The Best Air Fryer Shrimp Egg Rolls: Crispy, Flavorful, and Easy Homemade Recipe
Say goodbye to greasy deep-fried appetizers and hello to perfectly crispy, incredibly flavorful Air Fryer Shrimp Egg Rolls! This revolutionary recipe transforms the beloved takeout classic into a healthier, quicker, and less messy homemade delight. Forget the fuss and let your air fryer do all the work, delivering a golden-brown crunch that rivals any restaurant. With a surprisingly fast cooking time, these shrimp egg rolls are not just a fantastic side dish; they can easily become the star of your next meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering.
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of homemade egg rolls. The moment they emerge from the air fryer, boasting a beautiful golden-brown color and an irresistibly crispy texture, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered them for takeout. This recipe makes achieving that perfect outcome simple and enjoyable, whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch or complementing a flavorful stir-fry dinner.
In our household, these crispy egg rolls hold a special place alongside other Chinese favorites like Air Fryer Crab Rangoons. They’re consistently on our menu whenever we crave authentic, delicious Chinese food made right in our kitchen. Adding this to your collection of easy air fryer recipes is a must – it truly is one of the best ways to enjoy classic Asian appetizers with a modern, healthy twist.
If you’re a fan of shrimp and love the convenience of your air fryer, you’ll be thrilled to know there’s a whole world of possibilities waiting for you. Dive deeper into more delicious options with our comprehensive article featuring over 15 of our favorite air fryer shrimp recipes. From quick weeknight dinners to impressive party snacks, your air fryer is ready to help you create culinary magic with shrimp!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Shrimp Egg Rolls
There are countless reasons to fall in love with making shrimp egg rolls in your air fryer. First and foremost, it’s a significantly healthier alternative to traditional deep frying, drastically cutting down on the amount of oil used without sacrificing that essential crispy exterior. This means you can indulge in your favorite appetizer with less guilt! The air fryer also offers incredible convenience, cooking your egg rolls evenly and quickly, usually in under 15 minutes. It’s a mess-free method, eliminating the need for large vats of hot oil and the lingering smell of fried food in your kitchen. Plus, homemade means you control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality in every bite. The combination of succulent shrimp and tender-crisp vegetables, all wrapped in a golden, crunchy shell, makes for an unforgettable culinary experience that’s surprisingly simple to achieve.
Ingredients: Crafting Your Flavorful Shrimp Egg Roll Filling
Creating the perfect shrimp egg roll starts with a careful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors and satisfying texture that make these egg rolls so addictive. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why these ingredients are key to success:
- Sesame oil: This oil provides a distinct nutty flavor that is essential to Asian cuisine. For an extra kick of warmth, consider using Kadoya Hot Sesame Oil.
- Raw Shrimp: Ensure your shrimp are peeled and deveined for ease of preparation. Chopping them into smaller pieces helps distribute the shrimp flavor evenly throughout the filling. Fresh shrimp will yield the best flavor and texture.
- Green onions: Also known as scallions, these add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a beautiful pop of color to the filling.
- Yellow or white onion: Provides a foundational aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Fresh Ginger: Minced fresh ginger is crucial for that pungent, zesty, and slightly spicy note that defines many Asian dishes. Don’t substitute with ground ginger if possible, as the fresh flavor is incomparable.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a robust, savory depth.
- Soy sauce: The primary seasoning, providing umami, saltiness, and color. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you are mindful of your sodium intake.
- Shredded cabbage: Cabbage is the classic egg roll vegetable, adding a wonderful crunch and bulk to the filling. Both green and Napa cabbage work well.
- Shredded carrots: These not only add a touch of sweetness and earthy flavor but also vibrant color and essential nutrients to your egg rolls.
- Egg roll wrappers: The outer shell that holds all the delicious filling. Look for square wrappers in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Wonton wrappers are smaller and typically used for other dishes like crab rangoon, so ensure you grab egg roll wrappers for the best size and texture.
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Egg Rolls: Step-by-Step Perfection
Making homemade egg rolls might seem intimidating, but with an air fryer, the process is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly cooked, crispy shrimp egg rolls every time. Remember, preparation is key, so have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped, peeled, and deveined raw shrimp. Stir-fry constantly for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns a beautiful pinkish color and is mostly cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp at this stage, as it will cook further with the vegetables.
