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

Making egg rolls in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to deep-frying. It's also a lot less messy! You can make your own egg roll filling or use store-bought frozen egg rolls. If you're making your own, you'll need an egg roll wrapper and a filling of your choice—popular options include ground chicken, pork, or turkey, as well as vegetables like cabbage, carrot, and garlic. To assemble the egg rolls, place the filling in the wrapper, fold, and seal with water or beaten egg. Brush or spray the egg rolls with oil and air fry for around 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

How to make egg roll filling

The filling is the most important part of your egg rolls, so it's worth taking the time to get it just right. Here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious egg roll filling:

Ingredients

You can use a variety of ingredients to make your egg roll filling, but some common ones include:

• Protein: Ground chicken, pork, beef, or tofu.
• Vegetables: Cabbage, carrot, garlic, ginger, celery, scallions, and onion.
• Sauces and Seasonings: Soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and black pepper.

Step 1: Cook the Protein

If you're using a protein like ground chicken, pork, or beef, start by cooking it in a skillet over medium heat until it's cooked through. You can also use pre-cooked meat, such as crispy air fryer tofu, cooked shrimp, or chicken.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Once your protein is cooked, add your vegetables to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are wilted and softened. This usually takes around 3-4 minutes. You can also add some sauces and seasonings, like soy sauce and rice wine vinegar, to the vegetable mixture.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Before moving on to the next step, it's important to taste your filling and adjust the seasonings to your preference. This is the time to add more soy sauce, garlic, ginger, or any other seasonings you like.

Step 4: Cool the Filling

Once you're happy with the taste of your filling, remove it from the heat and let it cool down. This is an important step because you don't want your filling to be steaming hot when you start assembling your egg rolls.

Step 5: Assemble and Cook Your Egg Rolls

Now that your filling is ready, you can start assembling your egg rolls by placing a few tablespoons of filling in the centre of an egg roll wrapper and rolling it up. Once your egg rolls are assembled, you can cook them in your air fryer at 350-390°F for about 6-11 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy egg rolls with a tasty filling. Enjoy!

How to assemble the egg rolls

To assemble the egg rolls, start by setting up a "wrapping" station with your 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 to 1/3 cup of filling in the bottom half of the wrapper.

Roll the bottom point of the diamond up and over the filling until it reaches the centre of the wrapper.

Now, fold in both sides of the wrapper, as if you were making an envelope.

Starting from the bottom, roll the egg roll up until just the top point of the wrapper is still exposed.

Brush some water on the remaining point of the wrapper and fold it down. You may need to brush a little more water on the edges to seal the egg roll.

Repeat this process until you have used up all your filling.

How to air fry egg rolls

Ingredients

You can fill your egg rolls with almost anything, but here is a list of common ingredients:

• Vegetable/olive/avocado/sesame oil
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Cabbage/coleslaw mix
• Carrots
• Meat (ground chicken, pork, beef, or tofu)
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Green onions
• Egg roll wrappers

Filling

First, cook your meat in a pan or wok. Then, add your vegetables and cook until they are soft. Season with soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Assembly

Place your wrapper so that it forms a diamond, with one corner pointing towards you. Place about 1/3 cup of filling in the middle. Dip your fingers in water and brush the edges of the wrapper. Fold the left and right corners towards the centre, then fold the bottom corner over the centre. Roll the wrapper away from you until you reach the top corner. Repeat until all wrappers are filled.

Air Frying

Brush or spray the egg rolls with oil and place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Air fry for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

Tips

• Seal the wrappers tightly by brushing the edges with water or egg wash to prevent the filling from spilling out.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches if necessary.
• Keep the wrappers moist by covering them with a damp paper towel while you work.
• For frozen egg rolls, cook at 360°F for 10-12 minutes.
• For an extra crispy shell, brush the egg rolls with oil before air frying.
• Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as sweet chilli sauce, duck sauce, or soy sauce.

