Air-Fryer Shrimp Egg Rolls: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Making shrimp egg rolls in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying, and the process is straightforward. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, and the wrappers are available in most supermarkets. The filling typically includes vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions, and sauces like soy sauce and rice vinegar. The rolls are then brushed or sprayed with oil and cooked in the air fryer for about 10 minutes, until golden brown.

How to roll shrimp egg rolls

Rolling egg rolls can seem intimidating, but it's actually pretty simple. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to roll shrimp egg rolls:

Step 1: Prepare the filling

Before you start rolling, make sure you have prepared your filling. This typically includes cooking and chopping the shrimp, as well as sautéing any vegetables, spices, and sauces you plan to include.

Step 2: Set up your workstation

Place your egg roll wrappers on a clean, dry surface. You'll also need a small bowl of water and a pastry brush (or your fingers) to help seal the wrappers.

Step 3: Position the wrapper

Take one egg roll wrapper and position it in a diamond shape, with one of the corners pointing towards you. This will make it easier to fold and roll.

Step 4: Add the filling

Place a spoonful of your filling onto the bottom third of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this will make it difficult to seal the wrapper. Leave about an inch of space on either side of the filling.

Step 5: Start rolling

Dip your finger or brush in the water and run it along the edges of the wrapper. Then, lift the corner nearest to you and wrap it around the filling. Fold in the left and right corners towards the centre, creating an envelope shape.

Step 6: Continue rolling and sealing

Continue rolling the wrapper tightly around the filling until you reach the top. Use a dab of water to seal the final edge of the wrapper. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Step 7: Seal and store (optional)

At this point, you can choose to cook your egg rolls or store them for later. If you want to store them, place the rolled egg rolls on a sheet pan and freeze them. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to cook shrimp egg rolls in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Shrimp (fresh or frozen)
• Oil (vegetable, olive, sesame, or canola)
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Green onions
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Cabbage (green or savoy)
• Carrots (shredded)
• Egg roll wrappers
• Salt and pepper (optional)
• Scallions (optional)
• Hoisin sauce (optional)

Method

• If using frozen shrimp, defrost before cooking.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium to high heat.
• Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink. This will take around 2 minutes for fresh shrimp and 5 minutes for frozen.
• Add garlic, ginger, and green onions to the skillet. Sauté for around 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add cabbage, carrots, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender but still crisp, stirring occasionally.
• Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool.
• If desired, add salt and pepper to taste.
• Place an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface, positioning it in a diamond shape.
• Add a row of filling across the wrapper, leaving at least one inch on each side.
• Brush the outer edges of the wrapper with water to help seal it.
• Make a tight first roll around the filling, then fold in the sides of the wrapper. It should now look like an open envelope.
• Continue rolling the wrapper until it is sealed closed. Use extra water if needed.
• Repeat steps 8-12 until you have used up all your filling.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F.
• Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil.
• Place the egg rolls in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap or stack.
• Lightly spray or brush oil on the tops of the egg rolls.
• Air fry for 7-10 minutes at 360-400°F, turning them over halfway through the cooking process.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

How to store shrimp egg rolls

Leftover shrimp egg rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To store them, wrap the egg rolls in foil or place them in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat them again, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to reheat and recrisp.

If you want to make a big batch, shrimp egg rolls can also be frozen. First, lay the egg rolls on a baking sheet and freeze them until they are solid. Then, transfer the egg rolls to a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2–3 months. When you're ready to eat them, cook the frozen egg rolls in the air fryer for 10–15 minutes at 370°F. They might not be as crispy as fresh egg rolls, but they will still taste delicious!

What to serve with shrimp egg rolls

Shrimp egg rolls can be served as a snack, appetiser, or as part of a larger meal. They are often served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sweet chilli sauce, spicy mustard, or duck sauce.

For a more substantial meal, shrimp egg rolls can be served on a bed of rice, such as jasmine rice, or with a side salad. For a full Chinese-style meal, they can be served with fried rice, General Tso's chicken, or orange chicken.

How to make the filling for shrimp egg rolls

Making the filling for shrimp egg rolls is a straightforward process. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make the filling for delicious shrimp egg rolls in an air fryer:

Firstly, gather and prepare your ingredients. You will need shrimp (fresh or frozen), sesame oil, cabbage, carrots, garlic, ginger, scallions or green onions, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. If you want to add some spice, you can also include chilli powder or sauce. For a truly authentic flavour, you could also add fish sauce.

Next, heat some sesame oil in a skillet or frying pan on a medium-high heat. Add your shrimp and cook until they turn pink. This usually takes around 2 minutes for fresh shrimp and 5 minutes for frozen. Then, remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Now, add your garlic, ginger, scallions, cabbage and carrots to the pan. You can also add onion at this stage if you wish. Cook this mixture for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still have a slight crunch. You can also add soy sauce and rice vinegar to the pan for extra flavour.

Once the vegetables are ready, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool down. Then, dice your shrimp into small pieces and return them to the pan, stirring everything together.

And there you have it! A delicious, savoury filling for your shrimp egg rolls. The next step is to assemble and cook your egg rolls in the air fryer. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions