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

Making egg rolls in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, with the added benefits of saving time and creating less mess. The air fryer's convection technology uses circulating air to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender, perfectly cooked interior.

To make egg rolls in an air fryer, prepare your filling of choice, such as ground pork or chicken with vegetables and spices. Assemble the egg rolls by placing the filling in the centre of an egg roll wrapper and folding the sides towards the centre before rolling it up. Lightly brush or spray the basket of the air fryer and the egg rolls with oil, and cook at a temperature between 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 6 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.

Some tips for making egg rolls in an air fryer include sealing the edges of the wrappers with water or beaten egg to prevent the filling from spilling out, and ensuring there is space between the egg rolls in the air fryer for even cooking. You can also make these egg rolls in advance and freeze them for a quick and convenient meal later on.

How to make egg rolls in an air fryer

Ingredients

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

Method

• Sauté garlic, ginger, and celery in heated oil until fragrant.
• Cook coleslaw mix until cabbage is wilted.
• Stir-fry chicken or pork, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha. Break up the meat and cook for 3-4 minutes.
• Once cooked, stir in the green onions and remove from the stove.
• Place the egg roll wrapper so that one corner is towards you.
• Place a tablespoon of filling in the bottom half of the wrapper and wrap that corner over the filling.
• Turn both sides of the wrapper in towards the center and continue rolling away from you until you reach the end. Seal the edges with water or a beaten egg.
• 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 390-400°F for 6 minutes.
• Flip the egg rolls and cook for an additional 6 minutes.

Tips

• Seal the egg rolls properly to prevent the filling from spilling out.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer—make sure there is space between the egg rolls for the air to circulate.
• Brush or spray the egg rolls with oil before cooking to get a golden, crispy outside.
• Place the egg rolls seam-side down in the air fryer.
• You can reheat egg rolls in the air fryer.

The benefits of using an air fryer

Yes, you can make egg rolls in an air fryer! They will be just as crispy and delicious as the deep-fried version, but with less fat and fewer calories.

Health Benefits

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying. They require far less oil, resulting in meals that contain lower amounts of fat and calories. The oil that is used drains away and isn't absorbed by the food, and any excess fat drips away, making the food drier and crispier.

Time-Saving

Air fryers are also a time-saving alternative to deep frying. They cook food much faster than traditional ovens, and many models don't require preheating. They are easy to clean, with minimal amounts of oil needed, so there is less mess to deal with.

Cost-Effective

Air fryers are relatively inexpensive, typically ranging from $50 to $150, and they are energy-efficient, using less electricity than traditional ovens and deep fryers.

Versatile

Air fryers are compact and versatile, combining the functions of a convection oven, deep fryer, and microwave. They can cook a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, meats, and baked goods, and are perfect for creating crispy French fries, onion rings, and egg rolls.

Safe and Convenient

Air fryers are self-contained devices, which makes them safer to use. There is less concern about splashes and burns, and they are designed to shut off after the timer ends to prevent food from burning. They are also easy to use, requiring very little monitoring, and are easily transportable, making them convenient for camping or RV trips.

How to make egg roll filling

Egg rolls are a staple of Chinese-American cuisine and can be made with a variety of fillings, including seafood, pork, chicken, cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious egg roll filling:

Ingredients:

• Ground pork or chicken
• Garlic (minced or powder)
• Ginger (fresh, grated or minced)
• Green onions (chopped)
• Cabbage (shredded or finely chopped)
• Carrots (shredded or sliced)
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Oyster sauce
• Sriracha
• Chinese 5 Spice
• Sugar
• Salt
• Optional ingredients

Instructions:

• Cook the protein: In a large skillet, cook your choice of ground pork or chicken over medium heat until it is cooked through. If using pork, cook until it is no longer pink and lightly browned. Break apart the meat with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks.
• Add aromatics: To the skillet, add garlic and ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds to a minute, stirring frequently.
• Wilt the vegetables: Add your choice of vegetables, such as cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Cook until the vegetables are wilted and softened, stirring regularly. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
• Season the filling: Add soy sauce and sesame oil to the skillet and stir to combine. You can also add other seasonings like oyster sauce, Chinese 5 Spice, sugar, and salt to taste.
• Cool the filling: Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool down before assembling the egg rolls. You can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to use it.

Feel free to get creative with your egg roll filling! You can add other ingredients like celery, bean sprouts, or even shrimp. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences. Once your filling is ready, you can start assembling your egg rolls and cooking them in your air fryer for a crispy treat!

How to assemble egg rolls

Assembling egg rolls is simple and can be done in a few steps. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Place the egg roll wrapper on a dry surface: Place a single egg roll wrapper on a dry, clean surface. Position the wrapper so that one corner is pointing towards you, resembling a diamond shape.
• Add the filling: Place about 1/4 cup of your desired filling (meat, vegetables, etc.) in the middle of the wrapper.
• Wet the edges: Using your finger or a brush, lightly wet the edges of the wrapper with water. This will help seal the wrapper when rolling. You can also use a beaten egg or egg wash for this step.
• Fold and roll: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up and over the filling. Then, bring the left and right corners towards the center, pressing and tucking them in gently. Finally, continue rolling the wrapper away from you, forming a tight cylinder.
• Seal the wrapper: To ensure a good seal, you can brush the outer edges of the wrapper with water or a beaten egg before rolling.
• Repeat: Repeat these steps until you have used up all your filling and wrappers.

By following these steps, you will be able to assemble delicious egg rolls that are ready for cooking!

How to store and reheat egg rolls

Storing

Egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To prevent them from getting soggy, line the container with a paper towel and place another paper towel on top of the egg rolls before sealing.

Reheating

There are several ways to reheat egg rolls, each with its pros and cons.

#### Air Fryer

Reheating egg rolls in an air fryer is a quick method that retains the crunchiness of the shell without making the rolls too greasy. Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and arrange the egg rolls in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't touch. Heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden.

#### Oven/Toaster Oven

Using an oven or toaster oven is a convenient way to reheat multiple egg rolls at once while maintaining their crunch. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and spread the egg rolls on a wire rack or preheated baking tray. Heat for 5 to 10 minutes, turning them halfway through. For extra crispness, turn on the broiler for the last minute of heating.

#### Microwave

The microwave is a quick option but tends to make egg rolls soggy. Place the egg rolls on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel, ensuring there is space between them. Heat on medium power in 15-second intervals until they are warmed to your liking.

#### Skillet/Pan

Reheating egg rolls in a skillet or pan delivers a nice crunch but requires more effort and attention. Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil if the egg rolls seem dry. Place the egg rolls in the pan and heat for 1-2 minutes, then turn and cook each side for 30-60 seconds until crisp. Drain on a paper towel if they become oily.

#### Deep Frying

Deep frying will make the egg rolls very crunchy but also quite greasy. Heat a pot of oil to 350°F (180°C) and lower 2-3 egg rolls into the oil. Fry for 30-45 seconds, or until golden and crispy, then drain on a paper towel.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Avoid overcrowding the egg rolls during reheating to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• If your egg rolls are frozen, thaw them before reheating to ensure even heating.
• For extra crispiness, brush or spray the egg rolls with a small amount of oil before reheating.
• If you want to warm up the centers of the egg rolls before cooking, place them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds before using any of the other methods.

Frequently asked questions