How To Make Egg Rolls In An Air Fryer?

To make egg rolls in an air fryer, simply preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), lightly spray homemade or store-bought egg rolls with oil, and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.

This method offers a healthier, less messy alternative to deep-frying, giving you deliciously crispy egg rolls with minimal oil, perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.

• TL;DR: Air frying egg rolls means less oil and less mess.
• Just preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for perfect results.
• Lightly spray egg rolls with oil for that ideal crispy texture.
• Cook for about 10-15 minutes, remembering to flip them once.
• You’ll get a golden, crunchy outside and a hot, flavorful inside every time.

How To Make Egg Rolls In An Air Fryer?

Making egg rolls in an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy this crispy appetizer with much less oil. You’ll get that satisfying crunch without the deep-fryer mess or extra calories.

It’s a simple process that anyone can master, whether you’re using homemade or store-bought egg rolls.

Why Air Frying Is Great for Egg Rolls

Many home cooks turn to air frying for a reason. It uses circulating hot air to cook food, giving it a similar texture to deep-frying.

For egg rolls, this means a wonderfully crisp exterior and a thoroughly cooked, hot filling. Plus, you avoid dealing with large amounts of hot oil, which is a big win for safety and cleanup.

I found online that air frying significantly reduces the fat content compared to traditional frying methods, making it a healthier choice for your family.

What You’ll Need: The Essentials

Before you begin your air frying adventure, it’s wise to gather everything first. A little preparation makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.

You probably have most of these items already in your kitchen, making this a convenient cooking method.

Gathering Your Ingredients

For homemade egg rolls, you’ll need your preferred filling ingredients, like shredded cabbage, carrots, ground pork or chicken, and seasonings. Don’t forget the egg roll wrappers themselves!

If you’re using frozen egg rolls, these are your main ingredient. A light cooking spray or a brush with a neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed will also be key.

Essential Air Frying Gear

Of course, you’ll need your air fryer. Any model will do, whether it’s a basket style or an oven style. Tongs are also helpful for flipping your egg rolls.

An oil sprayer is an excellent tool for applying a thin, even layer of oil. This ensures maximum crispiness without making things greasy.

Prepping Your Egg Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you’re making them from scratch or using pre-made ones, a little prep ensures the best air frying results. Let’s walk through it together.

This part is all about setting yourself up for success and making delicious egg rolls.

Creating the Perfect Filling

If you’re making your own egg rolls, start by cooking your filling ingredients until they are tender and flavorful. Make sure the filling isn’t too wet, as excess moisture can make wrappers soggy.

Allow the filling to cool slightly before wrapping. This prevents the wrappers from tearing or getting sticky too quickly during assembly, as I’ve found through research.

Wrapping Your Egg Rolls Just Right

Place an egg roll wrapper with a corner pointing towards you. Spoon a small amount of filling onto the lower third of the wrapper.

Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the side corners like an envelope. Roll it up tightly towards the top corner.

• Moisten the top corner with a little water to seal it.
• Make sure your wraps are snug but not bursting.
• Don’t overfill, or they might leak in the air fryer.
• Aim for uniform size for even cooking.
• Place them seam-side down in the air fryer.

Cooking Your Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer

Now for the main event: cooking! This is where the magic of the air fryer truly shines, turning simple ingredients into a golden, crispy delight.

Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have perfect egg rolls ready to enjoy.

Preheating Your Air Fryer

Many experts say that preheating is a non-negotiable step for optimal air frying. It ensures your air fryer is at the correct temperature from the start, leading to more consistent cooking.

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This helps achieve that initial crispness immediately.

Arranging Egg Rolls for Best Results

Place your prepared egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s really important not to overcrowd them.

Leave a little space between each egg roll so the hot air can circulate freely around them. This is how you get even browning and crisping on all sides.

Setting the Right Time and Temperature

For most homemade or thawed store-bought egg rolls, 375°F (190°C) is the ideal temperature. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes.

Keep an eye on them, especially if it’s your first time. Different air fryer models can cook a little differently, so your times might vary slightly.

Flipping for Even Crispiness

Halfway through the cooking time, around the 5-7 minute mark, open the air fryer and carefully flip each egg roll using tongs.

This ensures that both sides get equally exposed to the hot air, leading to an all-around golden and crunchy texture.

