Air Fryer Rice Paper Salmon en Croûte

Air Fryer Rice Paper Salmon en Croûte: A Lighter, High-Protein Twist on a Classic

Step into a lighter take on a classic with this Air Fryer Rice Paper Salmon en Croûte, a clever twist that swaps puff pastry for delicate rice paper. The rice paper sheets are brushed with an egg and milk mixture, then filled with tender salmon and creamy spinach ricotta before being folded into parcels and cooked in the air fryer until beautifully golden. It feels elegant enough for a special lunch or dinner, but it is simple enough to make on a busy day. It is also naturally high in protein thanks to the salmon, eggs and ricotta, making it satisfying without feeling too heavy. If you already love creative rice paper recipes like Air Fryer Salmon Sushi Parcels or flavour-packed air fryer bites like Air Fryer Pesto Mozzarella Rice Paper Sticks (Gluten-Free Snack), this recipe is another one to add to your list.

Scroll down or tap ‘Jump to Recipe’ to make this lighter salmon en croûte at home.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavours

What makes this Air Fryer Rice Paper Salmon en Croûte so good is the way a few simple ingredients come together to create something that feels fresh, satisfying and a little bit special. The salmon stays tender inside, the spinach ricotta filling adds creaminess, and the rice paper gives the recipe a lighter finish than traditional pastry. If you enjoy recipes where rice paper is used in a fun, unexpected way, you may also like Air Fryer Pesto Parmesan Rice Paper Rings and Crispy Air Fryer Rice Paper Cheese Balls.

• Salmon fillet - Use fresh skinless and boneless salmon fillet. Cut it into four equal pieces so the parcels cook evenly in the air fryer.
• Spinach - Wilted and finely chopped spinach works best. Make sure it is not too watery, otherwise the filling can become loose.
• Ricotta - Adds a creamy, mild filling that pairs beautifully with salmon without overpowering it.
• Garlic powder - Gives the spinach ricotta filling a gentle savoury flavour and keeps the seasoning simple.
• Salt and black pepper - Used to season both the filling and the salmon, so every layer has flavour.
• Rice paper sheets - I used large square rice paper sheets, but round ones will also work. The important thing is that each sheet is large enough to wrap around the salmon.
• Eggs and milk - This mixture replaces water for softening the rice paper and helps create a better finish in the air fryer.
• Olive oil spray - Helps the parcels cook more evenly and encourages a golden colour.
• Sesame seeds - Add a simple garnish and a little texture on top.
• Plain yoghurt, garlic powder and dill - Mixed together to make a quick garlic yoghurt dip for serving.

How to Make Air Fryer Rice Paper Salmon en Croûte

Preparing the Spinach Ricotta Filling

Start by preparing the spinach ricotta filling. Add the wilted and finely chopped spinach to a bowl with ricotta, garlic powder, a pinch of salt and black pepper. Make sure to drain the spinach very well before mixing it with the ricotta, otherwise the filling can become too wet. Mix everything together until well combined. The filling should be creamy and evenly mixed, but not loose. Set the filling aside while you prepare the salmon.

Cutting and Seasoning the Salmon

Cut the skinless and boneless salmon fillet into 4 equal pieces. Try to keep the pieces similar in size and thickness so they cook evenly in the air fryer. Lightly season each piece of salmon with salt and black pepper on both sides. This gives the salmon flavour before it is wrapped with the spinach ricotta filling and rice paper.

Preparing the Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth and well combined. This mixture is used to brush the rice paper instead of soaking it in water. It helps the rice paper soften, makes it easier to fold, and helps give the parcels a better finish once cooked in the air fryer.

Brushing the Rice Paper

Work with one rice paper sheet at a time. Place it on a clean, flat work surface and brush one side well with the egg mixture. Flip the rice paper over and brush the other side too. You do not need to wait until the rice paper is fully soft, because it will continue to soften while you work with it. By the time you add the filling and salmon, it should be flexible enough to fold.

