A crispy, caramelized dessert made with simple roll wrappers and everyday ingredients
Rice paper has become one of my favorite “blank canvases” in the kitchen and I know my community feels the same! These crispy banana spring rolls are my playful take on a restaurant classic like Banana Spring Rolls PF Changs but made lighter, quicker, and absolutely foolproof at home.
If you love healthy rice paper rolls, you’ll adore this sweet version. They’re filled with creamy banana, a touch of sweetness, and a hint of caramel, then crisped to perfection in the air fryer or pan. Pair them with ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, and you’ve got a dessert that feels indulgent but still fits your balanced lifestyle.
As a nutrition coach, I love recipes like this because they show how you can enjoy real dessert satisfaction without heavy, deep-fried pastries or excess sugar.
Ingredients (with smart substitutions)
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4 rice paper sheets — These make perfect roll wrappers for a light and crispy texture. You can also use spring roll wrappers if you prefer something more traditional or want to go deep fried.
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2 heaped tbsp cream cheese, softened — Try Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich swap or vegan cream cheese for vegetarian rice paper rolls.
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½ banana, sliced lengthwise — Use ripe bananas for the best caramelized flavor. Frozen bananas can also work once thawed slightly.
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2 tsp brown erythritol (or brown sugar, coconut sugar, or maple sugar).
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1 medium egg — Helps bind the rice paper and adds golden crispness.
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1 tbsp milk — Dairy or plant-based both work beautifully.
Step-by-Step Method
ONE: Whisk the egg and milk together in a shallow bowl until smooth
Coach’s tip: This light egg wash adds crispness and color — it’s a great alternative to traditional frying batters.
TWO: Dip one rice paper sheet at a time into the egg mixture. Stack two sheets per roll for extra crunch and durability.Coach’s tip: Doubling up prevents tearing — especially if your roll wrappers are thin.
THREE: Spread 1 tablespoon of cream cheese into the center of the rice paper stack.
FOUR: Place banana slices on top of the cream cheese, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon brown erythritol.
Coach’s tip: If you want that sticky, caramelized flavor, drizzle a touch of caramel sauce before rolling.
FIVE: Fold the sides and roll tightly, like you would with a spring roll wrapper. Keep it snug but gentle so the rice paper doesn’t rip.
SIX: Air fry rice paper spring rolls at 170°C (340°F) for 12–16 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and crisp.No air fryer? You can also pan fry rice paper rolls in a teaspoon of oil for a lightly crispy edge, or bake them at 180°C (355°F) for 18–20 minutes.
SEVEN: Optional (for indulgent days): Use spring roll wrappers and deep fry until golden for that classic restaurant-style crunch.
Tips & Variations
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Caramel drizzle: Finish your banana rolls with a swirl of warm caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt, the perfect sweet-salty combo.
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Dessert topping: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut sorbet for a creamy contrast to the crispy shell.
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Tropical twist: Swap the bananas for mango or pineapple for sweet rice paper rolls that taste like summer.
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Vegan version: Use coconut yogurt instead of cream cheese and skip the egg, just brush with a little coconut oil before air frying.
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Crunch boost: Sprinkle crushed nuts or toasted coconut inside before rolling for texture and healthy fats.
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Balanced snack: Pair one roll with a protein-rich dip or a coffee for a perfectly satisfying mid-afternoon treat.
FAQs
Q: How many calories are in rice paper rolls?
One sheet of rice paper has around 35 calories. Once filled, a roll sits at roughly 140–160 calories, depending on your ingredients and whether you air fry or deep fry. These banana rice paper rolls are a lighter choice than traditional pastry desserts.
Q: Are rice paper rolls healthy?
Yes! They’re lower in fat, gluten-free, and portion-friendly. Using an air fryer means you still get that crisp texture without excess oil, ideal if you’re watching the calories in rice paper rolls.
Q: Can I use regular spring roll wrappers instead?
Absolutely. If you want a more traditional deep fried version, go for thin spring roll wrappers, just remember, that ups the calories slightly.
Q: Can I prepare them ahead of time?
