Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Egg Rolls: Your Ultimate Guide to a Quick & Easy Snack
Craving that satisfying crunch of a perfectly cooked egg roll but don’t want the mess or extra oil of deep frying? Look no further! The air fryer is your secret weapon for transforming frozen egg rolls into a golden-brown, crispy delight in mere minutes. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to achieve restaurant-quality frozen egg rolls right in your own kitchen.
The air fryer has revolutionized how we cook our favorite frozen foods, making them healthier and more convenient than ever before. If you’re a fan of quick, delicious, and easy meals or snacks, then you’re already familiar with its magic for items like Air Fryer Tater Tots, Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets, and Air Fryer Hash Browns. Now, get ready to add frozen egg rolls to that esteemed list!
If you have a love for Chinese food, you’re going to absolutely adore this simple and efficient method for cooking frozen egg rolls in your air fryer. It’s the ultimate solution for a speedy lunch, an unexpected snack craving, or a delightful appetizer when entertaining. The best part? They require minimal effort and cook up incredibly fast, giving you that authentic crispy texture without the usual fuss.
Before we dive into the delicious details, don’t forget to check out our comprehensive list of Air Fryer Cook Times. It’s an invaluable resource you can grab as a printable or even as a handy refrigerator magnet to keep all your air frying adventures on track.
Making these frozen egg rolls is a game-changer. They consistently deliver superior crispiness and are significantly faster and easier than preparing homemade egg rolls from scratch. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze!
Why Air Fry Your Frozen Egg Rolls?
The air fryer truly shines when it comes to transforming frozen foods. Here’s why it’s the absolute best way to cook your favorite egg rolls:
- Unbeatable Crispiness: Unlike oven baking which can leave them a bit soft, or microwave heating which makes them soggy, the air fryer circulates hot air to give egg rolls that perfectly golden, crunchy exterior you crave.
- Healthier Alternative: Say goodbye to excessive oil! Air frying uses little to no added oil, drastically reducing the fat content compared to traditional deep frying, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Speed and Convenience: From freezer to plate in under 15 minutes, these egg rolls are perfect for busy weeknights or when unexpected cravings strike.
- Easy Cleanup: No splattering oil or greasy pans to deal with. The air fryer basket is typically non-stick and easy to wash.
- Consistent Results: The controlled temperature and airflow ensure even cooking every time, preventing burnt spots or undercooked centers.
You won’t need an extensive list of ingredients or fancy equipment for this recipe, just your air fryer and your favorite brand of frozen egg rolls. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
At its core, this recipe requires just one essential item:
- Frozen Egg Rolls (Choose your favorite brand and filling!)
The beauty of frozen egg rolls is the variety available. You can easily find and choose from:
- Vegetable egg rolls (a great meat-free option)
- Pork egg rolls (a classic choice)
- Beef egg rolls
- Chicken egg rolls
- Shrimp egg rolls (if available in your local grocery store)
Don’t hesitate to pick your absolute favorite, or grab a few different types to create an exciting appetizer platter. Each type will cook up beautifully in the air fryer, offering a slightly different flavor profile to enjoy.
How to Make Air Fryer Frozen Egg Rolls
Achieving perfectly crispy egg rolls from frozen is incredibly simple with an air fryer. Follow these easy steps for a delicious result every time.
-
Preheat the Air Fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the air fryer basket if needed with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil.
Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step that ensures your egg rolls start cooking immediately upon placement, leading to a more consistent and crispy exterior. If your air fryer basket isn’t naturally non-stick or you want extra insurance against sticking, a light spray of nonstick cooking spray or brushing a thin layer of olive oil will do the trick.
-
Place the frozen egg rolls in a single layer in the bottom of the air fryer basket.
For optimal crispiness, it’s essential to arrange the frozen egg rolls in a single layer. Overlapping or overcrowding the basket will prevent the hot air from circulating properly around each egg roll, resulting in uneven cooking and a less crispy finish. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
-
Air Fry Egg Rolls at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-10 minutes, or until cooked fully and the egg rolls golden brown.
Cook for the recommended time, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. This ensures both sides get exposed to the direct heat, achieving an even, beautiful golden-brown color and maximum crispiness. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) if they contain meat. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, as air fryer models can vary in cooking power.
-
Carefully remove from the basket of the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, fried rice, and more.
Once they are perfectly golden and crispy, use tongs to carefully remove the hot egg rolls from the air fryer. They will be very hot! Serve them immediately to enjoy their maximum crispiness with your preferred dipping sauce and other complementary dishes.
NOTE: This recipe was developed and tested using a 5.8-quart Cosori Air Fryer. Air fryer models can vary significantly in power and efficiency. If you are using a different brand or size of air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time by a minute or two, either more or less. Always monitor your food during cooking. This recipe uses regular-sized egg rolls. If you’re cooking frozen mini egg rolls, you will likely need to decrease the cooking time by 2-3 minutes, as they are smaller and will cook faster. For larger, extra-jumbo egg rolls, you might need an additional 2-4 minutes.
Tips for the Crispiest Air Fryer Egg Rolls:
- Do Not Overcrowd: This is the golden rule of air frying. Ensure there’s space around each egg roll for hot air to circulate. Cook in batches if necessary.
- A Light Oil Spray: While not strictly essential for cooking, a very light spray of olive oil or avocado oil on the egg rolls before cooking can enhance their golden color and crispiness.
