Name: Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium shallot, minced; 2 green onions, sliced thin; 6 ounces (170g) shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and finely chopped (about 2 cups); 1 cup finely shredded cabbage; 1/2 cup grated carrot; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 1 pound (450g) ground chicken; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 2 ounces thin rice noodles like vermicelli noodles; 1 large egg (for egg wash); 1 (12oz) package square spring roll wrappers (lumpia wrappers, flour-based); Basil or Thai basil leaves (optional); 4 cups peanut oil (for frying); 6 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon Chinese mustard; 1 teaspoon Gochujang (Korean fermented chili paste); 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar

Nothing beats biting into a perfectly golden, crunchy spring roll packed with savory chicken and fresh veggies. This Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe brings all those delightful textures and flavors together, with a tangy dipping sauce that makes every bite a treat. Whether you fry or air-fry, these rolls are addictive!

A white plate holds eight golden brown spring rolls stacked neatly together, showing a crispy and smooth texture on each roll with slight color variations from light to deep golden. To the side of the rolls is a small clear container filled with a thick, reddish-brown dipping sauce. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and the light highlights the crispy edges and slight oil sheen on the rolls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, these spring rolls have become one of my go-to snacks when I want something crispy, flavorful, and satisfying. Every element—from the ground chicken and umami mushrooms to the herbs and zingy sauce—just clicks perfectly!

Perfectly Crispy Wrappers: Using flour-based lumpia wrappers ensures an ultra-crisp texture that's light and not greasy.
Flavorful Filling: A harmonious blend of ground chicken, shiitake mushrooms, and fresh veggies delivers a delicious savory punch.
Easy to Customize: Basil leaves add a fresh herbal note, and you can air-fry or deep-fry depending on your preference.
Delicious Dipping Sauce: The sweet and tangy concoction with honey, oyster sauce, and gochujang amps up every bite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To nail these spring rolls, sourcing the right wrappers and fresh ingredients really helps. Look for square flour-based lumpia wrappers and fresh shiitake mushrooms for the best texture and flavor.

Flat lay of five whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, one small shallot with purplish skin, two green onions sliced thin with white and green parts visible, a cluster of fresh shiitake mushrooms with brown caps and stems removed, a small pile of finely shredded pale green cabbage, a small mound of bright orange grated carrot, a small bunch of fresh cilantro with green leaves and stems, a small pile of cooked ground chicken with a light golden brown color, two ounces of cooked thin white rice vermicelli noodles loosely arranged, one whole brown egg with clean shell in a small white ceramic bowl for egg wash, a neat stack of square pale white spring roll wrappers arranged like a diamond, two fresh Thai basil leaves with deep green color, a few tablespoons of golden avocado oil in a small white bowl, a small white bowl filled with dark amber toasted sesame oil, and a small white bowl containing a reddish mixture representing the sweet and tangy dipping sauce -- all arranged symmetrically and proportionally placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Avocado oil: Its high smoke point makes it ideal for sautéing without burning.
Toasted sesame oil: Adds a warm, nutty aroma that elevates the filling’s flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that irresistible fragrance and depth.
Shallot: Softens the sharpness and brings a subtle sweetness.
Green onions: Thinly sliced to add freshness and a mild bite.
Shiitake mushrooms: Finely chopped to create a rich, earthy backbone.
Cabbage: Finely shredded to add crunch and balance moisture.
Carrot: Grated for a hint of sweetness and vibrant color.
Cilantro: Chopped for fresh herbal brightness.
Ground chicken: Lean and tender, it soaks up all the savory seasonings perfectly.
Oyster sauce: Adds umami depth throughout the filling and dipping sauce.
Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Thin rice noodles (vermicelli): Provide a delicate texture and help bind the filling.
Large egg: Whisked into an egg wash that acts as glue for sealing the rolls.
Square spring roll wrappers: Flour-based lumpia wrappers give the crunch you want; avoid rice paper here.
Basil or Thai basil leaves: Optional but highly recommended for an herbal kick.
Peanut oil: Used for frying to achieve that classic crispy finish.
Honey: Sweetens the dipping sauce naturally and balances the spice.
Chinese mustard: Brings a slight pungent heat to the sauce.
Gochujang: Korean chili paste adds a smoky, spicy depth.
Rice wine vinegar: Gives bright acidity to the dipping sauce.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you want to tweak the filling or try alternative cooking methods, there’s plenty of room to make these spring rolls truly your own.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap out the ground chicken for crumbled tofu or tempeh and add extra shiitake mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free filling. I love how the mushrooms soak up the oyster sauce flavor, giving the rolls a savory depth that’s just as satisfying.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add some finely chopped fresh chili or a dash of chili garlic sauce to the filling before assembling. It complements the sweet and tangy dipping sauce perfectly.
Seasonal Veggie Swap: Feel free to substitute the shredded cabbage and carrots with whatever crunchy veggies you have on hand—like julienned bell peppers, bean sprouts, or even finely chopped snap peas. This adds a fresh, seasonal twist and lots of color.
Air Fry for a Lighter Crunch: While frying in peanut oil at 350°F yields the crispiest results, air-frying at 390°F is a great healthier alternative. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to get that golden finish without drying out the filling.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe

