Tiffany Haney
Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying egg rolls, yielding a crunchy exterior without the excess oil. The process is simple: prepare your filling, assemble your egg rolls, and then air fry them in batches to ensure even cooking. The result is a delicious, healthy snack or appetizer that can be paired with a variety of sauces. While the specific ingredients and cooking times may vary, the basic steps remain consistent, making air-fried egg rolls an accessible treat for cooks of all skill levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 9-11 minutes |
| Temperature | 360-400°F |
| Oil | Olive oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or another high-smoke point cooking oil |
| Filling | Chicken, turkey, pork, tofu, mushrooms, coleslaw, carrots, ginger, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, vinegar, pepper, salt, 5-spice seasoning, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, sugar |
| Wrappers | Square egg roll or spring roll wrappers |
| Wrapper preparation | Keep the wrappers covered with a damp cloth or wet paper towels so they do not dry out while assembling the rolls |
| Wrapper placement | Place the wrapper with one corner pointing towards you |
| Wrapper filling | Place a tablespoon of filling in the bottom half (towards you) and wrap that corner over the filling |
| Wrapper sealing | Seal the edges with water or a beaten egg |
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What You'll Learn
How to wrap egg rolls
Yes, you can cook egg roll wrappers in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wrap egg rolls:
- Set up a "wrapping" station with your cooked filling, a plate, a small dish of water, and a pastry brush.
- Place the wrapper on a plate or cutting board. You can use a variety of wrappers, but it is recommended to use a square or diamond-shaped wrapper. Place it so that one corner is facing you.
- Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the bottom half or third of the wrapper.
- Wrap the corner closest to you over the filling.
- Fold in the left side of the wrapper to cover the centre, then fold in the right side.
- Continue rolling the wrapper away from you until you reach the end, similar to rolling a burrito.
- Seal the edges with water, a beaten egg, or an egg wash (an egg mixed with 2 tablespoons of milk).
- Brush or spray olive oil over the tops of the egg rolls.
- Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other to allow for even cooking.
- Cook at 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
You can also add cooked meat or protein to your egg rolls, such as chicken, turkey, shrimp, or tofu. Additionally, you can serve your egg rolls with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sweet chilli, hoisin, soy, sweet and sour, or spicy orange sauce.
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How to cook egg rolls in an air fryer
Ingredients
To make egg rolls in an air fryer, you'll need egg roll wrappers, oil (olive oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or another high-smoke-point cooking oil), and a filling of your choice. For a meaty filling, common ingredients include ground chicken or turkey, pork, cremini mushrooms, garlic, coleslaw mix, salt, pepper, sesame oil, and soy sauce. If you'd like a vegetarian option, you can use extra-firm tofu instead of meat.
Filling and Wrapping
Start by cooking your filling ingredients. If you're using meat, make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding the vegetables. Common vegetable additions include garlic, ginger, cabbage, carrots, and green onions. You can also add spices like Chinese 5-spice, onion powder, red pepper flakes, or black pepper to taste. Once your filling is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before filling your egg roll wrappers.
To wrap the egg rolls, place the wrapper in front of you so that one corner is pointing toward you, forming a diamond shape. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the bottom third of the wrapper, then fold the wrapper like an envelope: first, roll the corner closest to you up and over the filling, then fold in the left and right sides, and finally, continue rolling away from you until you reach the end. Seal the edges with a little water or a beaten egg.
Air Frying
Preheat your air fryer to between 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil. Place the egg rolls in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other, as this will prevent them from crisping up. Brush or spray the tops of the egg rolls with oil.
Cook the egg rolls for about 6-7 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 2-6 minutes, until they're golden brown and crispy. The total cooking time may vary depending on the size of your egg rolls and the number of egg rolls in the basket, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.
Serving
Air fryer egg rolls can be served as an appetizer or side dish for Asian-inspired meals. They go well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sweet Thai chili, hot mustard, sweet and sour sauce, or hoisin sauce. Enjoy your crispy, homemade egg rolls!
