Air Fryer Turkey Spring Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love Air Fryer Turkey Spring Rolls because I get a satisfying combination of crunchy, golden wrappers and a juicy, savory filling in every bite. Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil give the turkey plenty of flavor, while the cabbage and carrots add freshness and texture.

I also appreciate how much lighter this dish is than traditional fried spring rolls. The air fryer gives me that crispy shell with just a light spray of oil, so I get all the crunch without the mess of deep frying.

Another reason I keep this recipe in my rotation is its flexibility. I can switch up the vegetables, adjust the seasonings, and serve the spring rolls as an appetizer, a snack, or a full meal with rice and a simple salad.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements below.)

For the Turkey Filling

  • 1 tablespoon avocado or vegetable oil
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground turkey
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage or coleslaw mix
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium works well)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, optional

For Assembly

  • 16 spring roll wrappers (8-inch square)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water, for sealing
  • Avocado oil spray or olive oil spray

For the Dipping Sauce

  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha, optional

For Serving

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Directions

  1. I heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I add the ground turkey and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles, until browned and cooked through.
  2. I add the garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. I stir in the cabbage, carrots, and green onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are just wilted but still slightly crisp.
  4. I add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper, stir well, and cook for another minute. I then transfer the filling to a plate or baking sheet and let it cool for 10–15 minutes. I take care not to skip this step, since a warm filling can make the wrappers soggy and tear.
  5. I place a spring roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward me. I spoon about 3 tablespoons of filling onto the lower third of the wrapper.
  6. I fold the bottom corner over the filling, fold in the left and right corners, and roll tightly toward the top corner. I brush the final edge with the cornstarch mixture to seal it.
  7. I repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling, keeping the unused wrappers covered with a damp towel so they don’t dry out.
  8. I preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
  9. I lightly spray the spring rolls on all sides with oil and arrange them in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between them. I cook them in batches so they crisp evenly.
  10. I air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wrappers are deeply golden and crispy.
  11. While the spring rolls cook, I whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha in a small bowl.
  12. I let the spring rolls cool for 2–3 minutes, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and cilantro and serve warm with the dipping sauce and lime wedges.

Servings and Timing

I get approximately 16 spring rolls, which serve 4 to 6 people as an appetizer or 4 as a main dish.

  • Servings: 16 spring rolls
  • Prep time: 25 minutes
  • Cook time: 10 minutes
  • Total time: About 35 minutes (plus cooling time for the filling)

The exact cooking time depends on the size of the spring rolls and the model of my air fryer, so I check the color of the wrappers rather than relying only on the clock.

Variations

  • Spicy Turkey Spring Rolls: I add a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
  • Extra Veggie Version: I add finely chopped mushrooms, bean sprouts, or water chestnuts for extra texture.
  • Chicken Spring Rolls: I replace the ground turkey with ground chicken or finely shredded rotisserie chicken.
  • Vegetarian Version: I replace the turkey with crumbled firm tofu or extra mushrooms, and use hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce.
  • Cheeseburger Twist: I skip the Asian seasonings, use ground turkey with onion, pickles, and cheddar, and serve with ketchup and mustard for dipping.
  • Baked Version: I bake the spring rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

I prefer eating Air Fryer Turkey Spring Rolls immediately because the wrappers are at their crispiest when freshly cooked.

If I have leftovers, I let the spring rolls cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them promptly. I keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days.

For reheating, I place the spring rolls in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until crisp and warmed through. I can also reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes. I avoid the microwave because it makes the wrappers soft and chewy.

I can prepare the filling up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator, which makes assembly quick when I’m entertaining.

I can freeze the uncooked spring rolls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. I air fry them straight from frozen at 360°F (180°C), adding 3–4 minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

Can I use egg roll wrappers instead of spring roll wrappers?

Yes. Egg roll wrappers are slightly thicker and give a bubblier, crunchier texture. I use the same filling and cook them for about the same amount of time, checking for a deep golden color.

How do I keep the spring rolls from bursting open?

I avoid overfilling the wrappers, roll them tightly, and seal the edges well with the cornstarch mixture. I also make sure the filling has cooled completely before rolling.

Do I need to spray the spring rolls with oil?

Yes. A light coating of oil helps the wrappers brown and crisp instead of drying out in the air fryer. I make sure to coat all sides, especially the seams and ends.

Why are my spring rolls dry or pale?

This usually means they need a little more oil spray or a bit more time. I also avoid overcrowding the basket so hot air can circulate around each roll.

What should I serve with Turkey Spring Rolls?

I enjoy them with fried rice, steamed jasmine rice, a cucumber salad, or stir-fried vegetables. They also make a great party appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Turkey Spring Rolls are one of my favorite ways to turn simple ground turkey and vegetables into a crispy, flavorful, and satisfying dish. Savory turkey, garlic, ginger, and crunchy vegetables come together inside a golden wrapper for a meal that feels like takeout but takes hardly any effort.

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Air Fryer Turkey Spring Rolls

Air Fryer Turkey Spring Rolls

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Crispy, golden spring rolls filled with seasoned ground turkey, crunchy cabbage, carrots, and fresh ginger, then air fried with just a light spray of oil. Lighter than deep-fried takeout, ready in about 40 minutes, and perfect with sweet chili or soy dipping sauce.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 spring rolls
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

  • 12 spring roll wrappers (8-inch / 20 cm square)
  • Avocado or vegetable oil spray
  • 1 small bowl of water, for sealing

Turkey Filling:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon avocado or vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper or black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Dipping Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it up, until no longer pink.
  2. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cabbage and carrots and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until just wilted.
  3. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, then stir in the green onions.
  4. Transfer the filling to a plate or sheet pan, spread it out, and let cool for 15 minutes. Drain off any excess liquid so the wrappers don’t get soggy.
  5. Place a wrapper on a work surface with one corner pointing toward you. Spoon about 1/4 cup of filling onto the lower third of the wrapper.
  6. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, fold in the left and right corners, and roll up tightly. Brush the top corner with water to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers.
  7. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  8. Spray the spring rolls on all sides with oil. Arrange in a single layer, seam side down, without touching. Cook in batches if needed.
  9. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying again, until deep golden and crispy.
  10. Whisk together the dipping sauce ingredients. Let the spring rolls cool for 2 minutes and serve hot with the sauce.

Notes

  • Cool the filling: Warm or wet filling will make the wrappers tear and turn soggy, so let it cool completely before rolling.
  • Wrappers: Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel so they don’t dry out and crack. Look for spring roll wrappers in the freezer or refrigerated section, not rice paper.
  • Crispy tips: Spray every side well with oil and don’t overcrowd the basket, so the rolls brown evenly.
  • Veggie swaps: Add shiitake mushrooms, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, or bell pepper. Ground chicken or pork also work in place of turkey.
  • Make ahead: Roll the spring rolls up to 1 day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Freeze uncooked rolls on a tray, then store in a bag for up to 2 months and air fry from frozen, adding 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 4 minutes to re-crisp.
  • Dairy-free as written.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 spring roll
  • Calories: 145 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 410 mg
  • Fat: 4.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 22 mg
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