Filling the Parcels

Add a little spinach ricotta filling to the centre of the rice paper. Place one piece of seasoned salmon on top, then spread a little more spinach ricotta filling over the salmon. Do not overfill the parcel, as too much filling can make it harder to close and may leak out during cooking.

Folding the Rice Paper

Fold the edges of the rice paper over the salmon to create a parcel, making sure the salmon is fully covered. The rice paper should be soft enough to fold neatly by this point. Once folded, gently flip the parcel over so the seam is underneath. Repeat the process with the remaining rice paper sheets, salmon pieces and spinach ricotta filling.

Air Frying the Salmon Parcels

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the salmon parcels seam-side down in the basket. Spray the tops with a little more olive oil, then sprinkle with sesame seeds. Air fry at 200°C/400°F for 15-16 minutes, or until the parcels are golden and the salmon is cooked through. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your salmon pieces and the model of your air fryer.

Making the Garlic Yoghurt Dip

While the parcels are cooking, prepare the garlic yoghurt dip. Mix 3 tablespoons of plain yoghurt with garlic powder, salt and chopped fresh dill. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Serve the salmon parcels straight from the air fryer with the garlic yoghurt dip or your favourite sauce.

Serving the Parcels

These salmon parcels are best enjoyed immediately, while the rice paper has the best texture. They are golden and freshly cooked straight from the air fryer, but the rice paper will naturally soften as the parcels sit.

Why We Love Air Fryer Rice Paper Salmon en Croûte

This recipe has all the charm of salmon en croûte, but with a lighter and more modern approach. Instead of pastry, the salmon is wrapped in rice paper, which makes the recipe quicker to prepare and easier to cook in the air fryer. The creamy spinach ricotta filling keeps the salmon moist, while the sesame seeds add a pretty finish. It is also a great high-protein meal, with protein coming from the salmon, eggs and ricotta. If you love recipes that feel impressive without being complicated, this one sits beautifully beside Crispy Rice Paper Mozzarella Chips and Crispy Chicken Rice Paper Rolls (Air Fryer, High Protein).

What makes it truly special is the balance of textures and flavours. The salmon stays soft and tender, the filling is creamy and savoury, and the rice paper wraps everything into a neat parcel. It is not trying to be traditional pastry salmon en croûte, and that is exactly why it works. It gives you the same wrapped-salmon idea, but in a fresher, lighter and more playful way. Serve it warm with garlic yoghurt dip, and you have a recipe that feels simple but still elegant. If you enjoy recipes with clever rice paper twists, don’t miss Feta and Spinach Rice Paper Rolls (Air Fryer, Gluten-Free) and Rice Paper Chicken Sausage Rolls.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Air Fryer Rice Paper Salmon en Croûte is perfect for a quick dinner, light lunch, elegant appetiser or a small gathering. It looks more impressive than the effort involved, which is always the best kind of recipe. Because the parcels are best served fresh from the air fryer, they are ideal for when you want something cooked and eaten straight away. The recipe also works well if you want a gluten-free option, as long as your rice paper and sauces are suitable. For more easy recipes that feel fun but approachable, try Crispy Salmon Squares and Rice Paper Salmon Chips.

Instagram Tutorial & More

Want to see this dish come to life? Watch the step-by-step video tutorial on Instagram to see how the rice paper is brushed, filled and folded around the salmon before going into the air fryer. Once you understand how the rice paper softens with the egg mixture, the method becomes very easy to follow. Don’t miss other creative rice paper and air fryer recipes like:

• Air-Fried Rice Paper Parcels
• Rice Paper Cucumber Roll
• Chicken Spring Rolls
• Salmon Bites
• No-Cook Mango Mochi (Rice Paper Dessert)
• Cottage Cheese Strawberry Rice Paper Dessert (Air Fryer)

Happy cooking,
Izabella