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 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 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 (12 oz) 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

I can’t get enough of these homemade crispy spring rolls — they’re such a perfect little bundle of flavor and crunch. If you’re looking for a winner, my Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe delivers with juicy ground chicken, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and fresh veggies all wrapped in thin, crispy flour-based wrappers.

There is a white plate filled with golden-brown spring rolls arranged around a clear glass bowl of dark reddish-brown dipping sauce. One spring roll is held by a woman's hand, partly dipped into the sauce, showing the inside layers of white noodles, small pieces of orange carrots, green vegetables, and light-colored bits that form a textured mix. The spring rolls have a crispy, smooth outer layer. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. 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

This recipe has quickly become one of my go-to appetizers whenever friends come over. The mix of flavors and textures is just irresistible, and the option to air fry makes it approachable for all kinds of home cooks.

Incredibly Crispy: Using flour-based square wrappers gives you that unbeatable crispiness every time.
Flavor-Packed Filling: The combination of ground chicken, shiitake mushrooms, and fresh vegetables creates a juicy, savory bite.
Flexible Cooking Method: Whether you deep fry or air fry, the rolls turn out delicious and perfectly cooked.
Delicious Dipping Sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce with a little kick that perfectly complements every bite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind these crispy chicken spring rolls starts with fresh, quality ingredients. I recommend hunting down flour-based lumpia wrappers—they crisp up so beautifully compared to rice paper. Also, the right kind of rice noodles really pulls the filling together, so I stick with thin vermicelli noodles whenever possible.

Flat lay of two brown eggs with clean shells, a small mound of finely shredded green cabbage, a small pile of bright orange grated carrot, a handful of fresh green cilantro sprigs, a cluster of thin sliced green onions, a medium shallot with purple skin and white flesh, five whole garlic cloves with papery skin, a small white bowl of minced shiitake mushrooms with dark brown caps, a small white bowl of thin white rice vermicelli noodles, a small white bowl of golden avocado oil, a small white bowl of dark toasted sesame oil, a small white bowl of glossy dark oyster sauce, a small white bowl of rich amber honey, a few fresh Thai basil leaves with pointed green leaves, a small white bowl of vibrant red gochujang paste, a small white bowl of pale yellow Chinese mustard, a small white bowl of clear rice wine vinegar, and a neat stack of square, thin white flour spring roll wrappers arranged symmetrically 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: Great for high-heat cooking and adds a clean, neutral flavor.
Toasted sesame oil: Brings that wonderful nutty aroma and depth to the filling.
Garlic: Essential aromatic that builds the savory base of the filling.
Shallot: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
Green onions: For freshness and a mild onion bite.
Shiitake mushrooms: Their meaty texture and umami flavor make the filling truly special.
Cabbage: Adds crunch and lightness inside each roll.
Carrot: Provides a slight sweetness and color contrast.
Cilantro: Gives brightness and a fresh herbal kick.
Ground chicken: The hearty protein that makes these spring rolls satisfying.
Oyster sauce: A savory sauce that deepens the overall flavor.
Fine sea salt: Balances and enhances every ingredient.
Rice noodles (vermicelli): Adds great texture and soaks up the flavors beautifully.
Large egg: Used as an egg wash to seal each spring roll perfectly.
Square spring roll wrappers (lumpia wrappers): The key for that iconic thin and crispy exterior.
Basil or Thai basil leaves (optional): Imparts subtle, fragrant herb notes inside your roll.
Peanut oil: Ideal frying oil because of its high smoke point and mild flavor.
Honey: Sweetens the dipping sauce naturally.
Chinese mustard: Adds a sharp and spicy tang to the sauce.
Gochujang: Gives the dipping sauce a gentle heat and fermented depth.
Rice wine vinegar: Provides acidity and cuts through the richness of the rolls.

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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 things I love most about this Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe is how flexible it is. Whether you want to lighten things up, cater to different diets, or just experiment with seasonal ingredients, these spring rolls are a fantastic canvas for your creativity.

