Air-Fryer Egg Rolls: The Asian Appetizer Made Easy

Making Asian egg rolls in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to deep frying. The air fryer requires a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying methods and produces a crunchy, golden-brown exterior with a tender filling. This method is also less messy and easier to clean up.

To make Asian egg rolls in an air fryer, first prepare the filling. Common ingredients include ground meat (such as chicken, pork, or turkey), garlic, ginger, cabbage, carrots, and soy sauce. Cook the filling in a skillet until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are wilted. Allow the filling to cool before assembling the egg rolls.

To assemble the egg rolls, place the filling onto an egg roll wrapper and roll it up tightly, sealing the edges with water or a beaten egg. Place the assembled egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Brush or spray the egg rolls with oil to help achieve a crispy texture. Set the air fryer temperature between 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 6-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.

Serve the egg rolls with your favourite dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or hoisin sauce.

How to make the filling

Making the filling for your Asian egg rolls is simple. First, decide on your protein. You can use ground pork, ground chicken, ground turkey, or tofu. If you're using meat, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it's cooked through. If you're using tofu, you'll want to cook it until it's crispy.

Next, add your vegetables. You can use a combination of ginger, garlic, scallions, carrots, and cabbage, or you can use a coleslaw mix for convenience. Cook the vegetables until they're wilted, then season the filling with soy sauce and rice wine vinegar, or salt and pepper. Give the filling a taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Now you're ready to assemble your egg rolls!

How to assemble the rolls

To assemble the rolls, first set up your "wrapping" station with a cooked filling, a plate, a small dish of water, and a pastry brush.

Place the wrapper on a plate or cutting board. You’ll want it shaped like a diamond, with the bottom point facing you. Place about 1/4 cup of filling in the bottom third of the wrapper.

Roll up the bottom point of the diamond so that it goes up and over the filling, but only goes to the center of the wrapper.

Now, fold in the left and right corners towards the center, pressing gently and tucking in. It will look like you’re wrapping the sides of a present. Secure with more water.

Roll the egg roll away from you, folding it on itself, until you reach the top point of the wrapper. Brush some water on the top point of the egg roll, and fold it down. You may need to brush a bit more water over the edges to “seal” the egg roll closed.

Repeat until you have used up all your filling.

How to cook the rolls in an air fryer

Now that you have your delicious Asian egg roll filling ready, it's time to cook the rolls in your air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide:

Preparing the Egg Rolls for the Air Fryer:

• Place the egg roll wrappers on a dry surface with one corner pointing towards you, resembling a diamond shape.
• Put about 1/4 cup of the filling in the middle of the wrapper. If using a tablespoon, scoop 3 heaping tablespoons of filling.
• To seal the wrapper, dip your fingers in water and run it along the edges. Alternatively, use a brush to apply water, which keeps your fingers clean.
• Start rolling the wrapper away from you, similar to rolling a burrito. First, fold the bottom corner over the filling, then bring the side corners towards the centre, and continue rolling until you reach the end.
• Ensure the wrapper is sealed well by pressing the edges together. You can use a beaten egg or water to dampen the edges.
• Repeat this process until you've used up all the filling.

Cooking the Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer:

• Prepare the air fryer basket by spraying or brushing it lightly with oil. This helps to crisp up the egg rolls.
• Place the egg rolls in the basket, ensuring they don't stack or touch each other. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Brush or spray the tops of the egg rolls with a light coat of oil.
• Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F to 400°F.
• Cook the egg rolls for about 6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• If cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in an oven at 200°F on a cookie sheet while you cook the rest.
• Serve the egg rolls immediately for the best taste and texture.

Tips for Cooking Egg Rolls in an Air Fryer:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Ensure there is space between the egg rolls to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
• Seal the edges of the egg rolls properly to prevent the filling from spilling out.
• Keep the egg roll wrappers moist by covering them with a damp cloth or paper towel while assembling the rolls.
• If you prefer extra crispiness, brush or spray the egg rolls with oil a second time after flipping them halfway through the cooking process.
• For frozen egg rolls, preheat the air fryer to 360°F and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.

Now you're ready to cook your Asian egg rolls in the air fryer! Enjoy the delicious, crispy results!

How to store and reheat the rolls

Leftover egg rolls will keep for three to five days when properly stored in the fridge. To store, place the rolls in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge.

To reheat, you can use an air fryer, oven, toaster oven, or a combination of the oven and microwave.

If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F. Then, arrange the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Reheat for one to three minutes, depending on their size, and remove them from the air fryer when they're crispy.

For an oven or toaster oven, preheat to 350°F and place the egg rolls on a foil-covered baking sheet. Reheat for five minutes, flipping them halfway through. Check for doneness; the internal temperature should be 165°F. If they're not quite done, put them back in the oven for a few more minutes.

If you're in a hurry, you can use a combination of the microwave and oven. Start by heating the egg rolls in the microwave on low for two minutes. Then, brush or spray them lightly with oil and transfer them to a preheated oven at 425°F. Reheat for seven to ten minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crispy.

Alternatively, you can also reheat egg rolls in a pan or deep fryer, but these methods may result in sogginess or excess grease.

How to freeze the rolls

Freezing your egg rolls is a great way to preserve them for future meals. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to properly freeze your egg rolls:

Preparing the Rolls for Freezing:

Before you begin the freezing process, it is important to ensure that your egg rolls are properly assembled and sealed. A tight seal will help prevent the filling from spilling out during storage and reheating. You can use either water or a beaten egg to dampen the edges of the wrappers and seal them securely.

Once your egg rolls are assembled, it is recommended to flash freeze them. This process helps to prevent the egg rolls from sticking together in the freezer. Place the uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch each other. Leave enough space between them so that they do not come into contact. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour to an hour and a half, or until the egg rolls are completely frozen.

Storing the Rolls in the Freezer:

After the initial freezing process, you can transfer the egg rolls to a freezer-safe storage container. Ziplock freezer bags or airtight containers are ideal for this purpose. Place the frozen egg rolls inside and seal the bag or container tightly. Label the package with the date and the type of filling used.

Egg rolls can be stored in the freezer for an extended period. They will remain safe to eat indefinitely, but it is recommended to consume them within three to four months for the best quality and taste.

Reheating Frozen Egg Rolls:

When you are ready to enjoy your frozen egg rolls, simply remove them from the freezer and reheat them. If using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F and place the frozen egg rolls inside, adding a minute or two to the cooking time for each side. You can also reheat them in a conventional oven at 350°F until they are warmed through, which should take around six to seven minutes.

It is important to note that egg rolls should not be reheated in a microwave, as this can make them soggy. For best results, stick to the air fryer or oven reheating methods.

Now you know how to freeze, store, and reheat your delicious Asian egg rolls! Enjoy your homemade frozen treats whenever you crave them.

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