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I can't tell you how excited I was when I figured out how to make egg rolls in my air fryer. After years of ordering takeout these homemade ones are my pride and joy. Stuffed with juicy ground pork or chicken loads of crispy veggies and my own blend of spices they come out perfectly golden every time. The best part? My kitchen doesn't smell like deep frying anymore.
Why They're a Favorite
My family goes crazy for these egg rolls. The outside gets so wonderfully crispy while the filling stays nice and juicy. When I first started making them I couldn't believe how much better they taste than takeout. Now my kids peek into the kitchen asking how much longer until they're ready.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Filling Base: 1 pound ground pork or chicken for the perfect meaty texture.
- Fresh Veggies: 2 cups shredded cabbage 1 cup shredded carrots ½ cup diced onions.
- Seasonings: 2 cloves minced garlic 1 tablespoon grated ginger 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
- Wrappers: 1 package egg roll wrappers about 20 count.
- Assembly: 1 beaten egg for sealing small bowl of water cooking spray.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Filling
- Brown your meat in a large pan breaking it up as it cooks. Add your veggies and cook until they're just tender. Stir in all those yummy seasonings and let it cool.
- Wrap with Care
- Place your wrapper like a diamond and put about 3 tablespoons of filling near the bottom corner. Fold up the bottom then bring in the sides and roll tightly. Seal the top with water.
- Get Ready to Cook
- Preheat your air fryer to 370°F give the basket a light spray of oil so nothing sticks.
- Time to Air Fry
- Put your rolls in seam side down don't crowd them. Give them a quick spray of oil and cook for 6-8 minutes flip them halfway through until they're golden brown.
- Keep Them Warm
- While you cook the rest keep your finished ones warm in a low oven at 200°F they'll stay nice and crispy.
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Pro Tips for Success
Let me save you from the mistakes I made when starting out. Keep those wrappers under a damp kitchen towel while you work they dry out super fast. Don't stuff them too full or they'll split open while cooking. A light spritz of oil helps them brown evenly. Most importantly let that filling cool down before rolling it makes everything so much easier.
Serving Suggestions
In my house we love dunking these in sweet chili sauce or the spicy mayo I whip up. They're fantastic with a side of fried rice or my quick veggie lo mein. When friends come over I make a big batch and set out different dipping sauces everyone always asks for the recipe.
Storing and Reheating
These keep really well in the fridge for about five days in a sealed container. When we want to eat them again I pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes they crisp right up. I often make double batches and freeze some they're perfect for busy nights just wrap them well before freezing.
Customizing the Filling
My kitchen's always been about playing with flavors. Sometimes I use ground turkey for a lighter version or crumbled tofu to make them vegetarian. Water chestnuts add an amazing crunch and mushrooms make them extra savory. A splash of hoisin sauce gives them a sweet and tangy kick that my husband loves.
Better Than Takeout
Making these egg rolls at home has become such a fun tradition in our kitchen. My kids love helping roll them and everyone gets excited when they smell that familiar aroma. There's something so satisfying about creating our favorite takeout dish right at home and knowing exactly what goes into them makes them taste even better.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. You can also roll the egg rolls and store them uncooked, covered with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap, for up to 4 hours before cooking.
- → What's the best way to store leftover egg rolls?
Store cooled egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- → Can I freeze these egg rolls?
You can freeze uncooked egg rolls for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer bag with wax paper between layers. Cook straight from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
- → What other fillings can I use?
Try shrimp instead of meat, or make them vegetarian with mushrooms and extra vegetables. Just make sure any filling is cooked and cooled before rolling. The key is keeping the filling fairly dry.
- → Why are my egg rolls not crispy?
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as the egg rolls need space for air circulation. Also, brush them with oil before cooking and flip them halfway through for even browning.
Conclusion
These homemade egg rolls use the air fryer for a crispy outside while keeping the savory meat and vegetable filling juicy inside. A healthier take on the takeout favorite, ready in under an hour with your choice of pork or chicken filling.