These uniquely delicious and crispy rice paper dumplings are so much more than your traditional dumplings or ordinary spring rolls. My crispy rice paper dumplings recipe is packed with seasoned white rice, juicy tuna, creamy avocado, and umami-filled sauces and dipped in a spicy sesame sauce. YUM!
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I learned about this rice paper dumpling recipe on TikTok, and it's probably one of the best lunch/snacks, I have ever made. It's extremely easy to make, and you won't need a lot of ingredients. All you need is some rice paper sheets, a few slices of tuna or salmon, avocado slices, and condiments like soy sauce and kewpie mayo. It is a perfectly well-balanced meal, and it's quick to prep—I had mine ready in 15 minutes!
Why you will love this recipe
- Quick and easy. Ready in 15 minutes.
- You can easily change the filling. Mine is super simple—tuna salad with nori and avocado. Make rice paper dumplings vegan with sauteed Napa cabbage and shiitake mushrooms. The options are endless.
- Super healthy! I could eat this every day and not feel guilty.
- Different ways to cook it. Air fry or pan fry, I have instructions for both!
- Great for reusing leftovers. If you have leftover veggies or meat, you have to use them up. Saute and fill in your rice paper dumplings.
- Perfect for meal prep. Make your filling ahead of time, then roll your rice paper dumplings fresh and cook them!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Rice paper: Thin and delicate sheets of rice paper are made of rice flour. You can find rice paper wraps in an Asian market or online in varying sizes. Also called spring roll wrappers, the standard size of 22cm.
Rice: White jasmine rice is best for this recipe as it's light and fluffy. Substitute this with spinach or lettuce for a grain-free snack.
Nori sheets - The pre-cut, seasoned nori sheets are the best for this recipe. You can buy them anywhere these days. I love the ones from Costco.
Tuna: I used canned tuna for my rice paper dumplings recipe, but you can substitute it with salmon or any other type of seafood that pairs well with avocado.
Avocado: Slice it thinly and evenly so that it’s easy to wrap with the rest of the filling ingredients.
Mayonnaise: I use Kewpie mayo because it has a thinner consistency and a sweeter flavor. It makes a lot of difference!
Soy sauce: Makes the filling more flavorful. I use low-sodium soy sauce, but feel free to use a regular one. Make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari sauce or coconut aminos.
Sriracha: A few drops of sriracha for added heat.
Sesame sauce: With a base of toasted sesame oil, light soy sauce, and rice vinegar and improved with some sugar, chili oil, and sesame seeds, this sesame sauce is the perfect dip for these flavorful, crispy dumplings.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste the filling with these two!
Oil: I use avocado oil for pan-frying these homemade dumplings or for rubbing a little bit on the air fryer basket.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Large bowl
- Large plate
- Spatula or tongs
- Large non-stick pan
- Air fryer
- Parchment paper (if using an air fryer)
How to make rice paper dumplings
- Filling: In a bowl, combine all the filling ingredients. Mix well, and season with salt and pepper. Taste to make sure it is to your liking and set it aside.
- Slice the avocado into thin pieces.
- Wet the rice papers for 5 seconds with warm water. Place it on a cutting board.
- Start your assembly. Rice, Tuna, Avocado. Fold and repeat. Make sure it is super tight.
- Pan Fry (optional): Add 1-2 tablespoon of neutral oil in a well-preheated pan and pan-fry the dumplings. Do not overcrowd. They will stick together otherwise.
- Pan fry for 4-5 minutes on each side using a spatula to slightly press down on the dumpling to get a crispy outer layer.
- Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees. Lightly spray the bottom of the tray or basket with oil. Place the dumplings. Space them out, so they don’t stick. Spray the top with oil.
- Air fry at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes. Flip them a few times to get a nice color.
- Make your dumpling sauce!
TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST RICE PAPER DUMPLINGS
- Make vegan rice paper dumplings by putting firm tofu or mushroom instead of tuna or salmon. Just like other rice paper dumplings recipes, you can choose any fillings you want. Here are some of the fillings I have tried in the past:
- white cabbage or Napa cabbage
- green onions or scallions
- carrots
- ground pork
- water chestnuts
- smoked tofu - is delicious! Highly recommend this
- Dip the rice paper sheets in warm water for a few seconds before wrapping to make it easier to work with.
- Cool down the fillings completely to make sure your wrappers don't break.
- Use 1 to 2 rice papers. I used 1 rice wrapper, and it was okay. Use a second rice paper if you have a bigger filling or if it's your first time making wrapped dumpling. Double wrapping will result in chewy skins.
- Use a wooden cutting board as the work surface so the rice paper won't stick on it.
- Brush the rice wrapper dumplings with a thin layer of oil to keep them from sticking to each other and on the air fryer.
- To get a gorgeous brown color, ensure the nonstick pan and oil are well-preheated and you hear a sizzle. Use a spatula to press on the dumplings lightly. If you're air frying, flip the rice paper roll dumplings multiple times to have the golden brown crispy result.
How to Air Fry
Spray the bottom of the pan with neutral oil. Place the dumplings on the tray or in the basket. Spray all the dumplings and air fry them at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes. Flipping a few times to get a nice crispy outer layer.
How to pan fry
In medium-high heat, add 1-2 tablespoon of oil to a nonstick pan. Pan fry each side for 4-5 minutes each side. Pressing down lightly with a spatula to get a nice golden color on each side.
Crispy Rice Paper Dumplings - FAQ
Start by soaking a rice paper sheet in warm water for about 5 seconds to soften it. Carefully transfer it onto a wooden cutting board and fill it with the meat, veggies, and condiments of your choice. Fold the edges towards the center and neatly tuck on all sides to prevent them from breaking during cooking.
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WHAT TO SERVE WITH CRISPY RICE PAPER DUMPLINGS
Serve your rice paper dumplings with an easy dipping sauce.
- low-sodium soy sauce
- rice vinegar
- chili oil
- toasted sesame oil
- sugar (or honey)
- sesame seeds
Crispy Rice Paper Dumplings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Filling: In a bowl, combine all the filling ingredients. Mix well, and season with salt and pepper. Taste to make sure it is to your liking and set it aside.
- Slice the avocado into thin pieces.
- Wet the rice papers for 5 seconds with warm water. Place it on a cutting board.
- Start your assembly. Rice, Tuna, Avocado. Fold and repeat. Make sure it is super tight.
- Pan Fry (optional): Add 1-2 tablespoon of neutral oil in a well-preheated pan and pan-fry the dumplings. Do not overcrowd. They will stick together otherwise.
- Pan fry for 4-5 minutes on each side using a spatula to slightly press down on the dumpling to get a crispy outer layer.
- Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees. Lightly spray the bottom of the tray or basket with oil. Place the dumplings. Space them out, so they don’t stick. Spray the top with oil.
- Air fry at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes. Flip them a few times to get a nice color.
- Make your dumpling sauce!
Marianne says
Delicious! Is it OK to heat the leftovers up in the air fryer again?
Carmen Spillette says
I do not think so, its best to be eaten fresh.
Lucille says
Low carb love it!
Dilan says
Easy and fun to make, thanks Carmen