Swap the Protein: I’ve tried these with ground turkey or even finely chopped shrimp when I wanted a bit of variety. The flavor stays just as satisfying, and you still get that crispy, delightful texture on the outside.
Go Veggie-Forward: For a vegetarian twist, simply replace the chicken with extra mushrooms or add firm tofu crumbles. I always add a bit more garlic and shallot to keep the flavor punchy.
Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to swap in whatever crunchy veggies are in season—thinly sliced bell peppers, julienned zucchini, or bean sprouts work beautifully and add freshness.
Spice It Up: If you like heat, mix a little sriracha or chili garlic paste into the filling or dipping sauce. I often add a pinch of red chili flakes for a gentle, warming kick that amps up the flavor without overwhelming the palate.
Lighten via Air Fryer: While frying gives the crispest results, I often use my air fryer when I want a lighter treat. The spring rolls won’t be quite as deeply crispy, but the flavor still shines—and cleanup is a breeze.

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

A close-up view of two woman's hands folding a thin, light beige spring roll wrapper around a small filling, with one side lifted to tuck in the edge. The wrapper is square and translucent, showing hints of the colorful filling inside, which has shades of orange and green. The scene is set on a wooden cutting board, light brown with a smooth texture. A crumpled white tissue paper is on the left side of the board, slightly out of focus. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the gentle folds of the wrapper and the careful movement of the woman's fingers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get Your Veggies Ready

First things first: Having your garlic minced, shallot finely chopped, green onions thinly sliced, mushrooms diced, cabbage shredded, carrot grated, and cilantro chopped sets you up for smooth sailing. Preparing these ingredients ahead saves you from scrambling later. The aroma of garlic and shallots sautéing with shiitake mushrooms will signal your spring rolls are off to a great start!

Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your garlic, shallot, green onions, and mushrooms. Stir frequently for about 8 minutes until the mushrooms have reduced and are lightly browned. Then add the ground chicken, breaking it into small crumbles—you want fine pieces so the filling is cohesive. Once the chicken is cooked through with no pink left, stir in oyster sauce and salt, cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat to cool. Taking a moment to let it cool avoids wilting your fresh vegetables later on.

Step 3: Soften the Rice Noodles

Place 2 ounces of thin rice noodles in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let them rest for 3 minutes until soft but still springy, then drain. Cutting them roughly in half makes it easier to mix them evenly throughout the filling and prevents clumping—a small step that makes a big difference.

Step 4: Mix the Filling Together

In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, chopped cilantro, softened noodles, and your cooled chicken and mushroom mixture. I like to take some time here to gently separate the noodles and distribute the filling evenly. This makes every bite perfectly balanced between savory chicken, fresh veggies, and that lovely noodle texture.

Step 5: Whisk Up the Egg Wash

Crack a large egg into a small bowl and whisk it until smooth. This egg wash will be your secret tool to seal each roll perfectly so none of your delicious filling escapes during frying or air frying. Keep it nearby—you’ll use it a lot!

Step 6: Keep Your Wrappers Soft and Ready

Open your package of flour-based spring roll (lumpia) wrappers and cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. These wrappers are thin and delicate, so keeping them moist is key to rolling without tearing. When ready, peel one wrapper off carefully and lay it on your work surface in a diamond shape—corner pointing toward you. If you skip this step, cracking or breaking could slow you down.

Step 7: Assemble Each Spring Roll

If you like, place 1 to 2 fresh basil or Thai basil leaves on the bottom third of the wrapper. This adds a wonderful herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the savory filling. Spoon a small mound of filling over the basil (or directly on the wrapper). Brush egg wash around the edges of the wrapper to act like glue. Fold up the bottom corner snugly over the filling, then fold in the left and right corners—like closing an envelope. Roll tightly upwards, sealing the top edge with a little more egg wash. Place finished rolls under damp paper towels as you continue to keep them pliable.

Step 8: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat 4 cups of peanut oil in a deep pot to 350°F (177°C), leaving plenty of space to avoid oil overflow. Fry 2 to 4 spring rolls at a time for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and irresistible. As they cook, they’ll develop that signature crackling, crispy shell that makes spring rolls so addictive. Once done, transfer them to a wire rack to drain excess oil. Patience here is key — don’t try to overfill the pot or crowd the rolls.

