Ground Turkey Air Fryer Spring Rolls with Butternut Squash
Enjoy crispy, guilt-free spring rolls made easy in your air fryer! This recipe features a savory ground turkey and butternut squash filling, perfectly cooked to a golden brown.
I’ve always loved spring rolls, but the deep-frying part? Not so much. The mess, the extra oil, and the lingering smell in my kitchen are all too much to deal with. Plus, I’m always trying to find ways to make my favorite foods a little healthier, so the traditional frying method just wasn’t cutting it for me. I knew there had to be a better way, and that’s when I started experimenting with my air fryer.
These air fryer spring rolls are crispy, flavorful, and satisfying but without all the fuss and extra calories. I was honestly surprised at how well they cooked in the air fryer. They got that beautiful golden-brown color and that irresistible crunch, just like they were deep-fried, but with way less oil. I even managed to sneak in some butternut squash, which adds a subtle sweetness and makes them even more nutritious.
I’m so excited to share this recipe with you because I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer, a light meal, or something to go with my tomato egg drop soup, these spring rolls are a winner. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
Items Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make these ground turkey egg rolls:
- Ground turkey: Provides a lean protein base for the spring roll filling.
- Butternut squash: Adds sweetness, texture, and nutritional value to the filling.
- Onion: Contributes a savory base flavor to the filling.
- Garlic: Enhances the savory flavor profile of the filling.
- Red bell pepper: Adds color, sweetness, and a slight crunch to the filling.
- Green bell pepper: Adds color, a slightly different flavor profile than red bell pepper, and a slight crunch to the filling.
- Soy sauce: Provides a savory, umami-rich flavor to the filling.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex umami flavor and depth to the filling.
- Fresh thyme: Offers a fresh, herbaceous note to complement the other flavors.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the filling’s flavor.
- Ground sage: Contributes an earthy and slightly peppery flavor.
- Dried thyme: Provides a concentrated thyme flavor to the filling.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and preventing the spring rolls from sticking to the air fryer.
- Spring roll wrappers: Provide the structure and crispy exterior for the spring rolls.
- Water: Used to seal the spring roll wrappers and prevent them from opening during cooking.
Tools you’ll need
Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:
Ways To Customize
Here are a few easy ideas to customize these air fryer spring rolls:
- Protein Swaps: Instead of ground turkey, try ground chicken, pork, or even crumbled firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Shrimp or shredded beef would also be delicious.
- Veggie Variations: Get creative with the vegetables! Add shredded carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, bean sprouts, or zucchini. You can also use different colored bell peppers for visual appeal.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or some minced jalapeno to the filling for a kick of heat. You could also add ginger or garlic powder.
- Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different sauces and seasonings. Try adding hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds to the filling.
- Dipping Sauces: The dipping sauce is key! Offer a variety of options, such as peanut sauce, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce with ginger and garlic, or a homemade dipping sauce with your favorite flavors.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can up the flavor. Try adding cilantro, mint, or basil to the filling or as a garnish.
- Sweet and Savory: For a unique twist, add some finely chopped pineapple or mango to the filling for a touch of sweetness.
- Size and Shape: You can also experiment with different sizes and shapes of wrappers. Try making mini spring rolls for appetizers or larger rolls for a main course. You can also fold them into different shapes, like triangles or rectangles.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
How To Make It
Thoroughly wash the butternut squash and pat dry. Slice butternut squash in half, lengthwise. Carefully peel off the skin of the butternut squash and grate.
In a large heated pan with oil, sauté the onions until translucent over low heat. Then add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 to 2 minutes).
Turn up the heat to 248°F (120°C) and immediately add ground turkey. Season with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.
Separate ground turkey with a spatula, sprinkle with ground sage and dried thyme, then pour two teaspoons of soy sauce. Sauté until completely brown and no pink color appears.
Add the bell peppers and grated butternut squash. Pour the remaining soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, and mix to combine well. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes or until bell peppers are crisp and tender and the natural juices from butternut squash have completely evaporated. Season the ground turkey mixture with additional salt and black pepper, if needed.
Add the fresh thyme and mix well. Then, transfer the cooked ground turkey with vegetables to a large baking tray and spread them out to cool faster.
Once the cooked ground turkey with vegetables has cooled down, place 1 spring roll wrapper on a plate and fill with 2 teaspoons of the ground turkey mixture on one side of the wrapper.
Fold the wrapper to cover the mixture and tightly roll halfway through. Then fold each side and continue rolling the wrapper. Half an inch before the end, dab some water on the wrapper and finish rolling tightly. Do this to the remaining mixture.
Pre-heat Air Fryer at 376°F (191°C). Set for 40 minutes to Air Fry 3 trays.
Generously grease the Air Fryer tray and place 10 prepared spring roll wrappers filled with the ground turkey mixture on each tray. Lightly brush spring rolls with oil.
If you’re using two cooking chambers, insert the first Air Fryer tray into the middle cooking chamber while the second tray is placed below the first tray.
Air Fry spring rolls for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown on all sides. Flip the spring rolls halfway through using flat kitchen tongs. Do this for all the spring roll batches.
Serve immediately with your favorite spring roll dipping sauce.
Note
Ensure your spring roll filling isn’t too moist to achieve maximum crispiness in the air fryer. Sauté the meat and vegetables thoroughly and consider squeezing out any excess liquid before wrapping.
