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

Making egg rolls in an air fryer is a healthier, faster, and less messy alternative to deep-frying them. They are simple, quick, and affordable to make. You can use a variety of ingredients for the filling, including chicken, pork, beef, tofu, shrimp, and vegetables. The process involves making the filling, wrapping the rolls, brushing them with oil, and then air frying them.

How to make the filling

The filling is the star of the egg roll, and you can get creative with it. The basic ingredients you'll need are some protein, vegetables, and seasoning. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious filling for your air fryer egg rolls:

Ingredients:

• Protein of your choice: Ground pork, chicken, beef, or turkey. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Vegetables: Cabbage, carrots, celery, garlic, ginger, green onions, and mushrooms are popular choices.
• Seasoning and sauces: Soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and sriracha.

Instructions:

• Cook the Protein: Start by cooking your chosen protein in a large skillet over medium heat. Break apart the meat and cook until it's no longer pink and cooked through.
• Add Vegetables: Throw in your chopped vegetables. You can use a store-bought coleslaw mix or chop your own cabbage, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are wilted and softened.
• Season Generously: Add your favourite sauces and seasonings. Soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and sriracha are great options. Don't be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
• Cool the Filling: Once your filling is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before assembling your egg rolls. You can even make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create your own unique filling. Just make sure to cook any raw ingredients thoroughly and always taste as you go to ensure your filling is packed with flavour!

How to assemble the egg rolls

To assemble the egg rolls, you'll need to first set up a "wrapping station" with your cooked filling, a plate, a small bowl of water, and a pastry brush.

Place an egg roll wrapper on a plate or cutting board. Ensure that the wrapper is shaped like a diamond, with one of the corners pointing towards you. Place around 1/4 to 1/3 cup of filling in the bottom third of the wrapper.

Now, it's time to start rolling! Roll the bottom corner of the wrapper up and over the filling until it reaches the center of the wrapper. Next, fold the left side of the wrapper towards the center, followed by the right side. At this point, it should resemble an envelope.

Starting from the bottom, continue rolling the wrapper until only the top corner is exposed. Brush some water on the top corner and fold it down to seal the egg roll. You may need to apply a little more water to the edges to ensure that it stays closed.

Repeat these steps until you have assembled all your egg rolls.

How to cook the egg rolls in the air fryer

How to Cook Egg Rolls in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

• Oil (vegetable, olive, avocado, or canola)
• Filling of your choice (e.g. cabbage, carrot, celery, garlic, ginger, green onions, ground chicken, tofu, or shrimp)
• Seasoning (e.g. soy sauce, black pepper, sesame oil, sriracha)
• Egg roll wrappers

Method

• Prepare your filling by cooking your chosen ingredients in a frying pan or wok. For example, you could heat some oil in a pan and stir-fry garlic, ginger, and celery until fragrant, before adding cabbage and carrot and cooking until wilted.
• Place an egg roll wrapper on a dry surface, with one corner pointing towards you (like a diamond).
• Place a couple of tablespoons of filling in the middle of the wrapper.
• Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll the wrapper tightly away from you. Use water or a beaten egg to seal the edge. Repeat until you have used up all your filling.
• Brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the egg rolls in the basket, seam-side down, without letting them touch each other.
• Brush or spray the tops of the egg rolls with oil.
• Air fry at around 350-400°F for 6-7 minutes. Then, flip the egg rolls and cook for a further 2-6 minutes, until crispy.
• Serve with your choice of dipping sauce, such as sweet chilli sauce, hoisin sauce, or soy sauce.

Tips

• You can make the filling up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge.
• To freeze uncooked egg rolls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen at the same temperature, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
• If you want to add meat to your egg rolls, make sure it is precooked.
• You can find egg roll wrappers in the refrigerated section of most supermarkets.

How to store and reheat the egg rolls

How to Store and Reheat Egg Rolls

Leftover egg rolls will keep for 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. To store, let the egg rolls cool down and then place them in an airtight container in the fridge.

To reheat egg rolls in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350-370 °F. Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Reheat for 1-4 minutes, depending on their size, until they are crispy.

If you want to reheat egg rolls in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 °F. Place the egg rolls on a foil-covered baking sheet and heat for 5-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

You can also reheat egg rolls in the microwave, but this will result in a softer exterior. Place the egg rolls on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until heated through.

To freeze egg rolls, let them cool completely and then place them on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen egg rolls can be stored for up to 3 months.

To reheat frozen egg rolls, brush them with olive oil and bake at 360 °F for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the air fryer at 400 °F for 1-2 minutes per side.

Alternative cooking methods

There are several alternative cooking methods for egg rolls, including baking, deep frying, and oven-baking.

Baking

To bake egg rolls, preheat the oven to 425°F. Line the egg rolls, seam-side down, on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. Spray the egg rolls with non-stick cooking spray and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip the egg rolls 2-3 times while baking, and broil for a minute on each side for extra crispiness.

Deep Frying

To deep fry egg rolls, heat enough oil in a deep stock pot, Dutch oven, or deep-fat fryer to reach 3 inches up the sides. Heat the oil to 350°F. Fry 4 egg rolls at a time, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown. Drain the egg rolls on paper towels.

Oven-Baking

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place a baking rack on a foil-lined baking sheet and liberally spray the rack with olive oil. Put the egg rolls seam-side down on the baking rack and brush olive oil over the top. Bake at 325°F for 12 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 8-12 minutes, or until the egg rolls are crispy without being burned.

Frequently asked questions