Frying Egg Rolls: Air Fryer Magic

Air fryers are a fantastic alternative to deep-frying egg rolls, yielding a crispy, crunchy exterior without the extra fat from frying. They are also healthier, faster, and easier to clean up. The process is simple: brush the egg rolls with oil, preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F, and fry for 6-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How to make egg roll filling

Making egg roll filling is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• Ground pork or chicken
• Shredded cabbage (or a pre-shredded coleslaw mix)
• Shredded carrots
• Minced garlic
• Minced ginger
• Soy sauce
• Rice wine vinegar (optional)
• Oyster sauce (optional)
• Sriracha (optional)
• Sesame oil
• Green onions (optional)

Method:

• Cook your chosen protein in a large skillet over medium heat until it is cooked through. If using pork, cook until it is browned.
• Add the vegetables (cabbage, carrots, garlic, and ginger) and cook until the vegetables are wilted, which should take a few minutes.
• Season the filling with soy sauce and rice wine vinegar. You can also add oyster sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil for extra flavour.
• Stir in green onions, if using, and remove the filling from the heat.
• Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Your egg roll filling is now ready to be wrapped and fried!

How to assemble the egg rolls

Firstly, place an egg roll wrapper on a dry, clean surface. Position the wrapper so that it looks like a diamond, with one corner pointing down towards you.

Next, add the filling. For this recipe, add about 1/4 cup of the filling to the wrapper, shaping it like a torpedo. If you are using a different recipe, add about 2-3 tablespoons of filling.

Now, it's time to start rolling. First, fold the right and left corners of the diamond towards the middle, covering the filling. Then, roll up the egg roll away from you, as if you are rolling a mini burrito.

Finally, to seal the egg roll, brush the edges of the wrapper with water. You can also use a beaten egg to seal the edges. Repeat these steps until you have used up all your filling and wrappers.

Some additional tips for assembling egg rolls:

• Keep the wrappers moist by covering them with a damp paper towel before using them.
• Roll the egg rolls tightly to prevent them from flattening or going limp.
• Make sure the filling is cool before assembling the egg rolls.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket when cooking the egg rolls. Leave some space between each egg roll to allow for even cooking.

How to air fry egg rolls

Air-fried egg rolls are a healthier, quicker, and less messy alternative to deep-fried egg rolls. Here is a step-by-step guide to making delicious, crispy, crunchy egg rolls in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

First, gather your ingredients. For the filling, you will need:

• Vegetable/olive/neutral cooking/canola oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (fresh, minced)
• Coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
• Ground chicken/pork/tofu
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Toasted sesame oil
• Sriracha/red pepper flakes
• Green onions (thinly sliced)

Additionally, you will need egg roll wrappers and sweet chili sauce or another dipping sauce of your choice.

Sauté and Cook the Filling:

Heat oil in a pan and stir-fry the garlic, ginger, and celery until fragrant. Then, add the coleslaw mix and cook until the cabbage is wilted.

For a pork filling, add the ground pork and cook until it is no longer pink. If using chicken, stir-fry it while breaking it up for 3-4 minutes.

Next, add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha. Stir well and cook until there is no liquid left in the pan. Finally, stir in the green onions and remove the mixture from the stove.

Wrap the Egg Rolls:

Place an egg roll wrapper with one corner facing you. Put a tablespoon of filling in the bottom half, and wrap that corner over the filling. Turn both sides of the wrapper in, and continue rolling away from you until you reach the end. Seal the edges with water or a beaten egg. Repeat this process until all the wrappers are used.

Air Fry the Egg Rolls:

Spray the basket of the air fryer with olive oil. Place the egg rolls inside, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and lightly spray the tops with olive oil.

Cook the egg rolls at 390-400°F for 6-7 minutes. Then, flip them and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Tips:

• Seal the egg rolls properly to prevent the filling from spilling out.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer to allow for even cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
• Keep the wrappers moist by covering them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
• Spray the egg rolls generously with oil to ensure crispiness.
• Reheat any leftovers in the air fryer or oven for a crispy texture.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and healthy air-fried egg rolls!

How to store and reheat egg rolls

Storing egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator will ensure they stay fresh for up to five days. To keep them crispy, it is best to reheat them in an air fryer or oven.

Reheating in an Air Fryer

Reheating egg rolls in an air fryer is a quick method that retains the crunch of the outer shell without the excess oil. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Reheating in an Oven

The oven is another option for reheating multiple egg rolls at once while maintaining a crispy exterior. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased foil, ensuring they are not touching. Bake for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. For an extra crispy texture, brush the egg rolls lightly with oil before baking.

Reheating in a Microwave

The microwave is a quick method for reheating, but it may compromise the crispiness of the egg rolls. Place the egg rolls on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, flipping halfway, until heated through. Let the egg rolls sit for a minute before serving to allow the filling to redistribute heat.

Freezing Egg Rolls

To freeze egg rolls, wrap them in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, place them directly from the freezer into a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Protein options for egg rolls in the air fryer

There are several protein options that you can add to your egg rolls when using an air fryer. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Meat Options

If you want to add meat to your egg rolls, you can choose from various options such as ground pork, chicken, beef, or turkey. You can cook the meat beforehand and then add it to the filling. For example, you can cook ground chicken or pork in a skillet until it is cooked through and then add the remaining ingredients.

Seafood Options

For seafood lovers, you can try adding shrimp or crab to your egg rolls. Make sure to cook the shrimp or crab before placing them in the egg roll wrapper.

Vegetarian Options

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can use crumbled or crispy air fryer tofu. Tofu is a great source of protein and can be cooked in various ways to add texture and flavour to your egg rolls.

Other Options

You can also experiment with different types of beans, lentils, or nuts to add protein to your egg rolls. For example, you could try using cooked lentils or chickpeas in your filling.

Remember, when adding protein to your egg rolls, it's important to ensure that the filling is cooled before placing it in the wrapper. This will prevent the wrapper from becoming soggy and will make it easier to work with.

Frequently asked questions