- Flip Them: Flipping your egg rolls halfway through ensures both sides get that even, desirable crisp.
- Check for Doneness: Cook until the wrappers are visibly golden brown and crispy. If unsure, you can carefully slice one open to ensure the filling is heated through.
- Parchment Paper Liners: For even easier cleanup, consider using air fryer parchment paper liners. Just make sure they don’t cover too much of the basket, impeding air circulation.
Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Egg Rolls
These crunchy egg rolls are incredibly versatile and make a fantastic appetizer or the perfect snack on their own. But why stop there? Elevate your meal with these serving ideas:
- Classic Pairings: Serve alongside your favorite Air Fryer Fried Rice, lo mein, or even a simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice for a complete Chinese-inspired meal.
- Lighter Side Options: Balance the richness with a fresh Asian-inspired salad, steamed broccoli, or crisp sautéed green beans.
- Dipping Sauce Extravaganza: The right sauce can truly make your egg rolls shine! Experiment with a variety of options:
- Duck Sauce: A sweet and tangy classic.
- Soy Sauce: Simple, savory, and always a hit.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a delightful kick and sweetness.
- Sweet Thai Chili Sauce: Similar to sweet chili but often with more nuanced flavors.
- Plum Sauce: Fruity and savory, a wonderful complement.
- Hot Mustard: For those who love a pungent, spicy punch.
- Sriracha Mayo: A creamy, spicy, and popular modern choice.
- As an Appetizer: Arrange them beautifully on a platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing party snack.
- Quick Meal: Pair a few egg rolls with some leftover chicken or a side of edamame for a fast, satisfying meal.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Egg Rolls
While often confused, egg rolls and spring rolls have distinct characteristics. Egg rolls typically feature a thicker, chewier wrapper made from wheat flour and are often dipped in an egg wash before being deep-fried, giving them their signature bubbly, crispy texture. Spring rolls, on the other hand, usually use a much thinner, sometimes translucent, wrapper (often rice paper or a very thin flour wrapper) and can be served fresh (uncooked) or lightly fried/baked to a delicate crisp. The fillings also tend to differ, with egg rolls often containing heartier cabbage and meat, while spring rolls might feature lighter vegetables and sometimes vermicelli noodles.
The best dipping sauce is truly a matter of personal preference! My personal favorite is classic duck sauce, with its delightful sweet and sour notes. However, you have many excellent options to choose from. Popular choices include: classic soy sauce, sweet chili sauce (for a mild kick), sweet Thai chili sauce (often with a bit more complexity), plum sauce, hot mustard for a fiery burst, or even a homemade sriracha mayo. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect pairing!
The good news about making egg rolls in the air fryer from frozen is that it’s easy to cook just the amount you need. However, if you do end up with leftovers, allow them to cool completely to room temperature before storing them. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep fresh for up to 2 days. To reheat and bring back their crispiness, preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the leftover egg rolls in a single layer for 2-3 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warmed through and crispy again. Avoid reheating in a microwave, as this will make them soggy.
No, absolutely not! One of the greatest advantages of cooking frozen egg rolls in the air fryer is that you can cook them directly from frozen. There’s no need for thawing, which saves you time and effort. Just take them straight from the freezer and pop them into the preheated air fryer.
Yes, you absolutely can! If you’re making homemade egg rolls, you’ll still want to lightly spray them with oil before air frying. The cooking time might be slightly different than frozen egg rolls, usually a bit longer (around 10-15 minutes at 360°F), as the raw filling needs to cook through. Monitor them closely until they are golden brown and the internal filling is cooked to a safe temperature.
The next time you’re craving takeout but want to save time, money, or simply enjoy a healthier version, make sure to pop some frozen egg rolls into your air fryer. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can achieve crispy air fryer egg rolls that rival your favorite Chinese restaurant, all from the comfort of your home!
For more inspiration, here are a few more of my favorite easy air fryer recipes you can cook directly from the freezer, just like these delicious egg rolls:
- Air Fryer Corn Dogs
- Air Fryer Frozen Burritos
- Frozen Chicken Wings in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
- Frozen Chicken Patties in Air Fryer
We Would Love to Hear From YOU!
Let Us Know What You Think!
Be sure to leave a review of this recipe and give it a star rating. Your feedback helps us know how we are doing and encourages others to try this fantastic air fryer method!
Tag Us In Your Photos! Are you on Facebook? If so, join our Easy Air Fryer Recipes Group (with hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer Foodie Fans!) and share your photos! We absolutely love to see your delicious creations.
Have a Question or General Feedback?
Jump down to the COMMENT section below and let us know! We’re always happy to help and appreciate any feedback on our posts. Your insights help us improve and provide even better content.
3
Frozen Egg Rolls in Air Fryer
Jen
1 minute
14 minutes
15 minutes
Rate
Equipment
-
Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 6 Frozen Pork Egg Rolls
Instructions
-
Preheat the Air Fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the air fryer basket if needed with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil.
-
Place the frozen egg rolls in a single layer in the bottom of the air fryer basket.
-
Air Fry Egg Rolls at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-10 minutes, or until cooked fully and the egg rolls golden brown.
-
Carefully remove from the basket of the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, fried rice, and more.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 20g,
Protein: 6g,
Fat: 9g,
Saturated Fat: 3g,
Cholesterol: 25mg,
Sodium: 400mg,
Potassium: 160mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 2g,
Iron: 1.2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this? Leave a comment below!