Egg rolls are one of those snacks you just cant beat. They’re crunchy on the outside and packed with tasty fillings inside. Usually people fill them with veggies and meat, then fry them up in hot oil. But now with air fryers, you can get that same crunch without drowning them in oil or making a big mess.
Air fryers are kinda like mini convection ovens that blow hot air fast around your food. That helps the egg rolls get crispy without using gallons of grease. You can also check out more air fryer meals for delicious ideas. It’s a lot healthier and you dont have to clean up a stove covered in oil splatters. Plus, it’s way easier and faster.
In this article, we’ll dive into what egg rolls really are, why air frying them is a game changer, and even share some recipes, tips, and fun variations to try at home.
Section 1: What Are Egg Rolls?
Egg rolls are a Chinese-American treat with a thick wrapper fried until golden brown. Inside you’ll find a mix of cabbage, carrots, and usually some meat or shrimp. They’re mostly eaten as appetizers, but sometimes folks eat them as a whole meal or snack.
1.1 History of Egg Rolls
Egg rolls first appeared in America when Chinese immigrants mixed their spring roll recipes with what was easy to find here. They added egg to the dough, so people started calling them “egg rolls.” Over time, different cooks made their own spins, adding everything from cheese to seafood.
Now you can find egg rolls filled with pork, chicken, veggies, or even fusion stuff like mac and cheese. No matter the filling, it’s that crispy shell and hot, savory center that makes egg rolls a favorite.
1.2 Differences Between Egg Rolls, Spring Rolls, and Other Variants
People often mix up egg rolls and spring rolls. Egg rolls have a thicker wheat wrapper and are always fried. Spring rolls use rice paper and can be served fresh or fried, so they’re lighter. There’s also lumpia from the Philippines, which is thinner but still fried. Each one taste different, so try them all if you can.
Section 2: Why Use an Air Fryer for Egg Rolls?
Air fryers have changed the way we make fried snacks. They use super hot air that moves around food super fast. This gives you the same crunch but alot less oil.
2.1 Health Benefits
Deep frying makes egg rolls soak up tons of oil, and that means more calories. With an air fryer, you hardly need any oil. You still get the crunch, but with way less fat. Also, because you dont stick it into hot oil for a long time, the veggies keep more of their good vitamins.
2.2 Ease of Use
Air fryers heat up in minutes. You just pop your rolls in, set a timer, and come back to golden snacks. No messy oil splatters and no weird greasy smell that sticks around your kitchen. Cleaning is as easy as wiping the basket.
Section 3: Ingredients for Air Fryer Egg Rolls
3.1 Basic Ingredients
- Egg roll wrappers: Made from flour, water, and eggs. They come in different sizes so pick the standard one for even cooking.
- Common fillings: Shredded cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, plus ground pork, chicken, or shrimp.
- Seasonings: Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a little sesame oil to boost the flavor.
3.2 Optional Add-Ins
- Cheese: Cream cheese or shredded cheese for a creamy surprise inside.
- Herbs: Cilantro, green onions, or basil for fresh taste.
- Sauces: Hoisin, sriracha, or teriyaki for an extra kick.
- Gluten-free: Rice paper or special gluten-free wrappers if you need them.
- Veggie/Vegan: Swap meat for tofu, tempeh, or extra veggies.
For a flavorful side, try out the cilantro lime rice recipe.
Section 4: Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe
4.1 Essential Cooking Tools
- Air fryer: One with adjustable temp settings works best.
- Mixing bowls: For stirring up your filling.
- Pastry brush: To add a bit of oil on the rolls so they crisp up nice.
4.2 Detailed Recipe Instructions
Ingredients
- 10 egg roll wrappers
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup cooked ground pork or chicken
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing
Directions
- Make the filling: In a bowl, mix cabbage, carrots, meat, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic powder.
- Roll them up: Lay a wrapper point down. Put about 2 tablespoons of filling in the middle. Fold the bottom over, then sides, then roll up. Dab some water on the top corner to seal.
- Preheat: Turn your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Cook: Spray the basket. Place egg rolls seam-side down in one layer. Brush tops with oil or spray. Cook 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Check: Flip with tongs so they brown all over. They’re done when they’re golden and crunchy.
4.3 Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or duck sauce. Put them on lettuce leaves or sprinkle fresh herbs on top for a nice look.
4.4 Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
- Overfilling: Too much filling will tear the wrapper. Use less next time.
- Poor sealing: If they open in the fryer, they leak. Make sure to seal well with water.
- Not crispy: Preheat your fryer and dont stack them on top of each other.
Section 5: Flavor Variations
5.1 Meat-Based Variations
- Chicken: Shredded chicken with carrots and green onions.
- Pork: Ground pork with hoisin sauce for a sweet taste.
- Shrimp: Chopped shrimp and cabbage for a seafood twist.
5.2 Vegetarian and Vegan Variations
- Tofu: Crumbled tofu with spices and veggies.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms give a rich, savory flavor.
5.3 Creative Flavor Pairings
- Mexican-style: Black beans, corn, and cheese for a Tex-Mex vibe.
- Italian-style: Spinach, ricotta, and a bit of marinara sauce.
Section 6: Nutritional Information
Air fryer egg rolls have less fat and fewer calories than deep-fried ones. You keep more nutrients in the veggies too. To make them even healthier:
- Whole grain wrappers: More fiber than white flour.
- Lean proteins: Use chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat.
Section 7: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7.1 Common Questions
- How long to cook? Usually 10–12 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Can you freeze them? Yes. Freeze uncooked rolls on a tray, then bag them.
- Best dipping sauces? Soy sauce, sweet chili, or peanut sauce.
- Need oil spray? It helps with crispiness but it isn’t a must.
7.2 Tips for Success
- Preheat your air fryer for even cooking.
- Adjust time if your filling is denser or wetter.
Conclusion
Egg rolls are tasty and you can make them healthier with an air fryer. They’re quicker, less greasy, and still super crispy. Try different fillings and dipping sauces to find your favorite and browse our summer dinner recipes for more inspiration. Don’t be shy to share your own twists with friends!
air fryer egg rolls
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 cutting board
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 cooking spray
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 8 pieces egg roll wrappers
- 1 can cooking spray for air frying
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken (or tofu), shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you. Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly to seal the egg roll. Use a little water on your fingers to seal the edges if necessary. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the egg rolls in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Lightly spray the tops of the egg rolls with cooking spray to promote crispiness. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the egg rolls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with dipping sauces like sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce.
