Nothing beats a piping hot egg roll . The snap of the wrapper and the warm filling is just so good . But frying them in oil makes a mess and can feel heavy . That s when the air fryer comes in handy . It uses hot air to make the rolls golden and сrispу , with a lot less oil .
Air fryer egg rolls give you all the tasty fun of the original snack but with a lighter twist . They re quicker to cook , need less cleanup , and you can mix up the filling any way you like . Whether you re feeding friends or just want a fast bite , these rolls fit the bill .
What Are Egg Rolls?
Egg rolls are a popular starter in many Asian foods . They re made by wrapping a mix of veggies , meat or shrimp inside a thin flour dough , then frying until it s brown and сrunchу . The wrapper often has egg in it , which gives it a special taste and color .
They first popped up in the U.S. in the early 1900s as a twist on Chinese dishes . Compared to spring rolls , egg rolls are usually bigger and thicker . Spring rolls often use rice paper and can be fresh or lightly fried , while egg rolls are deeper fried for that classic сrunch .
The stuffing in egg rolls tends to include pork or shrimp plus cabbage and carrots , while spring rolls might have tofu , noodles or other veggies and can be eaten without frying . Knowing these small tweaks helps you pick the right roll for your snack time .
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer
Air fryers have changed home cooking . One big plus is health : they need only a little oil , so you cut calories but keep that crispy bite you love . Air-fried rolls can be half the calories of deep-fried ones , letting you enjoy them without so much guilt .
They re also super easy to use . You preheat in minutes and pop in your rolls . No more oil splatters and big cleanup . Just a quick spray of cooking oil and you re set .
Plus , air fryers do more than fry . You can bake , roast or reheat food in them . That makes them a handy tool in any kitchen , especially if you like trying new recipes without extra fat .
Ingredients for Air Fryer Egg Rolls
Before you start , grab these supplies :
- Egg roll wrappers
- Protein (ground pork , shrimp , chicken or tofu)
- Veggies (cabbage , carrots , bell peppers , onions)
- Spices (garlic powder , ginger , soy sauce , salt , pepper)
- Cooking spray or a bit of oil for coating
You can switch up the fillings however you like :
- Vegetarian: use tofu , mushrooms and extra veggies
- Chicken or beef: add cooked shredded chicken or beef with spices
- Spicy: toss in chili flakes or sriracha
Fresh wrappers taste best . Brands like Nasoya or Twin Dragon are easy to find , or you can try making your own if you re feeling brave .
Step-by-Step Recipe for Air Fryer Egg Rolls
Preparation
First , gather all ingredients so you don t scramble later .
Then chop your veggies small for even cooking . If you use meat , cook it first and break into bits . Mix in your spices and sauce to taste . You can also sauté the mix quickly to dry out excess liquid so the rolls don t get soggy .
Filling the Egg Rolls
Here s how to wrap them :
- Lay one wrapper down like a diamond .
- Spoon a couple tablespoons of filling in the center .
- Fold the bottom corner over , press to keep filling in .
- Fold the sides in and roll up to the top corner .
- Use a little water on the top edge to seal it shut .
Don t overstuff them or the rolls might pop open in the fryer .
Air Frying Process
- Preheat air fryer to 380 °F (193 °C) for about 5 minutes .
- Place rolls in the basket , leaving space so hot air can flow .
- Cook for 10–12 minutes , flipping halfway for even browning .
- They re done when golden brown and crispy .
Serving Suggestions
Serve with dipping sauces like soy , sweet-and-sour or peanut sauce . You can also add fried rice , lo mein or a simple salad for a fuller meal .
Variations of Air Fryer Egg Rolls
- Vegetarian: load up on spinach , mushrooms and peppers .
- Chicken or beef: use leftover shredded meat with your spice blend .
- Fusion: try black beans and corn for a taco twist or cheese and marinara for an Italian spin .
Mixing flavors keeps snack time fun and surprising .
Health Benefits of Air Fryer Egg Rolls
- Fewer calories: air fryers use minimal oil , so you save on fat .
- Better ingredients: pick fresh veggies and lean meats for a nutrient boost .
That way , you still get the taste you love while making healthier choices .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling rolls: too much mix leads to burst wrappers .
- Skipping preheat: without it , they might end up soggy .
- Bad seals: if edges aren t sealed well , filling will leak .
- Wrong temp: cooking too hot or too low messes with texture .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use store-bought egg rolls in the air fryer? Yes , just follow package steps and adjust time as needed .
- How do I know when they re done? They should be golden brown and crispy . If unsure , open one to peek inside .
- Can I freeze them? Sure . Freeze before cooking in an airtight wrap and add a few minutes to cook time .
- Which sauces go best? Soy , sweet chili or peanut sauce are all winners .
- How do I store leftovers? Keep in a sealed container up to 3 days and reheat in the fryer .
Conclusion
Air fryer egg rolls give you that awesome сrunch and loads of filling options , all with less oil and fuss . Give them a try and enjoy a tasty snack that s easy and a bit healthier too .
air fryer egg rolls
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 cooking spray
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 pieces egg roll wrappers
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup cooked chicken, shredded Or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- as needed spray cooking spray Helps achieve a golden color.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, cooked chicken (or tofu), green onions, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Take one egg roll wrapper and lay it flat on a clean surface 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, tucking it in tightly.
- Fold in the side corners, and then roll the wrapper away from you to form a tight cylinder. Seal the edge with a little water if needed. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking spray, which helps them achieve a golden color.
- Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the egg rolls with soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
