Air Fryer Egg Rolls: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer egg rolls are a delicious, healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried variety. They are also less time-consuming and create less mess. The air fryer's circulating air cooks the food evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender filling.

To make air fryer egg rolls, you'll need an air fryer, of course, as well as some basic ingredients like egg roll wrappers, oil, and your desired filling. The filling can be customised to your taste, but typically includes vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and celery, as well as protein options such as ground chicken, pork, or tofu.

The process involves preparing the filling, wrapping it in the egg roll wrappers, brushing the rolls with oil, and then air frying them for a few minutes until crispy and golden brown. It's a simple and fun method that produces irresistible results.

How to make the filling

The filling is the most important part of your egg rolls. It's what gives them their unique flavour and texture. Here's a step-by-step guide to making the perfect filling for your air fryer egg rolls:

Ingredients

You can fill your egg rolls with almost anything you like. However, a traditional Chinese takeout-style filling includes ground pork, ginger, garlic, scallions or green onions, carrots, and cabbage. You can also add celery, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and Sriracha or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. If you want to make it vegetarian, you can replace the ground pork with crumbled tofu or extra veggies.

Cooking the Filling

Start by cooking your protein of choice in a skillet over medium heat until it's cooked through. If you're using ground meat, break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Then, add your veggies and cook until they're wilted and soft. This usually takes around 3-4 minutes. Don't forget to season your filling! Soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, salt, and pepper are great options. You can also add Chinese 5-spice seasoning or red pepper flakes for some extra heat.

Tips

• Make sure to taste your filling before wrapping your egg rolls. This way, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking.
• You can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to let it cool down before putting it in the fridge.
• If you're using frozen veggies, let them thaw completely before cooking.

Now that you have your delicious filling, you're ready to start assembling your egg rolls! Just remember to seal those edges tightly and brush with oil for that extra crispiness. Enjoy your homemade air fryer egg rolls!

How to wrap the rolls

Now that you've sautéed your delicious filling, it's time to assemble your egg rolls. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to wrap your rolls:

Step 1: Set up your wrapping station

Before you begin, it's a good idea to set up a wrapping station with all the necessary tools and ingredients. You'll need your cooked filling, a plate or cutting board, a small dish of water, and a pastry brush (optional). Having everything within easy reach will make the wrapping process more efficient and enjoyable.

Step 2: Position the wrapper

Place an egg roll wrapper on your plate or cutting board. The wrapper should be shaped like a diamond, with one corner pointing towards you. This orientation will make it easier to fold and roll the wrapper neatly.

Step 3: Add the filling

Place a generous amount of filling onto the wrapper. A good guideline is to use about 2-3 tablespoons of filling for each egg roll. Place the filling in the bottom third of the wrapper, shaping it like a torpedo or cylinder. This will ensure a neat and secure roll.

Step 4: Roll and fold

Now it's time to start rolling! Begin by rolling the bottom corner of the wrapper up and over the filling. Stop rolling when you reach the center of the wrapper.

Next, fold in the left and right sides of the wrapper towards the center, one side at a time. This will create an envelope-like shape.

Step 5: Continue rolling

Starting from the bottom, continue rolling the egg roll away from you until you reach the top point of the wrapper. At this point, most of the wrapper should be rolled up, with just the top corner remaining.

Step 6: Seal the egg roll

To seal the egg roll, brush a small amount of water on the exposed top corner of the wrapper. This water will act as a natural "glue" to hold the wrapper together. Gently press the corner down and seal the edges. You may need to brush a little more water along the edges to ensure a tight seal.

Step 7: Repeat

Repeat the above steps until you have used up all your filling and wrappers. Depending on the amount of filling and the size of your wrappers, you should end up with 4-5 or about a dozen egg rolls.

Tips for wrapping:

• Keep the wrappers moist: Egg roll wrappers can dry out quickly, so it's important to keep them covered with a damp paper towel or cloth while you work. This will ensure they remain pliable and easy to roll.
• Roll tightly: Be sure to roll your egg rolls tightly to avoid sogginess and to ensure a neat, compact shape.
• Seal securely: Make sure to seal the edges of the egg rolls securely to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking. You can use water or a beaten egg to dampen the edges and help them stick together.

How to cook in the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook egg rolls, giving them a crispy texture without the extra fat of frying or the dryness of oven cooking. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook egg rolls in an air fryer:

Preparing the Filling:

Start by preparing your filling of choice. A traditional Chinese filling includes pork, ginger, garlic, scallions or green onions, carrots, and cabbage. You can also add celery, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil for extra flavour. Cook the meat first, and then add the vegetables. Don't forget to season your filling with salt and pepper, and maybe some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Let the filling cool before assembling the egg rolls.

Wrapping the Egg Rolls:

Set up your wrapping station with the cooked filling, a plate or cutting board, a small dish of water, and a pastry brush. Place an egg roll wrapper on the plate, shaping it like a diamond with one corner pointing towards you. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the bottom third of the wrapper, and then start rolling! First, roll up the bottom corner so it goes over the filling but only up to the middle of the wrapper. Next, fold in the left and right sides towards the centre, like an envelope. Finally, continue rolling from the bottom until you reach the top corner of the wrapper. Seal the edges of the wrapper with a couple of drops of water, or a beaten egg, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat this process until you have used up all your filling.

Cooking in the Air Fryer:

Brush or spray the basket of your air fryer with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. Place the assembled egg rolls in the basket, seam-side down, making sure they don't touch each other. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brush or spray the tops of the egg rolls with oil, which will help them get crispy and develop those iconic bubbles. Preheat your air fryer to around 360-400°F and cook for about 6-10 minutes, flipping the egg rolls halfway through.

Tips for Success:

• Make sure to seal your egg rolls properly to prevent the filling from spilling out.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
• Keep the egg roll wrappers moist by covering them with a damp paper towel while you work.
• Roll the egg rolls tightly to avoid them flattening or going limp.
• Spray the egg rolls generously with oil to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Keep cooked egg rolls warm in a low oven while you cook the remaining batches.

Now you're ready to enjoy your delicious, crispy air fryer egg rolls!

How to store and reheat

Air fryer egg rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh for longer, wrap the egg rolls in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to eat your leftover egg rolls, there are a few ways to reheat them. If you're short on time, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes, or place them in the oven at the same temperature for about 7 minutes. For frozen egg rolls, reheat them in the oven directly from frozen at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

If you're reheating a large batch, it's best to use the oven so you can reheat multiple egg rolls at once. For a smaller batch, the air fryer is a great option as it helps to maintain the crispy texture.

To ensure your egg rolls are warmed through and retain their crispy exterior, it's important not to overcrowd them during reheating. Place them in a single layer with some space between each egg roll.

Now you can enjoy your air fryer egg rolls whenever the craving strikes!

How to freeze

To freeze your egg rolls, you can follow these steps:

• Place the uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching each other.
• Put the baking sheet or plate in the freezer and leave the egg rolls to freeze for about 1-2 hours.
• Once they are frozen, transfer the egg rolls to a freezer bag or airtight container.
• Store the egg rolls in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.

When you are ready to cook the frozen egg rolls, you don't need to thaw them first. Simply brush them with olive oil or cooking spray and place them in the air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. If you are cooking them in a deep fryer, fry them for 4-5 minutes. You can also bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Frequently asked questions