Air Fryer Egg Rolls offer a healthier and crispier twist on the classic deep-fried version. Instead of submerging them in oil, they utilize hot air circulation to achieve a golden brown, crunchy exterior while keeping the filling moist and flavorful.
This reduces fat content significantly compared to traditional methods. Popular fillings include seasoned ground pork and cabbage, but shrimp, chicken, or vegetarian options are common.
The egg roll wrappers are typically brushed with oil for added crispness, and the air fryer cooks them in just minutes, making them a quick and satisfying appetizer or main course.
They pair well with dipping sauces like sweet and sour or chili sauce, and you can customize them with your favorite ingredients to suit your taste buds.
So, skip the greasy deep fryer and enjoy the deliciousness of Egg Rolls with a guilt-free crunch!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Egg Rolls
Crafting Crispy Egg Rolls in an Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Craving satisfyingly crispy egg rolls without the deep-frying mess? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! Here’s a detailed guide to help you achieve golden perfection:
Ingredients:
- Wrappers: Choose store-bought egg roll wrappers (spring roll wrappers work too). 20-24 wrappers should yield around 10-12 egg rolls.
- Filling: This is where you get creative! Popular options include:
- Classic: Ground pork, shredded cabbage, diced carrots, scallions, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil.
- Shrimp: Chopped shrimp, shredded cabbage, diced water chestnuts, carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar.
- Vegetable: Shredded tofu, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, green onions, soy sauce, ginger, garlic.
- Other: Cooking oil (avocado, canola, etc.), dipping sauce (sweet & sour, chili sauce, etc.).
Preparation:
- Prep the filling: Cook your chosen protein (e.g., ground pork, shrimp) if needed. Finely chop all vegetables for even cooking. Mix everything in a bowl with your chosen seasonings and sauces. Ensure the filling is not overly wet, as it can make the wrappers soggy.
- Assemble the egg rolls: Lay a wrapper flat with a pointed corner facing you. Place a spoonful of filling near the corner. Fold the corner over the filling diagonally, then fold in the sides. Continue rolling tightly towards the opposite corner, sealing the end with a dab of water or egg wash. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Preheat your air fryer: Aim for 375°F (190°C) for optimal crispness.
- Brush or spray: Lightly coat each egg roll with oil using a brush or spray bottle. You want them slightly moistened, not swimming in oil.
- Air fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd the basket, as this affects air circulation and prevents even cooking. Cook for 6-8 minutes per batch, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Golden perfection: Check for doneness. The wrappers should be golden brown and crispy, and the filling should be cooked through.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the egg rolls cool slightly before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the delicious, guilt-free crunch!
Tips for extra crispness:
- Use pre-heated oil: Warm up a tablespoon of oil in the air fryer basket for 30 seconds before adding the egg rolls.
- Don’t overfill the wrappers: Too much filling can prevent even cooking and crispness.
- Experiment with cooking times: Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on your air fryer model and desired level of crispness.
- Use low-moisture fillings: Avoid overly wet ingredients to prevent soggy wrappers.
With these steps and tips, you’ll be a pro at making crispy and delicious Air Fryer Egg Rolls recipe in no time! Feel free to experiment with different fillings and dipping sauces to suit your preferences. Happy air frying!
What to do with Leftovers
Transforming leftovers into delicious new meals is a great way to save money, reduce food waste, and unleash your culinary creativity! Here are some ideas based on what kind of leftovers you have:
Main Courses:
- Stir-fry: Chop up cooked meat, vegetables, and rice or noodles and whip up a quick and flavorful stir-fry. Add an egg for extra protein.
- Pasta toss: Use leftover cooked pasta for a creamy pasta bake, a fresh salad with pesto, or a cheesy skillet mac and cheese.
- Soup it up: Leftover roasted vegetables, meat, or rice are perfect for creating hearty and comforting soups.
- Pizza night: Leftover chicken, veggies, and cheese can be transformed into a delicious homemade pizza on pita bread or tortillas.
- Breakfast scramble: Use leftover protein and vegetables in a breakfast scramble with eggs, cheese, and tortillas.
Sides and Snacks:
- Frittatas or Quiches: Leftover vegetables, cheese, and cooked meat can be baked into a delicious frittata or quiche for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Potato pancakes: Mashed potatoes can be transformed into crispy potato pancakes.
- Spring rolls: Use leftover cooked fillings and rice paper wrappers to make fresh spring rolls.
- Salads: Add leftover cooked chicken, fish, or vegetables to a salad for a protein-packed lunch.
- Dips and spreads: Blend leftover roasted vegetables or beans into dips and spreads for snacking with crackers or pita bread.
General Tips:
- Get creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of ingredients.
- Repurpose ingredients: Leftover herbs can be used for pesto, sauces, or marinades. Leftover cooked grains can be used in pancakes, breading, or stuffing.
- Freeze it: If you won’t use your leftovers within a few days, freeze them in portion sizes for later use.
- Label everything: Label your leftovers with the date and contents to easily identify them later.
Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little imagination, you can turn your leftovers into delicious and satisfying meals!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Egg Rolls
Egg Rolls in air fryer offer a crispy and flavorful main course or appetizer, and choosing the right pairings can elevate the entire experience. Here are some ideas to consider:
Dipping Sauces:
- Classic: Sweet and sour sauce, chili sauce, duck sauce, soy sauce with sesame oil and ginger.
