Air Fryer Pesto Parmesan Rice Paper Rings: A Cheesy, Flavour-Packed Twist You’ll Want on Repeat
If you love quick, creative recipes that turn simple ingredients into something exciting, these Air Fryer Pesto Parmesan Rice Paper Rings are about to become your new go-to. They are light, cheesy, and full of bold flavour, with a unique texture that makes every bite interesting. Rice paper transforms beautifully in the air fryer, creating a delicate structure that holds all that pesto and Parmesan goodness together. It is one of those recipes that feels a bit unexpected, yet once you try it, it just makes sense. If you have already enjoyed my Crispy Air Fryer Rice Paper Cheese Balls or the Feta and Spinach Rice Paper Rolls (Air Fryer, Gluten-Free), you will absolutely love this one too. This recipe is all about simplicity and creativity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you get a snack that looks impressive and tastes even better. Whether you are making a quick appetiser, a party platter, or just something fun for yourself, these rings deliver. They are also incredibly versatile, so once you master the base technique, you can experiment with different fillings and flavours. If you enjoy easy air fryer recipes like my Crispy Salmon Squares or the viral Crispy Chicken Rice Paper Rolls (Air Fryer, High Protein), this is another must-try addition to your list.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavours
What makes these rice paper rings so special is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something seriously satisfying. Each element plays a key role in both texture and flavour:
Rice paper – The base of the recipe. For this recipe, use the larger round sheets, around 20 cm in diameter. Once rolled and joined, this size naturally creates that classic ring shape. Smaller sheets are often not long enough to form the same shape. You can find rice paper in Asian supermarkets, as well as in most major supermarkets in the Asian or world foods section.
Eggs and milk – This mixture lightly coats the rice paper, adding richness and helping everything hold together during shaping and cooking.
Sun-dried tomato pesto – Bold and flavourful, it brings a tangy, slightly sweet depth that carries through every bite.
Parmesan – Salty, nutty, and essential for that cheesy centre. It melts beautifully and balances the pesto perfectly.
Sesame seeds – A simple topping that adds a subtle nuttiness and a bit of texture.
Olive oil spray – Helps the rings cook evenly in the air fryer and enhances the final result.
Fresh coriander – Optional, but adds a fresh finish that lifts all the flavours.
How to Make Air Fryer Pesto Parmesan Rice Paper Rings
Preparing the Egg Mixture
In a shallow plate slightly larger than your rice paper sheets, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth and fully combined. This mixture will lightly coat the rice paper and help everything bind together during cooking.
Simple egg and milk mixture used to coat the rice paper
Dipping the Rice Paper
Working with one sheet at a time, dip the rice paper briefly into the egg mixture, just enough to coat it. Do not let it fully soften at this stage, as it will continue to soften while you assemble. If it becomes too soft, it will be harder to handle and shape.
Rice paper lightly coated in egg and milk before assembling
Adding the Filling
Place the dipped rice paper onto a clean, flat surface. Spread about 1 teaspoon of sun-dried tomato pesto evenly over the entire surface, then sprinkle with Parmesan so it lightly covers the sheet. Keep the layer even to ensure balanced flavour and easier rolling.
Sun-dried tomato pesto spread over rice paper and topped with Parmesan
Shaping the Rings
Roll the rice paper tightly into a log, then bring the ends together and gently press them to meet and seal, forming a ring shape. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
The rolled rice paper is joined at the ends to form a ring
Preparing for Air Frying
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil, then place the rings inside, leaving space between them so they cook evenly. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top, then lightly spray the rings with a bit more olive oil.
Rice paper rings placed in the air fryer and sprinkled with sesame seeds
Air Frying
Air fry at 200°C/400°F for about 9 to 10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them towards the end.
Air Fryer Pesto Parmesan Rice Paper Rings served on a wooden board with a creamy dipping sauce
Finishing and Serving
Remove the rings from the air fryer and sprinkle with chopped coriander if using. Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and melty inside. These are perfect with a garlic yoghurt dip or any sauce you like.