A woman's hand is holding a single half-eaten spring roll, showing its inside layers of light rice noodles mixed with small bits of orange carrot, green herbs, and pale yellow filling. The spring roll is golden brown and crispy on the outside. It is being dipped into a small glass bowl filled with a clear brown dipping sauce, which sits on a white plate. Around the bowl are six more whole spring rolls, all golden brown and arranged neatly. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Fresh Ingredients

Start by mincing the garlic, shallot, and thinly slicing the green onions. Finely chop your shiitake mushrooms, shred the cabbage, grate the carrot, and chop the cilantro—all these fresh veggies are the flavor backbone of the filling. Setting everything up now will make cooking and assembling a breeze later on.

Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Ground Chicken Just Right

Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the garlic, shallot, green onions, and chopped mushrooms. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring often, until the mushrooms have softened and slightly browned—this is where those deep umami flavors develop. Add the ground chicken, breaking it into fine crumbles, and cook until it’s no longer pink. Stir in 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce and 1 teaspoon of sea salt, cooking everything together for 2 more minutes before removing from heat to cool off.

Step 3: Soften and Prep the Rice Noodles

Place the rice vermicelli noodles in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for 3 minutes until tender, then drain thoroughly. For easier mixing, roughly cut the noodles in half to prevent clumping—this little step really helps distribute them evenly throughout your filling.

Step 4: Combine the Filling Ingredients

In a big bowl, mix together the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, chopped cilantro, soaked noodles, and the cooled chicken and mushroom mixture. Take your time to gently separate the noodles and blend everything well—this ensures every bite has a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Step 5: Make Your Egg Wash Glue

Crack one large egg into a small bowl and whisk it until smooth. This egg wash will be your secret weapon for sealing the spring rolls tightly so they hold together beautifully while frying or air-frying.

Step 6: Keep Wrappers Moist and Ready

Open your package of square spring roll wrappers and cover them with damp paper towels to prevent drying out. They’re delicate and can tear easily otherwise, so keeping them moist while you work is key for smooth assembly.

Step 7: Assemble Your Spring Rolls Like a Pro

Lay one wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointed towards you, forming a diamond shape. Optional but wonderful: place 1 to 2 basil or Thai basil leaves along the bottom third. Spoon a small mound of filling onto the basil or directly on the wrapper. Lightly brush egg wash along all four edges. Fold the bottom corner over the filling snugly, then fold the left and right sides inward like an envelope, and finish rolling upwards gently but firmly. Seal the top corner with a brush of egg wash to lock all the flavor inside.

Step 8: Set Aside Assembled Rolls with Care

Place your finished rolls on a plate or baking sheet and cover with a damp towel to keep them from drying out while you finish rolling the rest. This ensures each spring roll stays perfectly pliable and fresh before cooking.

