Crispy Air Fryer Egg Rolls: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Homemade Egg Rolls (No Deep Frying!)

Craving that satisfying crunch of a perfectly cooked egg roll, but want to skip the greasy mess of deep frying? Look no further! These crispy air fryer egg rolls are an absolute game-changer. Stuffed with a savory and flavorful pork and cabbage filling, they make a delightful appetizer, a satisfying side dish, or even a light main course. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of your air fryer, you can effortlessly create restaurant-quality egg rolls right in your own kitchen.

Using an air fryer transforms traditional egg rolls into a healthier, lighter option without sacrificing any of the delicious crispiness. You’ll achieve that beautiful golden-brown exterior that shatters with every bite, all while using significantly less oil. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe that delivers incredible flavor and texture every time!

One of the best parts about making these homemade air fryer egg rolls is the flexibility and convenience. You can easily prepare the delicious pork and cabbage filling a day or two in advance, storing it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and cook. This foresight makes whipping up a batch of fresh egg rolls incredibly fast, as they only require about 6-8 minutes of air frying time. It’s the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner, last-minute party appetizers, or a satisfying snack!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Air Fryer Egg Roll Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible crunch of a freshly made egg roll, and with this air fryer recipe, you can achieve that perfect crispiness without the guilt or mess of deep-frying. I genuinely adore this recipe because it delivers incredible flavor and a satisfying texture, all while being incredibly straightforward to make. Forget the heavy, greasy feeling often associated with traditional fried versions; these air-fried egg rolls are light, golden brown, and delightfully crispy every single time, making them a much healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried options.

One of the biggest advantages of crafting homemade egg rolls is the freedom to customize your filling. While our classic pork and cabbage mixture is absolutely scrumptious, this recipe serves as a fantastic base for endless variations. You can easily adapt it to suit your dietary preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand, from different proteins to an array of fresh vegetables. Plus, the taste rivals, if not surpasses, your favorite takeout Chinese restaurant, bringing that authentic, crave-worthy experience right to your kitchen table.

Beyond the amazing taste and texture, this recipe is a true weeknight warrior. The ability to prepare the flavorful filling a day or two in advance means you can whip up fresh egg rolls in a flash when hunger strikes. With an air frying time of just 6-8 minutes, these make for a quick dinner option, a delightful appetizer for guests, or a satisfying snack any time. It’s a healthy, convenient, and utterly delicious way to enjoy a classic dish!

If you’re already enjoying the ease and versatility of your air fryer, be sure to explore more fun egg roll recipes that push the boundaries of this classic appetizer:

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Kitchen Essentials for Air Frying Egg Rolls

Before you dive into making these delicious air fryer egg rolls, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Having these items ready will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience:

• Air Fryer: A good quality air fryer is essential for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
• Large Skillet: For browning the pork and cooking the vegetable filling.
• Mixing Spoons/Spatula: To stir the filling ingredients.
• Small Bowl (with water) or Pastry Brush: For sealing the egg roll wrappers.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray or Olive Oil mister: To lightly coat the egg rolls for extra crispiness.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping onions, green onions, cabbage, and carrots (if not using pre-shredded).
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Egg Rolls

These homemade air fryer egg rolls are crafted with a delicious, savory filling that’s packed with classic Asian-inspired flavors. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• ½ pound ground pork (lean ground pork works best to avoid excess grease)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil (adds a distinct nutty flavor characteristic of Asian cuisine)
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (provides a mild onion flavor and fresh garnish)
• ½ cup chopped onions (yellow or white, adds sweetness and aromatic depth to the filling)
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger (essential for a vibrant, pungent kick)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 garlic cloves, a fundamental aromatic)
• 2 tablespoon soy sauce (for umami and savory depth)
• 2 cups shredded cabbage (purple or green cabbage, provides crunch and bulk to the filling)
• 1 cup shredded carrots (adds natural sweetness and color)
• 8-10 egg roll wrappers (store-bought standard egg roll wrappers are perfect)

Step-by-Step Directions to Air Fry Egg Rolls

Creating these delightful air fryer egg rolls is a straightforward process, broken down into easy-to-follow steps. From preparing the flavorful filling to perfectly crisping them in your air fryer, you’ll be enjoying homemade goodness in no time!

