Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe: A Tasty Homemade Treat

Crispy, golden-brown egg rolls with a tantalizing air fryer egg rolls recipe promise a delightful twist on a classic appetizer.

These hand-held delights pack a punch of flavor and crunch without excessive oil.

Forget greasy takeout options that leave you feeling heavy and sluggish.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory filling and satisfyingly crisp wrapper.

Home cooks can easily master this foolproof technique that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary snack.

The air fryer works its magic, creating a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Prepare to elevate your appetizer game with this simple yet impressive dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

All the Ingredients for Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Pork: A flavorful and juicy protein that forms the base of the egg roll filling.
  • Egg Roll Wrappers: Thin, delicate sheets that create the crispy exterior of the egg rolls.
  • Cabbage: A crunchy vegetable that adds texture and lightness to the filling.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Carrots, Green Onions: Colorful vegetables that provide additional crunch and fresh flavor to the filling.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and traditional Asian-inspired taste to the egg rolls.
Seasonings and Finishing Touches:
  • Soy Sauce, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the filling.
  • Vegetable Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when air frying the egg rolls.

Tools for Crispy Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer

  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking meat and vegetables thoroughly.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing filling ingredients.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
  • Measuring cup: Helps portion filling accurately into wrappers.
  • Pastry brush: Great for applying oil to egg rolls before air frying.
  • Air fryer: Key tool for creating crispy egg rolls with less oil.
  • Small bowl of water: Used for sealing egg roll wrapper edges.
  • Tongs: Helpful for flipping egg rolls during air frying.

How to Prepare Egg Rolls with an Air Fryer

Step 1: Sizzle the Protein

Brown ground pork or chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Break the meat into small crumbles while cooking until it’s fully cooked and no pink remains.

  • Ground pork or chicken
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder

Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 2: Boost the Flavor Profile

Add chopped vegetables to the meat and create a delicious mixture.

  • Shredded cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Green onions
  • Ginger
  • Soy sauce

Stir and cook until vegetables become slightly tender and cabbage wilts, releasing amazing aromas.

Step 3: Chill the Filling

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool completely.

This prevents wrapper from becoming soggy and helps maintain crisp texture.

Step 4: Wrap with Precision

Lay out egg roll wrapper on a clean surface.

Place filling slightly off-center, fold bottom corner over filling, then fold side corners inward.

Step 5: Seal and Secure

Brush wrapper edges with water to help seal.

Roll tightly from bottom to top, ensuring no filling escapes.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat air fryer to 350°F.

Arrange egg rolls in single layer without touching.

Lightly spray or brush with oil for extra crispiness.

Step 7: Crisp and Golden

Cook for 6-7 minutes, then flip egg rolls.

Spray or brush with oil again.

Cook additional 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crunchy.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove egg rolls from air fryer.

Let cool briefly.

Serve with dipping sauce like sweet chili or soy sauce.

Helpful Hints for Flawless Air Fryer Egg Rolls

  • Choose ground pork or chicken with at least 15% fat for juicier, more flavorful egg rolls that won't dry out during cooking.
  • Pat egg roll wrappers dry before filling to prevent soggy edges and ensure crisp, golden-brown results in the air fryer.
  • Allow filling to cool completely before wrapping to prevent wrapper tearing and prevent excess moisture from making rolls soggy.
  • Lightly spray or brush egg rolls with oil to achieve that perfect crispy exterior without deep-frying, helping them brown evenly in the air fryer.
  • Replace meat with tofu or extra vegetables for a vegetarian version, keeping the same delicious texture and flavor profile.

Egg Roll Recipe Variations for Your Air Fryer

  • Vegetarian Egg Rolls: Replace meat with crumbled tofu or black beans, add extra mushrooms and spinach for protein-packed vegetarian version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use rice paper wrappers instead of traditional wheat wrappers, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Keto-Friendly Rolls: Swap traditional wrapper with large lettuce leaves, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, focus on high-fat protein fillings like ground chicken and cream cheese.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace wrapper with thinly sliced zucchini sheets, use lean ground turkey and mix with low-carb vegetables like bell peppers and cabbage.

