Crispy Air Fryer Egg Rolls: Easy Weeknight Crunch! (Print Version)
Get perfectly crispy air fryer egg rolls without the deep-fry mess! My family's favorite for a quick, flavorful snack or dinner side.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Dietary: Can be adapted for vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Filling Essentials
01 -
1 lb ground pork (or chicken/turkey)
02 -
3 cups shredded cabbage and carrots (coleslaw mix works great)
03 -
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
06 -
1 teaspoon sesame oil
→ Wrappers & Air Fryer Aid
07 -
12-15 egg roll wrappers
08 -
Cooking spray (avocado or olive oil)
→ Flavor Boosters & Dipping
09 -
Sweet chili sauce (for serving)
10 -
Hoisin sauce (for serving, optional)
11 -
Sriracha mayo (for serving, optional)
→ Optional Extras
12 -
1/4 cup finely chopped water chestnuts
13 -
2 green onions, thinly sliced
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get that filling ready, hon! In a large skillet or wok, brown your ground pork over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, because nobody wants greasy crispy air fryer egg rolls. Then, toss in your grated ginger and minced garlic, letting them cook for about a minute until you smell that amazing aroma – it’s such a comforting scent, really! Add the shredded cabbage and carrots, stirring until they soften just a bit, like 3-5 minutes. Don't overcook them, we want a little texture left. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mix it all up, and then let it cool completely. This cooling step is crucial, otherwise, hot filling makes your wrappers soggy, and we don't want that!
02 -
Okay, wrapping can feel a bit like origami, but you'll get the hang of it. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing towards you, like a diamond. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of your cooled filling just below the center. Don't overfill, I've done that, and the wrappers just burst open in the air fryer – total bummer! Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the left and right corners towards the center, making an envelope shape. Roll it up tightly from the bottom towards the top corner. Before you get to the very end, dab a little water on that top corner to seal it. Press firmly. You want them snug and secure, so the filling stays put while they become crispy air fryer egg rolls.
03 -
This is where the magic starts! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Air fryers vary, so know yours! While it’s heating up, lightly spray your wrapped egg rolls with cooking spray. I usually do a quick spritz on all sides. This helps them get that beautiful golden brown color and, of course, that irresistible crispness. You'll hear the air fryer hum, and that's your cue that crispy air fryer egg rolls are on their way!
04 -
Carefully place the sprayed egg rolls in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd them, or they won't get evenly crispy – I learned that the hard way, with some soggy spots and some burnt! Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You're looking for that gorgeous, deep golden-brown color and a wrapper that feels firm and crunchy to the touch. The sound of them sizzling in there? Oh, it's music to my ears, promising delicious crispy air fryer egg rolls!
05 -
After about 8-10 minutes, pull one out and give it a little tap. It should sound hollow and feel perfectly crisp. If it's still a bit soft, pop them back in for another minute or two. Every air fryer is different, so trust your gut and your senses. I've definitely undercooked them before, resulting in a slightly chewy wrapper, so don't be afraid to give them a little extra time if needed. You want these crispy air fryer egg rolls to be truly *crispy*!
06 -
Once your crispy air fryer egg rolls are golden and perfect, carefully remove them from the basket. Let them cool for just a minute or two – they'll be super hot! Serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. My family loves sweet chili sauce, but hoisin or even a spicy sriracha mayo works wonderfully. Seeing that golden crunch and smelling the savory filling? It's the best reward after a little kitchen fun!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overfill those wrappers; I learned the hard way that they'll burst in the air fryer!
02 -
Make sure your filling is completely cool before wrapping, otherwise, you'll get soggy bottoms.
03 -
Ground chicken or turkey can easily substitute pork for a lighter option.
04 -
Serving with a sweet chili sauce is my absolute favorite way to enjoy these.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Air fryer
02 -
large skillet or wok
03 -
mixing bowl
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 180
Total Fat: 8g
Total Carbohydrate: 18g
Protein: 9g