Deep Frying Egg Rolls: Is It Possible?

Egg rolls are a popular Chinese takeout dish that can be made and cooked at home. They are usually filled with meat, such as pork, beef, chicken, shrimp, or turkey, and vegetables, such as cabbage, green onions, and carrots. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, pan-frying, and deep frying. This article will focus on the latter method: can you use a deep fryer to cook egg rolls, and if so, how?

Recommended oil temperature and duration

When using a deep fryer to cook egg rolls, it is important to maintain the right temperature and duration to ensure they are cooked properly and have the desired crispy texture.

Firstly, prepare your egg rolls by sealing the wrappers and assembling them. You can store uncooked egg rolls in the freezer and cook them straight from frozen, or you can keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.

When you are ready to cook, heat your oil of choice to the desired temperature. The recommended temperature varies across sources, with some suggesting around 325°F, others 350°F, and some as high as 370°F. It is important to note that the oil should be hot enough to ensure the egg rolls do not turn out soggy, but not so hot that they burn.

Once the oil is at the right temperature, carefully place the egg rolls into the deep fryer. It is best to cook them in batches of around 5 at a time, as adding too many at once will lower the temperature of the oil. The egg rolls should fry for around 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown all over. Turn them once halfway through the cooking process.

After frying, transfer the egg rolls to paper towels to drain any excess oil. You can keep them warm in a low oven by placing them on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet. This will help maintain their crisp texture.

For reheating, the oven is recommended over the microwave, as it will preserve the crispy texture better. Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the egg rolls on a baking pan. Reheat for around 10 minutes if thawed, or 18-20 minutes if frozen, remembering to flip them halfway through.

Filling options and preparation

Filling options for egg rolls are diverse and can be tailored to individual preferences and dietary requirements. A popular option is to use pork, which is naturally very flavourful. For instance, a combination of ground pork, shredded cabbage, carrots, and seasonings like garlic, ginger, and sesame oil can be used. If you're not a fan of pork, ground chicken can be used as a substitute. To cut down on prep time, you can use a pre-shredded coleslaw mix.

For a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat and increase the amount of vegetables used. A simple combination of shredded cabbage and green onions stir-fried with soy sauce and brown sugar can be used. You can also add other vegetables like shredded carrots, mushrooms, or thinly sliced vegetables of your choice.

Once you've chosen your filling ingredients, it's important to prepare the filling in advance and chill it in the freezer or refrigerator. This is to ensure that the filling is not warm when you assemble the egg rolls, as warm filling can make the wrappers soggy and prone to tearing. You should also blot any excess moisture from the filling with paper towels.

When you're ready to assemble the egg rolls, work with one wrapper at a time. Place the wrapper in a diamond or envelope shape on a clean work surface, keeping the remaining wrappers covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Spoon the desired amount of filling (usually around 1/4 to 3 tablespoons) onto the wrapper, spreading it into an even mound. Then, fold the bottom corner over the filling, pressing out any air, and roll the wrapper tightly towards the centre.

Brush the open edges of the wrapper with a cornstarch slurry or beaten egg to seal it shut. Continue rolling the wrapper until it is completely sealed. Repeat this process for the remaining wrappers and filling. Keep the assembled egg rolls covered with a damp towel or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out while you prepare the others.

Pan frying vs deep frying

Egg rolls are a popular Chinese food, often enjoyed as takeout, but they are also easy to make at home. They are a versatile dish, as they can be fried, deep-fried, baked, or cooked in an air fryer. This text will focus on the differences between pan-frying and deep-frying egg rolls, providing a detailed guide to help you decide which method to choose.

Pan-Frying vs. Deep-Frying:

When it comes to frying egg rolls, you have two main options: pan-frying and deep-frying. Both methods have their advantages and will yield delicious results, but there are some key differences to consider.

Pan-Frying:

Pan-frying is a good option if you don't have a deep fryer or prefer to use less oil. To pan-fry egg rolls, you will need a frying pan, preferably a deep skillet or sauté pan. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in the pan, and then place the egg rolls seam-side down. Fry each side until golden brown, adding more oil as needed. This method allows you to have more control over the cooking process, as you can easily adjust the heat and monitor the egg rolls' color.