How to store and reheat egg rolls

Proper storage is essential to maintaining the freshness of your leftover egg rolls. To preserve their quality and prevent spoilage, you should carefully store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Before storing, allow the egg rolls to cool to room temperature to avoid condensation, which can lead to a soggy texture.

Refrigeration

Place the egg rolls in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

If you want to store them for longer, freezing is an effective method. First, separate the egg rolls with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Then, wrap the egg rolls individually in plastic wrap and place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the container or bag with the current date to keep track of how long they've been stored. Egg rolls can be kept in the freezer for up to 4 months. However, freezing may slightly affect their texture after reheating.

Reheating in an Air Fryer

The air fryer is an excellent appliance for reheating egg rolls as it helps retain the desired crunch and flavour. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and allow it to warm up for a few minutes. Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring proper air circulation. Lightly coat the egg rolls with cooking oil to achieve a crisp outer layer. Reheat smaller egg rolls for about 1-3 minutes and larger ones for a longer period. Check if the egg rolls are heated thoroughly, ensuring a crisp wrapper and a well-cooked inside.

Reheating in an Oven

Reheating egg rolls in a preheated oven is another reliable method to preserve their crispness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the ideal environment for reheating. Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easier cleanup. Place the egg rolls on the baking sheet, leaving space between them to ensure even heating. Heat the egg rolls for approximately 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through if not using a wire rack.

Reheating in a Microwave

While the microwave is a quick and convenient method, it may not produce the desired crispness. Place the egg rolls on a microwave-safe plate, leaving adequate space between them to encourage even reheating. Cover them with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and help keep the wrapper from becoming too damp. Reheat on medium-high power in short intervals of 15 to 30 seconds, checking the egg rolls after each interval to prevent overheating. After microwaving, let the egg rolls stand for a minute to allow residual heat to uniformly distribute warmth through the filling.

How to freeze egg rolls

Egg rolls are a great make-ahead dish that can be frozen for those times when you need a quick snack. Here is a detailed guide on how to freeze egg rolls:

Preparing the Egg Rolls for Freezing:

Before freezing, it is important to ensure that the egg rolls are prepared properly to maintain their quality and extend their shelf life. Here are the steps to follow:

• Cooling: If you have cooked the egg rolls, allow them to cool completely before freezing. This helps prevent bacterial growth and ensures the egg rolls stay fresh for longer.
• Flash Freezing: Place the uncooked egg rolls on a cookie sheet or baking tray, making sure they are not touching each other. Put the tray in the freezer for about an hour to an hour and a half. This flash-freezing technique prevents the egg rolls from sticking together when frozen.
• Storage: Once the egg rolls are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. You can use ziplock bags or airtight containers. Label the container with the date and store them in the freezer.

Tips for Freezing and Storing Egg Rolls:

• Portioning: Consider how many egg rolls you will consume at a time and package them accordingly. For example, you can freeze them in packages of two or four, so you can easily take out the desired amount without having to thaw the entire batch.
• Wrapping: If you are freezing cooked egg rolls, consider wrapping them tightly in aluminium foil or freezer paper before placing them in the freezer bag. This extra layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn and maintains freshness.
• Freezer Temperature: Maintain your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below to ensure the egg rolls remain frozen and safe to eat.
• Shelf Life: Properly frozen egg rolls can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. After that, they are still safe to eat but may start to lose some flavour and texture.

Reheating Frozen Egg Rolls:

You can enjoy crispy, delicious egg rolls by reheating them directly from frozen. Here are some tips for reheating:

• Air Fryer: Place the frozen egg rolls in the air fryer basket, coating the outsides with oil. Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the frozen egg rolls on a baking sheet and brush them with oil. Reheat for about 6-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Deep Frying: If you prefer the traditional method, you can also deep fry the frozen egg rolls. Heat oil in a pot or deep fryer to 375°F. Carefully place the frozen egg rolls in the hot oil and fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Remember, for the best results and to avoid sogginess, it is not recommended to reheat egg rolls in the microwave. Instead, use one of the above methods to enjoy crispy, restaurant-quality egg rolls from the comfort of your home!

Frequently asked questions