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

Air fryers are a great way to make egg rolls without the mess and health implications of deep-frying. The intense heat of the air fryer means that you only need to brush or spray a small amount of oil on the basket and egg rolls themselves to achieve a crispy, crunchy exterior. The insides remain tender and perfectly cooked, without drying out. This method is also faster and healthier than deep-frying and can produce exquisite dishes without the need for a full oven.

Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Egg Rolls in an Air Fryer

Filling ideas and preparation

The filling for egg rolls is quite versatile and can be adapted to your preferences. You can use any cooked protein, such as ground chicken, turkey, pork, beef, or shrimp. For a vegetarian option, you can use tofu or even make a crab rangoon filling. If you're using meat, cook it beforehand and make sure there is no liquid left in the pan. You can also add vegetables to your filling, such as garlic, ginger, carrot, scallions, and cabbage. Wilt the vegetables down by cooking them for a few minutes.

For seasoning, you can use soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, black pepper, salt, Chinese five-spice, and onion powder. If you're using five-spice, stir it in with the other seasonings after cooking the meat and vegetables. You can also add some sugar and sesame oil to the mix. If you want to add some heat, include red pepper flakes.

When preparing the filling, it's important to let it cool down before assembling the egg rolls. You can make the filling a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. This will save you time when you're ready to make the egg rolls.

Once your filling is ready, set up a "wrapping" station with your cooked filling, a plate, a small dish of water, and a pastry brush. Place the egg roll wrapper on the plate or a cutting board, shaped like a diamond with the bottom point facing you. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the bottom third of the wrapper. Then, follow these steps to wrap the egg roll:

• Roll up the bottom point so that it goes over the filling but only goes to the center of the wrapper.
• Fold in the left and right points of the wrapper towards the center.
• Brush the edges with water or a beaten egg to help seal the wrapper.
• Continue rolling away from you until you reach the top point of the diamond.
• Seal the edges and repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Now you're ready to cook your egg rolls in the air fryer!

Wrapping the egg rolls

To wrap the egg rolls, first set up a "wrapping" station with your cooked filling, a plate, a small dish of water, and a pastry brush.

Place an egg roll wrapper on a plate or cutting board. The wrapper should be shaped like a diamond, with the bottom point of the diamond pointing towards you. Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the bottom third of the wrapper.

Now, it's time to start rolling! There are a few different methods you can use:

• Roll the bottom point of the diamond up and over the filling, stopping halfway through the wrapper. Then, turn both sides of the wrapper inwards and continue rolling away from you until you reach the end. Seal the edges with water or a beaten egg.
• Fold the left and right points of the wrapper towards the center, then fold the bottom point up and over the center. Continue rolling towards the remaining point to form a tight cylinder. Press the edges to seal.

Make sure to keep the unwrapped egg roll wrappers covered with a damp cloth or wet paper towel to prevent them from drying out while you work. Repeat the wrapping process until you've used up all your filling and wrappers!

Air fryer temperature and duration

The temperature and duration for cooking egg rolls in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the size of the egg rolls, the type of air fryer, and the number of egg rolls being cooked. It is important to ensure that the egg rolls are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, as proper air circulation is necessary for even cooking and to achieve the desired crispiness.

Most recipes recommend cooking egg rolls in an air fryer at temperatures between 360°F and 400°F. The cooking duration can vary from 6 to 12 minutes, depending on the temperature and the desired level of doneness. For example, one recipe suggests cooking egg rolls at 360°F for a total of 9 minutes, while another recommends cooking at 400°F for a total of 12 minutes.

It is generally advised to flip the egg rolls halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and crisping on both sides. Some recipes suggest brushing or spraying the egg rolls with oil before placing them in the air fryer, as this can help enhance the crispness and golden color of the exterior.

When cooking frozen egg rolls in an air fryer, the temperature and duration may differ slightly. It is recommended to brush the frozen egg rolls with oil and cook them at 360°F for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispness.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific model and settings of the air fryer being used. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on the egg rolls during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.

Storing and reheating egg rolls

To reheat egg rolls in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the egg rolls inside the air fryer and heat for one to two minutes. Flip the egg rolls and cook for another two minutes, or until cooked through. The whole process should take around four minutes, depending on the size of the egg rolls.

You can also reheat egg rolls in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the egg rolls on a foil-covered baking sheet and heat for five minutes, flipping them halfway through. If the egg rolls are not warmed through after this time, return them to the oven for another few minutes.

Another option is to reheat egg rolls in the microwave. Place the egg rolls on a microwave-safe slotted stand, or trivet, and heat on high for 30 seconds. If the egg rolls have been in the fridge, they may need longer. Turn the egg rolls over and microwave on high for another 15 to 30 seconds, until heated through.

Finally, you can reheat egg rolls in a pan. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add the egg rolls and cook for five to ten minutes, flipping them continuously to ensure they cook evenly.

Oil types and alternatives

Air frying uses less oil than almost any other cooking method, making it a healthy option. However, the type of oil you use depends on a few factors, including the food you're cooking, the temperature, and the oil's smoke point. For instance, avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavour, making it a good option for air frying. If you're cooking at 375 degrees or below, refined olive oil, or light/extra light olive oil, is a good choice due to its higher smoke point than extra virgin olive oil.

You can also use an oil spray or mister, which allows you to disperse a small amount of oil evenly over the food. If you don't have a spray, you can brush the oil onto the food or basket with a pastry brush. You can also toss the food in a bowl with oil before placing it in the air fryer.

When cooking egg rolls in an air fryer, it is recommended to lightly brush or spray the basket with oil and then brush or spray a small amount of oil on both sides of the egg rolls. This helps the outside get golden and crispy.

Frequently asked questions