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How to prevent egg roll wrappers from drying out
Yes, you can cook egg roll wrappers in an air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent your egg roll wrappers from drying out:
Do not open the package of egg roll wrappers until you are ready to start using them. This will help keep the wrappers from drying out before you have a chance to use them.
Once you start using the wrappers, keep the unused ones covered with a damp paper towel. This will ensure they remain pliable and fresh.
When wrapping the egg rolls, use a small dish of water and a pastry brush to seal the edges of the wrapper. You can also use a beaten egg for sealing. This will help prevent the wrappers from drying out during cooking.
Brush or spray olive oil on the basket of your air fryer and on the tops of the egg rolls. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the wrappers from drying out.
Cook the egg rolls in batches to ensure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer. This allows the hot air to circulate around them, cooking them evenly and preventing them from drying out.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy crispy and delicious egg rolls without worrying about the wrappers drying out.
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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 discard egg rolls that have been left out for more than 2 hours.
Once cooled, wrap each egg roll in plastic wrap or heavy-duty aluminium foil to avoid freezer burn. Place the wrapped egg rolls in a resealable freezer bag and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Properly stored, leftover egg rolls will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
To reheat stored egg rolls, prioritise food safety by using methods like refrigerator thawing and oven baking to maintain their crunchiness.
When storing uncooked egg rolls, proper storage is crucial for maintaining their freshness, flavour, and texture. Choose a container made of food-safe materials such as glass, BPA-free plastic, or stainless steel. If you plan to store multiple batches, opt for stackable, transparent containers to save space and easily identify the contents.
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What sauces to serve with egg rolls
Yes, you can cook egg roll wrappers in an air fryer. In fact, air-fried egg rolls are a healthier alternative to deep-fried ones, and they are also faster and easier to make. The cooking time is typically between 6 and 11 minutes, and the temperature should be set to 360–400 °F.
Now, onto the sauces. There are several sauces that you can serve with egg rolls, and here are some ideas to get you started:
Hoisin Sauce
A classic choice for egg rolls, hoisin sauce is a Chinese condiment made from fermented soybeans, garlic, chilies, and various spices. It has a sweet and salty taste with a hint of umami.
Plum Sauce
Plum sauce is a sweet and sour sauce that is commonly used as a dip for egg rolls. It is made from plums, vinegar, sugar, and spices, and it has a tangy and fruity flavor.
Peanut Sauce
Peanut sauce is another popular option for egg rolls. It is made from ground peanuts, coconut milk, chili, garlic, and other spices, resulting in a creamy and savory sauce with a nutty flavor.
Sweet and Sour Sauce
This sauce is a blend of sweet and tangy flavors, typically made with sugar, vinegar, and various spices. It is a versatile sauce that pairs well with different types of egg rolls, including chicken, shrimp, or pork.
Sweet Chili Sauce
A combination of sweet and spicy, sweet chili sauce is made with chili peppers, garlic, sugar, and vinegar. It adds a nice kick to egg rolls without being too overpowering.
Other Options
In addition to the sauces mentioned above, you can also experiment with other options such as teriyaki sauce, avocado spinach dip, mango chutney, soy sauce, or even make your own unique sauce by blending your favorite ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few factors at play here, such as the size of your egg rolls, the type of air fryer you have, and how many egg rolls you are cooking at once. Most recipes suggest cooking the egg rolls for 6 minutes on each side, but some suggest 7 minutes on the first side and 2 minutes on the second side, and others suggest 8 minutes on each side.
Place the wrapper so that one corner is facing towards you, then place your filling in the bottom half of the wrapper. Wrap the corner over the filling, then fold in both sides and continue rolling away from you until you reach the end.
Cover the wrappers with a damp cloth or damp paper towels.
Egg roll wrappers are usually found in the refrigerated section of the produce aisle, near the tofu and other vegetarian and vegan products.
Popular sauces include sweet Thai chili, hot mustard, sweet and sour, hoisin sauce, and Gyoza dipping sauce.
