Transform your snack game with unbelievably crispy frozen egg rolls, effortlessly prepared in your air fryer! Forget soggy, greasy results from traditional frying or the long wait of oven baking. This method is a true revelation, promising perfectly golden, crunchy egg rolls every single time, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Once you experience the convenience and superior texture of air-fried egg rolls, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked them any other way. Get ready to enjoy a quick, easy, and satisfying treat that’s ideal for appetizers, snacks, or even a light meal!
Why Air Frying Frozen Egg Rolls is a Game-Changer
Discovering the air fryer for frozen egg rolls completely revolutionized our approach to this classic appetizer. Here’s an in-depth look at why this cooking method stands out as the absolute best:
- Unrivaled Crispiness, Unbeatable Convenience: Achieving that coveted golden-brown, shatteringly crisp exterior on an egg roll typically requires deep frying, which means dealing with hot oil, splatters, and a heavy clean-up. The air fryer mimics this effect using circulating hot air, delivering an incredibly crispy shell without all the mess or added fat. It’s truly the least amount of effort for the most satisfying crispy result imaginable.
- No Thawing, No Preheating – Just Cook! One of the biggest time-savers of this method is the ability to cook frozen egg rolls directly from the freezer. There’s no need for lengthy thawing, which often compromises texture and can be a forgotten step. Moreover, unlike conventional ovens that demand significant preheating time, many air fryers heat up rapidly. For this recipe, you don’t even need to preheat your air fryer, cutting down your total cooking time significantly and making it perfect for spontaneous snack cravings or last-minute appetizers.
- Incredible Versatility: This air frying technique isn’t just for cooking frozen egg rolls. It’s equally effective for reheating leftover egg rolls, bringing them back to their original crisp glory without drying them out. This means less food waste and more delicious, revitalized snacks whenever you desire. Whether fresh from the freezer or a day old, your air fryer ensures optimal results.
Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Egg Rolls
Making crispy frozen egg rolls in your air fryer requires just a couple of key ingredients. Simplicity is truly the secret to success here!
- Frozen Egg Rolls: The star of our show! This method is incredibly versatile and works wonderfully with any brand or variety of frozen egg rolls you prefer. Whether you lean towards pork, chicken, vegetable, or even shrimp egg rolls, the air fryer will deliver a fantastic texture. Our recipe provides instructions for cooking four egg rolls, which is a great starting point for a quick snack or a small appetizer. However, don’t hesitate to cook more if you’re serving a larger crowd. Just remember that depending on your air fryer’s capacity and the quantity of egg rolls, you might need to cook them in multiple batches to ensure even crisping and proper air circulation.
- Spray Oil: A light mist of oil is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden-brown color and extra crispiness. You have a wide range of options here: vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil all work perfectly. The key is to use just a light coating, enough to help the egg rolls crisp up without making them greasy. For important safety and maintenance advice regarding spray oils in your air fryer, be sure to check out the “Expert Tips for Perfect Crispiness” section below.
Expert Tips for Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Egg Rolls
To ensure your frozen egg rolls come out exquisitely crispy and uniformly cooked every single time, keep these professional tips in mind:
- Double Down on Crispiness: For an exceptionally crispy egg roll that truly stands out, consider an extra light spray of oil when you flip them midway through cooking. This second application helps both sides achieve an even, deep golden crunch, enhancing the overall texture and appeal of your egg rolls.
- Adjusting for Variety: Not all frozen egg rolls are created equal! Brands vary in size, thickness, and filling density. Consequently, you may need to fine-tune the cooking temperature or time to suit your specific product. For example, mini egg rolls will generally cook faster than larger, full-sized ones. Always pay close attention to your egg rolls when you flip them over – observe their color and feel. Don’t be afraid to adjust the cooking time or temperature slightly to achieve your desired level of crispiness and ensure they are heated through.
- Choose Your Spray Oil Wisely: This is a critical tip for maintaining the longevity of your air fryer. Avoid using aerosol spray oils (like PAM) directly in your air fryer basket. The propellants and harsh chemical additives in these sprays can, over time, damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket, leading to peeling and reduced performance. Instead, invest in a reusable oil mister or spray bottle. Fill it with your preferred cooking oil (vegetable, olive, avocado, etc.) and use that to lightly coat your egg rolls. This protects your appliance and gives you more control over the amount of oil used.