STEP 1: Cook the Ground Pork
To begin making your delicious egg roll filling, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ½ pound of ground pork to the hot skillet. Use a spatula to break the pork apart as it cooks, stirring frequently until it’s evenly browned and thoroughly cooked through. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to ensure your filling isn’t too oily.

STEP 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Combine Filling
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sesame oil to the skillet with the cooked pork. Then, introduce the chopped onions, minced ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, shredded cabbage, and shredded carrots. Continue to stir and cook the mixture for another 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened slightly but still retain a bit of their crunch. Ensure all ingredients are well combined and the flavors have melded together. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the filling mixture to cool down for about 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial, as a hot filling can make the egg roll wrappers soggy and difficult to handle.

STEP 3: Prepare the Wrappers
Once the filling has cooled, it’s time to assemble your egg rolls. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface, positioning it like a diamond with one corner pointing towards you and another pointing away. Place a generous spoonful (about 2-3 tablespoons) of the cooled pork and cabbage filling in the center of the wrapper, closer to the corner pointing towards you. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make wrapping difficult and lead to burst egg rolls.

STEP 4: Master the Art of Wrapping
Take the bottom corner of the wrapper (the one closest to you) and fold it up tightly over the filling, tucking it snugly underneath the mixture. Next, fold in the left and right side corners towards the center, creating an envelope shape. Now, starting from the bottom, roll the egg roll tightly upwards, away from you, similar to rolling a burrito. Before you reach the top corner, lightly moisten the remaining outer edges of the wrapper with water using your finger or a pastry brush. This creates a seal that will keep your egg roll intact during cooking. Finish rolling it up firmly to form a neat, secure pillow shape.

STEP 5: Load the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Then, lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or brush it with a little olive oil. Carefully place the prepared egg rolls into the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s crucial to avoid stacking or overlapping them, as this allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each egg roll, ensuring maximum crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

STEP 6: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Air fry the egg rolls at 400 degrees F (200°C) for 5-8 minutes. Halfway through the cooking process (around the 3-4 minute mark), carefully open the air fryer basket and flip the egg rolls to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides. Continue air frying until they are beautifully golden brown and wonderfully crispy. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and how full the basket is. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy these perfectly crispy, homemade air fryer egg rolls!

Looking to make your favorite oven recipes in the air fryer but not sure of the time and temperature? We’ve created a conversion calculator that will do it for you! Check out our easy to use oven to air fryer conversion tool.

Delicious Variations and Customization Ideas

One of the most exciting aspects of making homemade egg rolls is the endless potential for customization. This recipe provides a fantastic foundation, but don’t hesitate to get creative with your fillings and dipping sauces to suit your personal preferences. Here are some inspiring ideas to get you started:

• Vary Your Veggies: While cabbage and carrots are classic, you can enhance the filling with other vegetables. Consider adding finely diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced mushrooms, crisp snap peas, crunchy water chestnuts, or thinly sliced red onions. Sauté these along with the other vegetables in Step 2 for added flavor and texture.
• Go Meatless: For a delicious vegetarian option, simply omit the ground pork. You can replace it with crumbled tofu, finely chopped mushrooms, or extra cabbage and carrots, seasoned with an extra splash of soy sauce and a pinch of vegetarian bouillon powder for umami.
• Healthier Protein Swaps: If you’re looking for a leaner alternative to ground pork, ground chicken or ground turkey are excellent choices. Cook them in the same way as the pork, ensuring they are fully browned before adding the vegetables. Shrimp is another fantastic option – quickly sauté cooked, chopped shrimp with the vegetables at the end for a delicate seafood egg roll.
• Expand Your Dipping Sauce Repertoire: The right dipping sauce can elevate your egg rolls to new heights. Beyond classic soy sauce, try sweet chili sauce for a spicy-sweet kick, a tangy duck sauce, the ubiquitous sweet and sour sauce, or a creamy, slightly spicy yum yum sauce. Homemade peanut sauce or a spicy Sriracha mayo can also add exciting new dimensions.
• Bite-Sized Wonders: For fun, bite-sized snacks perfect for parties or game days, use wonton wrappers instead of egg roll wrappers. Wonton wrappers are smaller but made from similar dough, offering the same great crispy texture. Simply fill them with a smaller amount of the mixture, fold the corners, and pinch them together to seal. Adjust air frying time down to 3-5 minutes due to their smaller size.
• Cheese, Please!: For a unique fusion twist, add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or cream cheese to your filling before wrapping. This creates a gooey, cheesy center that pairs surprisingly well with the savory pork and veggies.

