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

Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a delicious and crispy snack that combines the flavours of a Philly Cheesesteak in a convenient egg roll wrapper. This recipe is perfect as an appetizer, lunch, dinner, or snack and can be made in an air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep frying. The filling typically includes beef, cheese, and vegetables such as peppers and onions, all wrapped in a crispy egg roll wrapper. They are easy to make, can be made ahead of time, and are perfect for any occasion.

Choosing the right steak

When selecting steak for this dish, look for cuts with a lower fat content to prevent greasiness. You can also use frozen shaved steak or thinly slice a ribeye or sirloin yourself. If you decide to slice your own steak, partially freezing it beforehand will make the process easier. Use a sharp knife to achieve thin, precise cuts against the grain, which will result in a more tender bite.

Once you've prepared your steak, season it with a blend of spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to add your unique twist to this classic dish. Remember to cook your steak thoroughly before adding it to the egg rolls.

In addition to choosing the right cut and seasoning, remember to thinly slice or chop the steak into bite-sized pieces, ensuring it doesn't poke through the delicate egg roll wrappers. By selecting the right type of steak and preparing it properly, you'll create a tasty and satisfying filling for your Philly cheesesteak egg rolls.

Preparing the filling

The first step in making Philly cheesesteak egg rolls in an air fryer is to prepare the filling. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

Ingredients

• Steak – traditionally, Philly cheesesteaks use ribeye steak, but you can also use ground beef, flank steak, or shaved steak. If you are using a thicker cut of steak, such as ribeye or sirloin, it is recommended to freeze the steak for about 20 minutes beforehand to make it easier to slice thinly. You can also buy pre-frozen shaved steak.
• Vegetables – the classic combination is onions and bell peppers (green, yellow, or a mix of colours). Some recipes also include mushrooms and poblano peppers.
• Cheese – the traditional choice is provolone, but you can also use Swiss cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey jack, or American cheese.
• Seasonings – a simple combination of seasoned salt and chili powder works well, but you can also add garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and black pepper to taste.
• Oil – avocado oil or olive oil are recommended for cooking the filling.
• Other ingredients – some recipes also include Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste.

Cooking instructions

• Start by heating some oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
• If using a thicker cut of steak, slice it thinly against the grain.
• Add the steak to the pan and sprinkle with seasoned salt. Cook until done to your liking. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• Add a little more oil to the pan if needed, then add the onions, peppers, and any other seasonings. Cook for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
• Return the steak to the pan and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
• Lay slices of cheese over the steak and vegetables, turn off the heat, and cover the pan. Let it sit for 3-4 minutes to melt the cheese.
• Stir everything together until well combined.

Tips

• If you are using pre-shredded cheese, it is important to let the meat and vegetable mixture cool down before adding the cheese, otherwise, it will start to melt.
• You can also use deli-sliced cheese, which should be diced before adding to the filling.

Rolling the egg rolls

Firstly, gather your ingredients: the egg roll wrappers, filling (beef and vegetable mixture), cheese slices, and a small bowl of water. You may also want to have a damp paper towel or cloth nearby to keep the wrappers from drying out.

Now, it's time to start assembling:

• Lay out an egg roll wrapper on your work surface, positioning it in a diamond shape with one point facing you.
• Place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the filling in the center of the wrapper. Don't overfill, as this can make rolling difficult and increase the chances of the wrapper tearing.
• Add half a slice or about half a tablespoon of cheese on top of the filling.
• Fold the bottom point of the wrapper up and over the filling.
• Fold in the left and right sides of the wrapper, like you're creating an envelope.
• Using your finger, lightly wet the remaining top corner of the wrapper with water. This will act as a "glue" to seal the wrapper shut.
• Finish rolling the wrapper, pressing the wet top corner onto the folded sides to seal it closed.
• Repeat this process for the remaining egg rolls.

A few tips to keep in mind:

• It's important to let the filling cool down before adding it to the wrappers, otherwise, the cheese will start to melt, making rolling tricky.
• If you're using pre-shredded cheese, you may want to dice or grate it further to ensure it mixes well with the filling and doesn't clump together.
• Don't over-soak the wrapper with water, as this can make it fragile and more prone to tearing. A light touch with a damp finger is all you need.
• Work fairly quickly to prevent the wrappers from drying out. If they do become too dry, they may crack when you try to roll them.

Once you've rolled all your egg rolls, they're ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

Cooking the egg rolls

Now it's time to cook the egg rolls! For optimum crunchiness, it's best to cook the egg rolls in two stages. First, air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, and then increase the temperature to 392 degrees Fahrenheit for the final 3 minutes.

Place the egg rolls in a single layer on the air fryer basket wire rack, with the seam side down. Spray the tops of the egg rolls with a bit of cooking spray so that they turn golden brown.

Cook in the air fryer for 7 to 10 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the egg rolls have a crispy wrapper. You can also cook them for 7 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping them halfway through.

Once done, remove the egg rolls from the air fryer and let them cool. Enjoy your crispy Philly cheesesteak egg rolls!

Dipping sauces

There are a variety of sauces that you can use to dip your Philly cheesesteak egg rolls in. Here are some ideas:

• Queso blanco
• Sour cream with a drizzle of hot sauce
• Barbecue sauce
• Asian chili sauce
• Marinara
• Ranch dressing
• Cheese sauce
• Ketchup
• Ketchup mayo sauce
• Sweet chili sauce

Frequently asked questions