How to Cook Egg Rolls in Air Fryer

Making egg rolls in air fryer has revolutionized my kitchen game, and it's high time you experienced the magic, too!

Forget the fuss of the traditional methods; this version is undeniably faster, remarkably easy, and produces an unparalleled taste that's to die for.

I've experimented with various cooking methods over the years: baking in the oven left them uneven, while skillet frying was messy and soaked them in too much oil.

But the air fryer? It offers that perfect crispy exterior with a juicy filling inside, making it my all-time favorite.

Dive in, and let's make the best egg rolls together!

Jump to:

• Video Tutorial
• Ingredients
• Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
• Steps on How to Cook Egg Rolls in Air Fryer
• Tips for Adjusting the Cooking Time and Temperature
• Serving Recommendations
• Recipe Variations and Substitutions
• Leftover Storage
• Pro Tips for Success
• FAQs
• Recipe

Video Tutorial

Ingredients

• 300 grams ground pork
• 1 medium onion
• 1 small carrot
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ red bell pepper
• 6 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sweet and sour chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 cup thinly shredded cabbage
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 10 sheets of thin egg roll wrappers

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Container or large bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Tablespoon
• Fork
• Kitchen towel
• Skillet
• Silicone spatula
• Large plate

Steps on How to Cook Egg Rolls in Air Fryer

In a large bowl or container, place the ground pork and add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, half of the ginger, and half of the garlic. Mix well to ensure the pork is evenly coated. Allow the pork to marinate while you prepare the vegetable filling for the egg rolls.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the onion and sauté for a moment before adding the carrot.

Sauté the vegetables for about three minutes, stirring constantly. Next, add the red bell pepper and continue sautéing for an additional 2 minutes, maintaining a constant stir.

Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and sauté for about 3 more minutes, stirring constantly. Pour 2 tablespoons of soy sauce over the vegetables and continue sautéing, stirring constantly.

After 2 minutes, push the vegetables to the edge of the skillet. Add the marinated ground pork to the center of the hot skillet, allowing it to brown nicely without stirring for the first couple of minutes.

Once it has browned, stir the pork and mix in the remaining soy sauce, sesame oil, and sweet and sour chili sauce.

Combine the pork and vegetables together, and continue cooking the egg roll filling. After 3 minutes, add the green onions, as well as the remaining garlic and ginger.

Sauté the filling, stirring for another 3 minutes, until the ground pork is thoroughly cooked and ready. This whole process should take approximately 8 minutes.

In a small bowl, beat the egg and set it aside. Keep the egg roll wrappers nearby, covering them with a damp kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out and help with wrapping.

Take a single sheet of egg roll wrapper and place it in front of you, resembling a diamond shape. Place about 2 tablespoons of the cooled filling onto the bottom corner of the wrapper.

Fold the side corners towards the center to create a roll. Seal the last corner of the wrapper with the beaten egg, securing the roll. Repeat this process for all the egg roll wrappers and filling.

Preheat the air fryer (I'm using the Instant Vortex Plus XL) to 360ºF (180ºC). Carefully place the rolls on the bottom of the air fryer basket and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they become golden and crispy.

Two minutes before the cooking time ends, take out the air fryer basket and brush the remaining beaten egg over the rolls to achieve extra golden color and crispiness.

Once the egg rolls are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate. They can be served with soy sauce or the same sweet and sour chili sauce for dipping.

Tips for Adjusting the Cooking Time and Temperature

• Keep an eye on size: If you've made your egg rolls larger or smaller than the recipe suggests, adjust the cooking time. Larger rolls need more time, while smaller ones require less.
• Check for desired crispiness: Some like their egg rolls super crispy, some prefer them softer. For a crispier shell, add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
• Reheating leftovers: Lower the temperature by 25°F and check after half the original cooking time. They might not need as long in the fryer the second time around.
• Altitude matters: If you're at a high altitude, you might need a slight increase in cooking time. Always keep an eye out to prevent overcooking.

Serving Recommendations

• Dippings: Serve with a variety of dips, like sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a tangy plum sauce.
• Fresh greens: A side of fresh, crisp lettuce, cucumber slices, or even some coleslaw adds a refreshing balance to the meal.
• Beverage pairings: Consider a light beer or sparkling water with a slice of lime to cut through the richness of the egg rolls.
• Full meal: Accompany with a light noodle or rice dish to transform the egg rolls from appetizer to main course.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Meat options: While pork is traditional, you can easily substitute it with chicken, shrimp, or even go vegetarian with tofu.
• Veggies galore: Feel free to mix and match your favorite veggies inside. Think bell peppers, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, or jicama for added crunch.
• Spice it up: If you're a fan of heat, add some finely chopped chili peppers, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to your filling.
• Gluten-sensitive: Use gluten-free wrappers and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free as well.
• Healthy twist: Swap out the traditional white cabbage for its nutrient-rich cousin, kale, or even add some quinoa for a protein punch.

Leftover Storage

• Cool before storing. Ensure the egg rolls have completely cooled to room temperature before packing them away. This helps prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Air-tight is right. Store the egg rolls in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. This prevents them from absorbing any unwanted fridge odors too.
• Freeze for future feasts. If you've made a big batch, you can freeze the egg rolls. Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to freezer bags. They can last up to 2 months.
• Reheat wisely. When reheating, consider using the air fryer again for best results. It will bring back that delightful crunch without making them overly greasy.

Pro Tips for Success

• Season well: Before cooking, take a moment to taste the filling and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Feel free to add more soy sauce, garlic, ginger, or any other seasoning that you love.
• Marinating: For an even more flavorful experience, consider marinating the ground pork in the soy sauce, ginger, and garlic mixture for an hour or two before cooking. This will infuse the meat with delicious flavors and tenderize it.
• Don't overstuff: While it's tempting to load up on the filling, overstuffing can lead to breaks in the wrapper and uneven cooking.
• Seal them well: A well-sealed egg roll prevents the filling from spilling out during the frying process. Using a touch of water on the wrapper's edge can help create a firm seal.
• Single-layer strategy: When cooking, lay the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer. Overcrowding can affect cooking time and prevent them from crisping up evenly.
• Regular rotation: Halfway through cooking, give the egg rolls a gentle turn. This ensures all sides get that golden-brown finish.
• Preparation pays off: If you're planning to make a big batch, prep the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. It not only enhances the flavors but also makes the actual cooking process quicker and smoother.

FAQs

In the dynamic world of cooking, the air fryer stands out as a game-changer, especially when it comes to crafting the perfect egg roll. With my air fryer egg roll recipe, you're set to indulge in a healthier, crispier treat without the excess oil.

Eager to discover more delicious and easy air fryer recipes? Dive deeper into our blog.

And if you've taken the plunge and tried out this recipe, drop a comment below. We'd love to hear your culinary tales and tips!

Happy frying!

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