Deep-Frying:

Deep-frying is the traditional method for cooking egg rolls, and it gives them a crispy texture that is hard to replicate with other cooking techniques. To deep-fry egg rolls, you will need a deep fryer or a deep frying pan. Add enough oil to reach a depth of about 2 inches, and heat it to between 270°F and 370°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, as this is crucial for achieving the best results. If the oil is not hot enough, the egg rolls will become soggy, but if it is too hot, it will burn the exterior before the interior is cooked. Carefully add a few egg rolls to the hot oil at a time, being careful not to crowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature. Fry the egg rolls for 1-2 minutes or until they are golden brown all over.

Choosing the Right Oil:

When deep-frying or pan-frying egg rolls, it is important to choose an oil with a high smoking point. Peanut oil is an excellent choice, as it has a high smoking point and imparts a nutty flavor. If you don't have peanut oil, canola or corn oil are good alternatives. Avoid using oils with a low smoking point, such as sesame oil or olive oil, as they are not suitable for deep-frying.

Final Thoughts:

Both pan-frying and deep-frying will give you delicious, crispy egg rolls, but deep-frying is the preferred method for achieving that classic, golden-brown texture. However, pan-frying can be a more accessible option if you don't have a deep fryer or want to use less oil. Remember to monitor the heat and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure perfectly cooked egg rolls, regardless of the method you choose.

Air frying vs deep frying

Egg rolls are a Chinese food takeout favourite, but they are also easy enough to make at home. One of the most important steps in making egg rolls is frying them. You can fry egg rolls in many ways, including using a deep fryer, an air fryer, a deep frying pan, or a traditional pan. This article will focus on the differences between air frying and deep frying egg rolls.

Deep frying is a cooking method in which food is submerged in hot oil. When deep-frying egg rolls, it is important to use an oil with a high smoking point, such as peanut oil, canola oil, or corn oil. The oil should be heated to a temperature of around 270°F to 370°F before adding the egg rolls. The egg rolls should be fried for 1-2 minutes or until they are golden brown. Deep-frying results in crispy, golden brown egg rolls with a nutty flavour, if peanut oil is used. However, it can be a messy process as the oil may spatter, and it is important to monitor the oil temperature to ensure the egg rolls do not become soggy.

On the other hand, air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying as it uses little to no oil. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, resulting in a crispy exterior. When air frying egg rolls, it is recommended to lightly coat them with oil before placing them in the air fryer basket. The cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer, but it generally takes around 6-8 minutes to cook egg rolls in an air fryer. Air frying is a cleaner and more convenient option compared to deep frying, but some people may find that the flavour is not as authentic as deep-fried egg rolls.

In terms of preparation, deep frying requires more setup as you need to heat a sufficient amount of oil to submerge the egg rolls. Air frying is more convenient as you simply need to place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket and set the temperature and cooking time. Additionally, air fryers are generally safer to use as there is no risk of hot oil spattering.

Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Deep frying results in more authentic-tasting egg rolls with a crispy texture and nutty flavour, but it is a messier and less convenient process. Air frying is healthier, less messy, and more convenient, but the flavour and texture may not be as traditional. Ultimately, the choice between air frying and deep frying depends on personal preferences and the desired level of convenience and authenticity.

Reheating and storing

When it comes to reheating and storing egg rolls, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they stay crispy and delicious. Firstly, avoid reheating egg rolls in a microwave at all costs, as this will result in a soggy and brittle wrapper. Instead, an air fryer is the perfect appliance to reheat egg rolls. It uses hot air circulation to cook the egg rolls evenly without the need for excessive oil, making them crispy and crunchy in just a few minutes. To reheat, place the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Set the air fryer to 350°F (170°C) and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping or shaking them halfway through for even heating. Check if they need more time, and continue cooking in 1-2 minute increments until they're heated through and crispy.

If you're storing cooked egg rolls, the refrigerator is the best option, and they should be consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. Do not store cooked egg rolls in the freezer, as they will turn soggy. It is crucial to use a well-ventilated container and avoid airtight storage, as the moisture inside the egg rolls needs to dissipate. Line the container with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Additionally, if you're storing sauces separately, keep them in a different container to prevent the egg rolls from absorbing moisture.

When storing uncooked egg rolls, you can wrap them in wax paper or plastic wrap and freeze them. Alternatively, place a damp paper towel on them and store them in the fridge on a plate, ensuring the paper towel isn't too wet to prevent the wrapper from becoming soggy. You can also freeze uncooked vegetarian egg rolls by sprinkling flour or cornstarch in an airtight plastic food container and placing the egg rolls inside.

Frequently asked questions