Air Fryer Egg Rolls: How Crispy Can They Get?

Egg rolls are a Chinese-American staple and a versatile snack, and they can be made in an air fryer. Air-fried egg rolls are healthier, easier to make, and less messy than deep-fried egg rolls. They are also quicker to make and can be made in large batches. The air fryer's convection heat ensures that the egg rolls are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

How to make egg roll filling

Egg rolls are a fried appetizer commonly found on Chinese-American restaurant menus. They are usually filled with a combination of shredded cabbage, pork, and other ingredients like carrots, ginger, and garlic. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious egg roll filling:

Ingredients:

• Ground pork or chicken
• Shredded cabbage
• Carrots
• Green onions or scallions
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Other vegetables or proteins of your choice (optional)

Step 1: Cook the Meat

Start by cooking the ground pork or chicken in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a spatula to break up the meat and cook until it is browned and cooked through. You can add some oil to the pan if needed. This usually takes around 5-8 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Next, add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and any other vegetables you are using. Cook this mixture for a few minutes until the vegetables are wilted and softened. You can also add the garlic and ginger at this stage to build more flavour.

Step 3: Season the Filling

Season the filling with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like five-spice powder or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Cook the mixture for a few more minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Before moving on to the next step, it's important to taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more soy sauce, salt, or other seasonings if necessary. The filling should be well-seasoned and taste good on its own.

Step 5: Cool the Filling

Once you are happy with the flavour of the filling, remove it from the heat and let it cool down. The filling needs to be cooled before you start assembling the egg rolls. You can also make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to use it.

Tips for Making Egg Roll Filling:

• Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to make the filling your own.
• Make sure the filling is well-cooked and seasoned before moving on to the assembly stage.
• You can also add other proteins like shrimp or ground chicken to the filling if you don't eat pork.
• If you're short on time, you can use a pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of shredding your own cabbage and carrots.

How to assemble the egg rolls

To assemble egg rolls, you'll need to start by placing your egg roll wrapper on a dry surface. The wrapper should be positioned like a diamond, with one corner pointing towards you.

Add your filling—about 1/4 cup—in the middle of the wrapper, spreading it out horizontally. Then, fold the side corners towards the middle, and roll the wrapper away from you, like a burrito. Brush the edges with water or a beaten egg to seal the wrapper. Repeat this process until you've used up all your filling.

You can also keep the wrappers moist by covering them with a damp paper towel while you work.

How to air fry egg rolls

Ingredients

• Oil (vegetable, olive, canola, grapeseed, or another high-smoke point cooking oil)
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (fresh, grated or ground)
• Celery (finely chopped)
• Coleslaw mix
• Meat (ground chicken, pork, or turkey)
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Toasted sesame oil
• Sriracha or red pepper flakes
• Green onions (thinly sliced)
• Egg roll wrappers

Optional ingredients

• Sweet chili sauce or another dipping sauce of your choice
• Cornstarch
• Mushrooms (cremini, white, or shiitake)
• Rice wine vinegar

Method

• Sauté: Heat some oil in a pan and stir-fry the garlic, ginger, and celery until fragrant.
• Cook: Add the coleslaw mix and cook until the cabbage is wilted.
• Stir-fry: Add your choice of meat, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha or red pepper flakes. Stir-fry the meat, breaking it up for 3-4 minutes.
• Remove: Once the meat is cooked and there is no liquid left in the pan, stir in the green onions and remove from the stove.
• Wrap: Place the egg roll wrapper so that one corner is facing you. Place a tablespoon of filling in the bottom half (the part closest to you) and wrap that corner over the filling. Turn both sides over the wrapper and then continue rolling away from you (like a burrito) until you reach the end. Seal the edges with some water or a beaten egg. Repeat until all the wrappers are used.
• Air fry: Spray the basket of the air fryer with olive oil spray. Place the egg rolls in the basket and lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray. Cook at 390-400°F for 6 minutes. Then flip the egg rolls and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes.

