Frozen Egg Rolls in Air Fryer

Listen, we’ve all been there – staring at a package of frozen egg rolls and wondering how to get them perfectly crispy without the mess of deep frying. After testing dozens of brands and methods in my air fryer, I’ve cracked the code to getting restaurant-quality results right at home. Today, I’m sharing everything you need to know about cooking frozen egg rolls in your air fryer.

Why Choose Air Frying for Frozen Egg Rolls?

I remember the first time I tried cooking egg rolls in my air fryer – I was honestly skeptical. But after that first batch came out perfectly crispy, I was converted. Here’s why air frying is actually better than traditional methods:

• Achieves that perfect crispy exterior without deep frying
• Uses minimal oil (just a light spray needed)
• Takes less than 10 minutes from frozen
• No need to defrost
• Easier cleanup than deep frying
• More energy efficient than heating up your oven

Check out our Complete Guide To The Best Foods to Cook in an Air fryer

Perfect Timing Guide for Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Here’s what I’ve found works best after countless test batches:

Basic Cooking Instructions

• Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
• Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
• Flip: Halfway through cooking
• Internal Temperature Goal: 165°F

Brand-Specific Timing Guide

I’ve tested multiple brands, and here are the optimal cooking times I’ve found:

Brand	Size	Time	Temperature
PF Chang’s	Standard	8-9 mins	375°F
Costco	Large	9-10 mins	375°F
Tai Pei	Standard	7-8 mins	375°F
Vietnamese Style	Thin	6-7 mins	375°F

Note: Times may vary slightly based on your specific air fryer model.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preheating (Critical Step!)

• Set air fryer to 375°F
• Allow 3-5 minutes to fully preheat
• Why this matters: Preheating ensures even cooking and better crisping

2. Preparation

• Remove egg rolls from packaging
• No need to thaw – cook from frozen
• Light spray with oil (optional but recommended)

3. Arrangement

• Place in single layer with space between
• Don’t overcrowd (work in batches if needed)
• No stacking – this prevents proper crisping

4. Cooking Process

1. Cook for 4-5 minutes
2. Flip carefully using tongs
3. Cook additional 4-5 minutes
4. Check internal temperature
5. Add 1-2 minutes if needed for extra crispiness

Common Questions Answered

Air Fryer vs. Deep Fryer: Which is Better?

After extensive testing, here’s my honest comparison:

Air Fryer Advantages:

• Healthier with less oil
• Easier cleanup
• Safer (no hot oil)
• More consistent results
• Can walk away while cooking

Deep Fryer Advantages:

• Slightly crispier texture
• Faster for large batches
• More traditional taste

My verdict: Air fryer wins for everyday use, deep fryer for special occasions

Do You Need to Thaw First?

Absolutely not! In fact, cooking from frozen gives better results. Here’s why:

• Maintains structural integrity
• Prevents soggy wrappers
• More even cooking
• Safer food handling

What’s the Best Oil to Use?

While you don’t need oil, a light spray can enhance crispiness. Best options:

• Avocado oil (my top choice)
• Light olive oil
• Vegetable oil spray
• Coconut oil spray

Avoid heavy oils that can make the egg rolls soggy.

How to Get Extra Crispy Results?

My proven tips for maximum crispiness:

1. Preheat thoroughly
2. Use a light oil spray
3. Don’t overcrowd
4. Flip halfway
5. Add 1-2 extra minutes if needed
6. Let rest 1 minute before serving

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Egg Rolls Not Crispy Enough

Solution:

• Ensure proper preheating
• Don’t overcrowd
• Try light oil spray
• Add 1-2 minutes cooking time

Problem: Uneven Cooking

Solution:

• Flip halfway through
• Arrange in single layer
• Leave space between rolls
• Check air fryer is level

Problem: Wrapper Breaking Apart

Solution:

• Keep frozen until cooking
• Handle gently when flipping
• Don’t overcook
• Use proper tools for turning

Serving Suggestions

Make it a complete meal with these pairings:

Dipping Sauces:

• Chinese Garlic Sauce
• Soy sauce
• Duck sauce
• Peanut sauce
• Sweet and sour sauce

Side Dishes:

• Crack green beans recipe
• Steamed rice
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Soup (Wonton Egg Drop Soup)

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
• Store in airtight container
• Don’t stack when storing

Reheating:

1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F
2. Heat 2-3 minutes
3. Flip halfway through
4. Check temperature before serving

Final Tips for Success

1. Always start with a preheated air fryer
2. Work in batches rather than overcrowding
3. Use tongs for gentle handling
4. Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving
5. Check internal temperature for safety
6. Store unused egg rolls in freezer
7. Clean air fryer basket between batches

After countless batches and testing various methods, I can confidently say that air frying is the best way to prepare frozen egg rolls at home. It offers the perfect balance of convenience, healthiness, and most importantly, delicious results. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll have perfectly crispy egg rolls every time.

Remember: Every air fryer is slightly different, so don’t be afraid to adjust times and temperatures to find what works best with your specific model.

Have you tried air frying frozen egg rolls? Share your experience in the comments below!