Cooking frozen egg rolls in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this delicious snack. Not only does it save time, but it also results in perfectly crispy egg rolls every time. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best air-fried egg rolls.

What Are Egg Rolls?

Egg rolls are a popular appetizer in many Asian cuisines. They consist of a savory filling, usually a combination of vegetables and meat, wrapped in a thin dough and fried until crispy. They are often confused with spring rolls, but egg rolls have a thicker, crunchier wrapper.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Frozen Egg Rolls?

Using an air fryer for frozen egg rolls has several benefits. First, it’s incredibly fast. The air fryer can crisp up your egg rolls in a matter of minutes, making it a perfect option for a quick snack or appetizer. Additionally, air frying is healthier compared to deep frying because it uses less oil. This means you can enjoy your egg rolls without the extra calories and fat.

Another advantage of using an air fryer is the consistency it offers. The hot air circulation ensures that every egg roll is evenly cooked, achieving that perfect balance of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. To learn more about how air fryers work and their benefits, this recommended brands and models guide is very helpful.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious air fryer egg rolls:

• Frozen egg rolls: Any brand or variety
• Cooking spray or light oil: Optional, for extra crispiness
• Dipping sauces: Soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, etc. (optional)

Types of Frozen Egg Rolls

There are various types of frozen egg rolls available:

• Vegetable egg rolls
• Pork egg rolls
• Chicken egg rolls
• Homemade vs. store-bought options

For those who enjoy trying different flavors, you might want to check out Pesto Eggs for a unique twist on breakfast.

Choosing the Right Air Fryer

When selecting an air fryer for your egg rolls, consider the following features:

• Key features to look for: Size, temperature range, and ease of use
• Recommended brands and models: Check reviews and ratings
• Capacity considerations: Ensure it can fit the number of egg rolls you plan to cook

Prepping the Frozen Egg Rolls

One of the best things about cooking frozen egg rolls in an air fryer is that there’s no need to thaw them first. Simply take them out of the freezer and they are ready to cook. For an extra crispy texture, lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer.

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Making frozen egg rolls in an air fryer is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
2. Arrange the Egg Rolls: Place the frozen egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching to ensure even cooking.
3. Cooking Time and Temperature: Cook at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The egg rolls should be golden brown and crispy.
4. Check for Doneness: Ensure the egg rolls are heated through and crispy on the outside.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Egg Rolls

To achieve the best results with your air fryer egg rolls, keep these tips in mind:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking.
• Shake or flip the egg rolls halfway through cooking for uniform crispiness.
• Adjust cooking time based on the size of the egg rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcrowding the basket: This can prevent even cooking.
• Not preheating the air fryer: Preheating ensures the egg rolls start cooking immediately, leading to a crispier texture.
• Using too much oil: A light spray is sufficient; too much oil can make the egg rolls greasy.

Variations and Additions

There are endless ways to customize your air fryer egg rolls:

• Adding extra flavor with spices or herbs before cooking.
• Pairing with different dipping sauces like soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or hoisin sauce.
• Serving as part of a meal alongside fried rice or noodles.

For those who like a bit of variety, try making Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes as a complementary side dish.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer egg rolls are versatile and can be served as:

• An appetizer or snack
• Paired with a variety of dipping sauces
• Part of a larger meal

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my experience), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Use the air fryer for 3 minutes at 350°F to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the egg rolls soggy.
• Freezing Tips: You can freeze the cooked egg rolls for up to a month. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen egg rolls in an air fryer?
Yes, and it’s very easy and quick.

Do I need to thaw the egg rolls first?
No, cook them directly from frozen.

How do I prevent egg rolls from getting soggy?
Use a light spray of oil and avoid overcrowding.

Can I use homemade egg rolls in the air fryer?
Yes, just adjust the cooking time as needed.

What dipping sauces go well with egg rolls?
Soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and hoisin sauce are popular choices.

For more delicious air fryer recipes, you might also like to try making some Air Fryer Chicken Bites which are perfect as a side or snack.

Cooking frozen egg rolls in an air fryer is a delightful and easy way to enjoy this classic appetizer. With this guide, you’ll be able to create a batch of crispy, delicious egg rolls that are sure to impress. Happy cooking!