, chopped Fresh mint adds bright, herbal notes that cut through the richness of the chicken and peanut sauce. Chopping it just before mixing preserves its volatile oils, which provide that refreshing burst that makes these spring rolls taste restaurant-quality.
hoisin sauce Hoisin sauce acts as both flavor enhancer and binding agent for the filling, its thick consistency and umami depth making the chicken mixture cohesive. It caramelizes slightly during air frying, adding subtle sweetness that complements the savory elements.
soy sauce or tamari Soy sauce adds salty depth that balances the hoisin's sweetness. Using tamari instead keeps the recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor. The liquid also helps distribute the other seasonings evenly throughout the chicken and vegetable mixture.
neutral oil (avocado or grapeseed) Brushing with neutral oil promotes even browning and crispness without adding strong flavor. Avocado or grapeseed oil has a high smoke point suitable for air frying temperatures, and their neutral taste lets the other ingredients shine.
creamy peanut butter Creamy peanut butter forms the rich base of the dipping sauce, its natural oils emulsifying with the other liquids to create smooth consistency. Natural peanut butter works best here—avoid heavily sweetened varieties that would make the sauce cloying.
sweet chili sauce Sweet chili sauce balances the peanut butter's richness with its tangy-sweet profile. It also adds viscosity to the dipping sauce, helping create the perfect consistency for coating the spring rolls without being too thick or too runny.
rice vinegar Rice vinegar adds necessary acidity that cuts through the richness of both the spring rolls and the peanut sauce. Its mild, slightly sweet profile doesn't overwhelm the other flavors like stronger vinegars might, creating balanced tang.
lime juice Fresh lime juice brightens the dipping sauce with citrus notes that complement the mint in the filling. Adding it just before serving preserves its vibrant flavor, as cooking diminishes its bright characteristics that make the sauce so refreshing.
garlic, minced Minced raw garlic adds sharp, savory depth to the dipping sauce that contrasts with the sweet and tangy elements. The small amount distributes evenly, providing consistent garlic flavor in every dip without overwhelming the other components.
roasted peanuts, chopped Chopped roasted peanuts garnish both the spring rolls and sauce, adding crunch that contrasts the crispy wrapper. Their toasted flavor enhances the peanut sauce while providing visual texture that makes the dish more appealing.
cilantro sprigs Fresh cilantro sprigs add final herbal freshness and visual appeal as garnish. Placing them alongside rather than mixed in allows people who dislike cilantro to enjoy the dish while still providing that authentic Southeast Asian presentation.

list_alt Instructions

1

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, cabbage, carrot, mint, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce - mixing thoroughly so the sauces evenly coat the filling for consistent flavor.
2

Step 2: Fill a large shallow bowl or pie plate with warm water and dip one rice paper wrapper for 5 seconds until pliable but still slightly firm - over-soaking makes them too sticky to handle.
3

Step 3: Place the softened wrapper on a clean surface and add 2-3 tablespoons of filling in a line slightly off-center - leaving space at the edges for proper sealing.
4

Step 4: Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly from bottom to top, pressing to seal - a tight roll prevents filling leakage during cooking.
5

Step 5: Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling, placing finished rolls on a plate without touching - prevents sticking before cooking.
6

Step 6: Lightly brush each roll with neutral oil on all sides - this promotes even browning and crispness in the air fryer.
7

Step 7: Arrange rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, not touching, and cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes - flipping halfway through for even browning.
8

Step 8: While rolls cook, whisk together peanut butter, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, and minced garlic - the acid balances the rich peanut flavor.
9

Step 9: Thin sauce with 1-2 tablespoons of water until it reaches dipping consistency - adjusting based on your preferred thickness.
10

Step 10: Serve spring rolls immediately with sauce for dipping, garnished with chopped peanuts and cilantro - the contrast between hot crisp rolls and cool sauce is essential.

Nutrition Facts

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Calories 290

Protein 18g

Carbs 32g

Fiber 2g

Sugar 8g

Fat 12g

Sodium 520mg

Potassium N/A

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Serving Suggestions

Arrange the crispy spring rolls on a platter with the sweet chili-peanut sauce in a small bowl for dipping. Garnish with extra chopped peanuts and cilantro sprigs for visual appeal. Serve immediately while hot and crisp, ideally as an appetizer before an Asian-inspired meal or as a light lunch with a side salad. Provide small plates and napkins—the shattering crisp texture creates delightful crumbs that are part of the experience.

How to Store?

These spring rolls are best enjoyed immediately after cooking, as the rice paper loses its crispness over time. If you must store them, place in a single layer (not stacked) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Re-crisp in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. The filling can be prepared ahead and refrigerated separately for up to 3 days. The sauce stores well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Do not freeze assembled rolls as the texture deteriorates significantly.

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