If you’re staring at a fridge full of christmas dinner leftovers wondering how to transform them into something exciting, let me introduce you to one of my favourite post-holiday ideas: crispy spring rolls made with a simple rice paper wrapper. As a nutrition coach, I love recipes that reduce waste, add balance, and make it easy to portion mindfully. These spring rolls crisp beautifully in the air fryer, and the filling can be as veggie-forward or protein-rich as you prefer.
This is one of those christmas recipes that feels playful yet practical. The flavours of your roast dinner get tucked inside a crunchy shell, turning yesterday’s meal into a brand-new christmas appetizer you’ll actually crave. Whether you’re new to using rice paper or looking for a fresh idea for Boxing Day, these are the ultimate way to use leftovers in a way that feels intentional, satisfying, and surprisingly easy.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
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4 rice paper sheets
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1 medium egg
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1 tbsp milk
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Leftovers of your choice: roasted potatoes, brussels sprouts, carrots, roasted pork, stuffing
Easy Substitutions
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Rice paper wrapper → use two per roll for extra crunch; or use traditional spring roll pastry if you prefer
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Milk → swap for any unsweetened dairy-free milk
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Leftovers → turkey, beef, roasted parsnips, cranberry sauce, gravy-thickened veg, or even mashed potato
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Seasoning → sprinkle in herbs like thyme, sage, black pepper, or a touch of mustard powder
Method
- Prepare the coating
Whisk the egg and milk in a shallow bowl until smooth.
Coach tip: The egg wash improves browning and adds protein—helpful if your leftovers are veggie-heavy. - Dip the rice paper
Quickly dip one rice paper sheet into the egg mixture. Repeat with a second sheet and lay them together.
Coach tip: Doubling the sheets keeps the rolls sturdy and helps achieve a more classic crisp. - Add your filling
Place a small handful of your chosen roast dinner leftovers along the lower third of the wrapper.
Coach tip: Aim for a balance of protein, veg, and carbs to keep each roll satisfying. - Roll it up
Fold in the sides and roll tightly, as you would with a standard spring roll. Keep the tension gentle to avoid tearing. - Air fry
Cook at 170°C (340°F) for 12–16 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Coach tip: If your leftovers are dry, mist the rolls lightly with oil for an even crunch.
Tips and Variations
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For extra flavour, brush the outside with a tiny bit of mustard or leftover gravy before air frying.
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Don’t overfill—this is the most common mistake when using rice paper.
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Make them mini-sized for an easy christmas appetizer board.
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Cranberry glaze: Serve with warm cranberry sauce for dipping.
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Cheesy style: Add a small cube of brie inside for a melty surprise.
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Vegan version: Use plant-based egg wash and leftover vegan roast components.
FAQs
What can I do with christmas dinner leftovers?
These crispy spring rolls are one of the simplest ways to turn leftovers into a brand-new meal—portable, crunchy, and satisfying. You can also repurpose leftovers into soups, frittatas, hash, or grain bowls.
How easy is it to cook with rice paper?
Very easy. Rice paper softens within seconds when moistened. The key is not to over-soak and to handle gently.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes. Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 18–22 minutes, turning once.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes, roll and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before cooking. They may soften slightly but will crisp again during cooking.
Can I freeze rice paper rolls?
Uncooked rice paper doesn’t freeze well as it becomes brittle. Instead, cook them first, then freeze, and reheat in the air fryer.
Storage, Serving & Reheating
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Storage: Keep cooked rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Air fry at 160°C (320°F) for 5–7 minutes until crisp again.
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Serving: Pair with gravy, cranberry sauce, mustard dip, or a simple herbed yogurt.
Some Useful products I have found for this recipe:
This Dual Air Fryer by Swan is my go to for any recipe that requires that extra level of crispeness.
Crispy Roast Dinner Spring Rolls
If you’re staring at a fridge full of christmas dinner leftovers wondering how to transform them into something exciting, let me introduce you to one of my favourite post-holiday ideas: crispy spring rolls made with a simple rice paper wrapper. As a nutrition coach, I love recipes that reduce waste, add balance, and make it easy to portion mindfully. These spring rolls crisp beautifully in the air fryer, and the filling can be as veggie-forward or protein-rich as you prefer.
This is one of those christmas recipes that feels playful yet practical. The flavours of your roast dinner get tucked inside a crunchy shell, turning yesterday’s meal into a brand-new christmas appetizer you’ll actually crave. Whether you’re new to using rice paper or looking for a fresh idea for Boxing Day, these are the ultimate way to use leftovers in a way that feels intentional, satisfying, and surprisingly easy.
Ingredients
- 4 rice paper sheets
- 1 medium egg
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) milk
- 1–1.5 cups (150–200 g) mixed leftovers: roasted potatoes, brussels sprouts, carrot, roasted pork, stuffing
Instructions
- Whisk egg and milk together until smooth.
- Dip a rice paper sheet into the egg mixture; repeat with a second sheet and stack them.
- Add a small amount of leftovers to the lower third of the wrapper.
- Fold in sides and roll tightly.
- Air fry at 170°C (340°F) for 12–16 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Notes
- For extra flavour, brush the outside with a tiny bit of mustard or leftover gravy before air frying.
- Don’t overfill—this is the most common mistake when using rice paper.
- Make them mini-sized for an easy christmas appetizer board.
- Cranberry glaze: Serve with warm cranberry sauce for dipping.
- Cheesy style: Add a small cube of brie inside for a melty surprise.
- Vegan version: Use plant-based egg wash and leftover vegan roast components.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2Amount Per Serving: Calories: 165Total Fat: 5gSodium: 220mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 7g
If you like Rice Paper Rolls Why Not Try These:
If you try these roast dinner spring rolls, let me know what leftovers you used. Share your version, leave a comment, or tag me on social media @alexarciab so I can see your creative spins.
Simple, crunchy, and endlessly adaptable, these crispy spring rolls prove that christmas dinner leftovers can be transformed into something fresh and fun with just a few pantry staples. Enjoy giving your holiday feast a second life.
— Alex
