Egg rolls are a beloved appetizer, known for their crispy golden wrapper and savory, flavor-packed filling. Traditionally deep-fried, they can be a bit greasy and messy to make at home. But with an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy perfection with less oil, less mess, and a healthier twist.
Air fryer egg rolls are not only a fantastic alternative to deep-fried versions but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re craving a quick snack, an appetizer for a gathering, or a side dish to complement your favorite Asian-inspired meal, this air fryer egg roll recipe delivers on both texture and taste.
In this article, we’ll dive into why air fryer egg rolls are a game-changer, expert tips for the best results, creative variations, serving ideas, and FAQs to ensure you master this dish at home.
Why You Should Make Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer
1. A Healthier Alternative to Deep Frying
Traditional egg rolls are deep-fried in oil, which can add excess calories and fat. The air fryer, on the other hand, crisps up the wrapper with minimal oil, giving you the same crunchy bite without the greasiness.
2. Quick and Convenient Cooking
Instead of heating a large pot of oil and dealing with messy frying, air fryer egg rolls cook in under 15 minutes, making them a perfect weeknight snack or appetizer.
3. Less Mess, Easy Cleanup
One of the biggest downsides to deep frying is the splattering oil and greasy residue left behind. With an air fryer, all you need is a light spray of oil, and cleanup is as simple as washing the air fryer basket.
4. Customizable to Your Taste
Air fryer egg rolls are incredibly versatile. You can adjust the filling based on your preference—go with traditional pork and cabbage, a vegetarian mix, or even a fusion-inspired cheeseburger or buffalo chicken filling.
5. Great for Meal Prep and Freezing
Egg rolls can be made ahead and frozen, then cooked straight from the freezer in the air fryer whenever a craving strikes. They’re a fantastic make-ahead snack or appetizer for busy days.
Ingredients
For the Egg Rolls:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground pork or chicken
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 3 scallions, chopped
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- Oil, for brushing
For Dipping Sauces:
- Duck sauce
- Plum sauce
- Soy sauce
Directions
- Prepare the Filling – Cook ground pork or chicken in olive oil until browned. Add garlic, ginger, carrot, scallions, and cabbage, then cook until softened. Stir in soy sauce and rice wine vinegar, then let cool.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls – Place ¼ cup filling in the center of an egg roll wrapper. Wet the edges with water, fold the bottom corner over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll tightly to seal.
- Air Fry the Egg Rolls – Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Lightly brush or spray the egg rolls with oil and place them in the basket in a single layer.
- Cook Until Crispy – Air fry for 6-7 minutes, flip, brush with oil again, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve & Enjoy – Let cool slightly and serve warm with duck sauce, plum sauce, or soy sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Egg Roll)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Total Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
The Secret to Crispy, Perfectly Cooked Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer
Achieving the perfect crunch with air fryer egg rolls is easy when you follow a few key tips:
1. Don’t Overfill the Egg Rolls
Adding too much filling can cause the wrapper to tear or burst open while cooking. Stick to about ¼ cup of filling per roll to keep them intact.
2. Seal the Wrappers Properly
Make sure to moisten the edges of the wrapper with water before rolling them up. This helps seal the egg rolls properly, preventing them from opening while cooking.
3. Lightly Brush or Spray with Oil
While the air fryer requires far less oil than deep frying, adding a light brush or spray of oil on the outside of the wrapper helps achieve that golden, crispy texture.
4. Space the Egg Rolls Evenly in the Basket
For even cooking, arrange the egg rolls in a single layer without touching each other. Overcrowding the basket prevents the hot air from circulating properly, leading to uneven crisping.
5. Flip the Egg Rolls for Even Crispiness
Halfway through cooking, flip the egg rolls and lightly spray with more oil to ensure both sides turn a beautiful golden brown.
6. Let Them Rest Before Serving
Freshly cooked egg rolls will be extremely hot inside. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth and to allow the flavors to settle.
