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

Making egg rolls in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to deep-frying. Using an air fryer reduces the amount of oil needed to cook egg rolls, making them a healthier option. It also saves time and effort, as there is less cleanup involved compared to traditional frying methods.

To make egg rolls in an air fryer, start by preparing the filling. Common ingredients include cabbage, carrot, garlic, ginger, and green onions. You can also add meat, such as ground chicken, pork, or turkey. Season the filling with soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper to taste.

Once the filling is ready, it's time to assemble the egg rolls. Place the filling in the centre of an egg roll wrapper, fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly. Seal the edges with water or a beaten egg. Brush or spray the egg rolls with oil to help them crisp up.

Preheat your air fryer to around 350-400°F. Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other. Air fry for about 6-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

How to make the filling

The filling is the most important part of your egg rolls, so it's worth taking the time to get it just right. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a delicious and flavoursome filling:

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (fresh, minced)
• Coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
• Ground meat of your choice (chicken, pork, beef, or tofu)
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Toasted sesame oil
• Sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Green onions (thinly sliced)

Method

• Heat some vegetable oil in a pan and add your garlic, ginger, and any other aromatics like celery or carrots. Sauté until fragrant.
• Add your coleslaw mix and cook until the cabbage is wilted.
• Add your choice of ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks. You can also add tofu or pre-cooked shrimp at this stage.
• Pour in your sauces: oyster sauce, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and sriracha (if using). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, stirring regularly, until the meat is cooked through.
• Once the mixture is cooked and there is no liquid left in the pan, stir in the green onions and remove from the heat.
• Taste your filling and adjust the seasoning to your preference. It's important to ensure your filling tastes good before wrapping it up!

How to wrap the filling in the wrapper

Now that you have your filling ready, it's time to assemble your egg rolls. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to wrap the filling in the wrapper:

Step 1: Set up your wrapping station

Get your cooked filling, a plate or cutting board, a small dish of water, and a pastry brush ready. You'll also want a damp paper towel or rag to keep your wrappers from drying out.

Step 2: Position the wrapper

Place an egg roll wrapper on your plate or cutting board. It should be shaped like a diamond, with one corner pointing towards you.

Step 3: Add the filling

Place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of filling in the bottom third or half of the wrapper, depending on the recipe you're following. You want to shape the filling like a torpedo or burrito, running horizontally across the wrapper.

Step 4: Start rolling

Roll up the bottom corner of the wrapper so that it goes over the filling and reaches the center. Then, fold in the left side of the wrapper towards the center, followed by the right side, so they overlap.

Step 5: Continue rolling and seal

Starting from the bottom again, roll the egg roll up until just the top corner of the wrapper is still exposed. Brush some water on the top corner, and fold it down to seal the egg roll. You may need to brush a little more water on the edges to ensure it stays closed.

Step 6: Repeat

Repeat the above steps until you've used up all your filling and wrappers. Keep your assembled egg rolls covered with a damp paper towel or rag to prevent them from drying out.

Now that your egg rolls are assembled, they're almost ready for the air fryer!

How long to cook the egg rolls in the air fryer

The cooking time for egg rolls in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the type of egg rolls being cooked.

For example, one recipe for chicken egg rolls suggests cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes, flipping the egg rolls, and then cooking for an additional 6 minutes. This recipe also notes that if you are cooking the egg rolls from frozen, you should cook them at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Another recipe for chicken egg rolls suggests cooking at 390°F for 9 to 11 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

A third recipe for pork egg rolls suggests preheating the air fryer to 360°F and then cooking the egg rolls for 7 to 10 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and golden brown.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your egg rolls while they are cooking to ensure they don't burn. Additionally, when cooking frozen egg rolls, it is important to ensure that they are cooked through before serving.

How to make egg rolls in an air fryer from frozen

Ingredients:

• Frozen egg rolls (choose your favourite brand and filling, e.g. vegetable, chicken, beef, or pork)
• Oil (olive oil or a non-stick cooking spray)
• Your favourite dipping sauce (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 360 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Prepare the air fryer basket by coating it with a non-stick cooking spray or olive oil.
• Place the frozen egg rolls in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
• Air fry the egg rolls for 7-12 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and golden brown.
• Carefully remove the egg rolls from the air fryer basket and leave to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• You do not need to defrost frozen egg rolls before cooking.
• No need to flip the egg rolls halfway through cooking unless you want maximum crispiness.
• If you are worried about undercooking the egg rolls, use an instant-read thermometer to check they have reached a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F for food safety.
• To reheat any leftovers, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 2-4 minutes or until warmed through.

Dipping Sauce Ideas:

• Duck sauce
• Soy sauce
• Sweet chilli sauce
• Sweet Thai chilli sauce
• Spicy mustard
• Horseradish sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey sriracha sauce

What to serve with air fryer egg rolls

There are many options for what to serve with your air fryer egg rolls. Here are some ideas:

Dipping Sauces

A good dipping sauce can elevate your egg rolls and make them even more delicious. Some popular options include duck sauce, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or a spicy orange sauce. Why not try making your own sauce to impress your guests?

Fried Rice

Fried rice is a great side dish to serve with egg rolls. It's a classic Chinese dish that is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Try making it with some vegetables, meat, and soy sauce for a tasty and filling dish.

Appetizers

If you're serving egg rolls as a main course, consider pairing them with some appetizers to make the meal more substantial. Some ideas include cream cheese wontons, avocado egg rolls, or Philly cheesesteak egg rolls. These options will add variety to your meal and impress your guests with your culinary skills.

Main Course

If you're serving egg rolls as an appetizer or side dish, you'll need a main course to go with them. Why not try some Asian-glazed chicken, garlic beef and broccoli, or easy fried rice? These options will complement the flavors of the egg rolls well and make for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Dessert

Don't forget dessert! After a savory and crispy main course, you might want something sweet to finish off the meal. Try making some air fryer hand pies or air fryer baked potatoes for a unique and delicious dessert option. Your guests will surely be impressed by your creativity.

Frequently asked questions