How Long to Cook Egg Rolls in Air Fryer: Perfect Crispy Results!

Craving that satisfying crunch of a perfectly cooked egg roll, but want to skip the deep-fryer mess and extra oil? Your air fryer is about to become your new best friend! This incredible kitchen gadget transforms ordinary egg rolls into crispy, golden delights with minimal fuss and a healthier twist. Whether you’re working with frozen store-bought favorites or homemade masterpieces, we’ve got you covered on achieving that ideal texture every time.

The Sweet Spot: How Long to Cook Egg Rolls in Air Fryer

The magic number for air frying egg rolls often depends on whether they’re fresh or frozen. But generally, you’re looking at a quick and efficient cooking process at a moderate-high temperature.

• For Frozen Egg Rolls: Aim for 12-15 minutes at 350-375°F (175-190°C). You’ll want to flip them halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness.
• For Fresh or Homemade Egg Rolls: These usually cook a bit faster, typically around 8-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C), also with a flip halfway. Since fresh egg rolls aren’t starting from a frozen state, they require less time to cook through.

Remember, these are general guidelines. Air fryers can vary, and so can the size and filling of your egg rolls. Always keep an eye on them, especially the first time you try a new brand or batch!

Your Easy Guide to Perfect Air-Fried Egg Rolls

Achieving restaurant-quality crispiness at home is surprisingly simple. Just follow these straightforward steps:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer (Crucial!)

Don’t skip this! Preheating your air fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C) for about 3-5 minutes is key. It ensures an even cooking temperature from the moment your egg rolls go in, leading to that coveted golden-brown crisp exterior.

Step 2: Prepare Your Egg Rolls

If you’re using fresh egg rolls, a very light spray or brush of oil (like avocado, grapeseed, or canola oil) can work wonders for extra crispiness and browning. For most frozen egg rolls, this isn’t strictly necessary as they often come pre-fried or with enough oil to crisp up nicely on their own. However, a light mist can enhance their texture.

Step 3: Arrange in a Single Layer

This is vital! Place your egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch or overlap. Overcrowding prevents the hot air from circulating properly, resulting in soggy or unevenly cooked egg rolls. If you have a large batch, cook them in multiple batches.

Step 4: Start Air Frying!

Place the basket back into the air fryer. Cook for the initial recommended time (e.g., 6-7 minutes for frozen, 4-5 minutes for fresh).

Step 5: Flip and Finish

After the initial cooking time, carefully open the air fryer and flip each egg roll. This ensures both sides get that beautiful golden crisp. Continue cooking for the remaining time (another 6-8 minutes for frozen, 4-7 minutes for fresh) until they’re golden brown and wonderfully crispy.

Step 6: Check for Doneness and Serve

Your egg rolls are ready when they’re uniformly golden brown and feel firm and crispy to the touch. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) if you’re making homemade egg rolls with raw fillings. Carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two before serving. They’ll be piping hot!

Why the Air Fryer is Your Egg Roll’s Best Friend

Air frying offers several fantastic advantages over traditional deep frying or even oven baking:

• Unbeatable Crispiness: The circulating hot air mimics deep frying, giving you a wonderfully crispy exterior without all the oil.
• Healthier Option: Use significantly less oil, making your favorite snack much lighter.
• Quick & Convenient: Air fryers heat up fast and cook food efficiently, getting your egg rolls on the table in minutes.
• Less Mess: No splattering oil, no big pot to clean, just a simple air fryer basket.

Expert Tips for Next-Level Air-Fried Egg Rolls

Want to elevate your egg roll game? Keep these pro tips in mind:

• Don’t Overcrowd: We can’t stress this enough! Give your egg rolls space to breathe and crisp up.
• Preheat, Preheat, Preheat: It makes a big difference in texture and cooking consistency.
• A Little Oil Goes a Long Way: For fresh egg rolls or if your frozen ones look a bit dry, a tiny spritz of oil ensures that beautiful golden finish.
• Flip for Evenness: Flipping halfway through guarantees uniform crispiness on all sides.
• Monitor Closely: Especially the first time, check your egg rolls a minute or two before the suggested time. Different air fryers can have slightly different wattages and cooking efficiencies.
• Rest Before Serving: Let them sit for a minute or two after cooking. This allows the steam to dissipate and the exterior to firm up even more.

Reheating Leftover Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer

Got some leftover egg rolls that have lost their crunch? The air fryer is the perfect tool to bring them back to life! Simply place them in a preheated air fryer at 300-325°F (150-160°C) for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll be hot and crispy again in no time.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy egg rolls are fantastic on their own, but even better with a delicious dipping sauce! Classic choices include sweet and sour sauce, duck sauce, hot mustard, or soy sauce. For a twist, try a sweet chili sauce, sriracha mayo, or a homemade peanut dipping sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Frying Egg Rolls

Do I need to thaw frozen egg rolls before air frying?

Nope! You can cook most frozen egg rolls directly from the freezer. In fact, air frying from frozen often yields the best crispy results.

Can I use parchment paper in my air fryer for egg rolls?

Yes, you can! Air fryer parchment liners are a great way to prevent sticking and make cleanup even easier. Just make sure the parchment paper is rated for high heat and that it’s weighed down by the food so it doesn’t fly around and hit the heating element.

What’s the best temperature for air frying egg rolls?

A range of 350-375°F (175-190°C) works best. This temperature is hot enough to achieve crispiness without burning the wrappers, and it cooks the filling through evenly.

Can I air fry spring rolls using the same method?

Absolutely! Spring rolls (especially the fried variety) can be air fried using very similar times and temperatures as egg rolls. Keep an eye on them as spring roll wrappers can sometimes be a bit thinner and may cook slightly faster.

Are air-fried egg rolls a healthy option?

Compared to deep-fried versions, air-fried egg rolls are definitely a healthier choice. They use significantly less oil, which reduces fat and calorie content while still delivering that satisfying crispiness. Of course, “healthy” is relative to your overall diet, but it’s a great way to enjoy a favorite indulgence with less guilt!

Conclusion

Say goodbye to greasy, soggy egg rolls and hello to perfectly crispy, golden goodness straight from your air fryer! With just a few simple steps and the right timing, you can enjoy this beloved snack anytime. Experiment with your favorite brands or homemade recipes, and get ready to impress your taste buds with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Happy air frying!