Air Fryer Pesto Parmesan Rice Paper Rings dipped into a creamy sauce
Why We Love These Rice Paper Rings
There is something incredibly satisfying about transforming rice paper into something completely different. These rings are a perfect example of how creative cooking does not have to be complicated. You get bold flavours, an interesting texture, and a visually appealing result, all with minimal effort. What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility. You can swap the pesto for other spreads, experiment with different cheeses, or even add finely chopped vegetables or cooked meats. It is a great base recipe that you can adapt to your taste. If you enjoy experimenting like with my Cottage Cheese Strawberry Rice Paper Dessert (Air Fryer) or Rice Paper Chicken Sausage Rolls, this one gives you plenty of room to play.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These Air Fryer Pesto Parmesan Rice Paper Rings are perfect for those moments when you want something quick but still a bit special. They work beautifully for casual gatherings, movie nights, or even as a fun addition to a lunch spread. Because they are so easy to make, they are also great for last-minute cravings. They are best enjoyed fresh, as the texture softens over time, but that just gives you a good excuse to eat them straight away. If you are already a fan of quick, creative recipes like my Air-Fried Rice Paper Parcels or Crispy Rice Paper Mozzarella Chips, this is another one you will keep coming back to.
Instagram Tutorial & More
Want to see exactly how these rings come together? Watch our quick video tutorial on Instagram and don’t miss out on our other rice paper and air fryer recipes:
These Airfryer Pesto Parmesan Rice Paper Rings are a quick and flavour-packed savoury snack made with just a handful of ingredients. Rice paper is lightly coated in an egg mixture, filled with sun-dried tomato pesto and Parmesan, then shaped into rings and air fried until golden. The result is cheesy, satisfying, and perfect for dipping. They come together in minutes, making them ideal for a quick snack, appetiser, or party bite. Serve them warm with a garlic yoghurt dip or your favourite sauce. Best enjoyed fresh for the perfect texture.
Ingredients
6 rice paper sheets (20 cm diameter)
2 eggs
2tbsp milk
2tbsp sun-dried tomato pesto
70g Parmesan (½ cup, heaped, finely grated)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Olive oil spray (for air frying)
Chopped coriander (optional)
Instructions
1
In a shallow dish slightly larger than your rice paper sheets, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. Working with one sheet at a time, dip the rice paper briefly into the mixture, just enough to coat it. Do not let it fully soften, as it will continue to soften while you assemble. Place it on a clean, flat surface, spread about 1 teaspoon of sun-dried tomato pesto evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with Parmesan so it lightly covers the entire sheet.
2
Roll the rice paper tightly into a log, then bring the ends together and gently press to seal, forming a ring. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and arrange the rings in a single layer, leaving space between them so they crisp up evenly. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, then lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
3
Air fry at 200°C/400°F for 9 to 10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove from the air fryer and finish with chopped coriander if using. Serve immediately while the cheese is still soft and melty inside. These are perfect with a garlic yoghurt dip or any sauce you love, and they are best enjoyed fresh straight out of the air fryer.
Handle the rice paper carefully when dipping. A quick dip is enough, it should still feel firm when you take it out. If it becomes too soft, it will be harder to roll neatly and may tear during shaping.
Spread the pesto and Parmesan in a thin, even layer. Overfilling can cause the rings to split or leak while air frying. A light, even coating gives the best structure and flavour balance.
When sealing the ring, press the ends together firmly. If needed, lightly dampen the edges with a bit of the egg mixture to help them stick. This helps the rings hold their shape during cooking.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between each ring so the hot air can circulate properly. This ensures even cooking and a better texture.
Keep an eye on them towards the end of cooking. Air fryer models vary, so they may need slightly less or more time. You are looking for a lightly golden finish.
These are best served immediately after cooking. As they sit, the texture softens, so for the best result, enjoy them fresh from the air fryer.
You can customise the filling easily. Swap the pesto for basil pesto, chilli pesto, or even a simple tomato paste, and try different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavour profile.
Serve with a dip for the best experience. Garlic yoghurt, spicy mayo, or even a simple marinara all work really well.
Keywords:
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Izabella Jakubec
Food Blogger and Recipe Developer
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I’m Izabella, and I’m thrilled to have you here!
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