Air Fryer Egg Rolls: Timing For Perfection

Air fryers have become a popular way to cook egg rolls, as they are healthier, faster, and create less mess than deep-frying. The cooking time depends on the size of the egg rolls, the type of air fryer, and the number of egg rolls in the basket. Typically, it takes around 10 minutes to cook egg rolls in an air fryer, but this can vary depending on the model and desired crispiness. Some recipes suggest cooking at 360°F for 7 minutes on one side and 2 minutes on the other, while others recommend cooking at 400°F for 6 minutes on each side.

How to make egg roll filling

To make the filling for egg rolls, you'll need a combination of meat and vegetables. For the meat, you can use ground chicken, ground pork, shrimp, or tofu. For the vegetables, you'll need cabbage (or coleslaw mix) , shredded carrots, and green onions. You can also add celery, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce to taste.

Here's a step-by-step guide to making the filling:

• Heat some vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add your choice of meat and cook until it is browned and cooked through. If using tofu, you can cook it until it is crispy.
• Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Add the coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage and carrots. Cook until the cabbage is wilted, about 2-4 minutes.
• Stir in the soy sauce and any other seasonings, such as sesame oil or five-spice powder.
• Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly before filling the egg roll wrappers.

You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as oyster sauce, sriracha, or black pepper, to suit your taste preferences.

How to assemble the egg rolls

To assemble the egg rolls, you'll need to get your filling and egg roll wrappers ready. The filling should be cooked and slightly cooled, and the wrappers should be kept moist by covering them with a damp paper towel.

Now, for the assembly:

Place an egg roll wrapper on a dry surface. Ensure that it is positioned like a diamond, with one corner pointing towards you. You can also shape it like a burrito, with the wrapper in a square shape and one corner pointing down towards you.

Add the filling to the wrapper. For the right proportion, place about 1/3 to 1/4 cup of the filling in the middle or bottom third of the wrapper. If you're using a diamond-shaped wrapper, the filling should be shaped like a torpedo, running horizontally.

Now, it's time to start rolling! If your wrapper is diamond-shaped, fold the left and right corners towards the centre, then fold the bottom corner over the centre. Roll it up towards the remaining point to create a tight cylinder. If you're using a square wrapper, fold the sides towards the centre, then start rolling the wrapper away from you.

To seal the egg roll, brush some water on the top corner and fold it down. You might need to add a little more water to the edges to ensure it's properly sealed.

Repeat these steps until you've used up all your filling and wrappers. You should get about 4-5 or 12 egg rolls, depending on how much filling you use in each.

Now, your egg rolls are ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

How to air fry egg rolls

Ingredients

To make the filling for your egg rolls, you will need:

• Ground chicken or pork
• Cabbage, shredded
• Carrots, shredded or matchstick
• Scallions or green onions, sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated or minced
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Rice wine vinegar
• Chinese 5-spice seasoning
• Sesame oil
• Olive oil or another high-smoke point cooking oil
• Egg roll wrappers

Method

Start by cooking your protein of choice in a skillet or wok until browned. Add your vegetables and continue to cook until softened. Season with your chosen sauces and spices, and remove from the heat. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Next, assemble your egg rolls. Place your wrapper so that it forms a diamond shape, with one corner pointing towards you. Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the middle, then fold the sides in and roll up the wrapper, sealing the edges with a little water.

Brush or spray the egg rolls with oil and place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook at around 360-400°F for 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Tips

• Make sure to leave space between your egg rolls so that air can circulate and they can cook evenly. You may need to cook them in batches.
• You can freeze any leftover egg rolls and reheat them in the oven or air fryer.
• Experiment with different fillings – almost any cooked protein or vegetable can be used!

How to store and freeze egg rolls

If you want to store your egg rolls in the fridge, allow them to cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to three days. You can reheat them in the air fryer at 370˚F for two minutes.

If you want to freeze your egg rolls, it's best to do so before cooking them. Place them on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper, making sure they're not touching. You can then transfer them to a freezer bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

When you're ready to cook your frozen egg rolls, there's no need to thaw them first. Simply brush them with olive oil and cook them in the air fryer at 360˚F for 10-12 minutes.

If you want to freeze your egg rolls after cooking them, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in cling film and place them in a plastic bag before freezing. Reheat them in the oven or fryer without thawing them first.

Alternative pan-frying method

If you don't have an air fryer, you can always pan-fry your egg rolls. This method is a lot less messy than deep-frying and will still give you a crispy exterior and perfectly steamed interior.

First, make sure you have all your ingredients ready to go. This includes your filling of choice—a popular option is a mixture of ground meats, shrimp, mushrooms, carrots, and onions—as well as your egg roll wrappers. You'll also need a large pan, oil for frying (canola or peanut oil are good options), and a lid for your pan.

To start, heat up about 2 teaspoons of oil in your pan on medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place your assembled egg rolls into the pan, being careful not to crowd them. Fry the egg rolls until they are browned on one side, which should take around 3-4 minutes. Then, flip them over and fry the other side until golden.

At this point, you'll want to grab your lid. Carefully pour a few tablespoons of water into the pan and immediately cover it with the lid. The water will create steam, which will help cook the filling of your egg rolls. Leave the egg rolls to steam for about 2-3 minutes. Once they're done, remove them from the pan and repeat the process with the rest of your egg rolls, adding more oil as needed.

Serve your freshly pan-fried egg rolls with a dipping sauce of your choice. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions