Egg rolls are a beloved appetizer known for their crunchy exterior and flavorful filling. But traditional deep frying can be messy and heavy. Luckily, the air fryer offers a healthier, quicker way to get that perfect golden crisp without all the oil. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook egg rolls in an air fryer, this guide is for you! We’ll walk through everything from prepping your filling to assembling and air frying your egg rolls to crispy perfection.
Why Cook Egg Rolls in an Air Fryer?
Air frying uses hot circulating air to cook food, which means you get that satisfying crunch with much less oil than deep frying. This method is faster than baking and cleaner than frying, making it ideal for homemade egg rolls. Plus, the air fryer crisps the wrappers evenly, giving you that restaurant-quality texture right at home.
What You’ll Need to Make Air Fryer Egg Rolls
– Egg roll wrappers (store-bought or homemade)
– Filling of your choice (vegetables, ground meat, or a mix)
– Cooking oil (olive oil, vegetable oil, or cooking spray)
– Water or cornstarch slurry (to seal the wrappers)
– Optional: soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings for flavor
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by cooking your filling ingredients. A popular filling includes ground chicken or turkey, shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté these in a pan with a splash of soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil for that authentic flavor. Make sure the filling is cooked through and any excess moisture has evaporated to avoid soggy egg rolls.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay an egg roll wrapper flat with one corner pointing towards you, forming a diamond shape. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto the bottom third of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the left and right sides to create an envelope shape. Roll tightly away from you, sealing the top edge with a little water or cornstarch slurry to keep it closed during cooking.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. This helps the egg rolls cook evenly and get that crisp finish.
Step 4: Oil and Arrange the Egg Rolls
Lightly brush or spray the egg rolls with oil on all sides. This step is key for achieving that golden, crispy texture without deep frying. Place the egg rolls seam side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other to allow air circulation.
Step 5: Air Fry the Egg Rolls
Cook the egg rolls at 375°F to 400°F for about 10 to 12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the egg rolls and spray or brush them with a little more oil. This ensures even browning on all sides. The egg rolls are done when they are golden brown and crispy.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Egg Rolls
– Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed to keep them crispy.
– Use a cooking spray or brush oil lightly; too much oil can cause bubbling.
– Seal the wrappers well to prevent filling from leaking out during cooking.
– For frozen egg rolls, cook directly from frozen at 360°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, without thawing.
– Experiment with fillings like shrimp, tofu, or a veggie mix to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your air fryer egg rolls hot with dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a tangy mustard sauce. They make a perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish to your favorite Asian-inspired meals.
Enjoy the crunch and flavor of traditional egg rolls with a healthier twist, thanks to your air fryer!
Crispy, golden, and easy to make-air fryer egg rolls are sure to become your go-to snack or appetizer. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with this quick, delicious recipe!