Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe

These crispy, golden Air Fryer Egg Rolls are a game-changer for home cooking! Filled with savory ground pork and crisp vegetables, these delights deliver all the crunch and flavor of traditional deep-fried versions but with significantly less oil. Ready in just 40 minutes, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or when you’re craving takeout but want something fresher and healthier made right in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Option: Enjoy crispy, restaurant-quality egg rolls with just a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep-frying.
• Quick and Easy: From start to finish in just 40 minutes, making these perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.
• Customizable: The basic recipe is fantastic, but you can easily swap proteins or vegetables based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These egg rolls disappear fast at gatherings! They’re ideal for family dinners, game days, or as appetizers for guests.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Pork: Provides the meaty, savory foundation for the filling. It cooks quickly and absorbs the Asian flavors beautifully.
• Cole Slaw Mix: A brilliant time-saver that adds crunch and nutrition. The pre-shredded cabbage and carrots create perfect texture contrast.
• Green Onions: Add a mild, fresh onion flavor that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
• Garlic: Essential for authentic Asian flavor – it adds depth and aroma to the filling.
• Ginger: Provides that distinctive zingy warmth that’s characteristic of great Asian cooking.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers savory umami flavor and saltiness that seasons the entire filling.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Don’t skip this! It adds that distinctive nutty flavor that takes the filling from good to restaurant-quality.
• Egg Roll Wrappers: These thin sheets become magically crispy in the air fryer. Look for them in the refrigerated section near tofu or produce.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the filling and lightly coating the egg rolls for that beautiful golden finish.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious alternatives:

• Protein Options: Swap the ground pork for ground chicken, turkey, shrimp, or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Vegetable Mix-ins: Add water chestnuts for extra crunch, mushrooms for umami flavor, or bean sprouts for freshness.
• Spice It Up: Include a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce in the filling for heat lovers.
• Sweet and Sour: Add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce to the filling for a sweet-savory dimension.
• Vegetarian Delight: Skip the meat entirely and double up on vegetables like shredded carrots, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.

How to Make Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook until mostly cooked through, about 4 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. The meat should have just a few pink spots remaining.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

Add the cole slaw mix, chopped green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook while stirring frequently until the cabbage becomes tender but still has some crunch, about 2 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce and toasted sesame oil until everything is well combined. The filling should be moist but not soggy.

Step 3: Roll the Egg Rolls

Position an egg roll wrapper like a diamond on a clean work surface. Place 3-4 tablespoons of the pork mixture in the center. Lightly wet the top corner with water (this helps seal the roll). Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold both side corners toward the center. Roll tightly toward the top corner, sealing it closed. The finished roll should look like a small envelope.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the rolled egg rolls in your air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Lightly spray or brush them with olive oil. Air fry at 350°F for about 12 minutes total, flipping them halfway through at the 7-minute mark. They should emerge golden brown and delightfully crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to a serving plate and serve immediately with sweet chili sauce, duck sauce, or your favorite dipping option while they’re still hot and crispy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Drain Excess Fat: After cooking the pork, you can drain excess fat if desired for a lighter filling.
• Keep Wrappers Covered: Egg roll wrappers dry out quickly, so keep the stack covered with a damp paper towel while you’re working.
• Perfect Rolling Technique: Think of rolling egg rolls like making tight burritos – keep the filling centered and roll firmly but gently to avoid tearing the wrapper.
• Seal with Care: Ensure the final corner is well-sealed with a dab of water to prevent the egg rolls from opening during cooking.
• Test Run: If this is your first time, try rolling just one egg roll first to get comfortable with the technique before doing the full batch.

How to Serve

These crispy treats deserve perfect companions! Here are some serving suggestions:

Dipping Sauces:

Sweet chili sauce, duck sauce, soy sauce with a splash of rice vinegar, or hot mustard make these egg rolls sing.

Complete the Meal:

Pair with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete Asian-inspired dinner.

Appetizer Spread:

Serve alongside other favorites like potstickers, edamame, or spring rolls for an impressive appetizer platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll lose some crispness but will still taste delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked egg rolls for up to 3 months! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding 3-4 minutes to the air frying time.

Reheating

For maximum crispiness, reheat refrigerated egg rolls in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Microwave reheating works in a pinch (1-2 minutes) but they won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I make these egg rolls without meat?
Absolutely! You can create a delicious vegetarian version by omitting the pork and adding more vegetables like shredded carrots, mushrooms, and bell peppers. For protein, consider adding crumbled tofu or finely chopped edamame. The cooking process remains the same, just sauté your vegetables until tender before rolling.

My egg rolls are splitting open during cooking. What am I doing wrong?
This typically happens for one of two reasons: either the egg rolls are overfilled or they’re not sealed properly. Try using slightly less filling (about 3 tablespoons is ideal) and make sure to seal the final edge with water, pressing firmly to create a good seal. Also, handle them gently when placing them in the air fryer.

Can I use spring roll wrappers instead of egg roll wrappers?
While they look similar, spring roll wrappers and egg roll wrappers behave differently when cooked. Spring roll wrappers (the thin rice paper type) aren’t suitable for air frying. Stick with egg roll wrappers, which are thicker and contain wheat flour, for this recipe. They’re designed to become crispy when cooked.

How do I know when my egg rolls are done cooking?
Perfectly cooked egg rolls should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The wrapper should be crispy and you shouldn’t see any raw dough. If you’re unsure, it’s better to add an extra minute of cooking time rather than undercook them, as the filling contains pork.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Egg Rolls bring restaurant-quality appetizers right to your kitchen table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The crispy exterior giving way to that savory, perfectly seasoned filling is truly irresistible! Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner, weekend snack, or party appetizer, they’re bound to impress. The best part? You’ll feel good knowing you’ve created something healthier than traditional deep-fried versions without sacrificing any of the taste or texture. Give these a try – your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!

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