- The Golden Rule of Air Frying – Don’t Overcrowd: For truly even cooking and maximum crispiness, it is paramount to arrange your frozen egg rolls in a single layer within the air fryer basket. Ensure there’s ample space around each egg roll, preventing them from touching or overlapping. The air fryer works by circulating hot air rapidly around the food; if the basket is overcrowded, air circulation is restricted, resulting in unevenly cooked egg rolls with some parts potentially soggy or undercooked. If you’re cooking a large batch, it’s always better to do them in multiple smaller batches.
- Check for Doneness: While air frying is efficient, ensuring your egg rolls are thoroughly heated is important. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C). If you have a food thermometer, this is the most accurate way to check. Visually, look for a deep golden-brown color and a firm, crisp exterior.
- Shake or Flip for Evenness: Even with proper spacing, it’s a good practice to shake the basket or flip the egg rolls at least once, usually midway through cooking, to promote even browning and crisping on all sides.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes to Try
The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance, perfect for whipping up a variety of quick and delicious dishes. If you loved how easy it was to make crispy egg rolls, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic air fryer recipes:
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread: Achieve perfectly toasted and aromatic garlic bread in minutes.
- Sausage in the Air Fryer: Cook sausages to juicy perfection with a beautifully browned exterior.
- Air Fryer Popcorn: A fun and unconventional way to make crunchy popcorn without a stovetop or microwave.
- How to Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer: Say goodbye to soggy microwave pizza; get that fresh-from-the-oven crispness every time.
- Air Fryer Frozen Biscuits: Fluffy, golden biscuits from frozen in a flash.
- Air Fryer Steak with Easy Herb Butter: Surprisingly tender and flavorful steak cooked in your air fryer.
- 30 Keto Air Fryer Recipes: A comprehensive collection of low-carb options for your air fryer.
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Crispy Frozen Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer
5 minutes
12 minutes
17 minutes
Cheryl Malik
Ingredients
- 4 frozen egg rolls
- spray oil (see Notes below for important usage instructions)
- green onion (for garnish, optional)
- sesame oil (for garnish, optional)
- soy sauce (for dipping, optional)
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Instructions
- Lightly spray your air fryer basket with your chosen cooking oil. Arrange the frozen egg rolls in a single, even layer within the basket, ensuring none of them are touching or overlapping to allow for optimal air circulation. Lightly mist the egg rolls themselves with spray oil. Carefully slide the basket into the air fryer.
- Set the air fryer temperature to 340°F (170°C). Cook the egg rolls for 5 minutes. After this initial cooking period, carefully remove the basket, flip each egg roll over to ensure even cooking, and, if desired for extra crispiness, give them another light spray of oil. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- To achieve that perfect final crisp and golden finish, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C). Cook the egg rolls for an additional 2 minutes. Once done, remove them from the air fryer. For an elevated experience, drizzle lightly with sesame oil, sprinkle with fresh green onions for garnish, and serve immediately with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your perfectly crispy air-fried egg rolls!
Notes
- Always ensure the spray oil you use is safe for air fryer use. As detailed in our tips, never use aerosol sprays as they can damage the non-stick coating on your air fryer basket over time. Opt for a pump-style oil mister filled with your preferred cooking oil.
This recipe yields 4 servings. The nutritional information provided below reflects the values for one serving of Pagoda brand pork egg rolls, where one egg roll constitutes a single serving. Please note that actual macros and nutritional content may vary slightly depending on the specific brand and type of frozen egg rolls you choose to use.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 egg roll
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Calories: 180 kcal
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Protein: 6 g
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Fat: 8 g
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Saturated Fat: 3 g
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Total Carbs: 20 g
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Fiber: 1 g
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Sugar: 1 g
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Net Carbs: 19 g
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Cholesterol: 25 mg
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Sodium: 400 mg
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Calcium: 6 mg
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Iron: 1 mg
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Cheryl Malik
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Crispy air-fried egg rolls are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when paired with the right accompaniments or dressed up with creative variations:
- Classic Dipping Sauces: The go-to is always soy sauce, as pictured, but don’t limit yourself! Sweet chili sauce offers a delightful balance of sweet and spicy, while duck sauce provides a tangy, fruity counterpoint. For a creamy option, a spicy mayo or a simple sriracha aioli can add a luxurious kick.