Storage
Leftover air fryer spring rolls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days.
To reheat, you can use your air fryer again. Preheat it to around 350°F (175°C) and air fry the spring rolls for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
You can also reheat them in a conventional oven, but the air fryer is generally faster and yields a crispier result. Microwaving is not recommended, as it will likely make the spring rolls soggy.
Helpful Hints
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer
This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness. Giving the spring rolls enough space allows hot air to circulate properly around each one.
Here are some other helpful hints:
- Don’t overfill the wrappers: Too much filling can make the wrappers difficult to seal and prone to bursting during cooking.
- Seal tightly: Properly sealing the wrappers with a dab of water is crucial to prevent them from opening during air frying.
- Lightly oil: A light coating of oil on the spring rolls helps them brown and crisp up nicely. Avoid using too much oil, as it can make them greasy.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheating ensures that the spring rolls cook evenly and quickly.
- Flip halfway: Flipping the spring rolls halfway through cooking ensures even browning on all sides.
- Watch closely: Air fryers can vary, so keep a close eye on the spring rolls during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately: Spring rolls are best enjoyed hot and crispy right out of the air fryer.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer spring rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. For a classic appetizer or snack, pair them with dipping sauces. Peanut sauce is always a favorite, offering a rich and nutty complement to the savory filling. Sweet chili sauce adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice, while a simple soy sauce with a dash of rice vinegar and sesame seeds provides a clean and refreshing option.
Beyond appetizers, these spring rolls can also be incorporated into a more substantial meal. Serve them with a soup or salad for a light, healthy lunch or dinner. You could also create a spring roll bowl by placing the rolls on a bed of rice noodles and topping them with your favorite Asian-inspired fixings, such as shredded carrots, cucumbers, cilantro, and a drizzle of peanut sauce.
For a party or gathering, these air fryer spring rolls are always a crowd-pleaser. Arrange them attractively on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces and garnishes. Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint add a pop of color and freshness. You could also include other Asian-inspired appetizers, such as edamame or potstickers, to create a delicious and visually appealing spread. And, if you’re planning a larger gathering, consider adding my air fryer steak tips or air fryer teriyaki chicken to the menu for some heartier options.
FAQs
Recipe
Air Fryer Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Mini Spring Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey about 500 grams
- 1 small small butternut squash about 650 grams
- 1 medium medium finely chopped onion finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
- 1 small red bell pepper finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 medium green bell pepper finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 4 teaspoons premium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup olive oil divided, for sautéing and Air Fryer
- 1 pack 6-inch spring roll wrappers with 35 pieces water for sealing spring rolls wrappers
Instructions
Prepare the butternut squash:
- Thoroughly wash the butternut squash and pat dry. Slice butternut squash in half, lengthwise. Carefully peel off the skin of butternut squash and grate.
Sauté the ground turkey and vegetables:
- In a large heated pan with oil, sauté the onions until translucent over low heat. Then add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 to 2 minutes).
- Turn up the heat to 248°F (120°C) and immediately add ground turkey. Season with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Separate ground turkey with a spatula, sprinkle with ground sage and dried thyme, then pour two teaspoons of soy sauce. Sauté until completely brown and no pink color appears.
- Add the bell peppers and grated butternut squash. Pour the remaining soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and mix to combine well. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes or until bell peppers are crisp tender and the natural juices from butternut squash have completely evaporated. Season the ground turkey mixture with additional salt and black pepper, if needed.
- Add the fresh thyme and mix well. Then transfer the cooked ground turkey with vegetables to a large baking tray and spread them out to cool faster.
Assemble the spring roll wrappers:
- Meanwhile, carefully separate the spring roll wrappers.
- Once the cooked ground turkey with vegetables has cooled down, place 1 spring roll wrapper on a plate and fill with 2 teaspoons of the ground turkey mixture on one side of the wrapper.
- Fold the wrapper to cover the mixture and tightly roll halfway through. Then fold each side and continue rolling the wrapper. Half an inch before the end, dab some water on the wrapper and finish rolling tightly. Do this to the remaining mixture.
- Pre-heat Air Fryer at 376°F (191°C). Set for 40 minutes to Air Fry 3 trays.
- Generously grease the Air Fryer tray and place 10 prepared spring roll wrappers filled with the ground turkey mixture on each tray. Lightly brush spring rolls with oil.
- If you’re using two cooking chambers, insert the first Air Fryer tray into the middle cooking chamber while the second tray is placed below the first tray.
- Air Fry spring rolls for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown on all sides. Flip the spring rolls halfway through using flat kitchen tongs. Do this for all the spring roll batches.
- No need to wait for the “turn food” reminder provided by the Air Fryer.
- Once the first batch of spring rolls on the first Air Fryer tray is done, remove the first tray then transfer the second tray into the middle cooking chamber.
- Add the last batch of spring rolls into the greased Air Fryer tray and lightly brush the spring rolls with oil. Then insert the tray below the middle cooking chamber.
- Keep an eye on the batch of the spring rolls from the second Air Fryer tray as they will cook faster once placed in the middle cooking chamber.
- Serve immediately with your favorite spring roll dipping sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Equipment
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- Kitchen brush
- Kitchen knife
- Chopping board
- Flat kitchen tongs
- Baking tray
- Air fryer tray
- Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven
