Frying Egg Rolls: Air Fryer Quick Tips

Frying egg rolls in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious snack or appetizer. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of air fryer you have, the number of egg rolls, and whether they are frozen or not. Typically, it takes around 10-12 minutes to cook egg rolls in an air fryer, with some recipes suggesting flipping them halfway through.

How to make egg roll filling

Egg rolls are a great snack or starter for any Asian-style meal. They are typically filled with pork and vegetables, but you can also substitute ground chicken or make them without meat. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious egg roll filling:

Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (minced)
• Coleslaw mix (cabbage, carrots, and sometimes onions)
• Ground meat (pork, chicken, or shrimp)
• Seasonings (soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, etc.)
• Egg roll wrappers
• Dipping sauce (optional)

Instructions:

• Heat some vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant.
• Add the coleslaw mix and cook until the cabbage is wilted. If using onions, add them now and cook until translucent.
• Add your choice of ground meat and continue cooking until it is browned and cooked through.
• Season the filling with soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and other desired seasonings. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Remove the filling from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
• Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto each egg roll wrapper. You can also add some cooked rice or noodles if desired.
• Fold the egg roll wrappers according to the package instructions, using a beaten egg or water to seal the edges.
• At this point, you can choose to fry, bake, or air-fry your egg rolls. For frying, heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F and fry the egg rolls in batches until golden brown. For baking, coat the egg rolls with cooking spray and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes. For air-frying, brush the egg rolls with oil and cook at 350°F for 6 minutes per side.
• Serve your egg rolls with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce, duck sauce, or soy sauce.

Tips:

• You can make the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days.
• If you want to assemble the egg rolls ahead of time, arrange them on a sheet pan, cover them tightly, and store them in the fridge for up to one day before frying.
• To freeze uncooked egg rolls, place them on a cookie sheet and flash freeze for about an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and store for up to three months.
• When reheating cooked egg rolls, avoid using the air fryer as they may burn. Instead, reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

How to assemble the egg rolls

To assemble the perfect egg rolls, follow these steps:

First, set up your wrapping station. You'll need your cooked filling, a plate, a small dish of water, a pastry brush, and your egg roll wrappers. You can find egg roll wrappers in the refrigerated section of your supermarket—usually in the produce section near the bottled salad dressings and sauces.

Next, place a single wrapper on your plate or cutting board. It should be shaped like a diamond, with one of the corners pointing at you. Now, place about 1/4 to 3 tablespoons of filling in the bottom third of the wrapper. (The amount of filling you use will depend on the size of your wrappers and how much you want your egg rolls to hold.)

Roll the bottom corner of the wrapper up and over the filling until it reaches the center. Then, fold in the left side of the wrapper and lay the right side over it, as if you're making an envelope.

Starting from the bottom, roll the wrapper up and away from you until you reach the top point of the wrapper. Brush some water on the top point and fold it down, sealing the egg roll. Repeat this process until you've used up all your filling.

To ensure your egg rolls stay sealed, you can dip your fingers in water and run them along the edges of the wrapper before rolling. You can also use a beaten egg to seal the edges.

How to cook egg rolls in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Minced garlic
• Minced ginger
• Celery
• 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.
• Add 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 over the wrapper and 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 used.
• Spray the basket of the air fryer with olive oil spray. Place the egg rolls in the basket and lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.
• Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes. Then flip the egg rolls and cook for an additional 6 minutes.

Tips

• Seal the egg rolls: Make sure you seal up your egg rolls so the filling doesn’t spill out. Use either water or egg wash to dampen the edges so they stick together.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: For the air fryer to cook the egg rolls optimally, make sure there is space between them. Cook them in batches if needed and keep them warm in an oven set to 200°F on a cookie sheet.
• Keep them damp: To prevent your egg roll wrappers from drying out, cover the ones you are not using with a damp paper towel.
• Sauce: We like a good sweet chili sauce with these air fryer egg rolls. You can also use hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or a spicy orange sauce.
• Make-ahead and freezing: This air fryer egg roll recipe is ideal for making ahead of time and freezing. Make a double batch of the filling and roll the egg rolls as directed. Place the egg rolls on a cookie sheet to flash freeze for about an hour to an hour and a half. This will prevent the egg rolls from sticking together in the freezer. Transfer the egg rolls to a freezer-safe ziplock bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, remove the egg rolls from the freezer and place them in the air fryer, coating the outsides with oil. Cook at 400°F and add 1-2 minutes per side until heated through.

How to store and reheat egg rolls

Storing

Let your egg rolls cool down to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. You can line the container with paper towels to absorb excess grease and prevent sogginess. Place another paper towel over the egg rolls before sealing the container. Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best quality.

Reheating

There are several ways to reheat egg rolls, each with its pros and cons. Here are some of the most common methods:

• Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place the egg rolls in a single layer in the fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch. Heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden. This method is quick and convenient, delivering crunchy results without excess oil.
• Oven/Toaster Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the egg rolls on a wire rack or preheated baking tray. Heat for 5 to 10 minutes, turning halfway if using a baking tray. For extra crispness, turn on the broiler for the final minute. This method is great for convenience and achieving good results.
• Skillet/Pan: Place a skillet on medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil if desired. Put the egg rolls in the pan and heat for 1-2 minutes. Then, turn and heat each side for 30-60 seconds until they reach your desired crispness. Drain on a paper towel to absorb excess oil before serving. This method delivers excellent crispness but requires more attention and effort.
• Microwave: Place the egg rolls on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel, leaving space between them. Heat in 15-second intervals on medium power until they reach your desired temperature. Rest for a minute before serving. This method is quick but tends to make the egg rolls soggy.
• Deep Frying: Heat oil to 350°F (180°C) in a pot. Fry 2-3 egg rolls at a time for 30-45 seconds or until golden and crispy. Drain the excess grease on a paper towel for about a minute before serving. This method produces a noticeable crunch but can be overly greasy.

What sauce to serve with egg rolls

There are many different sauces that you can serve with egg rolls. Here are some ideas:

Sweet and Sour Sauce

A traditional egg roll sauce, sweet and sour sauce is a common choice to serve with egg rolls. It is tangy and can be made with just a few pantry items.

Plum Sauce

Another traditional egg roll sauce, plum sauce is a sweet and sour sauce often used as a dip for spring rolls, crispy noodles, or egg rolls. It can be drizzled on top of dishes, too.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a great gluten-free, soy-free, and paleo option. It has a salty-sweet deliciousness that pairs well with egg rolls.

Peanut Sauce

A creamy peanut sauce can add some zing to your egg rolls. It is a popular choice and can be made with just a few ingredients.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a simple, common choice to serve with egg rolls. It is savoury and salty and can be used as a dipping sauce or added to other sauces.

Sweet Chilli Sauce

Sweet chilli sauce is a popular choice to serve with egg rolls. It has a sweet and spicy flavour that complements the egg roll filling.

Duck Sauce

Duck sauce is a common sauce to serve with egg rolls. It has a tangy flavour.

Gyoza Dipping Sauce

This tangy, spicy sauce is easy to make and can be used as a dip for egg rolls, dumplings, potstickers, and spring rolls.

Nuoc Cham

Nuoc cham is a must-have Vietnamese dipping sauce that is sweet, savoury, and tangy.

Garlic Honey Soy Sauce

This sauce has a bit of everything – garlic, sweetness, soy flavour, and a punch of heat from red pepper flakes.

Sweet and Spicy Mustard Dip

A blend of sweet and spicy, this mustard dip is a unique choice to serve with egg rolls. It is easy to make and perfect for a summer gathering.

Avocado Spinach Dip

A light and fresh egg roll dipping sauce, this avocado spinach dip is another great choice for a summer gathering.

Mango Chutney

Mango chutney is a sweet and spicy dip that is perfect for those who want a unique flavour combination with their egg rolls.

Sriracha

Sriracha is a subtly spicy and smoky sauce that is a popular choice for those who like a bit of heat with their egg rolls.

Frequently asked questions