Air Fryer Egg Rolls: Cooking Time Perfection

Air fryers have become a popular alternative to traditional frying methods, offering a healthier, faster, and less messy way to cook. They are especially useful for making egg rolls, which traditionally require submerging in oil for that signature crispiness. With an air fryer, you can achieve a similar texture with just a light brush or spray of oil on the egg rolls before placing them in the air fryer. The cooking time will depend on a few factors, including the size of the egg rolls, the type of air fryer, and the number of egg rolls being cooked at once.

How long to cook egg rolls in an air fryer

Cooking time for frozen egg rolls

Cooking frozen egg rolls in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. It is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, with less cleanup required. The cooking time will depend on the model of your air fryer, the size of your egg rolls, and the number of egg rolls in the basket.

First, preheat your air fryer to 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen egg rolls in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Spray the egg rolls with oil or cooking spray, if desired, for extra crispiness.

The cooking time for frozen egg rolls in an air fryer is typically around 7-12 minutes. Flip the egg rolls halfway through the cooking process for even cooking and maximum crispiness. The egg rolls are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

If you are reheating leftover egg rolls, reduce the cooking time to 2-3 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Frozen mini egg rolls will also require a shorter cooking time, around 2-3 minutes less than regular-sized egg rolls.

Reheating egg rolls

Next, you will need to lightly coat the egg rolls with oil. You can brush the egg rolls with olive oil or use cooking spray. This will give them a crispy texture. Once you have coated the egg rolls, place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching, as this will prevent them from getting crispy.

The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your egg rolls and the number of egg rolls in the basket. On average, it should take around 7 to 11 minutes for the egg rolls to heat through and become golden brown. Flip the egg rolls halfway through the cooking process to ensure even heating.

If you are reheating a large batch of egg rolls, you may need to cook them in smaller batches to ensure even heating. You can keep the cooked egg rolls warm in a 225°F oven while you finish cooking the rest.

Additionally, if you are reheating egg rolls that were previously baked or pan-fried, they may take less time to reheat. In this case, check on them frequently to avoid overcooking. Overall, reheating egg rolls in an air fryer is a convenient way to enjoy crispy and delicious egg rolls without the mess and hassle of deep frying.

How to wrap egg rolls

To wrap egg rolls, you will need egg roll wrappers, which can be found at most Asian grocery stores, and an egg wash (one egg and two tablespoons of milk mixed well) or water.

Place the egg roll wrapper so that it forms a diamond shape, with one corner facing towards you. This corner is corner 1, the corner to your left is corner 2, the corner to your right is corner 3, and the corner furthest from you is corner 4. Place about 1/3 cup or 2-3 tablespoons of the filling in the middle of the wrapper, slightly below the line between corners 2 and 3.

Now, it's time to start wrapping! There are a few different methods you can use. One method is to fold the left and right points of the wrapper (corners 2 and 3) towards the center, then fold the bottom point (corner 4) over the center, and finally, roll towards the remaining point (corner 1) to form a tight cylinder. Another method is to wrap the corner closest to you (corner 1) over the filling, then turn both sides over the wrapper, and continue rolling away from you until you reach the end.

Once you've rolled the egg roll, you'll want to seal the edges. You can do this by brushing the edges with water or the egg wash, or by pressing the edges to seal.

Some things to keep in mind: Make sure the filling is slightly below the midline of the wrapper to avoid overfilling. Also, be sure not to place the egg rolls too close together when cooking, as they need space for the hot air to circulate and get that crispy texture.

Now that you know how to wrap egg rolls, it's time to cook them! As a reminder, the cooking time will depend on the size of your egg rolls, the type of air fryer you have, and how many egg rolls you're cooking at once. Brush the egg rolls with a light coating of oil or spray them with cooking spray, and cook at around 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-11 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't get too dark, and cook in batches if needed. Enjoy your delicious, crispy egg rolls!

How to cook homemade egg rolls

Ingredients

You can fill your egg rolls with almost anything. A traditional Chinese filling would include pork, chicken, garlic, ginger, carrot, scallion, and cabbage. Other options include beef, tofu, shrimp, mushrooms, and rice. For a healthier option, use low-sodium soy sauce to add umami flavor without excess sodium.

Filling

Start by cooking your meat and vegetables. You can cook the meat and vegetables together, or cook them separately and mix them afterward. If you're using ground meat, cook it in a skillet until it's browned and cooked through. If you're using a whole cut of meat, such as chicken breast, cut it into small pieces and cook until it's no longer pink. For vegetables, cook until they are wilted and softened. Season with soy sauce, vinegar, and other spices. Let the filling cool before assembling your egg rolls.

Assembly

Set up a "wrapping" station with your filling, a plate, a small dish of water, and a pastry brush. Place your egg roll wrapper on a plate or cutting board with one corner facing towards you. Place about 1/3 cup of filling in the bottom half of the wrapper. Brush the edges of the wrapper with water, then fold the left and right corners toward the center. Next, fold the bottom corner over the center and continue rolling away from you until you reach the end. Seal the edges with water or beaten egg. Repeat until all your wrappers are filled.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F. Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Place the egg rolls in the basket, making sure they are not touching, and brush or spray the tops with oil. Cook for a total of 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips

• You can make the filling up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• You can also pre-roll the egg rolls and store them in the fridge for up to 12 hours before cooking.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can pan-fry your egg rolls. Fill a skillet with enough oil to reach a depth of 1/2 inch and heat to 350°F. Fry the egg rolls for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

How to cook egg rolls without an air fryer

If you don't have an air fryer, you can cook egg rolls in the oven or on a stovetop. Here are some instructions for both methods:

Oven-Baked Egg Rolls

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the assembled egg rolls on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. Spray the egg rolls with non-stick cooking spray or brush them with olive oil. Bake for 10 to 17 minutes, flipping them over halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. If you want extra crispiness, broil for one minute on each side.

Stovetop Pan-Fried Egg Rolls

Heat enough oil in a medium skillet with high walls so that the oil is about half an inch deep. You can use olive oil or another neutral-flavored oil. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't have a thermometer to check the temperature, you can heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the egg rolls to the hot oil and fry for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip them over and fry for another 3 to 4 minutes, until they are golden brown. Remove them from the oil and drain them on paper towels.

No matter which method you choose, be sure to prepare your egg rolls by sealing the edges of the wrappers with water, beaten egg, or both, and filling them with your desired ingredients. Common fillings include ground pork, chicken, turkey, vegetables, and seasonings. Enjoy your egg rolls with your favorite dipping sauce!

Frequently asked questions