Checking for Doneness

Your egg rolls are ready when they are deeply golden brown and feel firm and crispy to the touch. The internal temperature of the filling should be hot.

If you’re cooking with meat, ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature, often around 165°F (74°C) for pork or chicken, as I’ve researched (USDA).

Tips for Crispy, Delicious Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Getting perfect egg rolls every time is easy with a few simple tricks. These tips come from various online cooking forums and expert air frying guides.

They’ll help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve peak deliciousness.

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

This is probably the most repeated advice in air frying circles. Overcrowding stops the air from circulating properly.

The result? Steamed, rather than crispy, egg rolls. Work in batches if you need to, to maintain that perfect crunch.

A Little Oil Goes a Long Way

While air frying uses less oil, a light spritz or brush of oil on the wrappers is crucial. It helps them brown and become wonderfully crispy.

Too much oil can make them greasy, but too little might leave them dry. It’s about finding that perfect, light coating.

Dealing with Frozen Egg Rolls

Cooking frozen egg rolls in an air fryer is a breeze. You don’t need to thaw them first! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Generally, frozen egg rolls might need 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C), still flipping halfway. This is a super convenient weeknight solution.

The Best Dipping Sauces

Egg rolls are fantastic on their own, but a good dipping sauce elevates the experience. Sweet chili sauce, duck sauce, or even a simple soy-ginger dipping sauce are great choices.

Consider making your own for a fresh flavor. A little sriracha in mayo also makes a zesty, creamy option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Everyone makes mistakes, but learning from them makes you a better cook. Here are some common air frying errors and how to bypass them:

Mistake	Solution
Overcrowding the basket	Cook in smaller batches to ensure air circulation.
Forgetting to preheat	Always preheat for 3-5 minutes for even cooking.
No oil spray	Lightly spray with neutral oil for crispiness.
Not flipping egg rolls	Flip halfway through for uniform browning.
Under/overcooking	Adjust time based on your air fryer model and check doneness.

Troubleshooting Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Don’t worry, even experienced cooks run into issues! Most air fryer egg roll problems have easy, practical solutions.

Let’s tackle some common hiccups you might encounter.

Why Are They Not Crispy?

If your egg rolls aren’t as crispy as you’d like, several factors could be at play. Most commonly, it’s about overcrowding the basket.

Ensure you’re cooking in a single layer with space between each egg roll. Also, a light spray of oil is crucial for that golden crunch.

Make sure your air fryer is preheated, and don’t forget to flip them.

My Egg Rolls Are Burning!

Burning usually means the temperature is too high, or they’re cooking for too long. Check your air fryer’s manual, as some models run hotter than others.

Try reducing the temperature by 25°F (15°C) or shortening the cooking time. Flipping them frequently can also prevent specific spots from burning.

Here’s a quick checklist to help:

• Did you preheat the air fryer?
• Are they sprayed with a little oil?
• Are they in a single layer, not touching?
• Did you flip them halfway through?
• Is the temperature set correctly for your air fryer?

Conclusion

Making egg rolls in an air fryer is a game-changer for anyone craving this classic appetizer. It’s a method that promises crispy results with minimal fuss and fat.

You now have all the knowledge to prep, cook, and troubleshoot your way to perfect air-fried egg rolls, whether they are homemade or from the freezer.

So, go ahead and give it a try. You’ll love the satisfying crunch and easy cleanup, making egg rolls a regular, delicious addition to your menu.

Can I use store-bought egg roll wrappers?

Absolutely! Store-bought egg roll wrappers are perfectly fine and widely used. They are designed to crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, making your preparation even quicker and easier.

How do I store leftover air fryer egg rolls?

Store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until crispy again.

What’s the ideal internal temperature for cooked egg rolls?

For egg rolls containing meat, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safely cooked, as advised by food safety guidelines (USDA). Use a meat thermometer to check.

Can I air fry spring rolls using the same method?

Yes, you can! Spring rolls often use thinner wrappers, so they might cook a bit faster. Keep the temperature at 375°F (190°C) but start checking for doneness after about 8-10 minutes, adjusting as needed.

How do I prevent my egg rolls from sticking?

To prevent sticking, make sure to lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil or use an air fryer liner. Also, a thin, even coat of oil on the egg rolls themselves can help create a non-stick surface and promote crisping.