Imagine biting into a super crispy Banana Spring Roll dipped in homemade coconut whipped cream from the comfort of your own kitchen in less than 30 minutes. You sure can! This traditional 4 ingredient Thai dessert is made in the air fryer instead of fried, so it is healthier, fast, and clean-up is a snap.
Just one bite of this fruit dessert and you are going to be hooked! There is something completely addictive about biting into that super crispy spring roll crust and then the warm creamy banana that will keep you going back for more. And just like that… we ate three. Ok, maybe more but we are not confessing.
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Healthier Thai Banana Dessert
Have you ever tried a Banana Turon, sometimes called a banana lumpia? This Asian dessert spring roll recipe is a popular Filipino street snack. However, it is commonly made with lots of brown sugar and sometimes jack fruit and always deep fried.
Conversely, we first learned how to make our Thai style banana spring roll recipe in Chiang Mai, Thailand - the traditional way. This Thai banana dessert is made without and refined sugars. In addition, you can find everything you need to make this recipe in a regular grocery store.
However, we wanted to take that one step further and make it healthier. Air fry spring rolls have all the traditional flavors and crunch of a Thai fried banana recipe but with less fat per serving. As a bonus, they are a delicious sweet ending to any of our Thai Cuisine recipes and can even be frozen.
Easy To Find Ingredients and Substitutions
Spring Roll Wrappers (pastry sheets) are much thinner than egg roll wrappers and are generally made with wheat flour and egg. They are not to be confused with rice roll wrapper that we use in our Summer Rolls that are made with rice flour. Unfortunately, Vietnamese rice paper rolls cannot be used in this recipe. You will find spring roll wrappers in the refrigerated or frozen food isle of the grocery store. We have not tested this recipe with any of the gluten-free or vegan brands.
Bananas - Did you know there is over 1000 different varieties of bananas? Who knew!We used a regular typical Cavendish banana found at the local grocery store and cut into 4 long slices. You do not need to make this recipe with the traditional cute little Thai banana or finger bananas, but you can if you have access to those. However, you need to make sure that your banana is ripe but still firm. Mushy or brown bananas will leak out of the spring roll wrapper before it has a chance to get golden brown and crunchy.
Lime Juice – Citrus is to prevent the banana from oxidizing and turning brown. However, you can substitute with lemon juice, key lime juice, Meyer lemons, etc.
Egg – This acts as an adhesive to seal the edges of the banana spring roll. If you are out of eggs, you can substitute with a cornstarch and water mixture. Just mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with about 2 teaspoon of water to make a slurry that is about the consistency of white school glue. Check out our video in the recipe card below to see this in action.
Easy Step by Step Instructions
- Beat egg or make cornstarch slurry to seal spring rolls.
- Peel bananas and slice into 4 sections.
- Dip bananas in fresh lime juice to prevent oxidations and browning.
- Open package of spring rolls and cover with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
- Lay spring roll wrapper on an angle and lay the banana slice at the bottom corner and roll over once.
- Add a drop of egg or cornstarch slurry to the edges to help seal.
- Fold one side of the spring roll over the sliced banana and press to seal.
- Then, fold over the other side of the spring roll wrapper over the slice banana and seal.
- Press to seal.
- Finally, roll the banana up in the spring roll like a tortilla or our Baked Chinese Spring Rolls and press to seal.
- Make sure it is sealed at the end.
- Preheat air fryer while you spray the banana spring rolls with a light oil spray on both sides.
- Air fry banana spring rolls for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Try This!
If you think banana spring rolls are delicious plain, you should try them dipped into our Homemade Coconut Whipped Cream. Simply sublime! The tropical flavors of bananas and coconut together are a match made in heaven.
Try serving these air fryer spring rolls with a dollop of our No – Churn Dairy Free Mango Swirl Ice Cream or our Mocha Banana Ice Cream for a delicious summertime or anytime treat.
Sprinkle on a little ground cinnamon sugar or cardamom sugar just as they come out of the air fryer.
Equipment and Cooking Alternatives
Making spring rolls in the air fryer is life changing. Really! Do you know how long it takes to clean up stove top after frying something? Need we say more. We just gained back another good hour to our day. In addition, it is so nice not heating up the entire house on a hot summer day. Our air fryer has really simplified life. Checkout our Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce and Stuffed Zucchini Flowers for more easy air fryer recipes.
We have a Cosori brand air fryer. As each brand is a little different, you may have to adjust the total cooking time and the number of spring rolls you can fit in at one time. We can easily fit 8 spring rolls in our air fryer.
Don’t have an air fryer? No worries. You can bake the spring rolls in a 375-degree F (190 degrees C) oven. All you need to do is brush the spring rolls gently on both sides with a little light flavored oil. Bake seam side down for about 10 minutes. After the first 10 minutes, turn the spring rolls over and brush on a little more oil. Then, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy just like what we did with our Air Fryer Spring Rolls.
If you prefer to make Thai Fried banana spring rolls, we will include those instructions in the recipe notes below.
How to Store
Did you know that you can assemble your banana spring rolls up to 24 hours in advance? That is super helpful, especially when entertaining. Then, all you need to do is pop them in the air fryer when you are ready to serve. They are best served hot.
