Pin it
I started making Egg Rolls in my Air Fryer when I wanted those crunchy restaurant flavors without dealing with deep frying mess. Through tons of experimenting, I discovered the ideal mix of fresh stuff and air fryer technique that makes an amazingly crunchy outside with a moist, tasty filling. These days my family asks for these instead of ordering out, and honestly, they're so quick to whip up I'm totally fine with it.
Easy Cooking Wonder
What makes these egg rolls special is how they get super crunchy without swimming in oil. The outside turns golden and crisp while everything inside stays nice and juicy. My next-door neighbor smelled them cooking last month. She now makes them twice weekly and says her crew thinks they beat restaurant versions hands down.
Your Shopping List
- Pick your protein: Fresh ground pork adds the tastiest flavor, though chicken or tofu can swap in nicely.
- Crispy veggies: Grated carrots, sliced cabbage, or grab a bag of coleslaw mix if you're in a hurry.
- Flavor builders: Chopped green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger create that real Asian taste foundation.
- Liquid flavors: A bit of soy sauce and rice vinegar ties everything together.
- Outer shells: Find egg roll wrappers near the veggies at your store; they store well in the freezer if you buy too many.
- For that crunch: A small spritz of cooking oil helps get that beautiful golden finish.
The Wrapping Process
- Get your stuffing ready:
- First cook your pork until it's no longer pink, crumbling it while it cooks. Toss in all those veggies and let them soften as they soak up those meat flavors. Throw in the ginger and garlic last, and watch your kitchen fill up with amazing smells.
- Add the wet stuff:
- Pour in your soy sauce and vinegar, letting everything mix well. You'll want your filling to cool down before wrapping—it makes the wrappers way easier to work with.
- Wrap them up:
- Put each wrapper down like a diamond shape. Spoon some filling right in the center, then pull the bottom corner up and over. Push those sides in tight, then roll everything up, using a dab of water to stick the top shut.
- Cook them up:
- Heat that air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray your rolls with oil. They'll need around 12 minutes, with a flip halfway, until they look golden and crunchy all over.
Pro Advice
After making these tons of times, I've figured out all the secrets. Don't stuff your wrappers too full or they'll burst while cooking. That tiny bit of oil spray really does matter for getting that golden color. Always keep unused wrappers under a damp towel so they won't dry out and crack.
Tasty Companions
We always have different dips ready—sweet chili sauce wins the popularity contest. Sometimes I'll mix up some spicy mayo or just put out plain soy sauce. They taste amazing with a side of fried rice or some noodles, making you feel like you actually ordered takeout.
Leftovers Game Plan
These stay good in your fridge for about five days. Just pop them back in the air fryer for a couple minutes and they'll crisp right up again. You can even freeze them after cooking if you wrap them tightly, and they'll last for months that way.
Shake Things Up
The traditional pork filling tastes great, but don't be afraid to try something new. I often swap in ground chicken or turkey. Throwing in extra veggies like chopped mushrooms or water chestnuts adds a nice crunch. You can try so many different things—that's what makes cooking at home so much fun.
Restaurant Vibes
These air fryer egg rolls have become our go-to when we want restaurant flavors without leaving home. I make them whenever we're in the mood for something crunchy and yummy but don't want all the grease. The way they turn that perfect golden brown, how crispy the outside gets—that's what makes cooking from scratch so satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I skip the air fryer and still make these?
Absolutely! You can cook these on the stovetop. Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a pan at 350°F and fry each side of the rolls for about 3-4 minutes until they’re golden and crisp.
- → Can I prep the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! Preparing the filling in advance works well, especially for meal prepping or quick assembly when you're ready to cook.
- → What pairs well with these rolls?
You can pair these egg rolls with sauces like soy, plum, or duck sauce. Sweet chili dipping sauce or any homemade sauce you love also goes perfectly.
- → Can I swap the meat for something else or go vegetarian?
Sure thing! Ground turkey works, or skip meat entirely for a vegetarian version—use mushrooms or tofu instead, then season to taste.
- → How do I store leftovers?
While not in the original instructions, usually cooked egg rolls last 3-4 days in a sealed container in the fridge. To bring back the crispiness, pop them in the air fryer before eating.