Craving that irresistible crunch without the mess of deep-frying? This Air Fryer Egg Rolls style delivers perfectly golden and crispy results every time. Quickly whip up these savory delights, packed with a delicious pork and vegetable filling, in a fraction of the time. Get ready for a simple yet satisfying appetizer or light meal that everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Egg Roll Recipe
- Perfect Crispness: Achieve an amazing crispy exterior without any deep-frying, thanks to the air fryer.
- Healthier Option: Enjoy significantly less oil and fat compared to traditional fried egg rolls.
- Quick & Easy: Our air fryer egg roll recipe has minimal prep and fast cooking, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Filling: Customize your egg rolls with different meats or vegetables to suit any taste preference.
- Great for Any Occasion: Serve these as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a side dish, or a light and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Making delicious, crispy egg rolls in your air fryer starts with fresh, flavorful ingredients. This classic egg roll recipe air fryer version features a savory pork and veggie filling, wrapped in perfectly crisp shells.
- 1 tbsp. sesame oil
- 1/2 lb. ground pork
- 4 c. coleslaw mix
- 1/2 c. matchstick-cut carrots
- 1 tsp. freshly grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 tsp. soy sauce
- 2 tsp. rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp. Chinese 5-spice seasoning
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- Sweet chili sauce, duck sauce, or hot mustard sauce, for dipping
Notes & Substitutions
- Ground Pork: Feel free to swap ground pork for ground chicken, turkey, or even lean ground beef.
- Coleslaw Mix: If you don’t have a pre-made mix, finely shred fresh cabbage and carrots.
- Fresh Ginger: For convenience, use ginger paste. Substitute 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger with 2 teaspoons of ginger paste.
- Chinese 5-Spice: This blend offers a warm, aromatic flavor. If you don’t have it, a pinch of cinnamon, star anise, and cloves can offer a similar essence.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: For a lighter, thinner crisp, use spring roll wrappers instead.
- Dipping Sauces: Enhance your air fried egg rolls with sriracha mayo, hoisin sauce, or a savory peanut sauce.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you start makes cooking much smoother. You will need a few essential items to prepare this easy egg roll recipe air fryer style.
- Air fryer (basket or oven style)
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Pastry brush (optional, for oil)
How To Make The Best Air Fryer Egg Roll Recipe
Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create perfectly crispy and delicious air-fried egg rolls. This egg roll recipe air fryer method is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Prepare the filling: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork and cook until it is crumbled and cooked through, about 4 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the coleslaw mix, matchstick carrots, freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- Cook until softened: Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cabbage has noticeably wilted.
- Remove from heat: Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the sliced green onions, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ground black pepper, kosher salt, and Chinese 5-spice seasoning.
- Cool filling: Transfer the hot filling mixture to a plate. Let it cool slightly before handling.
- Assemble egg rolls: Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry work surface, positioning it like a diamond with points facing up and down.
- Add filling: Scoop about 1/3 cup of the cooled pork mixture into the middle of the wrapper.
- Moisten edges: Dip your fingers in water and lightly dampen all the edges of the egg roll wrapper. This helps with sealing.
- Fold and roll: First, fold the left point of the wrapper inward towards the center. Then, fold the right point inward. Next, fold the bottom point up and over the filling and the folded sides.
- Seal edges: Roll the wrapper tightly towards the remaining top point, forming a compact cylinder. Press the moistened edges firmly to seal the egg roll securely.
- Repeat: Place the finished egg roll on a plate and cover it with a dry towel to prevent it from drying out. Continue this process with the remaining wrappers and filling until all are assembled.
- Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C), if your model requires preheating.
- Prepare basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Oil egg rolls: Brush the tops of the assembled egg rolls with olive oil. This helps them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and extra crispness.
- Cook in batches: Place 4 egg rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching and have space for air circulation. Cook for 7 minutes.
- Flip and re-oil: Carefully flip the egg rolls over. Brush the other side with more olive oil. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately: Remove the cooked egg rolls from the air fryer. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce. This air fryer egg roll recipe is best enjoyed fresh.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Crispiness Secret: Never overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook your egg rolls in small batches to allow hot air to circulate properly, ensuring maximum crispiness. Understanding the principles of air fryer cooking can help you achieve the best results.
- Even Browning: Always flip your air-fried egg rolls halfway through the cooking time. This ensures both sides cook evenly and become uniformly golden and crunchy.