Refrigerate UNBAKED prepared spring rolls on a lined plate with parchment paper or waxed paper in a single layer. In addition, cover them tightly with either plastic wrap or place in a plastic sealed container. Please do not let them touch in the container as this may cause sticking and could tear the wrapper.
Alternatively, you can freeze prepared banana rolls BEFORE you bake. Place in a parchment lined sealed container in a single layer for up to 2 months. If you want to freeze them in a baggie or not in a single layer, first freeze on a flat baking sheet for about 3 hours and then you can transfer them to a sealed freezer safe bag. Do not thaw as the bananas as they could get mushy. Instead, just pop them in the air fryer frozen. However, you will need to increase your air fry time.
Tips for Success
- If your spring roll wrappers are frozen, you can either thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator over 2 hours.
- It is super important that once you open the spring roll wrappers, you need to cover the ones you are not using with a clean wet cloth to prevent the spring rolls from drying out and cracking. Trust me this step is very important.
- There are 2 sides to a spring roll. Place the banana on the rough side so the smooth side in on the outside after you roll it up. Style points if you remember. However, if you forget, they still taste fantastic.
Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
You can reheat spring rolls in your air fryer on the toaster function at 350 degrees F (176 degrees C) for about 5 minutes or just until hot and crisp. Alternatively, you can bake at 350 degrees F for about 8 -10 minutes until hot and crisp.
The inside contents of a spring roll can be made vegan. However, many of the wheat-based spring roll wrappers contain egg or egg powder. Banana egg rolls cannot be made with the rice paper Vietnamese spring roll wrappers that need to be soaked first.
940 calories. However, our healthier version has only 72 calories per serving (excluding the coconut whipped cream).
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Banana Spring Rolls (Air Fryer Method)
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
Thai Banana Spring Rolls
- 1 egg
beaten to seal the roll (or 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water to make paste) - 1 tablespoon lime juice
to prevent oxidation of the bananas - 8 sheets spring roll wrappers
- 2 bananas
- Homemade Coconut Whipped Cream optional
Instructions
- Beat egg or if you are out of eggs make a cornstarch slurry. To make a cornstarch slurry, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoon of water and stir. The goal texture for your cornstarch paste is to have the consistency of white school glue. Either the beaten egg or prepared cornstarch paste will be used to seal banana spring rolls. Set aside.
- Peel bananas and slice into 4 long sections. First cut the banana in half and then cut each banana lengthwise. If using small Thai egg bananas, cut in half lengthwise.
- Dip bananas slices in fresh lime juice (or other citrus) to prevent oxidations and browning.
- Open package of spring rolls and cover with a damp tea cloth to prevent them from drying out.
- Lay a single spring roll wrapper on an angle and lay the banana slice across one of the corners and roll over once
- Add a drop of egg or cornstarch slurry to the edges to help seal.
- Fold one side of the spring roll over the sliced banana and press to seal.
- Then, fold over the other side of the spring roll wrapper over the slice banana and seal.
- Finally, roll the banana up in the spring roll like a tortilla and press to seal. Add a dab more of beaten egg or cornstarch paste as needed to help seal.
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) while you spray the banana spring rolls with a light oil spray on both sides.
- Air fry banana spring rolls seal side down for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. As every air fryer is slightly different, please start assessing your banana roll ups at the 10-minute mark. If golden brown they are done, if not add a couple minutes at a time until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with Homemade Coconut Whipped Topping, if desired, and enjoy while hot.
Video
Notes
- If your spring roll wrappers are frozen, you can either thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator over 2 hours.
- It is super important that once you open the spring roll wrappers, you need to cover the ones you are not using with a clean wet cloth to prevent the spring rolls from drying out and cracking. Trust me this step is very important.
- There are 2 sides to a spring roll. Place the banana on the rough side so the smooth side in on the outside after you roll it up. Style points if you remember. However, if you forget, they still taste fantastic.
- Refrigerate UNBAKED prepared banana spring rolls on a lined plate with parchment paper or waxed paper in a single layer. In addition, cover them tightly with either plastic wrap or place in a plastic sealed container. Please do not let them touch in the container as this may cause sticking and could tear the wrapper. Air fry within 24 hours for best results.
- Alternatively, you can freeze prepared banana rolls BEFORE you bake. Place in a parchment lined sealed container in a single layer for up to 2 months. If you want to freeze them in a baggie or not in a single layer, first freeze on a flat baking sheet for about 3 hours and then you can transfer them to a sealed freezer safe bag. Do not thaw as the bananas as they could get mushy. Instead, just pop them in the air fryer frozen. However, you will need to increase your air fry time.
- These little Thai banana desserts are best enjoyed hot out of the air fryer. However, they can be stored after made in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
- You can reheat spring rolls in your air fryer on the toaster function at 350 degrees F (176 degrees C) for about 5 minutes or just until hot and crisp. Alternatively, you can bake at 350 degrees F for about 8 -10 minutes until hot and crisp.
