Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe

Crispy, golden egg rolls with a savory filling, air-fried to perfection for a healthier twist on the classic appetizer without sacrificing that irresistible crunch.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Serves:
12 egg rolls
Overhead shot of golden-brown air fryer egg rolls arranged on a minimalist white ceramic platter, with one roll cut diagonally to reveal the steam rising from its colorful vegetable and meat filling. Soft natural light streams across the scene, highlighting the crispy, textured exterior contrasted against the succulent interior. Scattered alongside are small dipping bowls of sweet chili sauce and soy sauce, fresh cilantro sprigs, and lime wedges, all set against a light bamboo mat that adds warmth to the composition. The cross-section view showcases the distinct layers of the cabbage, carrot, and protein filling wrapped in the thin, perfectly crisped wrapper.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">12 egg roll wrappers (square rice paper or wheat-based wrappers)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g ground pork (or ground chicken, tofu for vegetarian)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g cabbage, finely shredded</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g carrots, julienned or grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 green onions, thinly sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp ginger, freshly grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp soy sauce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp sesame oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp rice vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml cooking oil spray</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 egg, beaten (for sealing)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and pepper to taste</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowls</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Cooking oil spray bottle</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>If using ground pork (or alternative protein), cook it in a non-stick pan over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks, about 5-6 minutes. If using tofu, crumble and cook until slightly browned. Drain any excess fat.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and sliced green onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften but still maintain some crunch. Be careful not to overcook as the filling will continue cooking in the air fryer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the filling to a bowl and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. The cooling process is essential as it prevents the wrappers from becoming soggy when filled.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean work surface with one corner pointing toward you (diamond position). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto the lower third of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the side corners. Roll tightly away from yourself, keeping the sides tucked in. When you reach the final corner, brush it with beaten egg and seal the roll. The egg acts as a natural adhesive ensuring your egg rolls stay sealed during cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start and helps achieve that crispy exterior. Lightly spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Place egg rolls in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch (you'll likely need to cook in batches). Lightly spray the tops with cooking oil spray. This thin coating helps achieve that golden-brown color and crispy texture without deep frying.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Cook at 200°C for 4 minutes, then flip the egg rolls over, spray lightly again, and cook for another 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The wrappers should be crisp and bubbled on the outside – this texture contrast is what makes air-fried egg rolls special.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Carefully remove the egg rolls from the air fryer (they'll be hot!) and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the filling to set slightly and reduces the risk of burning your mouth. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce, duck sauce, or soy sauce. Enjoy while hot and crispy!</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 120 calories
🥑 Fat: 4 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 1 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 16 g
🍭 Sugar: 1 g
🍗 Protein: 5 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 20 mg
🧂 Sodium: 320 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I make egg rolls ahead of time and freeze them for later?

Yes! Prepare the egg rolls completely but don't cook them. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Cook frozen egg rolls directly in the air fryer at 180°C for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What's the best way to achieve crispy egg rolls without deep frying?

The secret to crispy egg rolls without deep frying is using an air fryer preheated to 200°C, applying a light coating of cooking oil spray on both sides of the rolls, and ensuring they don't touch while cooking. The circulating hot air creates that satisfying crunch.

What dipping sauces pair well with homemade air-fried egg rolls?

Traditional pairings include sweet chilli sauce, duck sauce (plum sauce), soy sauce with fresh ginger, or a simple mix of rice vinegar and soy. For fusion flavours, try sriracha mayo, peanut sauce, or sweet and sour sauce with a hint of lime.

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