Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Egg Rolls

Air fryer egg rolls are a quick, easy, and delicious snack that can be made from frozen. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried egg rolls and can be cooked in a fraction of the time, with minimal preparation and cleanup. You can use either homemade or store-bought frozen egg rolls and fill them with your choice of meat or vegetables. The result is a crispy, golden, and perfectly cooked snack or appetizer.

Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Frozen Egg Rolls in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your egg rolls will cook evenly and efficiently. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer to depends on the model of your air fryer and your desired level of crispiness. Most sources recommend preheating to around 350-360° Fahrenheit, but some suggest 380° Fahrenheit or even as high as 400° Fahrenheit.

If you are using a basket-style air fryer, you may want to lightly coat the basket with a neutral cooking spray or olive oil before preheating. This will help to ensure that your egg rolls don't stick to the basket. However, be aware that aerosolized cooking sprays can damage the coating of some air fryer baskets, so it is important to use a neutral-flavored spray oil that is specifically designed for use in air fryers.

When preheating your air fryer, it is important to allow enough time for the appliance to reach the desired temperature. This usually takes a few minutes, but the exact time will depend on your particular air fryer model. It is also worth noting that if you are cooking multiple batches of egg rolls, you may need to reduce the cooking time by a minute or two, as the air fryer will already be preheated.

Once your air fryer has reached the desired temperature, you can carefully place your frozen egg rolls inside and begin the cooking process. By preheating your air fryer, you can be sure that your egg rolls will cook evenly and efficiently, resulting in a delicious, crispy treat!

Place the frozen egg rolls in the air fryer

When placing the frozen egg rolls in the air fryer, it is important to ensure that they are in a single layer and not overlapping or touching each other. This is to allow the hot air to circulate freely and cook the egg rolls evenly on all sides. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can place between four and eight egg rolls in the basket or rack at the bottom of the air fryer.

If your air fryer basket is not non-stick, it is recommended to prepare the basket by spraying it with a neutral-flavored cooking spray or olive oil. However, some sources suggest that this step is unnecessary and that no oil spray is needed.

It is also important to note that you do not need to defrost the frozen egg rolls before placing them in the air fryer. They can be taken straight out of the freezer and put into the preheated air fryer.

Cook for 7-12 minutes

Once you have placed your frozen egg rolls in the air fryer basket, it's time to cook them! Depending on the model of your air fryer, you will need to cook the egg rolls for 7-12 minutes.

Air fryers vary in the way they cook, so it is important to keep an eye on your egg rolls to ensure they are cooked to perfection. You may need to adjust the cooking time by a minute or two. If you are using a different air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time. For example, if you are using frozen mini egg rolls, you may need to decrease the cooking time by 2-3 minutes.

While cooking, you can prepare a dipping sauce to enjoy with your egg rolls. You can use a homemade or store-bought sauce. Some examples include orange sauce, duck sauce, sweet and sour sauce, Thai sweet chilli sauce, plum sauce, soy sauce, or Yum Yum sauce.

It is also important to note that you should not overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will ensure that the hot air can move freely around the egg rolls, cooking them evenly.

Flip halfway through

While some sources claim that there is no need to flip frozen egg rolls halfway through cooking in an air fryer, others suggest doing so for a crispy texture and even browning.

If you choose to flip your egg rolls, first air fry them at 340°F/170°C for 10 minutes. Then, flip them over and increase the heat to 400°F/205°C. Air fry for another 2-5 minutes, or until they are cooked through and crispy.

If you are using a basket-style air fryer, you can flip the egg rolls by rolling them. Be careful, as they will be hot.

If you choose not to flip your egg rolls, simply air fry them for 8-12 minutes at 350°F-400°F, or until they are crispy and golden brown.

Serve with a dipping sauce

When it comes to serving your egg rolls, the options are endless! You can serve them as a quick snack, a perfect appetizer, or a great side dish. You can even serve them with fried rice or noodle bowls.

For the dipping sauce, you can go with store-bought options or make your own. If you're buying a sauce, look for orange sauce, duck sauce, sweet and sour sauce, Thai sweet chili sauce, plum sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, hot mustard, hot sauce, or Yum Yum sauce. You can usually find these in the Asian section of your local grocery store, or at an Asian market if you're lucky enough to have one nearby.

If you're making your own dipping sauce, try mixing soy sauce and sesame oil. You can also add a teaspoon of rice vinegar and toss in some chopped green onions.

And remember, egg rolls are best served right away, so only prepare what you know you'll eat!

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