There’s something magical about the smell of baked apples filling your kitchen. I still remember my grandmother’s warm apple pie cooling on the windowsill every Sunday afternoon. Years later, when I began experimenting with gluten-free and vegan desserts, I wanted to capture that same cozy flavor but in a lighter, crispier form. That’s how these Baked Apple Pie Rice Paper Rolls were born.
After testing and tweaking this recipe several times, I found that rice paper yes, the same kind used for spring rolls — transforms beautifully into a golden, delicate crust that wraps around a warm, cinnamon-kissed apple filling. It’s apple pie reinvented: comforting, nostalgic, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Whether you bake them in the oven or crisp them up in your air fryer, these apple pie rice paper rolls make a guilt-free dessert that’s perfect for sharing (or not).
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Pie Rice Paper Rolls
- Simple ingredients: Just apples, rice paper, sugar, cinnamon, and oil.
- Crispy outside, soft inside: A perfect balance of textures.
- Vegan & gluten-free: Naturally free of dairy and gluten, without losing flavor.
- Versatile: Works as a dessert, snack, or festive treat.
- Air fryer friendly: Ready in minutes with less oil.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients
- 4–6 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- 10–12 rice paper wrappers
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like avocado or coconut oil)
Optional Add-Ins
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or allspice for a deeper flavor
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
- 1 tablespoon raisins or dried cranberries for sweetness
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for a dessert-like aroma
Step-by-Step Instructions
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly oil it.
- Prepare the filling: Peel and slice apples thinly. Toss with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Soften the rice paper: Fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip one sheet at a time for about 10 seconds until slightly soft (not soggy).
- Assemble the rolls: Place a sheet on a damp surface. Add 1–2 tablespoons of the apple mixture in the center. Fold the bottom edge up, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly.
- Brush and bake: Arrange rolls on the tray, brush with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crisp.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the apple filling and rice paper rolls as above.
- Brush lightly with oil and place rolls in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the rice paper turns golden and crisp.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving — the filling will be piping hot!
Expert Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Rice Paper Rolls
- Don’t over-soak: Rice paper should be pliable but slightly firm. Too soft and it will tear easily.
- Avoid holes: If a wrapper rips, double up — this prevents sugar leakage.
- Turn frequently: This ensures even crisping whether baking or air frying.
- Use parchment paper: It keeps the rolls from sticking or tearing on the tray.
- Cool before serving: Let them rest briefly to let the sugar set and avoid burns.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Fruit swaps: Try pears, peaches, or even bananas for a twist.
- Sugar alternatives: Coconut sugar or maple syrup offer natural sweetness.
- Spice it up: Add cardamom, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for depth.
- Crunchy extras: Mix in chopped nuts or oats for texture.
- Savory spin: Omit sugar and cinnamon — fill with sautéed apples, onions, and vegan cheese for a creative appetizer.
Serving Ideas
- Classic combo: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Elegant dessert: Drizzle with caramel or dust with powdered sugar.
- Healthy pairing: Enjoy with coconut yogurt or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
- Festive touch: Sprinkle crushed pecans or drizzle with maple glaze during holidays.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Flash-freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag (up to 1 month).
- Reheat: Warm in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
More Gluten-Free & Vegan Recipes You’ll Love
For more comforting, allergy-friendly recipes, try:
- Burger Bowls – a quick, flavorful gluten-free meal idea.
- Prime Rib Roast in Oven – for a special family dinner.
- Black-Eyed Peas Recipe – hearty and rich in plant-based protein.
- Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe – the ultimate party favorite.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Apple Pie Rice Paper Rolls are proof that dessert doesn’t need to be complicated or heavy to be satisfying. With a crisp, golden shell and a warm, spiced apple filling, they bring the nostalgic comfort of homemade apple pie — with a modern, health-conscious twist. Whether baked or air-fried, they’re sure to impress friends and family at your next gathering.
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FAQs About Baked Apple Pie Rice Paper Rolls
1. Can I use an air fryer for rice paper rolls?
Yes! The air fryer gives a light, crispy finish with less oil. Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.
2. How do I prevent rice paper from tearing?
Avoid oversoaking and handle gently. If needed, double-layer the rice paper for added strength.
3. What’s the best apple variety for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well, while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. Bake or air fry just before serving.
5. Are rice paper rolls healthy?
Rice paper is low in fat and gluten-free, making it a lighter alternative to pastry. The apples provide fiber and natural sweetness.
Baked Apple Pie Rice Paper Rolls (Air Fryer or Oven Recipe)
These Baked Apple Pie Rice Paper Rolls are crispy on the outside and filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples. A light, vegan, and gluten-free dessert you can bake or air fry for the perfect guilt-free treat.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 10 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked or Air Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
4–6 apples, peeled and sliced
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp lemon juice
10–12 rice paper wrappers
2 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or coconut)
Optional: 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 2 tbsp chopped nuts, 1 tbsp raisins, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel and slice apples thinly, then toss with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
3. Fill a large bowl with warm water and dip one rice paper sheet at a time until slightly soft.
4. Place softened rice paper on a damp surface and add 1–2 tablespoons of apple filling to the center.
5. Fold the bottom edge up, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly.
6. Brush with oil and place on a parchment-lined tray or air fryer basket.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes (turn halfway) or air fry for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
8. Cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
Do not over-soak the rice paper — keep it slightly firm for easier rolling.
Double the wrappers if any tear or if you want extra crunch.
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month.
Reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Best served warm with ice cream or caramel drizzle.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
