Air Fryer Egg Rolls: Cooking Raw Or Frozen?

Air fryers have become a popular alternative to traditional frying methods, and for good reason. They produce the same crispy, golden results with just a fraction of the oil, making them a healthier option. This is also true for egg rolls, a takeout favourite that can now be made at home with a delightfully crunchy exterior and a tender, flavourful filling. So, can you cook raw egg rolls in an air fryer? The answer is yes, and here's how.

How long to cook egg rolls in an air fryer

Cooking egg rolls in an air fryer is a relatively straightforward process. However, the cooking time can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the egg rolls, the type and model of the air fryer, and the number of egg rolls in the basket. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook egg rolls in an air fryer:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer is crucial for achieving crispy egg rolls. Set the temperature to 360°F to 380°F and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. A higher temperature of 400°F can also be used, but this may require a shorter cooking time.

Prepare the Egg Rolls

Lightly coat the outside of the egg rolls with oil. This step is optional but helps enhance crispiness and colour. Use non-stick cooking spray or brush them lightly with olive oil. Ensure that you do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can affect cooking performance. Arrange the egg rolls in a single layer, allowing ample space for air circulation.

Set the Timer and Flip Midway

The cooking time will depend on whether the egg rolls are frozen, homemade, or refrigerated. For frozen egg rolls, cook for 7-10 minutes at 360°F until they are fully cooked and golden brown. For homemade or refrigerated egg rolls, the time may vary. As a guide, one source suggests cooking at 380°F for 12 to 15 minutes, while another suggests 6 minutes on each side at 400°F. It is important to flip the egg rolls halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Serve and Store Leftovers

Serve the egg rolls with your favourite dipping sauce and accompaniments. If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool and store them covered in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Reheat and Freeze Instructions

To reheat, air fry at 370˚F for 2 minutes. If you wish to freeze the cooked egg rolls, let them cool completely before transferring them to freezer storage. To freeze uncooked egg rolls, place them on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not brushed with oil, and freeze for 2 hours before transferring to freezer storage. To cook frozen uncooked egg rolls, brush them with olive oil and cook at 360˚F for 10-12 minutes.

How to assemble egg rolls

Assembling egg rolls is a simple process, but it requires a few key steps to ensure they hold together and cook evenly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to assemble egg rolls:

Prepare the Filling:

Firstly, prepare your desired filling. Common egg roll fillings include pork and vegetables, such as shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. You can also add seasonings like garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. If you're making a large batch, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Set Up Your Workstation:

Before you begin assembling, set up your workstation. Have your filling, egg roll wrappers, a damp cloth or paper towel, a small bowl of water, and a plate or cutting board ready. It's important to keep the wrappers covered with the damp cloth to prevent them from drying out while you work.

Place the Wrapper:

Take one egg roll wrapper and place it on the dry work surface with the points facing up and down, forming a diamond shape. You can also cut your own wrappers by making a batter of egg and flour and cooking it like a crepe, but store-bought frozen wrappers are typically thinner and crispier.

Fill and Fold:

Place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of filling in the middle of the wrapper, running diagonally from corner to corner. Be careful not to overfill. Then, moisten the edges of the wrapper with water or an egg wash. Fold the left and right corners towards the center, followed by the bottom corner. Finally, roll the filling towards the remaining corner to form a tight cylinder, ensuring the edges are sealed.

Repeat and Store:

Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling. Place the assembled egg rolls on a plate and cover them with a dry towel until you're ready to cook them. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before frying.

Assembling egg rolls is a fun and rewarding process, and with a bit of practice, you'll be rolling like a pro!

What temperature to cook egg rolls in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook raw egg rolls in an air fryer. The temperature and time depend on the type of egg rolls you are cooking.

For frozen egg rolls, set the air fryer to 400° and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

For homemade egg rolls, preheat the air fryer to 360° or 390° and cook for 6 minutes. Then turn the egg rolls over with tongs and cook for another 6 minutes until golden and crisp.

If you are cooking Southwestern egg rolls, preheat the air fryer to 390° and place the egg rolls in the basket, ensuring they are not touching. Fry for 8 minutes, then flip and cook for about 4 minutes more.

The size of your egg rolls, the type of air fryer you have, and the number of egg rolls in the basket can all impact the cooking time.

What to fill egg rolls with

Egg rolls are traditionally filled with seasoned pork, shredded cabbage, and carrots. You can also add other vegetables like green onions, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and cilantro. If you're not a fan of pork, you can substitute ground chicken or even shrimp.

For a vegetarian option, you can fill your egg rolls with corn, beans, spinach, jalapeno Jack cheese, Cheddar cheese, green chiles, green onions, cumin, and chili powder.

When preparing the filling, make sure to season the meat and vegetables well. For example, you can use ginger, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, pepper, salt, and Chinese 5-spice seasoning.

Remember to seal the edges of the egg roll wrappers tightly to prevent the filling from falling out during cooking. You can use a beaten egg or a flour paste to help create a good seal.

How to store leftover egg rolls

To store leftover egg rolls, let them cool to room temperature first. Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F, so leftover egg rolls should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.

Once cooled, wrap each egg roll tightly in plastic wrap or heavy-duty aluminium foil to avoid freezer burn and to keep air and moisture out. Then, place the wrapped egg rolls in a resealable freezer bag or a covered airtight container. You can also use heavy-duty freezer bags or opt for stackable, transparent containers made of food-safe materials like glass, BPA-free plastic, or stainless steel. Label the container with the date it was stored.

Properly stored leftover egg rolls will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and about 1 to 2 months in the freezer for the best quality. They will remain safe to eat indefinitely if kept constantly frozen at 0°F.

When reheating stored egg rolls, use methods like refrigerator thawing and oven baking to maintain their crunchiness.

Frequently asked questions