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

Air fryers are a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried egg rolls. They are easy to use, create less mess, and produce a similar crispy texture without the extra fat. The process involves brushing or spraying the egg rolls with oil, placing them in the air fryer basket, and cooking for around 6-10 minutes, depending on the model. This method is perfect for those who want to enjoy the taste of egg rolls without the guilt of deep-fried food.

How to Cook Egg Rolls in an Air Fryer

How to wrap egg rolls

To wrap egg rolls, start by setting up a "wrapping" station with your cooked filling, a plate, a small dish of water, and a pastry brush. Place the wrapper on a plate or cutting board, shaping it like a diamond, with the bottom corner pointing towards you. You can also label the corners of the diamond, with the corner furthest from you as corner 1, the corner to the left as corner 2, the corner to the right as corner 3, and the closest corner as corner 4.

Place about 2 to 3 tablespoons of your desired filling in the bottom third of the wrapper, a little south of the line between corners 2 and 3. Using a small brush or your finger, spread some egg wash or water along the edges of the wrapper, from corners 2 to 1, and then from 1 to 3.

Now, it's time to start rolling! Begin by rolling the bottom corner up and over the filling, stopping at the center of the wrapper. Then, turn both sides of the wrapper over the filling and continue rolling away from you, similar to rolling a burrito. Keep rolling until you reach the end of the wrapper. Finally, seal the edges with some water or a beaten egg to secure the filling inside. Repeat this process until you've filled and rolled all your egg roll wrappers!

Frying temperature and duration

The frying temperature and duration for egg rolls in an air fryer depend on whether the egg rolls are fresh or frozen, and the desired level of crispiness.

For fresh egg rolls, the air fryer should be preheated to between 360°F and 400°F. Place the egg rolls in a single layer in the bottom of the fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Spraying the basket with cooking spray or brushing it with olive oil beforehand can help to achieve a crispier texture.

For a cooking temperature of 360°F, the egg rolls should be cooked for 7-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown. At 400°F, a cooking time of 6 minutes on each side is sufficient.

Frozen egg rolls can be cooked from frozen, without the need for defrosting. They should be cooked at 360°F for 7-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Reheating cooked egg rolls can be achieved in 2 minutes at 370°F.

Oil coating methods

Oil coating is an essential step in achieving the perfect golden and crispy texture of egg rolls cooked in an air fryer. Here are some methods to coat your egg rolls with oil before air frying:

Brushing with Oil:

Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops of the egg rolls with olive oil or any other cooking oil of your choice. This method ensures a controlled and even application of oil, preventing any excess.

Spraying with Oil:

If you prefer a more convenient option, use an oil spray or a Misto to coat the egg rolls. Lightly spray the egg rolls with olive oil or cooking spray. This method is quicker and less messy, but be cautious as it can cause the egg roll wrappers to bubble up during cooking.

Air Fryer Basket Preparation:

Before placing the egg rolls in the air fryer, prepare the air fryer basket by coating it with oil. You can brush or spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

During Cooking:

When cooking the egg rolls, you may need to flip them and brush or spray the other side with oil as well. This step ensures that both sides of the egg rolls achieve the desired golden and crispy texture.

Frozen Egg Rolls:

If you are cooking frozen egg rolls, the process is slightly different. Brush the frozen egg rolls with oil and then cook them directly in the air fryer without thawing. This method ensures that the frozen egg rolls cook through evenly and achieve the desired texture.

Remember, the oil coating step is crucial in getting that perfect crunch without having to deep fry your egg rolls.

Filling ideas

The filling for your egg rolls can be made from almost anything, including leftovers. Any cooked protein can be diced and added, and most vegetables can be wilted down and folded in.

If you're making the filling from scratch, a Chinese-style option is to use ground pork with ginger, garlic, scallions, carrot, and cabbage. Cook the pork in a skillet until browned, then add the vegetables and continue to cook until they are soft. Season with soy sauce and rice wine vinegar.

You can also use other meats such as chicken, beef, or turkey. For a vegetarian option, try crumbled tofu or frozen shrimp. If you're short on time, use a pre-made coleslaw mix and add store-bought sauces such as oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, or sriracha.

For a Southwestern twist, try a filling of avocado, cream cheese, or Philly Cheesesteak. Or, for something different, make Reuben egg rolls or try a Buffalo Chicken or BBQ Pulled Pork filling.

Storing and reheating

To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and heat for 1-3 minutes, depending on their size. You can also reheat them in an oven at 350°F for about 7 minutes or in a frying pan.

If you wish to freeze your egg rolls, wrap them in plastic wrap or foil and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen egg rolls, you can cook them directly from frozen in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or in the air fryer at 360°F for 10-12 minutes.

The air fryer is an excellent option for reheating egg rolls, as it will give them a crispy, crunchy texture, making them taste like new. It is also a quick and convenient method, with the egg rolls being fully heated through in just a few minutes.

Frequently asked questions