Emilie Meyer
Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying egg rolls. They are healthier, less messy, and faster than deep-frying. The air fryer creates a crispy outside and perfectly cooked inside without the extra fat from deep-frying or the dryness from oven cooking. You can also control what goes into your egg rolls and personalise the filling to your taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken | A fraction of the time it would take to order takeout |
| Health | Healthier than deep-fried egg rolls |
| Clean-up | Less mess than deep-frying |
| Taste | Crispy and crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside |
| Customisation | Can be customised with different fillings |
| Oil | Only need a light coating of oil |
| Filling | Filling should be cooked and cooled before wrapping |
| Wrapping | Wrapping technique is important to ensure the egg rolls don't unravel |
| Spacing | Egg rolls should not be stacked or touching in the air fryer |
| Cooking time | Around 6-12 minutes, depending on the air fryer and number of egg rolls |
| Temperature | Around 350-400°F |
| Freezing | Can be frozen before or after cooking |
What You'll Learn
How to assemble the egg rolls
To assemble the egg rolls, first, place an egg roll wrapper on a dry surface. Place the wrapper so that it forms a diamond, with one corner pointing towards you.
Next, add the filling. For a meat-based filling, a variety of recipes suggest using 2-3 tablespoons of filling per wrapper. For a vegetarian filling, one source recommends using 1/3 cup. Place the filling in the middle of the wrapper or on the bottom third, leaving space at the sides to fold the wrapper.
Then, it's time to start rolling! Take the corner that's closest to you and fold it over the filling. Keep the roll tight and roll it towards the center. Now, fold the left and right sides over the roll. Continue rolling away from you until you almost reach the top corner. Brush the last flap with beaten egg to seal the wrapper. Repeat this process until all your egg rolls are assembled.
Finally, cover the finished egg rolls with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out while you prepare the rest.
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How to cook the egg rolls in an air fryer
How to cook egg rolls in an air fryer
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Coleslaw mix
- Ground chicken
- Oyster sauce
- Soy sauce
- Toasted sesame oil
- Sriracha
- Green onions
- Egg roll wrappers
- Olive oil spray
Method
- Heat oil in a pan and stir-fry garlic, ginger, and celery until fragrant.
- Pour in the coleslaw mix and cook until the cabbage is wilted.
- Add the ground chicken, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha. Stir-fry the chicken while breaking it up for 3-4 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked and there is no liquid left in the pan, 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 (the part closest to you) and wrap that corner over the filling.
- Turn both sides of the wrapper over the filling, then continue rolling away from you (like a burrito) until you reach the end. Seal the edges with some water or a beaten egg. Repeat until all the wrappers are filled.
- Spray the basket of the air fryer with olive oil spray. Place the egg rolls in the basket and lightly spray the tops with more olive oil spray.
- Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes. Then, flip the egg rolls and cook for an additional 6 minutes.
Tips
- Make sure to seal your egg rolls so that the filling doesn't spill out. Use water or egg wash to dampen the edges so that they stick together.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Leave space between the egg rolls so that the air can circulate and cook them evenly. Cook them in batches if necessary and keep them warm in an oven set to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- When you flip your egg rolls halfway through, spray the other side with olive oil if you think it needs it.
- Keep the egg roll wrappers damp by covering those you're not using with a damp paper towel. This will keep them pliable and fresh.
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How to store and reheat the egg rolls
To store your egg rolls, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
If you want to freeze your egg rolls, wrap them in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat your egg rolls, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat at 350°F for 1-3 minutes, depending on their size. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 7 minutes.
If you are reheating frozen egg rolls, place them directly in the air fryer and heat at 350°F for 6-10 minutes. Do not thaw them before cooking.
When reheating, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation. You may need to reheat in batches.
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What ingredients to use for the filling
There are many different ingredients you can use for the filling of your egg rolls. Here are some ideas:
Chinese-Style Filling:
- Ground pork or chicken
- Shredded cabbage (or pre-shredded coleslaw mix)
- Carrots (matchstick or shredded)
- Ginger (freshly grated or paste)
- Garlic (cloves, minced)
- Green onions, sliced
- Soy sauce
- Rice wine vinegar
- Chinese 5-spice seasoning
- Sesame oil
Other Savory Filling Ideas:
- Leftover chicken and rice
- Steak and onions
- Any cooked protein (diced)
- Any wilted vegetables
- Scrambled eggs, melty cheese, crisp bacon, and chives
- Baked (previously frozen) chicken tenders
- Ground beef
- Oyster sauce
- Sriracha
- Celery
Sweet Filling Ideas:
- Cheesecake
- Caramel apple pie
- Banana pudding
- Cookie dough
- Snickers
- Churro
- Kit Kat
- Blueberry
The options are endless! You can fill egg rolls with almost anything and get creative with both sweet and savoury options.
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The benefits of cooking egg rolls in an air fryer
There are several benefits to cooking egg rolls in an air fryer. Here are some of them:
Health Benefits
Air-fried egg rolls are a healthier alternative to deep-fried ones. They absorb less oil, which means less fat and grease. This way, you can enjoy the crispy texture and delicious taste of egg rolls without the extra calories and guilt.
Time-Saving
The air fryer is a quick and convenient way to cook egg rolls. It takes just a few minutes to preheat, and the cooking time is also relatively short. This makes it perfect for when you're short on time or want a quick snack.
Easy to Use
Air fryers are simple to use and often require less attention during cooking compared to traditional frying methods. You don't have to constantly monitor them or babysit them, allowing you to multitask and focus on other tasks.
Minimal Mess
Deep-frying egg rolls can be a messy affair, leaving you with a splattered kitchen and greasy surfaces. Air fryers, on the other hand, contain the cooking process within the appliance, resulting in less mess and easier cleanup.
Customization
Making egg rolls in an air fryer gives you control over the ingredients and fillings. You can personalize the recipe to suit your taste preferences, dietary restrictions, or experiment with different flavors.
Consistent Results
Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, ensuring even cooking and browning. This results in consistent results each time you cook egg rolls, so you can expect the same delicious outcome every time.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can make egg rolls in an air fryer. They will be crispy, crunchy, and healthier than deep-fried egg rolls.
To make egg rolls in an air fryer, first prepare the filling by cooking vegetables and meat, if using, in a pan or wok. Season the filling and let it cool. Place the filling on egg roll wrappers, roll them up, and seal the edges with water or a beaten egg. Brush or spray the egg rolls with oil, place them in the air fryer basket, and cook at 350-400°F for 6-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
The cooking time for egg rolls in an air fryer will depend on the size of the egg rolls, the type of air fryer, and the number of egg rolls being cooked. In general, it will take around 6-12 minutes to cook egg rolls in an air fryer, flipping them halfway through.
Yes, you can cook frozen egg rolls in an air fryer. There is no need to thaw them before cooking. Place the frozen egg rolls in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded, and cook at 360°F for 7-10 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and golden brown.
There are several benefits to making egg rolls in an air fryer. Air-fried egg rolls are healthier than deep-fried egg rolls, as they absorb less oil. They also take less time to cook and create less mess, as there is no need to deal with vats of hot oil.