Creative Filling Ideas for Air Fryer Egg Rolls
While the classic pork and cabbage filling is always a winner, there are endless possibilities when it comes to egg roll fillings. Here are some creative variations to try:
1. Vegetable Egg Rolls
Perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a lighter option, these egg rolls can be stuffed with:
- Cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and scallions
- Tofu or glass noodles for added texture
- A drizzle of sesame oil and soy sauce for flavor
2. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
A delicious fusion between egg rolls and Buffalo wings, these egg rolls feature:
- Shredded cooked chicken tossed in Buffalo sauce
- Crumbled blue cheese or shredded mozzarella
- A side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
3. Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
A fun American twist, these egg rolls taste just like a cheeseburger in crispy form:
- Ground beef cooked with onions and garlic
- Shredded cheddar or American cheese
- Pickles and mustard for extra burger flavor
4. Shrimp and Avocado Egg Rolls
A fresh and seafood-inspired option:
- Chopped shrimp mixed with avocado, cilantro, and lime juice
- A light drizzle of spicy mayo inside
5. Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
For steak lovers, this option is packed with flavor:
- Thinly sliced beef cooked with onions and bell peppers
- Melted provolone or mozzarella cheese
Best Sauces for Dipping Air Fryer Egg Rolls
A great egg roll is even better with the right dipping sauce. Here are some options to complement the crispy rolls:
- Soy Sauce – A simple, classic option that enhances savory flavors
- Duck Sauce – A sweet, fruity sauce that pairs well with crispy egg rolls
- Sweet Chili Sauce – A spicy-sweet Thai sauce that adds a kick
- Plum Sauce – A rich, slightly tangy sauce with a hint of sweetness
- Garlic Aioli – A creamy dip with a garlicky punch
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Spring Roll Wrappers Instead of Egg Roll Wrappers?
No. Spring roll wrappers are thinner and more delicate, making them better suited for deep-frying or fresh rolls. Egg roll wrappers are thicker and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
2. Can I Cook Frozen Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer?
Yes! If using frozen store-bought egg rolls, place them directly in the air fryer and cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. How Do I Prevent My Egg Rolls from Getting Soggy?
Make sure to:
- Let the filling cool completely before assembling the egg rolls.
- Avoid overstuffing, which can release excess moisture.
- Cook in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Can I Make Egg Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the egg rolls in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, freeze them uncooked and cook directly from frozen when needed.
5. How Long Do Leftover Egg Rolls Stay Crispy?
Egg rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat and restore crispiness, air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
Conclusion: Air Fryer Egg Rolls Are a Must-Try
If you love crispy, golden egg rolls but want a healthier, easier way to make them, the air fryer is the perfect solution. No deep frying, no excessive oil, just pure crunch and flavor.
From classic pork and cabbage to bold, creative fillings, air fryer egg rolls are fun to make, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re meal-prepping, hosting a party, or just looking for a quick snack, these egg rolls deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
So, grab your air fryer and start rolling—your perfect homemade egg rolls are just minutes away!
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Air Fryer Egg Rolls: Easy & Crispy Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 egg rolls 1x
Description
Crispy, golden, and filled with flavorful ingredients, these Air Fryer Egg Rolls are everything you love about the classic appetizer but made healthier and easier! With a savory filling of ground pork or chicken, cabbage, carrots, and fresh ginger, these egg rolls are air-fried to perfection, giving you all the crunch without the oil. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like duck sauce or soy sauce, and you’ve got a snack or appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Egg Rolls
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground pork or chicken
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 3 scallions, chopped
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- Oil, for brushing
For Dipping Sauces
- Duck sauce
- Plum sauce
- Soy sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Filling
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork or chicken and break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes, or until the meat is fully browned and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, shredded carrot, chopped scallions, and shredded cabbage to the skillet. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage softens and wilts.
- Stir in the soy sauce and rice wine vinegar, and mix everything together. Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface with one corner pointing toward you (like a diamond shape).
- Place about 1/4 cup of the cooled filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Dip your fingers in water and lightly wet the edges of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll the wrapper tightly into a cylinder, sealing the top corner.
- Repeat with the remaining filling and wrappers until you have 12 egg rolls.
Step 3: Air Fry the Egg Rolls
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Lightly brush or spray the egg rolls with oil to help them crisp up.
- Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each roll to allow air circulation.
- Cook for 6–7 minutes, then flip the egg rolls. Brush or spray with oil again, and cook for another 4–5 minutes, or until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the egg rolls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with dipping sauces like duck sauce, plum sauce, or soy sauce.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling or assemble the egg rolls in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying.
- Freezing Option: Freeze uncooked egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen in the air fryer, adding an extra 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat for tofu, mushrooms, or extra vegetables to make vegetarian egg rolls.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the egg rolls in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian
