Air Fryer Egg Rolls: The Refrigerated Edition

how to cook refrigerated egg rolls in air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook egg rolls, yielding a crunchy exterior without the extra fat from deep-frying. The process is simple, fast, and affordable. You can use either homemade or store-bought refrigerated egg rolls, and cook them in your air fryer in just a few minutes. The key to getting that perfect crisp is to brush or spray the egg rolls with oil before placing them in the air fryer. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook refrigerated egg rolls in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking, and storage tips for the best results.

Characteristics Values
Benefits Healthier than deep frying, faster, less messy, and easy to make
Filling Pork, chicken, beef, tofu, shrimp, vegetables, garlic, ginger, carrot, scallions, cabbage, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, black pepper, salt, sugar, white pepper, toasted sesame oil, oyster sauce, sriracha, celery, avocado oil, turkey, 5-spice seasoning
Wrapper Egg roll wrappers, flour, eggs
Cooking instructions Preheat air fryer to 350-400°F, brush or spray egg rolls with oil, cook for 6-9 minutes, flipping halfway through
Storage Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days, freeze for up to 3 months
Reheating Reheat in air fryer at 350-370°F for 2-5 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 6-10 minutes

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How to wrap refrigerated egg rolls

To wrap refrigerated egg rolls, you will need egg roll wrappers, which are typically made from wheat flour, water, salt, and eggs. They can be found in the refrigerated or frozen sections of most supermarkets and come in various shapes and sizes, with square and circular ones being the most common. You can also make your own wrappers at home using flour, salt, baking powder, and water.

  • Set up a "wrapping" station with your cooked filling, a plate or cutting board, a small dish of water, and a pastry brush.
  • Place the wrapper on the plate or cutting board, shaping it like a diamond with one corner pointing towards you.
  • Place about 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the bottom third of the wrapper, depending on the size of your wrapper and the consistency of your filling. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make the egg rolls difficult to roll and may cause them to burst during cooking.
  • Roll up the bottom point of the diamond so that it goes over the filling, stopping at the center of the wrapper.
  • Fold in both sides of the wrapper snugly against the filling.
  • Continue rolling the wrapper away from you until you reach the end, creating a neat package.
  • Seal the edges: Use a small brush to moisten the edges of the wrapper with water or a beaten egg. This will help to secure the seal and prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.

Once you have wrapped your refrigerated egg rolls, you can cook them in an air fryer for a crispy, crunchy exterior and a tender, perfectly cooked interior.

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How to cook refrigerated egg rolls in an air fryer

Air-fried egg rolls are a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried egg rolls. They are also simple to make and cook in a fraction of the time. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving crispy, crunchy, and tender egg rolls using an air fryer.

Prepare the filling

You can make the filling a day or two in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Start by cooking your choice of meat, such as ground pork, chicken, beef, or turkey, in a pan until cooked through. Then, add your vegetables, such as garlic, ginger, carrot, scallions, and cabbage, and cook until the vegetables are wilted and soft. Season the mixture with soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, salt, sugar, white pepper, and sesame oil. Stir well and remove from the heat. Let the filling cool down before assembling the egg rolls.

Assemble the egg rolls

Set up a "wrapping" station with your cooked filling, a plate, a small dish of water, and a pastry brush. Place an egg roll wrapper on a plate or cutting board, positioning it so that one corner is facing towards you, like a diamond. Place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of filling in the bottom third of the wrapper. Then, start rolling from the bottom, folding the sides over the filling towards the center, and continue rolling away from you until you reach the end. Seal the edges with some water, an egg white and water mixture, or a beaten egg. Repeat this process until all your wrappers are filled and rolled.

Air fry the egg rolls

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F-400°F. Spray the basket of the air fryer with olive oil spray or a neutral-flavored spray oil that is safe for air fryers. Place the egg rolls in the basket, ensuring they do not touch each other, and lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil. Cook the egg rolls for 6-7 minutes, then flip them over and brush or spray with more oil. Cook for an additional 2-6 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Storing and reheating

Allow the egg rolls to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 2-5 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked or uncooked egg rolls. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 2 hours before transferring to freezer storage. Brush frozen egg rolls with oil and air fry at 360˚F for 10-12 minutes, without thawing, until heated through.

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How to store leftover refrigerated egg rolls

To store leftover refrigerated egg rolls, it is important to let them cool to room temperature first. Then, place them in a covered airtight container or wrap them tightly with heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture and odours from seeping in. Position the container in the main compartment of the refrigerator, away from raw meats and other strong-smelling foods.

Properly stored, leftover egg rolls will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. If you wish to keep them longer, you can freeze them. To do this, freeze the egg rolls in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrap them tightly with heavy-duty aluminium foil or freezer wrap. Properly stored, they will maintain their best quality for about 1 to 2 months but will remain safe beyond that time.

If you plan to store multiple batches of egg rolls, opt for containers that are stackable to save space in your refrigerator or freezer. Transparent containers can also be beneficial as they allow you to see the contents without opening the container.

Additionally, the filling of your egg rolls can affect how long they last. Fresh vegetables, meats, or seafood can change how long they stay good. For example, if you have shrimp in your egg rolls, eat them sooner rather than later.

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How to reheat refrigerated egg rolls in an air fryer

Reheating refrigerated egg rolls in an air fryer is a simple process that delivers excellent results. This method is highly recommended, as it restores the egg rolls to their original crispy glory, unlike the microwave, which can leave them soggy.

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (170-190°C). Although some people skip this step, preheating ensures that your egg rolls are heated evenly. It is also important to ensure that your egg rolls are not frozen, as this can affect how evenly they cook.

Next, arrange the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding by reheating in batches if necessary.

Now, set the air fryer to 350°F (170°C) and reheat for 1-3 minutes, depending on the size of the egg rolls. For larger egg rolls, consider reheating for 6-8 minutes, flipping or shaking them halfway through to ensure even heating.

Finally, remove the egg rolls from the air fryer when they are nice and crispy, and enjoy!

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Health benefits of cooking refrigerated egg rolls in an air fryer

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying, as they require a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep frying. This reduction in oil can help lower your intake of saturated fat, which carries several health benefits, such as:

  • Helping to manage cholesterol levels
  • Decreasing your risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Helping with weight management and the prevention of obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes

Air fryers are also safer than deep frying, as there is no risk of spilling, splashing, or accidentally touching hot oil.

While air-fried foods are generally healthier than deep-fried foods, it's important to note that the health benefits are dependent on the types of food being cooked. For example, lean proteins and vegetables are healthier options to cook in an air fryer than processed foods like bacon or chicken wings, which are still high in saturated and trans fats.

In the case of refrigerated egg rolls, cooking them in an air fryer instead of deep frying can help reduce the amount of oil they absorb, making them a healthier option. This method can also save time and produce a similar texture and flavor to deep-fried egg rolls, with a crispy outside and tender filling.

Frequently asked questions

It is recommended that you cook refrigerated egg rolls in an air fryer for 6 minutes, flip them over, brush with oil, and cook for an additional 2-6 minutes.

To wrap refrigerated egg rolls, place the wrapper so that one corner is facing you. Place about 1/4 to 3 tablespoons of filling in the bottom half (towards you) and wrap that corner over the filling. Turn both sides over the wrapper and then roll it up. Seal the edges with some water, an egg white/water mixture, or a beaten egg.

Allow the egg rolls to cool and store covered leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-4 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 2-5 minutes.

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