Air Fryer Egg Rolls: Crispy, Delicious, and Easy Recipe

Air Fryer Egg Rolls: Craving that crispy, savory crunch of a classic egg roll but without all the guilt of deep frying? You’ve come to the right place! I’m about to share my foolproof method for creating perfectly golden, irresistibly delicious egg rolls using the magic of the air fryer.

Egg rolls, while often associated with Chinese-American cuisine, have a fascinating history rooted in Chinese spring rolls. These were traditionally enjoyed during the Spring Festival, symbolizing wealth and good fortune. Over time, the recipe evolved, adapting to local ingredients and tastes, eventually becoming the beloved egg roll we know and love today.

What’s not to love? The satisfying crunch of the wrapper gives way to a flavorful filling, typically a medley of shredded cabbage, carrots, and savory meats like pork or chicken. But let’s be honest, deep-fried versions can be a bit heavy. That’s where the air fryer swoops in to save the day! My air fryer egg rolls are just as crispy and flavorful as their deep-fried counterparts, but with significantly less oil. They’re a healthier, quicker, and easier way to enjoy this classic appetizer or snack. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these incredibly tasty and surprisingly simple air fryer egg rolls!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground pork (or ground chicken/turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or napa)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 package (about 20) egg roll wrappers
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)

Preparing the Filling:

Alright, let’s get started with the heart of our egg rolls – the delicious filling! This is where all the flavor comes from, so pay attention to the details. I promise, it’s easier than it looks!

1. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet or wok, brown the ground pork over medium-high heat. Make sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks, so you don’t end up with big clumps. Cook until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy egg rolls!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another minute or so, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is a flavor killer.
3. Add the Veggies: Now, toss in the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and bean sprouts. Cook until the cabbage starts to wilt slightly, about 3-5 minutes. You want the veggies to still have a little bit of crunch – nobody likes mushy vegetables in their egg rolls.
4. Season the Mixture: Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, ground white pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Maybe you want a little more soy sauce, or a touch more sugar. It’s your filling, make it your own!
5. Cool the Filling: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool completely. This is crucial! If you try to fill the egg rolls with hot filling, the wrappers will get soggy and tear. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way. You can speed up the cooling process by spreading the filling out on a baking sheet.

Assembling the Egg Rolls:

Now for the fun part – wrapping the egg rolls! This might seem a little intimidating at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time. Just follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be golden.

1. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This will be our “glue” to seal the egg rolls. Make sure there are no lumps in the slurry!
2. Lay Out the Wrapper: Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface with one point facing towards you (like a diamond).
3. Add the Filling: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled filling onto the center of the wrapper. Don’t overfill it! Too much filling will make it difficult to roll and the egg roll might burst open during cooking.
4. Fold and Roll: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, tucking it tightly. Then, fold in the left and right corners towards the center.
5. Seal the Edge: Brush the top corner of the wrapper with the cornstarch slurry. Roll the egg roll tightly until it’s completely sealed. Make sure the seam is securely closed.
6. Repeat: Repeat steps 2-5 with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Air Frying the Egg Rolls:

Here comes the magic! Air frying is the perfect way to get crispy, golden-brown egg rolls without all the oil. It’s quick, easy, and healthier than deep frying. What’s not to love?

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking.
2. Prepare the Egg Rolls: Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking spray. This will help them get nice and crispy. Don’t skip this step!
3. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket! If necessary, cook the egg rolls in batches. Overcrowding will result in uneven cooking and soggy egg rolls.
4. Air Fry: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as air fryers can vary in cooking time. You want them to be perfectly golden brown, not burnt!
5. Check for Doneness: The egg rolls are done when they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve Immediately: Remove the egg rolls from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. I personally love sweet chili sauce, but soy sauce, plum sauce, or even a spicy mayo would be delicious too!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Egg Rolls:

Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you make the best air fryer egg rolls ever!

• Don’t Overfill: I know I already mentioned this, but it’s worth repeating. Overfilling the egg rolls is a recipe for disaster. They’ll be difficult to roll, and they’ll likely burst open during cooking.
• Seal Tightly: Make sure to seal the egg rolls tightly with the cornstarch slurry. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Again, this is crucial for even cooking. Cook the egg rolls in batches if necessary.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryers can vary in cooking time, so keep a close eye on the egg rolls and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Experiment with Fillings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the filling! You can add different vegetables, meats, or even seafood. Some popular variations include shrimp egg rolls, vegetable egg rolls, and even dessert egg rolls!
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the egg rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out.
• Freezing: These egg rolls freeze beautifully! Assemble them, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, air fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Dipping Sauce Suggestions:

No egg roll is complete without a delicious dipping sauce! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Sweet Chili Sauce
• Soy Sauce
• Plum Sauce
• Spicy Mayo (mix mayonnaise with sriracha or chili garlic sauce)
• Peanut Sauce

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy these air fryer egg rolls as much as I do! They’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, a party appetizer, or even a snack. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Air Fryer Egg Rolls are truly a game-changer. Forget soggy, greasy takeout – this recipe delivers crispy, golden perfection every single time, and in a fraction of the time it takes to order in. The filling is bursting with flavor, and the air fryer ensures that each bite is satisfyingly crunchy without all the added oil. Honestly, once you try these, you’ll wonder why you ever made them any other way.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with the filling! Craving something spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. Want a vegetarian option? Simply omit the meat and add more vegetables like shredded cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms. You could even try a sweet version with a cream cheese and fruit filling for a delicious dessert egg roll. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions:

These Air Fryer Egg Rolls are fantastic on their own as a snack or appetizer, but they also make a great addition to a larger meal. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce – sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, plum sauce, or even a creamy peanut sauce would be delicious. For a complete meal, pair them with some fried rice or noodles and a side of steamed vegetables. You can even chop them up and add them to a salad for a fun and flavorful twist.

And don’t forget about presentation! Arrange the egg rolls artfully on a plate, garnish with some chopped green onions or sesame seeds, and serve with a small bowl of dipping sauce. A little extra effort in presentation can really elevate the dining experience.

I truly believe that this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves egg rolls. It’s quick, easy, and delivers incredible results. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried egg rolls, so you can indulge without the guilt.

Variations to Explore:

* Spicy Sensation: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for an extra kick.
* Vegetarian Delight: Omit the meat and add more vegetables like shredded cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, and mushrooms.
* Shrimp Scampi Egg Rolls: Replace the pork with cooked shrimp and add a squeeze of lemon juice and some garlic.
* Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls: Use shredded cooked chicken and mix it with buffalo wing sauce and cream cheese. Serve with blue cheese dressing for dipping.
* Dessert Egg Rolls: Fill the egg rolls with a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and your favorite fruit (like apples, berries, or bananas). Dust with cinnamon sugar after air frying.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and give these Air Fryer Egg Rolls a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] – I can’t wait to see your creations! Let me know what variations you tried and what dipping sauces you loved. Happy cooking! I am confident that you will find this recipe to be a new family favorite. Enjoy the crispy, delicious goodness!

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