How Many Calories Are in a Deep Fried Chicken Spring Roll?

January 9, 2026 •

3 min read

Deep frying food dramatically increases its calorie count compared to other cooking methods. A deep fried chicken spring roll can vary widely in calories, from as little as 65 to over 130 per roll, depending on its size, filling, and the amount of oil absorbed during frying. Understanding these factors is key to making informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a deep fried chicken spring roll varies significantly based on size, ingredients, and the frying process. The high heat and oil absorption inherent in deep frying contribute to its caloric density. This article explores the nutritional breakdown of a typical spring roll and offers guidance on estimating calories and preparing healthier alternatives.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: A deep fried chicken spring roll can contain anywhere from 65 to over 130 calories, depending on its size and how it was prepared.
Frying Adds Calories: The deep-frying process increases calories by causing the food to absorb oil as water evaporates.
Size and Filling Matter: Larger rolls or those with calorie-dense fillings will have a higher calorie count.
Fresh vs. Fried: Fresh (unfried) spring rolls are a significantly lower-calorie alternative to deep-fried versions.
Healthier Alternatives: Baking, air-frying, or pan-frying spring rolls with less oil are great ways to enjoy a crispy texture with fewer calories.
Control Your Dipping Sauce: Many sauces are high in sugar and calories, so choosing a lighter option can help reduce overall intake.
DIY for Control: Making spring rolls at home gives you complete control over ingredients and cooking methods to ensure a healthy meal.

The Surprising Calorie Count in Spring Rolls

Deep fried chicken spring rolls are a popular appetizer, but their nutritional content can be surprising. The number of calories can range considerably, from as low as 65 calories for a small, 64-gram roll, to well over 130 calories for a larger, commercially prepared version. The primary reason for this high variability is the deep-frying process itself. When a spring roll is submerged in hot oil, the water inside evaporates, and oil is absorbed into the wrapper and filling, substantially increasing both the fat and calorie content.

Factors Influencing Caloric Content

Several elements contribute to the final calorie count of a deep fried chicken spring roll:

Size and Weight: A larger spring roll will naturally contain more calories than a smaller one. For example, a single 80-gram roll was found to have 81 calories, while a different source reported a 50-gram roll with 115 calories. This variation highlights the importance of checking serving sizes.
Filling Ingredients: The type of ingredients inside the wrapper plays a major role. A roll packed with more chicken, which is a good source of protein, will have a different profile than one with a high proportion of calorie-dense ingredients like noodles. The inclusion of high-fat ingredients or sauces can also drive up the numbers.
Wrapper Type: The type of wrapper used can affect oil absorption. Thicker, denser wrappers absorb more oil during frying than thinner, lighter ones, leading to a higher calorie count.
Frying Oil and Technique: The type of oil used and the temperature at which the spring roll is fried are crucial. Frying at an optimal temperature helps to quickly seal the outside, reducing oil absorption. Reusing oil can also affect the nutritional profile by creating more trans fats.

Comparing Fried vs. Fresh Spring Rolls

To illustrate the impact of cooking method, consider the difference between a deep fried spring roll and its fresh, non-fried counterpart. The calorie contrast is significant.


Feature	Deep Fried Chicken Spring Roll	Fresh Chicken Spring Roll (Summer Roll)
Cooking Method	Submerged in hot oil	Typically boiled ingredients in a non-fried, moistened rice paper wrapper
Average Calories	65-130+ per roll	80-130 per roll (based on fillings)
Primary Fat Source	Absorbed frying oil (high in saturated and trans fats)	Minimal added fat; often relies on healthy fats from nuts or avocado
Nutrient Density	Calorie-dense, low nutrient content	Nutrient-dense, containing more fresh vegetables and minerals
Texture	Crispy and golden brown	Soft and chewy wrapper, with a fresh, crisp filling

The comparison clearly shows that the fresh version is a healthier option, offering a lower calorie count and more nutrients per serving. While fried options can be a delicious treat, they are best enjoyed in moderation due to their higher fat and calorie content.

Tips for a Healthier Spring Roll Experience

If you love the taste of spring rolls but want to reduce the calories, you have several options:

Opt for Baked or Air-Fried: These methods provide a crispy texture without the need for deep frying. Air frying uses a fraction of the oil and can significantly reduce the overall fat and calorie count.
Choose Fresh Spring Rolls: When dining out, select fresh or summer rolls from the menu. These are made with rice paper wrappers and are not fried, making them a much lighter option. Be mindful of the dipping sauce, as some can be very high in sugar and calories.
Control Ingredients for Homemade Rolls: Making spring rolls at home allows for total control over the ingredients. Use lean ground chicken or vegetables like grated carrot, cabbage, and bell peppers. This approach ensures a healthy, nutrient-rich filling.
Consider a Lighter Dipping Sauce: Swap traditional sweet and savory sauces for a lighter alternative. A vinaigrette-style sauce, a mix of soy sauce with a dash of rice vinegar, or a simple peanut sauce made with a smaller portion of peanut butter can make a big difference.

Conclusion

The number of calories in a deep fried chicken spring roll can vary widely, but it is always higher than its non-fried counterpart due to the oil absorption during the frying process. By being mindful of size, filling, and cooking method, you can better manage the nutritional impact of this popular appetizer. For a healthier alternative, opt for fresh spring rolls or prepare them at home using baking, air frying, or pan-frying with less oil. By making informed choices, you can enjoy the flavors you love while sticking to your health goals.

Visit Healthline for more on why fried foods are bad.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count is varied because of several factors, including the size and weight of the spring roll, the specific ingredients used for the filling, the type of wrapper, and the amount of oil absorbed during the deep-frying process.

A small or miniature deep fried chicken spring roll can have a much lower calorie count. For example, some sources indicate that a miniature spring roll can be as low as 13 calories.

Yes, fresh spring rolls (also known as summer rolls) are generally healthier. They are not fried, which means they contain significantly less fat and fewer calories than their deep-fried counterparts. However, calorie counts can still vary depending on the fillings and sauces.

For a healthier option at home, you can bake or air-fry your chicken spring rolls. These methods use a minimal amount of oil, drastically reducing the total fat and calorie content while still providing a crispy texture.

Yes, many traditional dipping sauces, particularly sweet and tangy ones, can be very high in sugar and calories. Opting for a lighter sauce, like a vinaigrette or a low-sugar alternative, can reduce the overall calorie intake.

If nutritional information isn't available, you can assume a commercially prepared deep fried chicken spring roll is likely to be on the higher end of the calorie spectrum. Consider that frying adds substantial calories from oil. Using information from this article as a guide can provide a general estimate.

A major nutritional difference is the fat and calorie content. Deep frying causes foods to absorb oil, increasing their overall fat and calorie count without adding beneficial nutrients. Non-fried cooking methods like baking or steaming avoid this.