Air Fryer Egg Roll Recipes

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Like, I want restaurant-quality deliciousness without the actual “cooking” part of cooking. Is that too much to ask? Spoiler alert: it’s not! Because your trusty air fryer and these ridiculously easy egg roll recipes are about to become your new best friends. Prepare to have your mind blown (and your hunger satisfied) with minimal effort. You’re welcome.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, let’s be real. There are a gazillion recipes out there, but this one? It’s the MVP. Why? First off, it’s idiot-proof. Seriously, even I didn’t mess it up, and my kitchen skills sometimes peak at microwaving leftovers. Secondly, we’re talking air fryer magic here. That means crispy, golden perfection with way less oil than traditional deep-frying. Less oil = less guilt, right? (Or at least that’s what I tell myself as I reach for a third one). Plus, it’s lightning fast. You’ll go from “hangry” to “happily munching” in what feels like minutes. It’s customizable, it’s delicious, and it’s basically a hug in wrapper form. What’s not to love?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather ’round, fellow snack enthusiasts! Here’s your shopping list. Don’t worry, it’s nothing too exotic, unless you consider cabbage exotic, in which case… well, just roll with it.

• 1 lb Ground Pork or Chicken: Or even ground turkey if you’re feeling fancy/healthy. Veggie options below, don’t fret!
• 1 tbsp Sesame Oil: The secret weapon for that authentic aroma. Don’t skip it, unless you want your egg rolls to smell like… sad.
• 1 cup Shredded Cabbage: Pre-shredded is fine, no judgment here.
• 1/2 cup Shredded Carrots: Adds a pop of color and some sweet crunch.
• 2 Green Onions: Sliced thin. Because everything is better with green onions, IMO.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Minced. Or use the pre-minced stuff, we’re not running a Michelin star restaurant here.
• 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger: Grated. A little zing never hurt anyone!
• 2 tbsp Soy Sauce: Low sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
• 1 tsp Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce: (Optional, but highly recommended for a kick!)
• 1 pack Egg Roll Wrappers: Usually found in the refrigerated section near the tofu. Don’t grab spring roll wrappers unless you want a different vibe.
• 1 Egg: Beaten. This is your “glue.”
• Cooking Spray or Light Oil: For that glorious crispiness.
• Dipping Sauce: Sweet chili, duck sauce, or even just some extra soy sauce. Your call!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business. You’ll be a master egg roll roller in no time!

1. First things first, let’s prep that filling. In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add your ground pork (or chicken) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2. Toss in the shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger with the cooked meat. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until the veggies soften slightly but still have a bit of a bite. You don’t want mush!
3. Stir in the soy sauce and Sriracha (if using). Give it a good mix and remove from heat. Let the filling cool down for a few minutes. Cool filling is key, hot filling will make your wrappers soggy.
4. Time to roll! Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface with one corner pointing towards you (like a diamond). Place about 2-3 tablespoons of your glorious filling just below the center of the wrapper. Don’t overfill! That’s a rookie mistake.
5. Fold the bottom corner over the filling and tuck it in tightly. Then, fold in the side corners, making an envelope shape.
6. Brush the remaining top corner with your beaten egg. Roll the egg roll up tightly from the bottom towards the top corner, sealing it completely. Repeat with the rest of your wrappers and filling.
7. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps with even cooking and crispiness, FYI.
8. Lightly spray your egg rolls with cooking spray or brush with a thin layer of oil. This is important for that beautiful golden-brown finish!
9. Place the egg rolls in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. You might need to do this in batches. Crowding the basket is a no-no!
10. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and deliciously crispy. Cooking times can vary, so keep an eye on them!
11. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and bask in the glory of your culinary prowess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Nobody’s perfect, but we can learn from past mishaps, right? Here are a few traps to sidestep:

• The Overfill Fiasco: You might think “more filling = more flavor,” but in reality, it often equals “bursting wrapper = sad mess.” Stick to 2-3 tablespoons, trust me.
• Ignoring the Egg Wash: That beaten egg isn’t just for show. It’s your edible glue! Without it, your egg rolls might unravel, turning into something resembling a deconstructed spring roll. Not ideal.
• Forgetting the Oil Spray: An air fryer works wonders, but a little spritz of oil is what gives you that perfect, bubbly, golden-brown exterior. Otherwise, they might look a bit pale and… dry.
• The Stack Attack: Don’t stack your egg rolls in the air fryer. They need space to breathe (and crisp up!). Cook in batches for optimal results. Patience, young grasshopper.
• Not Preheating: Thinking you don’t need to preheat your air fryer—rookie mistake! It helps with consistent cooking and crispiness from the get-go.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling creative? This recipe is super flexible! Here are some ideas to shake things up:

• Veggie Power: Ditch the meat entirely! Sauté a mix of finely chopped mushrooms, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and extra cabbage/carrots for a fantastic vegetarian option. A little tofu or edamame can also bulk it up.
• Shrimp Delight: Swap the ground meat for finely chopped cooked shrimp. Just add it at the end so it doesn’t overcook. Delicious!
• Chicken & Basil: Use ground chicken and add a handful of fresh chopped basil to the filling for a Thai-inspired twist.
• Cheesy Goodness: Okay, maybe not traditional, but a little cream cheese or shredded mozzarella in the filling with some jalapeños for a “Southwestern” vibe? Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it!
• Dipping Sauce Extravaganza: Beyond sweet chili, try a peanut dipping sauce, a spicy mayo, or even just some rice vinegar with a dash of sugar and chili flakes. Mix it up!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got answers. Probably. Let’s see!

• Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble them, then store them raw in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just air fry when ready.
• What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake them? Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray the egg rolls with oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. It won’t be *quite* the same as an air fryer, but still tasty!
• My egg rolls are soggy, what gives? This usually means your filling was too wet, or you didn’t spray them with enough oil. Make sure you drain any excess liquid from your meat/veggies and don’t skimp on that light oil spray!
• Can I freeze raw egg rolls? You bet! Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Air fry from frozen, adding about 5-8 minutes to the cooking time, or until cooked through and crispy.
• Are egg roll wrappers and spring roll wrappers the same? Nope! Egg roll wrappers are typically thicker and chewier, usually made with egg (hence the name). Spring roll wrappers are much thinner, often translucent, and meant for a lighter, crispier result, sometimes even served fresh. Stick with egg roll wrappers for this recipe!
• Can I use leftover roasted chicken for the filling? Oh, 100%! Shred it up, mix it with your sautéed veggies and seasonings, and you’re golden. Great way to use up those leftovers!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! Your new go-to recipe for when you want maximum flavor with minimum fuss. These air fryer egg rolls are a game-changer for snack time, appetizers, or even a fun weeknight dinner. They’re crispy, flavorful, and dangerously addictive (don’t say I didn’t warn you). Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!