Step 9: Or Try the Air Fryer for a Lighter Bite

If you prefer a lighter option, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (198°C). Lightly spray the spring rolls with cooking spray and air fry for about 15 minutes, or until they reach your desired crispiness. While they won’t be quite as deeply crunchy as the fried version, they still pack tons of flavors and make for a satisfying alternative.

Step 10: Whip Up the Perfect Dipping Sauce

Mix together 6 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon Chinese mustard, 1 teaspoon Korean Gochujang, and 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar in a small bowl. The sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce pairs perfectly with the savory, crunchy spring rolls. I find it’s the finishing touch that keeps everyone coming back for more!

Top Tip

These tips come straight from my experience making this Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe. They’ll help you get perfectly crispy rolls every time and avoid common pitfalls that can slow you down or lead to soggy wrappers.

Keep Wrappers Covered: I learned it’s essential to keep the spring roll wrappers covered with damp paper towels while working. They dry out and tear so easily otherwise, so this simple step saves a lot of frustration.
Don’t Overfill: Through trial and error, I found that too much filling makes rolling tricky and can cause the wrappers to split during frying. A modest scoop plus a couple of basil leaves makes wrapping smooth and tidy.
Seal With Egg Wash: Brushing egg wash around all four edges ensures a strong seal so your rolls don’t unravel while frying. It’s a game changer for getting those crisp, intact rolls.
Use a Frying Thermometer or Fryer: Keeping the oil at a steady 350°F (177°C) helps fry the rolls evenly and keeps them from soaking up excess oil. I love using a Fry Daddy for safety and consistent results.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe

The image shows a white round plate placed on a white marbled surface, holding seven golden-brown spring rolls arranged in a loose pile. The spring rolls have a crispy, smooth texture with slight variations in color from light golden to a deeper brown, indicating crispiness. On the left side of the plate, there is a small clear plastic bowl filled with a shiny, thick, reddish-brown dipping sauce. The overall look is clean and simple with warm tones from the spring rolls and sauce against the bright white plate and white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a beautiful presentation and extra flavor, garnish your spring rolls with fresh basil or Thai basil leaves, thinly sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. A few wedges of lime on the side add a bright, zesty touch that complements the savory filling perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve these crispy chicken spring rolls alongside a crisp Asian cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or a light noodle dish like sesame soba noodles. They’re fantastic as part of a larger appetizer spread with edamame beans, dumplings, and a variety of dipping sauces.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover spring rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the wrappers from becoming soggy, I recommend cooling them completely before storing and reheating just before serving.

Freezing

Freeze cooked spring rolls on a parchment-lined tray for 1 to 2 hours until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months—perfect for making ahead and enjoying later!

Reheating

To reheat frozen spring rolls, preheat your oven to 375°F and bake them for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Alternatively, air fry at 375°F for 6 to 12 minutes for a quick and easy method that preserves that delicious crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other meats instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork can be delicious substitutes. Just adjust cooking times if needed and ensure the meat is cooked through before mixing with the vegetables and noodles.

Why do my spring rolls turn out soggy?

Soggy spring rolls often result from oil that’s not hot enough or overfilling the wrappers. Keep oil at 350°F (177°C) for frying and avoid wrapping too much filling. Also, make sure to drain well after frying.

Can I use rice paper wrappers instead of lumpia wrappers?

For this recipe, I recommend using flour-based lumpia wrappers because they get much crispier and hold up better during frying. Rice paper wrappers tend to be softer and won’t achieve that same crunchy texture.

Is air frying a good alternative to deep frying these spring rolls?

Yes! Air frying is an excellent lighter option. While the rolls won’t be quite as crispy as deep-fried, air frying at 390°F (198°C) for 15 minutes produces tasty, crispy results with less oil and mess.

Final Thoughts

Making these Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls Recipe at home is so rewarding—the crunchy wrappers, the flavorful filling, and the tangy dipping sauce all come together for a bite that’s simply irresistible. Whether you fry them up fresh or air fry for a lighter twist, these spring rolls are destined to be a favorite. I hope you enjoy every crispy, savory bite as much as I do!