Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe

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Crispy, golden, restaurant-quality egg rolls right from your air fryer? Yes, it’s totally possible, and I’m about to show you exactly how to make them at home.

I’ve been making this air fryer egg rolls recipe for years now, and it never fails to impress. The wrappers get shatteringly crisp while the filling stays perfectly tender and flavorful. Plus, you’re using way less oil than traditional deep-frying, which means you can enjoy seconds (or thirds) without the guilt.

The best part? Once you master this basic technique, you can customize the filling however you like. I’ll share my go-to pork and vegetable version here, but stick around because I’ve got plenty of variations for you to try too.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe

This recipe has become a regular in my weekly meal rotation, and once you try it, you’ll understand why. The air fryer gives you that perfect crispy exterior without heating up a pot of oil or dealing with the mess and splatter of deep-frying.

These egg rolls cook evenly on all sides with just a light spritz of oil. You get that satisfying crunch with every bite, and the filling comes out hot, savory, and absolutely delicious.

Here’s what makes these so great:

Healthier than deep-fried versions with significantly less oil but all the crunch
Quick cooking time of just 10-12 minutes from start to finish
Perfect for meal prep since you can freeze uncooked rolls for later
Customizable filling that works with whatever vegetables and proteins you have on hand
Kid-friendly and always a hit at parties or family dinners
Budget-friendly using simple, affordable ingredients

Ingredients

You’ll need a mix of fresh vegetables, protein, and seasonings to create that classic egg roll flavor. Most of these ingredients are probably already in your kitchen or easy to find at any grocery store.

The egg roll wrappers are the key ingredient here, and you can find them in the refrigerated or frozen section of most supermarkets.

1 pound ground pork (or ground chicken, turkey, or beef)
3 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
3 green onions, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
12-15 egg roll wrappers
Cooking spray or oil for brushing
Salt and pepper to taste

For sealing:

1 egg, beaten (or water as a substitute)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Having the right tools makes the egg roll assembly process so much easier. You don’t need anything fancy, just a few basic kitchen items.

The air fryer is obviously essential here, and any standard air fryer with a basket will work perfectly.

Air fryer (3.5 quart or larger)
Large skillet or wok
Mixing bowls
Sharp knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons
Pastry brush or oil sprayer
Tongs for turning

Recommended Products for This Recipe

I’ve tested countless products while perfecting these egg rolls, and these are the ones that consistently deliver the best results. They’re worth the investment if you plan on making egg rolls regularly.

1. Cosori Air Fryer Max XL

This air fryer has been my go-to for years because it heats evenly and has enough space to cook 6-8 egg rolls at once without crowding. The square basket design is perfect for fitting those rectangular egg rolls, and the temperature control is spot-on every time.

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2. Dynasty Egg Roll Wrappers

I’ve tried every brand out there, and Dynasty wrappers consistently give me the crispiest, most authentic texture. They’re thicker than some other brands, which means they hold up better in the air fryer and don’t get soggy.

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3. Lee Kum Kee Premium Oyster Sauce

This oyster sauce adds incredible depth and umami to the filling. The premium version has a richer, more complex flavor than the regular one, and a little goes a long way in making your egg rolls taste restaurant-quality.

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4. Evo Oil Sprayer Bottle

This oil sprayer gives you way more control than aerosol cooking sprays and helps you use less oil overall. It creates a fine, even mist that crisps up the wrappers perfectly without making them greasy.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create perfectly crispy egg rolls every single time. Take your time with the wrapping process, it gets easier with practice.

1. Prepare the Filling

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat
Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks (about 5-6 minutes)
Drain any excess fat from the pan
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant
Toss in the shredded cabbage and carrots, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly
Add the green onions and stir everything together
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, mixing well to combine
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the mixture and stir to help thicken any liquid
Season with salt and pepper to taste
Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely (this is important so the wrappers don’t get soggy)

2. Assemble the Egg Rolls

Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface with one corner pointing toward you (diamond shape)
Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the cooled filling onto the lower third of the wrapper
Fold the bottom corner up over the filling
Fold in the left and right corners toward the center, creating an envelope shape
Roll tightly toward the top corner, keeping the sides tucked in as you go
Brush the top corner with beaten egg (or water) to seal the roll
Place the completed egg roll seam-side down on a plate or baking sheet
Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling
Keep the unused wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out

3. Prep for Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes
Lightly spray or brush each egg roll with cooking oil on all sides
Make sure each roll is evenly coated but not dripping with oil
Arrange the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one
Don’t overcrowd the basket or they won’t crisp up properly (you may need to work in batches)

4. Air Fry the Egg Rolls

Place the basket in the air fryer and cook at 390°F for 10-12 minutes
At the 5-minute mark, carefully open the air fryer and flip each egg roll using tongs
Spray or brush the other side with a bit more oil if needed
Continue cooking for the remaining 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy
Check for doneness by looking for a deep golden color and crispy texture
If they need more time, cook in 2-minute increments until you reach your desired crispness
Remove from the air fryer and let them cool for 2-3 minutes before serving

You might also enjoy: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Tips for Success

Getting perfectly crispy egg rolls takes a bit of practice, but these tips will help you nail it on your first try. I’ve learned these lessons the hard way so you don’t have to.