I typically make this recipe in my Cosori air fryer. Please remember that cooking times can vary depending on the specific model, size, and wattage of your air fryer. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your egg rolls, especially during the first batch, and adjust the cooking time by 1-2 minutes as needed to achieve your desired golden crispiness.

Expert Tips for the Crispiest Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful air fryer egg rolls is easier than you think, especially with these expert tips and tricks:

• Prep the Filling Ahead: To save precious time on busy days, prepare the egg roll filling a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only streamlines your cooking process but also allows the flavors of the meat and vegetables to meld together beautifully, resulting in an even more delicious filling.
• Achieve Golden Crispiness with Oil: While air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, a light coating of oil is key for that beautiful golden-brown color and irresistible crunch. Lightly brush or spray each egg roll with a thin layer of olive oil or another neutral cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer. This simple step makes a big difference in the final texture.
• Don’t Overfill Your Wrappers: It can be tempting to pack as much filling as possible into each wrapper, but overfilling can lead to bursting during cooking or soggy centers. Stick to about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per standard egg roll wrapper. This recipe typically yields 8-10 egg rolls, but if you double the batch, be mindful of filling amounts.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer: For optimal crispiness, air circulation is paramount. Always arrange your egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s enough space between each one for the hot air to flow freely. If you’re making a larger batch, cook them in multiple batches rather than stacking or overlapping them, which can result in unevenly cooked and less crispy egg rolls.
• Speed Up Prep with Coleslaw Mix: If you’re short on time or prefer a shortcut, grab a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix from the produce section of your local grocery store. This mix typically contains shredded cabbage and carrots, ready to be added directly to your cooked pork and seasonings, saving you valuable chopping time.
• Seal Properly for Success: A proper seal prevents the filling from leaking out during cooking. Ensure you moisten all outer edges of the wrapper with water before the final fold, pressing firmly to secure. This simple step ensures your egg rolls stay intact and delicious.
• Preheat for Best Results: Just like with an oven, preheating your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the egg rolls helps ensure consistent cooking and immediate crisping from the moment they enter the basket.

Are you new to air fryers? If you are, we have a great article about What is an Air Fryer. It talks about what you can make, how to use it, and more, providing a comprehensive guide for beginners.

Looking for the BEST accessories to use with your air fryer? We’ve put together this list of our favorite Air Fryer Accessories to enhance your air frying experience.

Storing and Reheating Your Homemade Egg Rolls

Whether you’ve made a large batch or have a few leftover egg rolls, proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying them at their best. Here’s how to keep them fresh and crispy:

If you find yourself with delicious leftovers, first ensure they have cooled completely to room temperature. Then, transfer the cooled egg rolls to an airtight container. This will protect them from moisture and keep them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 or 5 days. For longer storage, you can also freeze uncooked egg rolls (see FAQ section for details).

To bring your leftover egg rolls back to their crispy glory, the air fryer is your best friend! Return them to the air fryer basket in a single layer (do not overcrowd). Air fry them at 400 degrees F (200°C) for just 2-3 minutes. This quick burst of hot air will heat them through perfectly while restoring that desirable crispy texture on the outside, making them taste almost as fresh as when they were first cooked.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Egg Rolls

More Irresistible Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes

The air fryer is truly a marvel for creating quick, crispy, and delicious appetizers. If you loved these egg rolls, you’ll definitely want to check out these other fantastic air fryer recipes:

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Enjoy your homemade air fryer egg rolls as a delicious, healthier appetizer or side dish at any meal! They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a staple in your recipe rotation – all the crispiness you love, with absolutely no deep frying necessary!

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