Step 9: Fry Them Golden and Crispy

Heat peanut oil in a deep pot to 350°F (177°C), filling it no more than two-thirds full to prevent spills. Carefully fry 2 to 4 spring rolls at a time for 4 to 5 minutes, until they’ve turned a gorgeous golden brown. Remove and drain on a wire rack to keep them crisp. Repeat until all rolls are cooked, getting ready for that first satisfying crunch.

Step 10: Or Take the Air Fryer Route

If you prefer a lighter option, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (198°C). Lightly spray the baskets with cooking spray, then air fry the spring rolls for 10 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through for even crisping. While not quite as crunchy as frying, they still deliver fantastic flavor and texture.

Step 11: Whip Up That Perfect Sweet and Tangy Dipping Sauce

Combine 6 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon Chinese mustard, 1 teaspoon Gochujang, and 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined. This dipping sauce is the perfect balance to the crispy rolls—sweet, tangy, with a little kick—and is absolutely essential for the full experience.

Top Tip

Mastering these Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls is all about the little details—here are some tips I've picked up along the way to make sure your rolls turn out perfectly every time.

Wrapper Handling: I always keep the wrappers covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out and tearing. It helps make rolling so much smoother and less frustrating.
Even Filling Distribution: Separating the rice noodles thoroughly before mixing them into the filling stops them from clumping and ensures every bite has the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Temperature Control for Frying: Maintaining the peanut oil at a steady 350°F (177°C) means the spring rolls will get that irresistible golden crisp without soaking up too much oil.
Sealing the Rolls: Brushing all edges with egg wash and sealing carefully prevents the filling from leaking out during frying or air frying—trust me, it makes clean-up way easier and keeps your rolls intact.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe

The image shows a square white pastry sheet placed on a wooden board with a white marbled background. In the center near the edge of the pastry, there is one layer of filling consisting of small pieces of cooked chicken, shredded carrots, light green cabbage, and bean sprouts, all mixed together. A woman's hand is gently folding the pastry sheet over the filling, preparing to wrap it. The colors in the filling include light brown chicken, orange carrots, green cabbage, and white bean sprouts, creating a fresh, colorful contrast with the pale dough. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fresh pop of color and added flavor, try garnishing your spring rolls with some extra chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or even a few thin slices of fresh Thai basil on the side. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on the dipping sauce adds a nice nutty touch too.

Side Dishes

These spring rolls are perfect as an appetizer or snack, but they also pair wonderfully with light Asian-inspired sides like a crisp cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or a bright and tangy papaya salad to round out the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover spring rolls, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and tasty, though you’ll want to reheat them to bring back that crispiness.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the fully cooked and cooled spring rolls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray without touching until frozen solid (1 to 2 hours), then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll keep up to 3 months this way.

Reheating

Reheat frozen rolls in a 375°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 6 to 12 minutes until heated through and crispy again. This method crisps them up nicely without drying out the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use rice paper wrappers instead of flour-based ones?

Rice paper wrappers won't give you the crispiness or hold up with this filling like the flour-based square spring roll wrappers (lumpia wrappers) do. For best results, stick with the flour-based ones.

Is air frying a good alternative to deep frying?

Yes! Air frying the rolls at 390°F for 10 to 15 minutes will give you a crispy result, though it won’t be quite as crunchy as frying in oil. It's a great lighter option.

How do I prevent the spring roll wrappers from tearing?

Keep the wrappers covered with damp paper towels while working to prevent drying. Also, peeling them slowly, one by one, helps avoid tears. If a small tear happens, you can overlap another wrapper section during rolling to cover it.

Can I make the filling in advance?

Absolutely! The filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, which actually helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something special about biting into a homemade crispy chicken spring roll — that satisfying crunch followed by a burst of savory, fresh flavors just can’t be beaten. Whether you fry them up for a party or air fry a batch for a cozy night in, this Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the process, savor every bite, and don’t forget to dip generously into that sweet and tangy sauce!