- Asian-inspired: Vietnamese dipping sauce (nuoc cham), peanut sauce, hoisin sauce with sriracha.
- Creamy: Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, avocado crema.
Sides:
- For a light meal: Steamed rice, quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
- For a heartier meal: Fried rice, noodles (chow mein, lo mein), stir-fried vegetables, and salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Fresh options: Edamame, cucumber slices, carrot sticks, kimchi.
- Soup: Wonton soup, egg drop soup, miso soup.
Additional Ideas:
- Spring rolls: Offer a contrasting appetizer or side with a different texture and flavor profile.
- Dumplings: Gyoza or potstickers complement the egg rolls and offer a delicious variety.
- Asian slaw: A refreshing and crunchy salad with a light Asian-inspired dressing that pair well with the richness of the egg rolls.
- Pickles: Vietnamese pickled vegetables or kimchi add a tangy and refreshing element to the meal.
Tips:
- Consider the overall flavor profile of your egg rolls when choosing pairings. If your filling is spicy, opt for milder sides and sauces.
- Choose dipping sauces that complement the flavors of the filling and wrapper.
- Balance textures and flavors to create a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combinations!
Remember, the key is to choose sides and sauces that enhance the enjoyment of your Egg Rolls without overpowering them. With a little creativity, you can create a delicious and satisfying Asian-inspired feast!
FAQs
How long should I air fry frozen egg rolls?
Air fry frozen egg rolls for 8-10 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway through for even browning. Enjoy crispy perfection!
Are egg rolls better in the air fryer than deep fryer?
It depends! For healthier, less oily rolls, air frying wins. But for deep-fried flavor and ultimate crispness, a deep fryer reigns supreme.
How long to heat egg rolls in air fryer?
Heat pre-cooked egg rolls in the air fryer for 4-6 minutes at 350°F, flipping halfway for even heating. Adjust time slightly based on size and desired crispness. Enjoy!
Can you air fry an egg in air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry an egg! It’s a unique way to cook them with different methods depending on your desired outcome:
- Sunny side up/over easy: 3-4 minutes for a runny yolk.
- Medium cooked: 4-5 minutes for slightly runny yolk.
- Hard-boiled: 7-8 minutes for fully cooked yolk.
Remember, adjust times based on your air fryer and desired results. Enjoy!
What Cannot be cooked in air fryer?
While air fryers are versatile, there are some things unsuitable for them:
- Wet batters: They drip and make a mess.
- Large, bone-in meats: Uneven cooking is likely.
- Baked goods: They require different heat distribution.
- Leafy greens: They dry out and burn easily.
- Anything wrapped in foil or parchment: It blocks air circulation.
Remember, always consult your air fryer’s manual for specific recommendations.
Is it safe to boil eggs in Airfryer?
Yes, you can safely boil eggs in an air fryer, but with limitations:
- Shell risk: Water boiling in confined spaces can cause shells to crack dangerously. Use pre-cracked eggs or pierce them carefully beforehand.
- Uneven cooking: Air fryers circulate hot air, not water, so even cooking might be affected. Experiment with time and temperature cautiously.
Consider traditional boiling methods for safety and consistent results. Enjoy your eggs!
Down Below you will find an air fryer egg rolls recipe.
Recipe
Air Fryer Egg Rolls
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 oyster sauce
- 1/2 tsp minced ginger
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 cup coleslaw mix
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 sriracha
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 12 eggs roll wrappers
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Choose your filling (pork & cabbage classic, veggie delight, endless options!). Chop, mix, season – keep it dry(ish).
- Grab wrappers, spoon filling near a corner, fold diagonally, then sides, roll tight. Seal with water/egg wash.
- Brush or spray rolls with light oil for extra crisp.
- Preheat to 375°F, air fry in batches (don't crowd!) for 6-8 minutes, flip halfway for even browning.
- Check for crispy perfection, enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
- Frozen rolls? No problem! Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flip for even heat.
- Crispy, delicious Air Fryer Egg Rolls in minutes. Experiment, have fun, and savor the guilt-free goodness!
Notes
- Moisture matters: Avoid fillings that are too wet, as this can make the wrappers soggy. Drain cooked vegetables or squeeze out excess moisture.
- Seasoning is key: Don’t skimp on seasoning your filling! Use soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, or your favorite herbs and spices for added flavor.
- Get creative: Explore different fillings beyond the classic pork and cabbage. Try shrimp, chicken, tofu, or even sweet potato and black bean options.
- Thaw completely: Don’t attempt to use frozen wrappers directly, as they will crack easily.
- Brush lightly: Avoid over-oiling the wrappers, as this can make them greasy. A light coating is enough for crispness.
- Seal it tight: Ensure your egg rolls are well-sealed to prevent filling from leaking out during cooking. Use water or egg wash to secure the ends.
- Preheat is essential: A preheated air fryer ensures even cooking and crispy results.
- Don’t overcrowd: Cook egg rolls in batches to allow for proper air circulation and even browning.
- Flipping is key: Flip your egg rolls halfway through cooking for consistent crispness on all sides.
- Adjust timing: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and desired level of crispness. Start with less time and add more if needed.
- Pre-cook protein: If using raw protein in your filling, cook it beforehand to ensure everything is cooked through.
- Experiment with sauces: Pair your egg rolls with your favorite dipping sauces, like sweet and sour, chili sauce, or peanut sauce.
- Leftover love: Leftover egg rolls can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the air fryer for a quick snack.