Ways to Serve Egg Rolls for Any Gathering

  • Crispy Party Platter: Arrange egg rolls on a large wooden board with small dipping sauce bowls for a stunning appetizer spread that'll wow guests at game nights or casual gatherings.
  • Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack cooled egg rolls in an insulated container with ice packs for a delightful outdoor meal, paired with fresh coleslaw or a zesty Asian-inspired salad.
  • Sauce Adventure Station: Create a vibrant dipping sauce bar featuring sweet chili sauce, spicy sriracha mayo, tangy duck sauce, and classic soy sauce to let everyone customize their flavor experience.
  • Leftover Lunch Remix: Transform remaining egg rolls into a fun salad topping by chopping them and sprinkling over mixed greens with a light sesame vinaigrette for a quick, satisfying next-day meal.

Storing Air Fryer Egg Rolls

  • Store cooled egg rolls in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual egg rolls in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat to 350F, place egg rolls in single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure crispy exterior. No need to thaw frozen egg rolls first.
  • Spread egg rolls on baking sheet, bake at 375F for 10-12 minutes. Flip once midway to restore crunchiness and even heating.

FAQs

  • Are egg rolls healthy when made in an air fryer?

Air fryers reduce oil content by up to 75% compared to deep-frying, making egg rolls a healthier alternative. They use minimal oil while still achieving a crispy texture, cutting down on unnecessary calories.

  • Can I make egg rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare egg rolls in advance. Assemble and wrap them, then store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. This makes meal prep easier and saves time during busy cooking days.

  • What type of wrapper works best for air fryer egg rolls?

Thin, square wheat wrappers are ideal. They crisp up nicely in the air fryer and provide a perfect golden-brown exterior. Always ensure wrappers are at room temperature before rolling to prevent cracking.

What Makes Air Fryer Egg Rolls an Easy Favorite

  • Whip up delicious egg rolls in no time with simple steps that anyone can follow, making cooking a breeze.
  • Air frying slashes oil usage, creating crispy egg rolls with less grease and fewer calories compared to traditional deep-frying.
  • Customize filling ingredients to suit picky eaters or dietary preferences, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a tasty meal together.
  • Impress guests with restaurant-quality egg rolls that are crispy on the outside, packed with flavorful filling, and super simple to make.
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Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe

Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy air fryer egg rolls showcase a delightful fusion of Chinese-American cuisine, packed with savory fillings and golden-brown crunch. Succulent vegetables and proteins wrapped in delicate wrappers promise a quick, satisfying meal you can enjoy without excess oil.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (453 grams) ground pork or chicken

Vegetables:

  • 3 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 carrot, shredded
  • 3 scallions, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger

Seasonings and Wrappers:

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 egg roll wrappers
  • Oil for brushing

Instructions

  1. Sauté ground meat in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles until fully cooked.
  2. Incorporate finely chopped vegetables and seasonings into the meat mixture, stirring continuously for 3-4 minutes until cabbage becomes tender and wilted.
  3. Transfer the filling to a large plate or bowl, spreading it out to accelerate cooling and prevent moisture buildup.
  4. Position an egg roll wrapper diagonally on a clean surface, placing a precise portion of cooled filling near the bottom corner.
  5. Moisten wrapper edges with water using fingertips, then carefully fold bottom corner over filling, tucking sides inward to create a tight seal.
  6. Gently roll the wrapper upward, ensuring a compact and secure cylindrical shape with sealed edges.
  7. Preheat air fryer to 350°F and lightly spray or brush egg rolls with cooking oil to promote even browning.
  8. Arrange egg rolls in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure proper circulation.
  9. Cook for 6-7 minutes, then carefully flip each egg roll, applying another light coat of oil.
  10. Continue air frying for an additional 4-5 minutes until wrapper turns golden brown and crispy, achieving a crunchy exterior.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground pork or chicken for a healthier protein option that keeps the egg rolls light and nutritious.
  • Drain excess liquid from cooked vegetables to prevent soggy wrappers and ensure crispy texture when air frying.
  • Seal egg rolls tightly by using water or egg wash on wrapper edges to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
  • Experiment with protein alternatives like tofu or shredded jackfruit for vegetarian and vegan-friendly versions of this classic appetizer.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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