Egg rolls are super popular in Asian food and you see people munching on them all the time. They’ve got a crispy shell and a tasty filling inside that just hits the spot. Normally, these snacks are deep-fried so they turn golden and super crunchy, but that also means they’re loaded with oil and calories. If you’re trying to eat healthier, you might steer clear—but here’s the good news: you can air fry them instead. An air fryer uses hot air to get that same crunch without using much oil.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to make air fryer egg rolls at home, even if you’ve never used one before. You’ll get a simple recipe plus some tips to nail the cooking every time. I’ll also answer common questions so you won’t get stuck. Whether you just got an air fryer or you’ve cooked loads of stuff already, this guide will help you whip up a healthier version of this beloved snack.
1. Benefits of Using an Air Fryer for Egg Rolls
Air fryers have kinda changed how we enjoy fried foods, and egg rolls are no exception. Picking an air fryer gives you some neat perks that make cooking easier and better for your health.
1.1 Healthier Alternative to Deep Frying
One big plus of air frying is you use way less oil. Deep-frying means dunking foods in hot oil so they soak up a ton of fat and calories. With an air fryer, hot air circulates around the food to crisp it up, and you only need a quick spray of oil. That means you get egg rolls that taste great but have fewer calories and less fat. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy this classic appetizer.
1.2 Convenience and Ease of Use
Air fryers are built to be simple. Most models have easy buttons or dials, so even if you’re a total beginner, you can figure them out fast. They heat up quickly, sometimes you don’t even have to preheat. Plus, air frying takes less time than deep frying, so you can have a batch of egg rolls ready for a weeknight dinner or last-minute guests.
1.3 Versatility of Air Fryers
Air fryers aren’t just for egg rolls. You can crisp veggies, cook chicken wings, or even bake muffins in them. That makes an air fryer a solid investment for any kitchen since you can try tons of air fryer meals and still eat healthier versions of your favorite dishes.
2. Ingredients for Air Fryer Egg Rolls
To make tasty air fryer egg rolls, you’ll need a few key ingredients. From the wrappers to the fillings, getting the right stuff sets you up for success.
2.1 Main Ingredients
- Egg Roll Wrappers: Thin sheets of dough that hold your filling together.
- Fillings: Shredded cabbage, carrots, and a protein like chicken, pork, or shrimp.
- Seasonings: Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil for great flavor.
2.2 Optional Ingredients
If you want to switch things up, try these add-ons:
- Shrimp: Dice some shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Vegetarian Options: Stuff with bell peppers, mushrooms, and bean sprouts.
- Spices: Add chili flakes for heat or cilantro for a fresh taste.
3. Preparation: How to Make Air Fryer Egg Rolls
Making air fryer egg rolls is pretty simple and gives you that satisfying crunch without all the oil. Just follow these steps and you’ll be set.
3.1 Step-by-Step Instructions
3.1.1 Prepare the Filling
First, gather your filling ingredients:
- Shredded Cabbage: About 2 cups.
- Carrots: 1 cup, shredded or grated.
- Protein: Ground chicken, pork, or shrimp—roughly 1 cup.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon minced ginger, 2 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
In a big bowl, mix the cabbage, carrots, protein, and seasonings until everything’s evenly coated.
3.1.2 Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay one wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you. Spoon about 2 tablespoon of filling onto it, about an inch from the corner. Fold that corner over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll up tightly to the opposite corner and seal the edge with a bit of water. Keep going until you run out of filling.
3.1.3 Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). This helps the egg rolls cook evenly and get crispy.
3.1.4 Cooking Instructions
Place the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t touching so air can flow around them. Lightly spray the rolls with cooking oil so they brown up nice. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden and crispy.
3.2 Tips for Best Results
- Oil Spray: A light mist of oil helps make them extra crunchy.
- Flipping: Turn them midway so they brown evenly.
- Batch Cooking: If you’ve got more rolls than fit, keep the first batch warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
3.3 Troubleshooting
- Soggy Egg Rolls: Don’t overfill and make sure the filling isn’t too wet.
- Burnt Exterior: Check your temperature and cut back on cook time if needed.
4. Recommended Dipping Sauces
Egg rolls are awesome, but a good sauce makes them even better. Here are some easy ideas.
4.1 Traditional Sauces
- Soy Sauce: A simple classic that brings out the savory flavors.
- Sweet and Sour: Adds a tangy kick that pairs great with crunch.
4.2 Creative Dipping Sauces
- Chili Garlic Sauce: Mix 2 tablespoon chili sauce, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and a splash of vinegar for spice.
- Peanut Sauce: Stir together 3 tablespoon peanut butter, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, and a little water to thin it.
5. Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Egg Rolls
Here’s a rough idea of the nutrition per egg roll:
- Calories: About 150 per roll.
- Fat: Around 6 grams.
- Carbs: About 20 grams.
- Protein: Roughly 5 grams.
Deep-fried rolls can hit 300+ calories each with way more fat, so air fryer rolls are a much healthier pick that still taste great.
6. Serving Suggestions
For a full meal, try these sides:
- Rice: Steamed jasmine or brown rice go well with the flavors.
- Salad: A crisp cucumber tomato salad balances out the crunch.
For drinks, a cup of green tea or a light mojito are both solid choices.
7. Variations on the Classic Egg Roll
You don’t have to stick to the usual fillings. Here are some fun twists.
7.1 Different Fillings
- Spicy Chicken: Use shredded chicken marinated in hot sauce for a kick.
- Vegetarian Delight: Sauté bell peppers, mushrooms, and other veggies.
- International Flavors: Try kimchi, cheese, or Mediterranean spices for a twist.
7.2 Unique Wrappers
- Rice Paper: Great for gluten-free and gives a light, crunchy shell.
- Wonton Wrappers: Perfect for smaller, bite-sized rolls.
7.3 Spicy and Sweet Versions
- Spicy Fillings: Add jalapeños or sriracha for heat.
- Sweet Options: Mix in diced pineapple or mango for a tropical vibe.
8. Storage and Reheating Tips
8.1 Storing Leftovers
If you have some left, put them in an airtight container and keep in the fridge up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap uncooked rolls and freeze before cooking.
8.2 Reheating Instructions
To keep them crispy, heat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes. That brings back the crunch and warms them through.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
9.1 Can you use any type of egg roll wrapper in the air fryer?
Yes, you can use traditional wheat wrappers or gluten-free rice paper as long as they fit in your basket.
9.2 How do you keep egg rolls from drying out in an air fryer?
Make sure your filling isn’t too dry and give them a light oil spray before cooking. Don’t cook them too long either.
9.3 Can you cook frozen egg rolls in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Preheat to 380°F (190°C) and air fry frozen rolls for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
9.4 What can I do with leftover egg roll filling?
Use it in stir-fries, soups, or even mix it into omelets for a tasty breakfast.
air fryer egg rolls
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 brush or spray bottle
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup cooked chicken or tofu (diced)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 pieces egg roll wrappers
- as needed tablespoons olive oil For brushing or spraying.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, and cooked chicken or tofu.
- Add soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper to the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a cutting board, with one corner facing you.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling mixture in the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold the sides in and roll it up tightly. Seal the edge with a little water if needed.
- Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Lightly brush or spray the egg rolls with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Arrange the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.
