Air-Fried Egg Rolls: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Egg rolls are a delicious snack, but frying them can be messy and time-consuming. Luckily, you can make crispy egg rolls in an air fryer! This method is healthier, quicker, and easier than traditional frying, and you can use either homemade or frozen egg rolls.

How to make egg rolls in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Coleslaw mix
• Ground chicken
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Toasted sesame oil
• Sriracha
• Green onions
• Egg roll wrappers
• Olive oil spray

Method:

• Sauté: Heat oil in a pan and stir-fry garlic, ginger, and celery until fragrant.
• Cook: Pour in the coleslaw mix and cook until the cabbage is wilted.
• Stir-fry: Add the ground chicken, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha. Stir-fry the chicken while breaking it up for 3-4 minutes.
• Remove: Once the chicken 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 towards 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 of the wrapper in 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 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes. Then flip the egg rolls and cook for an additional 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, ensure there is space between each egg roll in the air fryer to allow the air to circulate and cook them evenly. Cook them in batches if necessary and keep them warm in an oven set to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Flip and Spray: When you flip your egg rolls halfway through, you can spray the other side with olive oil if needed.
• 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 assemble egg rolls

Assembling egg rolls is a simple process, but it can be tricky to get right. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect egg roll:

• Set up your "wrapping" station: You will need your cooked filling, a plate or cutting board, a small dish of water, and a pastry brush.
• Place the wrapper: Ensure your egg roll wrapper is shaped like a diamond, with one corner pointing towards you. This will be referred to as corner 1. The corner to the left is corner 2, the corner to the right is corner 3, and the corner furthest from you is corner 4.
• Add the filling: Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the bottom third of the wrapper, a little above the line between corners 2 and 3.
• Start rolling: Fold over corner 4 towards corner 1, covering the filling. Then, start rolling from the bottom, moving away from yourself, until you reach the top point of the wrapper.
• Fold the sides: Bring the left side of the wrapper (corner 2) over the centre, then do the same with the right side (corner 3), creating an envelope shape.
• Seal the edges: Brush a small amount of water or beaten egg on the top point of the egg roll and fold it down. You may need to add a little more water or egg to the edges to seal the egg roll completely.
• Repeat: Continue assembling until you have used up all your filling and wrappers.
• Store: If you are not frying the egg rolls immediately, place them on a large platter or plate. To prevent sticking, roll them in a little cornstarch. Keep in mind that the moisture from the filling can make the wrappers soggy over time.

Tips:

• Use a damp paper towel to keep your unused wrappers from drying out.
• To achieve a tighter roll, use a rolling back action after folding over corner 4.
• Ensure your filling is not too moist, as this can cause the wrappers to become soggy.
• For a completely vegetarian option, omit the meat or substitute with ground chicken or tofu.

How to store and reheat egg rolls

To store egg rolls, let them cool to room temperature. Then, pat them down with a paper towel to remove any excess grease. Line an airtight container with a paper towel and spread out your egg rolls inside. Cover them with another paper towel and seal the container. Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best quality.

If you want to freeze your egg rolls, first let them cool to room temperature. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread your egg rolls out on the sheet. Place them in the freezer for a few hours until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer the egg rolls to a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag, seal, and date it. Frozen egg rolls will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Now, onto reheating!

Reheating Egg Rolls in an Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Spread your egg rolls out in a single layer in the fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Heat them for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the pastry starts to turn golden.

Reheating Egg Rolls in an Oven or Toaster Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread your egg rolls out on a wire rack and heat for 5 to 10 minutes. If you don't have a wire rack, use a preheated baking tray and turn your egg rolls halfway through. For extra crispiness, turn on the broiler for a minute at the end.

Reheating Egg Rolls in a Pan or Deep Fryer

This method requires additional oil and constant attention. Heat your oil of choice in a pan—canola oil is recommended—ensuring it is hot before adding your egg rolls. Fry the egg rolls for anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes, turning them continuously to ensure even cooking. Remove the egg rolls from the pan and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Reheating Egg Rolls in a Microwave

Arrange your egg rolls on a microwave-safe plate lined with a piece of paper towel, leaving sufficient room between them for air circulation. Microwave on medium heat in 15-second intervals until they are warm. Allow them to rest for a minute before serving.

How to make egg roll filling

Egg rolls are a great snack or starter for an Asian-style meal. They can be made with a variety of fillings, but typically include cabbage, carrots, and some form of protein, such as ground chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a simple egg roll filling:

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil
• 3/4 pound of ground meat of your choice (chicken, pork, beef)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon of minced ginger
• 3 cups of coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage and carrots)
• 1/4 cup of sliced green onions
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil
• Optional: 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil, 3 cups of cooked shrimp, 2 cups of shredded carrot, 2 cups of celery, 3 scallions, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper, 3 cups of roast pork

Instructions:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
• Add your choice of ground meat and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
• Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
• Stir in the coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage and carrots) and green onions. Cook until the cabbage is wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, then remove the filling from the heat.
• If using, add the cooked shrimp to the filling and stir to combine.
• Taste the filling and adjust seasoning as needed. You can also wrap a small amount of filling in an egg roll wrapper and fry it as a test to check the seasoning before wrapping the entire batch.

Your filling is now ready to be used in your egg rolls! Remember to seal the egg rolls with a beaten egg or a flour and water paste before frying. Enjoy your delicious, crispy egg rolls!

Why make egg rolls in an air fryer

Air fryers have become a popular alternative to traditional frying methods, and for good reason. They offer a host of benefits that make cooking egg rolls a breeze. Here are some reasons why you should consider making egg rolls in an air fryer:

Health Benefits:

Air frying generally requires less oil than deep frying, resulting in a healthier cooking option. While you can brush the egg rolls with a light coat of oil before air frying to enhance crispiness, it is not necessary. This means your egg rolls will absorb significantly less oil, making them a healthier choice.

Time Efficiency:

Air fryers are incredibly convenient and time-saving. They take mere seconds to turn on, and the cleanup process is far simpler than dealing with large amounts of hot oil. Air fryers also cook egg rolls much faster than traditional frying methods, so you can have your favourite snack or appetizer ready in no time!

Ease of Use:

Cooking egg rolls in an air fryer is incredibly easy and requires less supervision than other cooking methods. You don't have to constantly monitor them, allowing you to multitask and focus on other dishes or activities.

Customisation:

Making egg rolls in an air fryer gives you complete control over the ingredients and filling. You can personalise the recipe to suit your taste preferences, dietary restrictions, or experiment with different flavours and fillings.

Less Mess:

Deep frying can be a messy endeavour, often resulting in hot oil splatters and greasy kitchens. Air fryers, on the other hand, are self-contained and require no additional oil, making them a cleaner and more convenient option.

Crispy Results:

Despite using less oil, air fryers produce egg rolls with a delightfully crispy exterior and tender, perfectly cooked interior. The circulating air in the air fryer creates an intense crispness that rivals any deep-fried egg roll.

Freezer-Friendly:

Air fryer egg rolls are excellent for making ahead of time and freezing. You can cook a large batch and store them in the freezer for those busy days when you need a quick snack or side dish. Simply reheat them in the air fryer whenever you're craving some crispy, delicious egg rolls.

In summary, cooking egg rolls in an air fryer offers a multitude of advantages, including health benefits, time efficiency, ease of use, customisation options, reduced mess, and the ability to achieve crispy, golden results. So, if you're looking for a convenient, healthier alternative to traditional frying, the air fryer is an excellent choice for preparing perfect egg rolls every time.

Frequently asked questions