Making Egg Rolls In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and they can be used to make crispy egg rolls with tender fillings. The air fryer's convection oven technology uses circulating hot air to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil.

Making egg rolls in an air fryer is easy and involves less mess. The process is similar to deep-fried egg rolls, where you fill and roll the wrappers before placing them in the air fryer basket and spraying them with oil. The air fryer's ability to cook food evenly without requiring constant supervision makes it a convenient option.

You can customise your egg rolls by adding your choice of fillings, such as chicken, pork, beef, or even vegetarian options like tofu and vegetables. The versatility of the air fryer allows you to experiment with different flavours and ingredients to create restaurant-worthy egg rolls at home.

How to make egg rolls in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Celery
• Ground chicken/turkey/tofu/shrimp/beef/pork
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Toasted sesame oil
• Sriracha
• Green onions
• Egg roll wrappers
• Olive oil spray
• Chinese 5-spice powder
• Honey
• Fish sauce
• Broccoli slaw

Method:

• Sauté: Heat oil in a pan and stir-fry garlic, ginger, and celery until fragrant.
• Cook: Add the coleslaw mix and cook until the cabbage is wilted.
• Stir-fry: Add your choice of protein, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha. Stir-fry the protein, breaking it apart as it cooks, until fully cooked. Mix in the green onions and remove from the heat.
• Wrap: Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you. Place a tablespoon of the filling in the lower part of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll tightly towards the opposite corner. Use water or a beaten egg to seal the edge. Repeat with the remaining wrappers.
• Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to between 390-400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the egg rolls in the basket without overcrowding and lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray. Cook for 6 minutes, flip the egg rolls, and cook for another 6 minutes until crispy.

The health benefits of air-fried egg rolls

Air-fried egg rolls are a healthier alternative to deep-fried egg rolls. Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer:

Reduced Fat and Calorie Intake

Air fryers require only about a tablespoon of oil, whereas deep frying requires multiple cups. This reduction in oil leads to a significant decrease in fat and calorie intake. Air-fried foods have a lower fat content and may be healthier as a result.

Weight Loss

Deep-fried foods are often high in fat and calories, contributing to a higher risk of obesity. By switching to air-fried foods and reducing unhealthy oil intake, you can promote weight loss.

Safety

Deep frying involves heating a large container of scalding oil, which can be dangerous. While air fryers get hot, there is no risk of spilling or accidentally touching hot oil.

Reduced Risk of Toxic Compounds

Frying foods in oil can lead to the formation of dangerous compounds such as acrylamide, which has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers. Air frying reduces the formation of these toxic compounds.

Disease Risk Reduction

Consuming traditional fried foods cooked in oil has been linked to various adverse health conditions. Replacing deep frying with air frying can reduce the risk of these complications.

Less Mess

Deep frying can result in a messy kitchen with hot oil splatters. Air frying contains the cooking process, resulting in less mess and no extra oil.

Flavor and Texture

Air fryers allow you to enjoy the flavor and texture of fried foods without the negative health impacts of deep frying. You can still achieve a crispy exterior and moist interior without the excess oil.

While air frying offers these health benefits, it's important to remember that the overall healthiness of a meal depends on the types of food and ingredients used.

Tips for making the best egg rolls

Egg rolls are a delicious snack, but they can be a little tricky to get just right. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect egg rolls in your air fryer:

Seal it

The last thing you want is for your filling to spill out, so make sure to seal your egg rolls securely. Use either water or a beaten egg to dampen the edges so they stick together. You can use a brush to apply the water or egg wash to avoid sticky fingers.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer

For the best results, make sure there is space between each egg roll in the air fryer. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook the egg rolls evenly. If you're making a large batch, cook them in smaller batches and keep the cooked egg rolls warm in an oven set to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Flip and spray

When you flip your egg rolls halfway through cooking, you can spray the other side with olive oil or cooking spray if you think they need it. This will help ensure an even crispiness on both sides.