- If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake the spring rolls in a 375-degree F (190 degrees C) oven. All you need to do is brush the spring rolls gently on both sides with a little light flavored oil. Bake seam side down for about 10 minutes. After the first 10 minutes, turn the spring rolls over and brush on a little more oil. Then, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- If you prefer to deep fry your banana rolls, heat enough oil in a pot so that that your spring rolls can be submerged in the oil. When the oil is hot and ready, deep fry the spring rolls until golden crispy. This takes about 2 minutes, and you need to turn them frequently to prevent burning. Dry on a cloth to absorb the oil.
Heidi | The Frugal Girls says
Wow... what a fun dessert idea! I've never thought to try spring rolls for dessert, but you've got me sold! I love that they're a lactose-free dessert, too... my tummy appreciates that! 🙂
HWC Magazine says
Thank you Heidi! If you have not making tried banana spring rolls, you are going to be amazed on how easy they are to throw together.
Lynn Fenby says
I don't even make this kind of stuff, but I was so intrigued with how good this looked in the pictures...and it's even better. I will make this for my family indefinitely....it is really, really delicious.
HWC Magazine says
Thank you very much. Glad your family enjoyed our lightened up banana spring rolls. Happy to see you are loving your new air fryer.
[email protected] Free A-Z Blog says
What an interesting looking dessert and another use for spring rolls! Love it and thanks for the recipe and success tips.
HWC Magazine says
Thank you Judee! these spring rolls are super easy and a little healthier than a traditional dessert. Hope you give it a try soon. Take care
Cindy says
Love these!
HWC Magazine says
Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed our little bit healthier dessert.
Kevin says
I love my air fryer too. These look so easy and so good.
Are there substitute wraps I could use?
HWC Magazine says
Hi there Kevin! I think in a pinch you could swap out the spring roll wrappers with 3 sheets of filo dough with melted butter brushed on between each layer. At this point we have not found a good gluten free spring roll wrapper option but will keep our eyes out and update the post when we find one.
Aarthi | Prepbowls says
Oooh I would love these for dessert with a scoop of ice cream, looks great and definitely a guilt free dessert!
HWC Magazine says
Now you are talking! A scoop of ice cream on the side of these air fried banana rolls would be divine. Thank you
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I haven't had these since we moved to Florida. When living in New Hampshire there was a restaurant that served these delicious treats, they were irresistible as I'm sure yours are as well.
HWC Magazine says
Guess this is a great time to try this recipe again. I bet yours will be even better. Take Care
Hasin says
My girls will love this darn thing for sure. Fabulous presentation as usual.
HWC Magazine says
Thanks so much Hasin. These little Thai banana rolls would be a great after school snack for sure.
Carla says
I guess I can make these ahead of time and then pull them out and look like an entertaining diva
Lynn Fenby says
I was hesitant to try this recipe because, frankly, I am not a huge banana lover....I find them rather dry. However, you HAVE to try this recipe! These little jewels are fantastic!! It is a beautiful dish to serve, and they are really, really delicious.
HWC Magazine says
Awww , thank you Lynn. So glad you enjoyed this recipe. Their texture is really addictive. You need to come over and help us eat this platter before we polish off the whole darn thing.
John / Kitchen Riffs says
Although I love the taste (and texture!) of fried food, you're right: Messy, messy, messy. SO much clean up. Baking is better, whether you use an air fryer or the oven. Terrific recipe -- so much fun, and so, so flavorful. Thanks!
HWC Magazine says
You got that right! We can think of a million other better ways to spend an hour than cleaning up grease from fried foods in the kitchen. You got to love this healthier option as it is only 72 calories per spring rolls. Maybe you can have 2!
Ken says
Have you tried with other fruits?
HWC Magazine says
Actually, we have. This recipe is fabulous with pie fillings, and cooked pumpkin with pumpkin pie seasoning. Give it a go and let us know how you like it.
Eha says
Heavens ! Until now I did not even know such existed !! Look both very moreish and doable . . . Methinks I know some little bodies who would find them great fun ! Will have to see what the dunking 'sauce' will be . . .
HWC Magazine says
They are super fun but you are going to love the texture. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. We chose a little whipped coconut cream to dip them. However, in Thailand they traditional dip them in vanilla flavored sweetened condensed milk. We find that a bit too sweet for us so we like the homemade coconut whipped cream instead.
Raymund says
Ohhh interesting, I never knew the Thai's have this too. It is quite popular in Philippines but we use a different type of banana, we call it Saba Bananas. They are more meaty and holds well in cooking, we then simply wrap with spring roll wrapper with brown sugar and sometimes jackfruit is added inside.
HWC Magazine says
In Thailand they usually use the little finger bananas that are much firmer and smaller than a regular banana. We adapted the recipe so no matter where you are in the world, you can make this recipe. Thai's have their own version but I love Banana Turon, Lumpia version from the Philippines as we love that addition of jack fruit. Super delicious.
Hannah says
Such a wonderful treat! It's the easiest thing ever but seems special, somehow. Definitely a great trick to pull out for company. 🙂
HWC Magazine says
Thank you Hannah! Perfect as a sweet ending to a Thai dinner.