Air-Fryer Egg Rolls: Cooking Time Perfection

how long you cook egg rolls in air fryer

Cooking egg rolls in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to traditional frying methods. Air-fried egg rolls are less messy, healthier, and faster to cook than their deep-fried counterparts. The air fryer's convection technology creates a crispy exterior with a juicy filling, without the need for excessive oil. The cooking time for air fryer egg rolls depends on various factors, including the desired crispiness, size of the egg rolls, and the air fryer's temperature. Typically, homemade egg rolls are cooked at temperatures between 350°F and 400°F for 5 to 12 minutes, while frozen egg rolls may require a slightly longer cooking time of up to 15 minutes.

Characteristics Values
Temperature 350°F-400°F
Cooking time 5-15 minutes
Cooking time for frozen egg rolls 10-15 minutes
Cooking time for reheating 2 minutes
Cooking time for each side 1-7 minutes

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How to wrap egg rolls

To make egg rolls, you'll need to buy the correct wrappers. Egg roll wrappers are thick, square, pasta-like sheets of dough. They are usually available fresh, not frozen. You can find them at Asian grocery stores and some well-stocked supermarkets.

To wrap the egg rolls, place the wrapper so that one corner is facing toward you. Place a tablespoon of filling in the bottom half (closest to you) and wrap that corner over the filling. Take the left and right sides of the wrapper and fold them toward the middle. Then, continue rolling away from you (like a burrito) until you reach the end. You can seal the edges with water or a beaten egg. Some recipes also call for an egg wash (1 beaten egg and 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk) to seal the wrapper.

If you're making egg rolls ahead of time, you can pre-roll them and store them in the fridge for up to 12 hours. Place a lightly damp rag over them and then put them in an airtight container.

When you're ready to cook, remove the egg rolls from the fridge and place them in the air fryer, coating the outsides with oil. Cook at 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit and add 1-2 minutes per side until heated through. For uncooked egg rolls, one source recommends cooking at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes, flipping, and then baking for an additional 2 minutes. Another source recommends cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes per side.

Air frying is a healthier and faster alternative to deep-frying egg rolls. It also creates a crispy outside and perfectly cooked insides.

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Air fryer temperature and duration

The temperature and duration for cooking egg rolls in an air fryer depend on the type of egg rolls being cooked, the brand of the air fryer, and personal preferences for texture and crispiness.

Cooking Fresh Egg Rolls

Freshly prepared egg rolls can be cooked in the air fryer at temperatures ranging from 360°F to 400°F. The cooking duration varies across sources, with some recommending 5–7 minutes, 6 minutes per side, 7 minutes per side, 9 to 11 minutes, or 10 minutes. It is important to ensure that the egg rolls are cooked until they are crispy and golden brown.

Cooking Frozen Egg Rolls

Frozen egg rolls can be cooked straight from the freezer without the need for defrosting. The recommended temperature for cooking frozen egg rolls is 360°F to 400°F, and the duration ranges from 10 to 15 minutes. It is crucial to ensure that the egg rolls are heated through to the center.

Reheating Cooked Egg Rolls

To reheat cooked egg rolls, a lower temperature of 350°F to 370°F is suggested, and the duration is typically shorter, around 2 minutes. Adjustments may be necessary based on the original cooking temperature and duration.

Customizing the Cooking Process

The size of the egg rolls, altitude, and desired level of crispiness can also impact the cooking temperature and duration. Larger egg rolls may require a longer cooking time, while smaller ones may need less time. Adjustments of around 2–3 minutes can be made to achieve the desired level of crispiness. Additionally, at higher altitudes, a slight increase in cooking time may be necessary.

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Filling preparation

Firstly, gather your ingredients. A classic egg roll filling typically includes ground pork, rice noodles, mushrooms, shredded cabbage, and other vegetables like onions, carrots, or scallions. You can also add in some ginger, garlic, and soy sauce for extra flavour. If you want to make it vegetarian, you can skip the pork and add more veggies or tofu.

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to start cooking. Here's a step-by-step process:

  • Cook the pork: Place a deep skillet over medium to high heat and add some oil. Add your ground pork to the skillet and cook it until it's browned and crumbly. Make sure to season the pork with salt and any other spices you like.
  • Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more oil and throw in your vegetables. Sauté them until they are softened and wilted. This should take around 5-7 minutes. You can also add your rice noodles to the mix if you want to give them some colour and flavour.
  • Combine and season: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pork and vegetables. Mix them well so that all the flavours come together. Now is the time to add your seasoning. You can use soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Chill the filling: Before filling your egg rolls, it's important to chill the filling. This can be done by placing the filling in the freezer for 15-30 minutes or in the refrigerator for a few hours. Chilling the filling will prevent your egg roll wrappers from becoming soggy and tearing easily.

Once your filling is chilled, you can start assembling your egg rolls. Remember to work with one wrapper at a time and keep the rest covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out. Place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of filling in the centre of each wrapper and roll them up tightly, sealing the edges with a cornstarch slurry, beaten egg, or flour paste.

Now that your egg rolls are filled and sealed, they are ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

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Reheating and storing egg rolls

For cooked egg rolls, you can store them covered in the fridge for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. To do this, let the egg rolls cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper and freeze for 2 hours before transferring them to freezer storage. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

When you're ready to reheat your egg rolls, the air fryer is the best option. It will give you crispy results every time. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, then arrange the egg rolls in a single layer in the basket. Reheat for 1-3 minutes, depending on the size of the egg rolls. You can also reheat frozen egg rolls in the air fryer. Brush the frozen egg rolls with olive oil and cook at 360°F for 10-12 minutes.

You can also reheat egg rolls in the oven at 350°F for 6-7 minutes, or in a skillet at 350°F for about 4 minutes per side. However, these methods may not give you the same crispy texture as the air fryer.

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Oil type and application

Air fryer egg rolls are a healthier alternative to deep-fried egg rolls, as they require much less oil. The air fryer's convection method, which cooks food by circulating hot air, produces a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. This not only reduces the fat content of the dish but also eliminates the mess and hassle associated with traditional deep-frying methods.

When preparing egg rolls for the air fryer, you have the option to brush or spray oil onto the egg rolls themselves. This step is optional but can enhance the crispiness of the final product. Various types of oil can be used for this purpose, such as olive oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or other high-smoke-point cooking oils. It is recommended to avoid aerosolized cooking sprays as they may damage the coating of the air fryer basket.

To apply the oil, you can use a brush to gently coat the surface of the egg rolls before placing them in the air fryer. Alternatively, you can use a spray bottle or an olive oil spray specifically designed for air fryers. This method ensures a more even and light coating of oil, preventing the egg roll wrappers from becoming too greasy.

In addition to oiling the egg rolls themselves, it is also beneficial to prepare the air fryer basket by applying a light coating of oil. This step helps prevent sticking and ensures that the egg rolls release easily after cooking. Simply brush or spray a small amount of oil onto the basket before placing the egg rolls inside.

By following these oil application techniques, you can achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and flavor without compromising the health benefits of using an air fryer. Whether you brush or spray, and regardless of the type of oil you choose, the key is to use a light hand and avoid excessive oiling, as this can defeat the purpose of using an air fryer.

Frequently asked questions

Frozen egg rolls should be cooked in the air fryer for about 12-15 minutes at 360-400°F. Make sure they are heated through to the center.

Homemade egg rolls should be cooked in the air fryer for about 9-11 minutes at 390°F.

Your egg rolls are done when they are crispy and golden brown.

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