- Preventing Soggy Egg Rolls: Make sure the filling is completely cooled before assembling. Excess moisture can lead to a soggy wrapper.
- Tight Rolls: Roll your egg rolls snugly. A tight roll prevents the filling from bursting out during cooking and helps maintain their shape.
- Secure Sealing: Don’t be shy with the water when moistening the edges. A good seal is crucial to keep the filling inside and achieve a perfect shape.
- Adjusting Cook Time: Air fryer models vary significantly in power and cooking efficiency. Always monitor your air fryer egg rolls closely and adjust the cooking time as needed until they are golden brown.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile egg roll recipe air fryer style works wonderfully for many occasions.
Serving Suggestions
- Offer an assortment of dipping sauces like sweet chili, duck sauce, and hot mustard to please every palate.
- Serve these crispy delights as an impressive appetizer for parties and gatherings.
- Pair them with complementary Asian-inspired dishes like homemade fried rice, lo mein, or a flavorful stir-fry for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate Cooked: Store any leftover cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: For the best results, reheat cooked egg rolls in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, until crispy and hot throughout.
- Freeze Uncooked: To freeze uncooked egg rolls, place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer the frozen egg rolls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months.
- Cook from Frozen: You can cook frozen egg rolls directly in the air fryer. Add an extra 2-3 minutes to the standard air frying time; no thawing is needed.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: For a plant-based option, use crumbled firm tofu, finely chopped mushrooms, or a combination of extra shredded vegetables in place of the pork.
- Chicken or Shrimp: Easily substitute the ground pork with cooked, shredded chicken or finely minced shrimp for a different protein.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the filling mixture for a welcome heat.
- Cheesy Fusion: For a unique twist, incorporate some shredded Monterey Jack cheese or cream cheese into the filling before rolling.
Nutrition Information
This egg roll recipe air fryer method offers a significantly healthier alternative to its deep-fried counterparts. By using minimal oil and your air fryer, you reduce both the fat and calorie content without sacrificing that desired crispiness.
Discover more about the nutritional advantages of air frying from registered dietitian nutritionists. Enjoy a guilt-free indulgence that fits into a balanced lifestyle. Please note, nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount (per egg roll, estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-180 |
| Total Fat | 8-12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2-4g |
| Cholesterol | 25-40mg |
| Sodium | 300-400mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10-15g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1-2g |
| Total Sugars | 1-2g |
| Protein | 7-10g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of meat for the filling?
Yes, ground chicken, turkey, or lean ground beef all work wonderfully as substitutes for ground pork in this recipe.
Why are my air fryer egg rolls not crispy?
Your egg rolls are likely not crispy due to overcrowding the air fryer basket or not brushing them with enough oil before cooking.
Can I bake these egg rolls in a conventional oven?
Yes, you can! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden and crisp.
What are some popular dipping sauces for egg rolls?
Sweet chili sauce, classic duck sauce, and hot mustard are favorites. You can also try sriracha mayo or hoisin.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the egg roll filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
This egg roll recipe air fryer style truly transforms a classic favorite into an easy, healthier, and unbelievably crispy dish. Skip the deep fryer and enjoy the convenience of your air fryer to create a snack or appetizer that is simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor. Give this method a try tonight and delight your family and friends with these irresistible, golden-brown egg rolls. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Crispy Air Fryer Egg Rolls: Your Easy Weeknight Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet, cook pork until crumbled, then add coleslaw mix, carrots, ginger, and garlic, cooking until cabbage wilts. Remove from heat and stir in green onions, soy sauce, vinegar, pepper, salt, and 5-spice seasoning, then let cool.
- Place a wrapper like a diamond, add 1/3 cup of pork mixture to the center, dampen edges with water, then fold in sides and bottom point. Roll tightly towards the top point, pressing to seal, then repeat for remaining wrappers, covering with a dry towel.
- Preheat air fryer to 360°, spray the basket, and brush egg rolls with olive oil. Cook in batches of 4 for 7 minutes, flip, brush with more oil, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve the crispy egg rolls with your preferred dipping sauce.
Nutrition
Notes
- Ensure egg rolls are tightly sealed to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to achieve maximum crispness; cook in batches as needed.
- Feel free to experiment with different dipping sauces like sweet chili, duck sauce, or hot mustard to suit your taste.
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