Tips:

• Seal it: Make sure you seal the edges of your egg rolls so that the filling doesn’t spill out. Use either water or an egg wash to dampen the edges so they stick together.
• Don’t overcrowd: For the best results, make sure there is space between the egg rolls in the air fryer basket. Cook them in batches if needed and keep them warm in an oven set to 200°F.
• Flip and spray: When you flip your egg rolls halfway through, you can spray the other side with olive oil if you think it needs it.
• Keep them damp: To prevent your egg roll wrappers from drying out, cover the ones you are not using with a damp paper towel.

How to store and reheat egg rolls

Storing and reheating egg rolls is a delicate process, as you want to retain the crispiness of the pastry while ensuring the filling is warmed evenly. Here is a detailed guide on how to store and reheat egg rolls to achieve the best results:

Storing Egg Rolls:

Before storing, let the egg rolls cool down to room temperature. Use a paper towel to pat off any excess grease. Line an airtight container with a paper towel and place the egg rolls inside, then cover them with another paper towel before sealing. It is best to reheat them within 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze egg rolls for later consumption; they will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Egg Rolls:

There are several methods you can use to reheat egg rolls, each with its own advantages and drawbacks:

Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Spread out your egg rolls in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other, and heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Check on them after a minute or two to ensure they are not burning. You can also turn them over for even heating. This method is quick and convenient, delivering consistently crunchy results.

Oven/Toaster Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Optionally, you can microwave the egg rolls for 5 to 10 seconds first to warm up the filling. Then, spread the egg rolls on a wire rack or preheated baking tray and heat for 5 to 10 minutes. If using a baking tray, turn them over halfway through. For extra crispness, turn on the broiler for the last minute of heating. This method is convenient for heating multiple egg rolls at once and produces good results.

Skillet/Pan Frying:

Place a skillet or pan on medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil if desired. Put the egg rolls in the pan and heat for 1 to 2 minutes, then turn and heat each side for 30 to 60 seconds until they reach your desired crispness. Drain any excess oil on a paper towel before serving. This method requires more attention as you need to monitor and turn the egg rolls frequently to avoid burning. However, it delivers a nice crunch.

Microwave:

Arrange the egg rolls on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel, leaving space between them. Heat on medium power in 15-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Rest for a minute before serving. Microwaving is not ideal as it tends to make the egg rolls soggy, but if you must use it, avoid overheating to minimise sogginess.

Deep Frying:

Heat oil in a pot to 350°F (180°C). Carefully place two to three egg rolls into the oil and fry for 30 to 45 seconds until golden and crispy. Remove them from the oil and drain the excess grease on a paper towel for about a minute before serving. While this method produces a noticeable crunch, it is unnecessarily unhealthy and can make the egg rolls too greasy.

Protein options for egg rolls in the air fryer

Egg rolls are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of protein options. Here are some ideas for protein sources to include in your egg rolls, all of which can be cooked in an air fryer:

Meat Options

Ground meats such as chicken, turkey, beef, or pork are all excellent choices for egg rolls. They provide a good amount of protein and can be easily cooked and crumbled before being wrapped in the egg roll wrappers. You can season the meat with your favourite spices and sauces to add extra flavour to your egg rolls.

Seafood Options

For a different twist on the classic egg roll, try using seafood as your protein. Cooked shrimp, for example, can be chopped up and added to the filling. You could also experiment with other types of seafood like crab or lobster for a luxurious touch.

Tofu and Vegetarian Options

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, tofu is a great choice. Crispy air fryer tofu adds a delicious texture to your egg rolls. You can also include other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or bean sprouts to boost the nutritional value and flavour of your vegetarian egg rolls.

Breakfast Egg Rolls

For a creative breakfast option, you can make egg rolls with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, or ham as the protein. These breakfast egg rolls are a fun and filling way to start your day, and you can dip them in your favourite sauce.

Remember, when using any type of protein in your egg rolls, make sure it is cooked before placing it in the wrapper. The air fryer is a great way to cook your protein of choice, as it provides a crispy texture and reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying methods.

Frequently asked questions