-
Sauté the Vegetables and Season: Add the chopped green onions, yellow/white onions, minced fresh ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, shredded cabbage, and shredded carrots to the skillet with the shrimp. Continue to stir-fry everything together for another 3-5 minutes. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain a slight crunch, and all the ingredients are well combined and fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. This cooling step prevents the wrappers from becoming soggy when filled.
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Fill and Fold the Egg Rolls: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface with one corner pointing towards you (diamond shape). Place a generous spoonful or two of the cooled shrimp and vegetable filling in the center, closer to the corner facing you. Fold the bottom corner over the filling and tuck it in tightly. This creates the first secure fold.
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Complete the Roll: Next, fold in the left and right corners towards the center, overlapping slightly. Once these sides are folded, carefully roll the egg roll upwards from the bottom, creating a neat, “pillow” shape. Use a tiny bit of water on the top corner to seal it securely. Repeat this process for all remaining wrappers and filling.
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Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or a non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Carefully place each prepared egg roll into the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer without stacking or overlapping. This is crucial for even cooking and optimal crispness. Lightly spray the tops of each egg roll with oil to help them achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and extra crunch.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Air fry your egg rolls at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 10-12 minutes. For even crisping and coloring, make sure to flip them halfway through the cooking process. The egg rolls are ready when they are beautifully golden brown and irresistibly crispy on all sides. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model, so always keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
I typically achieve these perfect results using my Cosori Air Fryer. However, it’s important to remember that air fryers vary significantly in size, wattage, and heating elements. Therefore, the cooking time for your shrimp egg rolls might need to be adjusted by 1-2 minutes, either more or less, to ensure they reach optimal crispness and internal temperature. Always monitor your food during the initial batches to find the sweet spot for your particular appliance.
How to Serve Your Delicious Air Fryer Shrimp Egg Rolls
Once your Air Fryer Shrimp Egg Rolls are golden and crispy, they are ready to be devoured! The beauty of egg rolls lies in their versatility, especially when it comes to dipping sauces. I personally love to experiment with a variety of options to enhance the flavors. Classic choices like sweet chili sauce offer a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Other fantastic options include traditional duck sauce, tangy sweet and sour sauce, or a flavorful sweet Thai chili sauce. Don’t hesitate to use any of your other favorite dipping sauce choices – soy sauce with a dash of ginger and green onions, or even a spicy sriracha mayo, will pair perfectly with these irresistibly crispy homemade treats. They make an excellent appetizer for parties, a satisfying snack, or a delightful side to an Asian-inspired main course like fried rice or stir-fried noodles.
How to Store and Reheat for Maximum Crispness
These easy shrimp egg rolls are not only delicious but also convenient to store, allowing you to enjoy leftovers later. To keep them fresh, first ensure they have cooled completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to soggy egg rolls. Once cool, transfer them to an airtight container. For the best texture and flavor, we recommend consuming them within 2 days.
To reheat and recapture that initial crispness, the air fryer is your best friend once again! Preheat your air fryer to 350-375 degrees F (175-190 degrees C). Place the cooled egg rolls in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Warm them up for approximately 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and the wrapper is crispy again. Avoid using a microwave, as it will make them soft and chewy rather than crispy. For longer storage, you can freeze uncooked egg rolls (wrap individually, then store in a freezer bag) and air fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time until golden and cooked through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Shrimp Egg Rolls
Sealing the edges properly is crucial to prevent your filling from leaking out during cooking. The easiest way is to moisten the edges of the wrapper with a small amount of water before folding the last flap. You can use your fingertip to lightly dampen the top corner. This creates a sticky seal that helps the wrapper adhere to itself. Some people also use a very light egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) for an even stronger seal, especially if you plan to freeze them.
The beauty of homemade egg rolls is the ability to customize! To make them spicy, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling, or a dash of chili garlic sauce. For more vegetables, consider adding finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, water chestnuts for crunch, or bamboo shoots. You can also experiment with different spice blends like five-spice powder for a more complex flavor profile, or a touch of onion powder and garlic powder for an extra savory kick. Feel free to incorporate other protein sources or make them vegetarian by omitting shrimp and adding more vegetables or even tofu.
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work perfectly fine for this recipe, provided they are properly thawed and drained before use. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or quickly under cold running water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then proceed with chopping and cooking as directed. Using thawed, dry shrimp ensures they cook evenly and integrate well with the other ingredients.
Look for square egg roll wrappers in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, usually near the produce or Asian ingredients. They are larger and thicker than wonton wrappers, designed to hold a substantial amount of filling and achieve that satisfying crispy crunch. Brands like Twin Dragon or Dynasty are common and reliable. Check the expiration date to ensure freshness.
Yes, you can definitely prepare the shrimp and vegetable filling a day in advance. Cook the filling as instructed, then allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to make the egg rolls, simply take out the filling, let it come closer to room temperature for easier handling, and proceed with wrapping and air frying. This is a great time-saver for busy days!
Yes, they are significantly healthier! Deep-frying typically involves submerging food in a large amount of oil, leading to higher fat and calorie content. Air frying, on the other hand, uses circulating hot air to achieve a crispy texture with only a fraction of the oil (often just a light spray). This dramatically reduces the fat content, making these shrimp egg rolls a much lighter and healthier alternative without compromising on delicious crispiness.
Explore More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can transform countless dishes into healthier, faster, and equally delicious versions. If you enjoyed making these shrimp egg rolls, you’re in for a treat! Discover more culinary adventures with these other fantastic air fryer recipes:
- Frozen Egg Rolls in Air Fryer: A super quick way to get crispy egg rolls from store-bought frozen ones.
- Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken: Recreate your favorite sweet and spicy Chinese main dish at home.
- Air Fryer Fried Rice: A surprisingly easy and flavorful method for perfectly cooked fried rice.
- Air Fryer Edamame: A healthy and addictive snack or side that’s ready in minutes.
- Air Fryer Stir Fry: A convenient way to cook tender-crisp vegetables and proteins.
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4
Air Fryer Shrimp Egg Rolls
Becky
15 minutes
12 minutes
27 minutes
Rate
Equipment
-
1 Large Skillet or Wok
-
1 Air Fryer (Basket or Oven Style)
Ingredients
-
2
tbsp
sesame oil
(for extra heat, try Kadoya Hot Sesame Oil) -
½
lb
peeled raw shrimp,
chopped and deveined -
¼
cup
chopped green onions -
½
cup
chopped onions,
yellow or white -
1
tsp
minced fresh ginger -
1
tsp
minced garlic -
2
tbsp
soy sauce -
1
cup
shredded cabbage -
1
cup
shredded carrots -
8-10
egg roll wrappers
Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
-
In a large skillet, on medium to high heat, combine sesame oil and chopped shrimp. Stir together until the shrimp starts to turn pinkish color, about 2-3 minutes.
-
Stir in the onions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, cabbage, and carrots. Continue stirring until the vegetables begin to soften, and all of the ingredients are well combined, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let mixture slightly cool.
-
Lay out wrappers with corners left and right (diamond shape). Fill the center of the wrapper with a large spoonful or two of the filling, closer to the corner facing you. Fold the bottom corner over the filling and tuck it under tightly. Next, fold in the left and right corners towards the center, then roll upwards from the bottom to create a large pillow shape. Lightly moisten the top corner with water to seal.
-
Lightly spray the air fryer basket, and place each egg roll in the basket without stacking or overlapping. Lightly spray each egg roll with oil to help with crispness and golden color.
-
Air fry at 400 degrees F (200 C) for 10-12 minutes, until golden and crispy. Turn halfway during the air frying process for even cooking.
Notes
Variations
Add different meats: You can easily make this recipe with different proteins. Try chopped cooked chicken, ground pork, or even ground turkey for delicious chicken egg rolls or pork egg rolls. Always ensure the meat is fully cooked before mixing with vegetables.
Make them vegetarian: Omit the shrimp and add more vegetables like finely diced mushrooms, water chestnuts, or even some crumbled firm tofu for a delicious vegetarian egg roll option.
Use a coleslaw mix: This easy recipe is about to get even easier! Using a pre-shredded coleslaw mix (which typically contains cabbage and carrots) is a total game changer for reducing your prep time. Just add your other aromatics and shrimp.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to your filling for a spicy kick.
Dipping sauce creativity: While classic sauces are great, don’t limit yourself! Try a peanut dipping sauce, a spicy mayo, or a homemade ginger-soy sauce for variety.
Nutrition
Calories:
213
kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
23
g
,
Protein:
12
g
,
Fat:
8
g
,
Saturated Fat:
1
g
,
Polyunsaturated Fat:
3
g
,
Monounsaturated Fat:
3
g
,
Trans Fat:
0.01
g
,
Cholesterol:
74
mg
,
Sodium:
1000
mg
,
Potassium:
290
mg
,
Fiber:
2
g
,
Sugar:
3
g
,
Vitamin A:
5532
IU
,
Vitamin C:
11
mg
,
Calcium:
74
mg
,
Iron:
2
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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