Reheating Egg Rolls: Air Fryer Time And Tips

If you're looking to restore your leftover egg rolls to their former crispy glory, an air fryer is your best bet. This handy kitchen tool can reheat your egg rolls in just a few minutes, giving them a crunchy texture without making them soggy. So, how long do you need to reheat egg rolls in an air fryer? Well, it depends on the size of your egg rolls and the power of your air fryer. Most sources recommend reheating at a temperature of around 350°F (175°C) for 1-4 minutes for small egg rolls and up to 6-8 minutes for larger ones. It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and to flip or shake your egg rolls halfway through for even heating. With these simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly crispy egg rolls without the mess and hassle of deep frying!

Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of reheating egg rolls. While some people might skip this step, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer for the best results. The ideal temperature range for preheating your air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. This temperature range is crucial for achieving the desired crispiness of your egg rolls.

When preheating your air fryer, it is advisable to set it to a slightly higher temperature than the recommended cooking temperature. By preheating at 370°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes, you can create the optimal environment for cooking your egg rolls. This initial preheating step ensures that your air fryer is ready to deliver consistent and even heating for the entire cooking process.

Preheating your air fryer at the right temperature sets the foundation for achieving the perfect crispiness of your egg rolls. It is worth noting that different air fryers may have specific preheating instructions, so be sure to refer to your air fryer's manual for any model-specific guidelines.

Once your air fryer reaches the desired temperature of 350°F to 400°F, you can proceed to the next steps of arranging the egg rolls in the air fryer basket and heating them to perfection. Remember to place the egg rolls in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the basket for the best results.

Arrange the egg rolls in a single layer

When reheating egg rolls in an air fryer, it's important to arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This ensures that the hot air can circulate freely around each egg roll, crisping up the exterior without drying out the filling.

To do this, simply place the egg rolls in the basket so that they are not overlapping or touching. If you are reheating a large number of egg rolls, you may need to do this in batches. It's better to cook them in batches than to overcrowd the basket, as this can make the egg rolls greasy and affect their texture.

When arranging the egg rolls in the air fryer basket, leave some space between each one to allow for even heating. This will help ensure that each egg roll comes out crispy and delicious.

If your egg rolls are frozen, you can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer. Just be sure to increase the reheating time by a few minutes. For best results, always keep a close eye on your egg rolls while they're cooking to avoid overcooking or drying them out.

By arranging the egg rolls in a single layer and following the other best practices for reheating, you'll be able to enjoy perfectly crispy and delicious egg rolls every time.

Reheat for 1-8 minutes

Reheating egg rolls in an air fryer is an effective way to restore them to their original crispy glory. The air fryer is a great alternative to the microwave, which can make egg rolls soggy, and the oven, which can be overkill.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Some people skip this step, but it is recommended for achieving consistent results.

Step 2: Arrange the Egg Rolls

Take your cold, leftover egg rolls out of the refrigerator and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure they do not overlap and are not overcrowded, as this will allow hot air to circulate freely. You may need to reheat them in batches.

Step 3: Reheat for 1-8 Minutes

Set the air fryer to 350°F (170°C) and cook the egg rolls for 1-8 minutes, depending on their size. Smaller egg rolls will take around 1-2 minutes, while bigger ones could take up to 4 minutes. Flip or shake them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating.

Step 4: Check for Crispiness

After the allotted time, check one of the egg rolls to see if it has reached your desired level of crispiness. If not, continue cooking in 1-2 minute increments until they are done to your liking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your egg rolls are crisped to perfection, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, hot mustard sauce, or chili sauce.

By following these steps, you can enjoy perfectly reheated egg rolls with a crispy exterior and a heated centre.

Check for crispiness

Checking for crispiness is an important step in reheating egg rolls in an air fryer. After 6-8 minutes, check one egg roll to see if it's heated through and crispy on the outside. If it's not quite crispy yet, continue cooking in 1-2 minute increments until it reaches the desired level of crispiness.

It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket when reheating egg rolls. The hot, dry air needs to be able to circulate freely around all sides of the egg rolls for them to heat and crisp up properly. If you have a lot of egg rolls to reheat, you may need to do it in batches.

Additionally, flipping or shaking the egg rolls halfway through the cooking time can help ensure even reheating and crispiness.

You can also brush the egg rolls lightly with oil before reheating them in the air fryer for added crispness, although this is not necessary as the air fryer will make them crispy without extra oil.

Finally, let the egg rolls cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. This allows the heat to balance out and prevents you from burning your mouth!

Serve immediately

Once your egg rolls are crisped to perfection, it's time to serve them! Here are some tips and suggestions to ensure your egg rolls are served at their best:

Timing is Everything

As the saying goes, a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips! But in all seriousness, when it comes to serving crispy egg rolls, timing is crucial. It's best to serve them immediately after removing them from the air fryer. This ensures the egg rolls are at their optimal texture and temperature. No one likes soggy or cold egg rolls!

Dipping Sauces

Egg rolls are commonly served with dipping sauces. Offering a variety of sauces can elevate your egg roll game and impress your guests. Here are some popular options:

• Soy Sauce: A classic and simple option that complements the flavours of the egg roll.
• Sweet and Sour Sauce: Tangy and sweet, this sauce adds a burst of flavour.
• Hot Mustard Sauce: For those who like it hot, this sauce adds a spicy kick.
• Plum Sauce or Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and unique, these sauces offer a complex flavour profile.
• Chili Sauce or Sriracha: For an extra hit of spice and tanginess.
• Peanut Sauce: A creamy and flavourful option for those who want something different.

Presentation and Sides

Presentation is key! Here are some tips to make your egg rolls look and feel extra special:

• Sprinkle with fresh herbs: Chopped cilantro, chives, or green onions add colour and freshness.
• Add a citrus twist: A few slices of fresh lime or lemon on the side brighten up the dish.
• Serve with a side salad: A light Asian-inspired salad with lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers complements the richness of the egg rolls.
• Include steamed rice or noodles: If serving egg rolls as part of a larger meal, these sides add substance and balance to the dish.

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply follow the air fryer method described earlier, ensuring the egg rolls are heated through and crispy.

Now you're ready to serve and enjoy your delicious egg rolls! Remember, presentation and timing are important, but most of all, have fun and savour every crispy bite!

Frequently asked questions