Pay attention to these key details:

Cool the filling completely before wrapping or the steam will make your wrappers soggy and they won’t crisp up properly
Don’t overfill your egg rolls or they’ll burst during cooking (3 tablespoons is the sweet spot)
Seal tightly with egg wash or water, pressing firmly to ensure the rolls stay closed
Give them space in the air fryer basket so hot air can circulate around all sides
Flip halfway through for even browning and crispiness on all sides
Use oil sparingly but don’t skip it, a light coating is essential for that golden crispy exterior
Work in batches rather than crowding the basket, patience pays off with better results
Keep wrappers covered with a damp towel while working to prevent them from drying out and cracking

Serving Suggestions

These crispy egg rolls are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments takes them to the next level. I always serve them with at least two dipping sauces because variety makes everything more fun.

The classic pairing is sweet and sour sauce or duck sauce, but I also love them with spicy mustard or a tangy soy-vinegar dipping sauce. For a complete meal, serve them alongside fried rice, lo mein, or a simple stir-fry.

Here are my favorite ways to serve them:

Dipping sauces: Sweet and sour sauce, duck sauce, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce with rice vinegar and sesame seeds, spicy mustard, or sriracha mayo
Side dishes: Fried rice, vegetable lo mein, hot and sour soup, or Asian cucumber salad
Appetizer spread: Serve with crab rangoon, pot stickers, and spring rolls for a full Chinese takeout-inspired spread
Party platter: Cut each egg roll in half diagonally and arrange on a platter with multiple dipping sauces
Meal bowl: Serve over rice or noodles with extra stir-fried vegetables

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, the filling possibilities are endless. I switch up the protein and vegetables all the time based on what I have in the fridge.

Feel free to get creative and make these egg rolls your own:

Vegetarian egg rolls: Skip the meat and double up on vegetables like mushrooms, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, and bamboo shoots
Shrimp egg rolls: Replace the pork with chopped cooked shrimp for a lighter, seafood version
Buffalo chicken: Use shredded cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce with shredded cheese and ranch dressing
Cheeseburger egg rolls: Ground beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, and burger sauce for a fun fusion twist
Southwestern: Ground beef or turkey with black beans, corn, peppers, and Mexican spices
Breakfast egg rolls: Scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon or sausage, cheese, and hash browns
Philly cheesesteak: Thinly sliced steak, peppers, onions, and provolone cheese
Pizza egg rolls: Pepperoni, mozzarella, and pizza sauce for a kid-friendly favorite

Storage and Reheating

Proper storage keeps your egg rolls crispy and delicious for days. I almost always make a double batch because they’re so convenient to have on hand.

Store and reheat them the right way to maintain that perfect texture:

Refrigerator storage: Let cooked egg rolls cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezing cooked egg rolls: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months
Freezing uncooked egg rolls: Assemble the egg rolls but don’t cook them, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months (cook directly from frozen, adding 3-4 minutes to the cooking time)
Reheating in the air fryer: Cook at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again
Reheating from frozen: No need to thaw, just air fry at 390°F for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway through
Avoid the microwave: It makes the wrappers soggy and chewy instead of crispy

Another favorite: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (2 egg rolls):

Calories: 285
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 520mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 16g

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

While egg rolls are typically considered indulgent, making them in the air fryer and using fresh ingredients actually provides some nutritional benefits. You’re getting plenty of vegetables and lean protein without all the excess oil from deep-frying.

The ingredients in these egg rolls offer more than just great flavor:

Cabbage: Rich in vitamin C and K, supports digestive health with its high fiber content, and contains powerful antioxidants that may reduce inflammation
Carrots: Excellent source of beta-carotene which your body converts to vitamin A for eye health, also provides fiber and potassium
Garlic: Contains compounds with medicinal properties including boosting immune function and reducing blood pressure
Ginger: Natural anti-inflammatory properties, aids digestion, and may help reduce nausea and muscle soreness
Lean pork: Provides high-quality protein, B vitamins, zinc, and selenium for immune function and metabolism
Green onions: Low in calories but high in vitamins A and K, plus beneficial plant compounds

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use spring roll wrappers instead of egg roll wrappers?

While you technically can, the results will be different. Spring roll wrappers are much thinner and more delicate, so they’ll cook faster and won’t have the same hearty, crispy texture. If you do use them, reduce your cooking time to 6-8 minutes and watch them closely to prevent burning.

2. Why are my egg rolls not getting crispy?

The most common culprits are overcrowding the air fryer basket or not using enough oil. Make sure there’s space between each egg roll for air circulation, and don’t skip the oil spray. Also, ensure your filling is completely cool before wrapping, as hot filling creates steam that makes the wrappers soggy.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely, and I highly recommend it for easy weeknight dinners. Assemble the egg rolls, arrange them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding just a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

4. What’s the best way to keep the egg rolls from opening during cooking?

Proper sealing is key to success here. Make sure to use enough egg wash (or water) on that final corner, and press firmly to seal. Rolling them tightly also helps keep everything contained during cooking.

5. Can I deep fry these instead of air frying?

You definitely can if you prefer traditional deep-frying. Heat oil to 350°F and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Just remember you’ll need significantly more oil, and the calorie count will be higher than the air-fried version.

Read Also: Air Fryer Egg Bites Recipe

Final Thoughts

Making egg rolls at home used to intimidate me, but the air fryer has completely changed that. These crispy, golden beauties come together so easily, and the satisfaction of biting into one you made yourself is unbeatable.

I hope you give this air fryer egg rolls recipe a try soon. Trust me, once you make them yourself, you’ll never want to order takeout egg rolls again. The flavor is fresher, the texture is crispier, and you can customize them exactly how you like.

Let me know how yours turn out! Drop a comment below with your favorite filling combination, and don’t forget to share this recipe with anyone who loves good food.

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