Crispy Air Fryer Egg Rolls – Healthier, Crunchier, and So Easy

Air fryer egg rolls deliver that perfect crispy exterior and tender filling that everyone loves, but with significantly less oil than traditional deep-fried versions. This recipe transforms a classic takeout favorite into a healthier homemade option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing appetizers for game day, or just craving some Asian-inspired cuisine, these air fryer egg rolls are guaranteed to impress.

Making egg rolls at home might seem intimidating at first, but this recipe breaks it down into simple steps.

The air fryer does most of the work, creating that golden, crunchy wrapper without the hassle and mess of deep frying. Plus, you can customize the filling to suit your preferences – chicken, pork, shrimp, or make them vegetarian. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Table Of Contents show

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Servings: 12 egg rolls
Calories: 185 per egg roll

Essential Nutrition (per egg roll)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	185
Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	1g
Carbohydrates	24g
Fiber	2g
Protein	8g
Sodium	420mg
Sugar	3g

Other Air Fryer Recipes –

Ingredients

For the Filling:

1 pound ground pork (or substitute with ground chicken, turkey, or tofu for vegetarian option)
2 cups cabbage, finely shredded
1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, finely diced
3 green onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
Salt to taste

For the Egg Rolls:

12 egg roll wrappers (available in most grocery stores’ refrigerated section)
1 egg, beaten (for sealing the wrappers)
Cooking spray or olive oil in a spray bottle

For Dipping Sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon honey or sugar
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Filling

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. If using ground meat, add it to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. For a vegetarian version, you can skip this step and start with the vegetables.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and diced mushrooms to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still maintain some crunch.
Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Sprinkle with white pepper and salt to taste. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Add the sliced green onions and stir to incorporate. Remove the filling from heat and allow it to cool completely before assembling the egg rolls. This step is crucial as hot filling will make the wrappers soggy.

Assembling the Egg Rolls

Once the filling has cooled, place an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with one corner pointing toward you (like a diamond shape).
Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling slightly below the center of the wrapper, shaping it into a rectangular mound.
Fold the corner closest to you over the filling, tucking it underneath the filling slightly.
Fold the left and right corners toward the center, making sure they’re snug against the filling.
Dip your finger in the beaten egg and brush it along the edges of the remaining corner.
Roll the egg roll away from you, sealing it with the egg-washed corner. The egg acts as glue to keep the wrapper closed during cooking.
Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling. Keep the assembled egg rolls covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.

Air Frying the Egg Rolls

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
Lightly spray the assembled egg rolls with cooking spray or brush them with a thin layer of oil. This helps achieve that golden-brown color and crispy texture.
Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
Cook for 6 minutes, then flip the egg rolls and cook for another 6 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy all over.
Remove the egg rolls from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. This prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom.

Preparing the Dipping Sauce

While the egg rolls are cooking, combine all dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
Whisk until well combined and the sugar or honey is fully dissolved.
Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicious air fryer egg rolls while they’re still warm with the prepared dipping sauce on the side. They make a fantastic appetizer for Asian-inspired meals or a tasty snack for gatherings. You can also serve them as part of a larger spread with other favorites like fried rice, lo mein, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

For a colorful presentation, serve the egg rolls on a platter with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and additional sliced green onions. The dipping sauce can be served in individual small bowls for each person or in a communal bowl in the center of the table.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftover egg rolls, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

You can also freeze uncooked egg rolls for future meals. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook them, add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time, no need to thaw first.

Recipe Variations

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Shrimp Egg Rolls: Replace the ground meat with 8 ounces of chopped cooked shrimp.
Vegetarian Egg Rolls: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, bean sprouts, or water chestnuts.
Southwest Egg Rolls: Add black beans, corn, and a dash of cumin and chili powder for a fusion twist.
Sweet and Sour Egg Rolls: Add pineapple chunks to the filling and serve with sweet and sour sauce.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Don’t overfill your egg rolls. Using too much filling makes them difficult to roll and might cause them to burst during cooking.
Make sure your filling is completely cooled before assembling the egg rolls. Hot filling will create steam inside the wrapper and make it soggy.
If your egg roll wrappers are sticking together or drying out, keep them covered with a damp paper towel while you work.
For extra crispiness, spray the egg rolls with oil again after flipping them halfway through cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate around each egg roll for even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Why Air Fryer Egg Rolls?

Using an air fryer to make egg rolls has several advantages over traditional deep frying:

Healthier: Air fryer egg rolls use significantly less oil, reducing the calorie and fat content without sacrificing texture.
Less mess: No hot oil splatters or large pots to clean up afterward.
Consistent results: The air fryer provides even heat circulation, ensuring each egg roll cooks perfectly.
Convenience: The air fryer preheats quickly and doesn’t heat up your kitchen like a deep fryer or oven would.

These air fryer egg rolls provide all the satisfying crunch and flavor you crave from traditional egg rolls, but in a healthier, more convenient package. Once you try making them at home, you might never go back to takeout again!

Conclusion

These air fryer egg rolls are the perfect combination of crispy exterior and flavorful filling, all achieved with minimal oil and maximum convenience. By making them at home, you control the ingredients and can customize the fillings to suit your preferences. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger Asian-inspired feast, these egg rolls are sure to be a hit.

The air fryer transforms this classic dish into something you can enjoy more often without the guilt or mess of deep frying. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why air fryer egg rolls are quickly becoming a favorite in home kitchens everywhere. Happy cooking!