I have a confession to make: I have an undying love for egg rolls. Crispy, golden, and filled with a delightful medley of flavors, they have always been my guilty pleasure. But here’s the thing—I absolutely loathe deep-frying. The splattering oil, the lingering grease smell in my kitchen, and the inevitable clean-up afterward? No, thank you. So, when I discovered I could make air fryer egg rolls that were just as crunchy and delicious without the oily mess, I knew I had found my kitchen soulmate.
It all started on a Friday night when my family was craving takeout, but I was determined to make something healthier at home. I had a pack of egg roll wrappers sitting in my fridge, leftover from another recipe, and a bunch of veggies that needed to be used up. Inspiration struck! I decided to experiment with an egg roll filling recipe, throwing together shredded cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and a bit of ground chicken. The result? A batch of homemade egg rolls so good that my family didn’t even miss our usual takeout order. And just like that, my obsession with air fried egg rolls was born!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Crispy Without the Grease – Say goodbye to deep-frying! These air fryer egg rolls achieve that perfect crispiness without being soaked in oil. The air fryer works its magic to give you that golden, crunchy texture with just a light spritz of oil.
- Quick and Easy – This easy egg roll recipe comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something delicious but don’t have hours to spare.
- Healthier Alternative – Traditional Chinese egg rolls are deep-fried, making them a bit heavy. But by air frying, you’re cutting down on unnecessary oil and calories while still enjoying all the flavor.
- Customizable Fillings – There are endless egg roll ideas! Swap out the chicken for shrimp, add some spicy jalapeños, or make them entirely vegetarian. You can get creative with the fillings to match your taste.
- Great for Meal Prep – These airfryer egg rolls freeze beautifully. Make a big batch, store them in the freezer, and pop them in the air fryer whenever you need a quick and tasty snack.
- Perfect for Entertaining – Whether it’s a game night, a family gathering, or a potluck, homemade egg rolls are a surefire crowd-pleaser. Serve them with a selection of dipping sauces, and watch them disappear in minutes.
- Minimal Clean-Up – No messy oil splatters, no heavy-duty scrubbing. Just a simple wipe-down of your air fryer basket, and you’re done.
- Restaurant-Style at Home – Who needs takeout when you can whip up restaurant-quality air fried egg rolls in the comfort of your kitchen?
Ingredients for the Recipe
For the Egg Roll Filling:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1/2 pound ground chicken (or pork, shrimp, or tofu for variation)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Egg Rolls:
- 10 egg roll wrappers
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for sealing)
- Cooking spray or oil for air frying
Equipment Needed:
- Air fryer
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Small bowl (for cornstarch mixture)
- Brush or spray bottle for oil
Cooking Instructions: How to Make This Recipe
- Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, cook the ground chicken over medium heat until no longer pink. Add the garlic, ginger, mushrooms, cabbage, and carrots. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Mix in soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling near the bottom corner. Fold the bottom over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly. Use the cornstarch mixture to seal the edges.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes.
- Air Fry the Egg Rolls: Lightly spray or brush the egg rolls with oil. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook for 8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let them cool slightly before serving. Pair with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or spicy mustard for dipping!
Notes and Tips
- Don’t Overfill the Wrappers – Less is more when it comes to egg roll filling recipes. Overstuffing can cause them to burst open while cooking.
- Seal Them Properly – The cornstarch-water mixture helps keep the egg rolls tightly sealed, preventing any unraveling in the air fryer.
- Work in Batches – Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the egg rolls in batches to ensure even crisping.
- Experiment with Fillings – This recipe is versatile! Try adding bean sprouts, chopped water chestnuts, or even some shredded cheese for a fun twist.
- Reheating Leftovers – To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F to regain that crispy texture.
- Freezing for Later – Freeze uncooked egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry straight from frozen at 375°F for about 12-14 minutes.
Macronutrient Count Per Serving
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
Bonus Pro Tips for the Recipe
- Double the Crispiness – For extra crispy egg rolls, give them an additional light spray of oil halfway through cooking.
- Use the Right Wrapper – Thicker egg roll wrappers work best in the air fryer, giving a nice crunch without becoming too chewy.
- Keep the Wrappers Moist – Cover unused wrappers with a damp towel while assembling to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
- Don’t Skip the Preheat – Preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking and that perfect golden brown crunch.
- Try Different Dipping Sauces – Sweet chili sauce, spicy mustard, or even a garlic soy glaze can take these egg rolls to the next level.
- Make it a Meal – Pair your egg rolls with a side of steamed rice or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Egg Roll Q&A: Crunchy Confessions
1. What are the best side dishes to serve with air fryer egg rolls?
- These egg rolls pair beautifully with fried rice, miso soup, or a fresh Asian slaw.
2. Can I use store-bought coleslaw mix instead of shredding my own cabbage and carrots?
- Absolutely! A bag of coleslaw mix is a great shortcut to save time without sacrificing flavor.
3. How do I keep my egg rolls from getting soggy?
- Make sure not to overfill them and allow them to cool on a wire rack after cooking to maintain crispiness.
4. Can I bake these instead of air frying?
- Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy but still delicious.
5. What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to keep them crispy.
