Air-Fryer Egg Rolls: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Yes, you can make egg rolls in an air fryer! They're delicious and easy, with a crispy, crunchy outside and a tender filling inside. You can make them with a variety of fillings, including chicken, pork, beef, or vegetables, and they're a healthier alternative to deep-frying. They're also simple to make and only take a few minutes to cook. So, if you're looking for a quick, tasty snack or appetizer, egg rolls in the air fryer are a great option!

How to make egg rolls in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Minced garlic
• Minced ginger
• Coleslaw mix
• Ground chicken/pork
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Toasted sesame oil
• Sriracha
• Green onions
• Egg roll wrappers
• Olive oil spray
• Chinese 5-spice seasoning (optional)

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 the ground chicken/pork, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha. Stir-fry the meat, breaking it up for 3-4 minutes.
• Remove: Once the meat 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 and wrap that corner over the filling. Turn both sides over the wrapper and then continue rolling away from you until you reach the end. Seal the edges with water or a beaten egg. Repeat until all the wrappers are made.
• 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: Depending on the air fryer model, cook at 360-400°F for 6-7 minutes. Then flip the egg rolls and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips:

• Seal the egg rolls: Use water or egg wash to dampen the edges so they stick together.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: Ensure there is space between the egg rolls to allow air to circulate and cook them evenly. Cook them in batches if needed.
• Keep the wrappers damp: Cover the wrappers you are not using with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.

How to reheat egg rolls in an air fryer

Reheating egg rolls in an air fryer is simple and will ensure they remain crispy. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to a temperature between 360-390˚F. Most air fryers do not need to be preheated, but if yours does, make sure to do so now.
• Prepare the Basket: Use non-stick cooking spray or olive oil to prepare the air fryer basket. This will help ensure the egg rolls don't stick to the basket and will also help them become crispy.
• Place the Egg Rolls in the Basket: Place the egg rolls in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to reheat them in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
• Air Fry: Reheat the egg rolls for 7-10 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and golden brown. If reheating from frozen, this process may take a few minutes longer.
• Remove and Serve: Carefully remove the egg rolls from the basket and serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• If you are reheating egg rolls that have been frozen, there is no need to thaw them before placing them in the air fryer.
• If you are reheating a large batch of egg rolls, keep those that are already cooked warm in an oven set to 200 degrees Fahrenheit while you reheat the rest.
• To ensure even cooking, make sure there is space between the egg rolls in the basket. This allows the air to circulate properly.
• You can use an oil cooking spray instead of brushing the egg rolls with oil, but this may cause the wrappers to bubble.

How to wrap an egg roll

To wrap an egg roll, you will need an egg roll wrapper, an egg wash (one egg and two tablespoons of milk mixed well), and your chosen filling.

Firstly, lay out the egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape. The corner furthest from you will be corner 1, the corner to the left is corner 2, the corner to the right is corner 3, and the corner closest to you is corner 4.

Place 2-3 tablespoons of your filling mixture in the middle of the wrapper, just below an imaginary line between corners 2 and 3. Use your finger or a brush to spread some egg mixture along the edges from corners 2 to 1, and 1 to 3.

Now, fold corner 4 towards corner 1. Use a rolling action to firm up the mixture. Then, fold over corner 3, ensuring the egg mixture seals both corners.

Begin rolling the egg roll towards corner 1 and continue until the edges seal. Touch up the edges with a little more egg mixture if needed.

Finally, place the egg rolls on a large platter or plate until you are ready to cook them. If you are making a large batch, roll them in corn starch to prevent sticking.

Some additional tips include chilling your filling before wrapping, as cold filling is easier to work with and will prevent the wrapper from becoming soggy. You can also moisten the edges of the wrapper with water or egg wash to help seal the egg roll and prevent leaks.