- Fresh Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh, thinly sliced green onions or chives adds a vibrant color and a mild oniony zest. Toasted sesame seeds can also provide a pleasant nutty crunch and visual appeal. A light drizzle of sesame oil just before serving can deepen the aromatic profile.
- Make it a Meal: Egg rolls are traditionally an appetizer, but they can easily be transformed into a light, satisfying meal. Serve them alongside a simple green salad with a sesame ginger dressing for a fresh contrast. Pair them with a bowl of hot and sour soup or a small portion of fried rice for a more substantial Asian-inspired dinner.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes to your spray oil or sprinkling some chili powder on the egg rolls before air frying. A side of kimchi or pickled ginger can also add a fiery, fermented kick.
- Cheese-Filled Surprise: For a fun twist, if you find or make egg rolls with cheese fillings (like cream cheese wontons), the air fryer is perfect for getting that exterior crisp while keeping the inside gooey and warm.
Storing and Reheating Your Air-Fried Egg Rolls
While air-fried egg rolls are best enjoyed fresh, you might find yourself with leftovers. Here’s how to store them properly and bring them back to life:
- Storage: Allow any leftover egg rolls to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This is crucial to prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess. Place the cooled egg rolls in an airtight container lined with a paper towel. The paper towel helps absorb any residual moisture. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating in the Air Fryer: The air fryer is, hands down, the best way to reheat cooked egg rolls. It restores their crispiness beautifully.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the refrigerated egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Air fry for 3-5 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are hot, crispy, and thoroughly reheated. The exact time will depend on the size of the egg rolls and your air fryer model.
- Other Reheating Methods: While the air fryer is superior, you can also use a conventional oven. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy. Avoid the microwave, as it will inevitably make them soft and chewy rather than crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Air Frying Egg Rolls
Here are answers to some common questions you might have about cooking frozen egg rolls in an air fryer:
- Do I need to preheat my air fryer for frozen egg rolls?
No, one of the greatest advantages of this recipe is that you don’t need to preheat your air fryer. You can place the frozen egg rolls directly into the basket, saving you time and effort. - Can I cook different brands of egg rolls together?
Yes, generally you can. However, keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly between brands due to differences in size and ingredients. It’s best to check for doneness on the largest egg roll or the one you suspect might take longer. - My egg rolls aren’t as crispy as I’d like. What went wrong?
The most common culprits for less-than-crispy egg rolls are overcrowding the basket or not using enough oil spray. Ensure egg rolls are in a single layer with space between them for air circulation, and give them a light, even spray of oil at the beginning, and possibly a second spray when flipping. Also, make sure your air fryer reaches the specified temperature. - Can I use parchment paper or aluminum foil in the air fryer basket?
Yes, you can use parchment paper liners specifically designed for air fryers or aluminum foil, but ensure they don’t cover all the holes in the basket or extend above the food. This could impede air circulation, which is essential for the air fryer’s function, and in some cases, could be a fire hazard if the paper flies up and touches the heating element. It’s generally best to use them only when necessary for easier cleanup and to ensure they are weighted down by the food. - How do I know when the egg rolls are fully cooked?
The egg rolls should be golden brown and visibly crispy on the outside. For safety, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure they are very hot throughout.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Way to Cook Egg Rolls
There you have it – the ultimate guide to cooking crispy frozen egg rolls in your air fryer! This method isn’t just about speed and convenience; it’s about consistently achieving a texture and flavor that rivals restaurant quality, all from the comfort of your kitchen. Say goodbye to greasy, soggy egg rolls and hello to perfectly golden, crunchy bites that are ready in minutes. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a quick snack, or simply looking for an effortless appetizer, your air fryer will quickly become your go-to for frozen egg rolls. Enjoy the crispy revolution!