You can! Assemble the rolls in advance and refrigerate them for a few hours (uncooked). Just keep parchment paper between layers so they don’t stick.
Storage, Serving & Reheating
Store:
Once cooled, place the rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Reheat:
For best results, reheat in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes or in a hot oven until crisp again. Avoid microwaving, it softens the rice paper and loses that satisfying crunch.
Serve:
These banana spring rolls are best enjoyed warm with:
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A drizzle of caramel sauce or honey
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A scoop of ice cream (vanilla, coconut, or banana works beautifully)
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Fresh fruit or shredded coconut on top for color and freshness
Coach’s note: When you balance a small sweet treat with protein or fiber, you help stabilize blood sugar and avoid that post-dessert crash, so go ahead and savor every bite!
Crispy Banana Spring Rolls
These Crispy Banana Spring Rolls are a quick, golden dessert made with sweet bananas, cream cheese, and rice paper wrappers, then air-fried (or deep-fried if you prefer!) for the perfect crunchy shell and gooey center. They’re a lighter, healthier twist on traditional banana spring rolls PF Changs–style, with all the caramelized flavor and none of the excess oil. Perfect served warm with caramel sauce and ice cream.
Ingredients
- 4 rice paper sheets — These make perfect roll wrappers for a light and crispy texture. You can also use spring roll wrappers if you prefer something more traditional or want to go deep fried.
- 2 heaped tbsp cream cheese, softened — Try Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich swap or vegan cream cheese for vegetarian rice paper rolls.
- ½ banana, sliced lengthwise — Use ripe bananas for the best caramelized flavor. Frozen bananas can also work once thawed slightly.
- 2 tsp brown erythritol (or brown sugar, coconut sugar, or maple sugar).
- 1 medium egg — Helps bind the rice paper and adds golden crispness.
- 1 tbsp milk — Dairy or plant-based both work beautifully.
Instructions
1. Prepare the egg wash:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until smooth.
2. Soften the rice paper:
Dip one sheet at a time into the egg mixture for a few seconds until pliable. Lay it flat on a clean surface. Repeat and stack a second sheet on top (2 per roll).
3. Add the filling:
Spread 1 tablespoon of cream cheese in the center of the rice paper. Place a slice or two of banana on top, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of brown erythritol or sugar.
4. Roll it up:
Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly into a log shape (like a spring roll). Repeat with remaining sheets and filling.
5. Air fry:
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil spray. Place the rolls inside and air fry at 170°C / 340°F for 12–16 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Alternative cooking methods:
Oven: Bake at 180°C / 355°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Pan fry: Shallow fry in a teaspoon of oil until evenly golden.
Deep fried: Use traditional spring roll wrappers instead and fry in hot oil (175°C / 350°F) for 2–3 minutes per side.
6. Serve:
Let cool slightly, then serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a scoop of ice cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Notes
- Double up your wrappers: Two sheets of rice paper give structure and crunch — especially important for air fryer rice paper spring rolls.
- Want it richer? Use spring roll wrappers and deep fry for that restaurant-style texture.
- Vegan version: Swap cream cheese for coconut yogurt, skip the egg, and brush rice paper with melted coconut oil before air frying.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes to crisp up again.
- Serving tip: Pair with Greek yogurt for extra protein or top with crushed nuts for texture and healthy fats.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1 rollAmount Per Serving: Calories: 158Total Fat: 6.2gSaturated Fat: 3.1gCarbohydrates: 19.5gFiber: 1.4gSugar: 8.3gProtein: 5.6g
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Final Note from Me
Healthy cooking isn’t about giving up your favorites, it’s about reimagining them. These crispy banana spring rolls prove that you can take something traditionally deep fried, swap in lighter roll wrappers, and still enjoy every caramelized, creamy, crunchy bite.
Next time you’re craving dessert, reach for your rice paper rolls and a ripe banana; in 15 minutes, you’ll have a golden, café-worthy treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Keep experimenting, keep rolling, and remember; balance is built in the kitchen, one bite at a time 💛
— Alex