What to serve with egg rolls

Egg rolls are a delicious snack, but what can you serve with them to make a full meal? Here are some ideas for side dishes and sauces that will complement your egg rolls and take your meal to the next level:

Side Dishes

• Fried Rice: A classic choice that is quick and easy to make. You can add your favourite ingredients, such as peas, carrots, onions, garlic, and eggs. Fry with sesame oil and season with cilantro and soy sauce for an authentic flavour.
• Lo Mein: This noodle dish is packed with vegetables, including bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, mushrooms, and scallions. Hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger create a delicious aroma and flavour.
• Stir-fried vegetables: A nutritious and simple option. Stir-fry your choice of vegetables with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds.
• Sushi: A cold and healthy option, especially for hotter days. It's a labour of love to make, but your guests will appreciate the effort!
• Udon Noodle Soup (Kake Udon): A traditional Japanese dish with tender udon noodles in a dashi-based broth. It's a warm and comforting choice.
• Bacon Fried Rice: A tasty 15-minute dish that's easier than takeout.
• Ginger Veggie Stir Fry: A spicy dish packed with fresh vegetables and coated in a garlic and ginger sauce. It comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Garlic Green Beans: A simple, 20-minute dish that's a favourite among kids (without the chilli, of course!). The secret to its flavour is peanut oil, giving the beans an irresistible nutty taste.
• Cucumber Yogurt Salad: A Lebanese classic that's healthy, fresh, and simple to prepare. It's the perfect palate cleanser after greasy egg rolls.
• Thai Noodle Salad: A colourful and tasty salad with tropical fruit, shredded vegetables, rice noodles, and crushed peanuts. It's a crunchy and chewy delight that goes well with egg rolls.

Sauces

• Sweet and Sour Sauce: A classic Chinese sauce that's tangy and fruity. It's easy to make at home and brings your egg rolls to life.
• Soy Sauce: A simple, salty-umami taste that enhances the filling of your egg rolls.
• Hoisin Sauce: A thick, fragrant sauce with a savory-sweet flavour. It's commonly used as a marinade or stir-fry sauce but makes a great dip for egg rolls, too.
• Lebanese Toum: A garlic sauce similar to aioli, made from oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic. It doesn't balance the greasiness of egg rolls but is an exciting and delicious option.
• Teriyaki Sauce: A sharp and salty-sweet Japanese sauce that's commonly used as a dip for fried snacks. Its acidity pairs well with the greasiness of egg rolls.
• Plum Sauce: A sweet and sour sauce with a fruity taste and a sticky texture, making it perfect for dipping.
• Hot Mustard: A sinus-clearing mustard with horseradish that adds a kick to your egg rolls. It's best made a few days in advance to allow the flavours to mellow.
• Ranch Dressing: A creamy and smoky American twist to your egg rolls. It's addictive and can be made at home with a blender or food processor.
• Orange Sauce: A subtle, sweet and sour sauce with a mild fruity taste. It's similar to orange marmalade and complements egg rolls without overpowering them.
• Chilli Garlic Sauce: A Filipino-Chinese blend with bird's eye chillies and garlic. It adds a fiery kick to your egg rolls and cuts through the rich, fried exterior.
• Peanut Sauce: A nutty and mildly spicy Thai sauce that's quick to prepare. It's a more filling dip that goes well with the greasiness of egg rolls.
• Ponzu Sauce: A Japanese sauce with a balance of salty, sour, and umami flavours. It's a lighter dip that can be made in just a few minutes.

How to store leftover egg rolls

To store leftover egg rolls, you should let them cool down before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Then, place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture and odours from seeping in. Store them in the refrigerator, positioning the container away from raw meats and other strong-smelling foods.

Leftover egg rolls will last in the refrigerator for up to 2-4 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Frozen egg rolls can be stored for up to 3 months. To freeze them, first, wrap each egg roll individually in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

To reheat refrigerated egg rolls, you can use an air fryer, oven, deep fryer, or microwave. For an air fryer, reheat at 360°-370˚F for 2-3 minutes. For an oven, preheat to 350˚F and bake for 10-12 minutes. For a deep fryer, heat oil to 350˚F and fry for 3-4 minutes. For a microwave, wrap the egg rolls in a damp paper towel and heat on medium-low power for 1-2 minutes.

To reheat frozen egg rolls, you should not thaw them first. Instead, brush them with olive oil and cook in the air fryer at 360˚F for 10-12 minutes.

Frequently asked questions