Keep the wrappers damp

To prevent your egg roll wrappers from drying out and cracking, cover the ones you're not using with a damp paper towel. This will keep them pliable and fresh.

Use good-quality ingredients

Opt for grass-fed meat and organic veggies to ensure the best flavour and texture. Also, choose a good brand of egg roll wrappers, such as Nasoya.

Don't skip the fish sauce

Fish sauce adds umami and brings all the flavours together. It's a secret ingredient that will take your egg rolls to the next level.

Avoid overfilling

Use about 1-2 tablespoons of filling in each egg roll to avoid cracking.

Roll and seal tightly

Make sure to roll and seal your egg rolls tightly so they don't break open during cooking.

Spray with oil before and during cooking

Spraying the egg rolls with olive oil or cooking spray before and during cooking will help them get super crispy. This method is still much healthier than deep-frying and uses far less oil.

Dipping sauce suggestions

There are many delicious sauces that can be paired with egg rolls. Here are some dipping sauce suggestions:

Soy-Based Sauces

Soy sauce is a common condiment used for egg rolls. You can make a simple soy dipping sauce by combining light soy sauce, seasoned rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. You can also add some sliced green onions as a garnish. If you want a thicker sauce, you can add cornstarch to the mixture.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is another popular choice for egg roll dipping sauces. It has a salty-sweet flavour and can be made at home if you're looking for a gluten-free, soy-free, or paleo option.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

This tangy and sweet sauce is often used as a dip for egg rolls and spring rolls. It can be made with simple ingredients like rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, green onions, garlic, ginger, and some form of sweetness such as brown sugar or honey.

Plum Sauce

Plum sauce is a sweet and sour sauce that is commonly used as a dip for egg rolls and spring rolls. It can be made with just five simple ingredients and is a great way to add some tanginess to your egg rolls.

Peanut Sauce

Don't be fooled by the simplicity of a peanut sauce! This sauce packs a punch of peanut-forward flavour and can be used as a dip for egg rolls, as well as tossed with salads, chicken, and veggies for lettuce wraps.

Gyoza Dipping Sauce

This tangy, spicy, and savoury sauce is traditionally used for dumplings and potstickers but can also add some zing to your egg rolls. It can be made with just four simple ingredients: rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and green onions.

Nước Chấm

This Vietnamese dipping sauce is a must-try. It's sweet, savoury, and slightly tangy—a perfect combination of flavours to enhance your egg rolls.

Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet chili sauce is a classic choice for egg rolls and can be purchased or made at home. It has the perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness, making it a versatile condiment.

Other Options

Other sauces that can be paired with egg rolls include duck sauce, oyster sauce, and spicy options like Chinese hot mustard or a Homemade Szechuan Sauce. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, spices, and oils to create your own unique sauce.

Make-ahead and freezing tips

Making egg rolls in an air fryer is a great option if you're looking for a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to deep frying. And the best part? You can make them ahead of time and freeze them for those unexpected cravings! Here are some tips to make the most of your egg-rolling experience:

Make-Ahead Tips:

• If you're preparing the filling from scratch, you can make a big batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. That way, you'll always have some filling ready to go when the craving strikes.
• You can also pre-roll your egg rolls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Just place a lightly damp cloth over them and then keep them in an airtight container. This is a great option if you want to prep for a party or a large gathering.
• If you're short on time, you can even buy frozen egg rolls and cook them directly in your air fryer. Look for vegetable, chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp egg rolls at your local grocery store.

Freezing Tips:

• If you want to freeze uncooked egg rolls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them into the freezer. Once they're frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container.
• To freeze cooked egg rolls, let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They'll stay good for up to 3 months.
• When you're ready to enjoy your frozen egg rolls, there's no need to thaw them. Simply brush them with a bit of oil and air fry at 360°F for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.

So, there you have it! Egg rolls in an air fryer are not only delicious but also convenient and perfect for making ahead of time. Enjoy the crispy, golden goodness whenever the mood strikes!

Frequently asked questions