Crispy Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe

Egg rolls are the ultimate snack or appetizer—crispy, golden on the outside, packed with savory fillings on the inside. But frying them often leaves your kitchen in a greasy mess and adds unnecessary calories to your meal. Enter the air fryer! Whether you’re hosting guests or craving a quick bite, this air fryer egg rolls recipe is both healthier and easier than traditional deep frying.

Keep reading to learn how to whip up perfectly crispy egg rolls using your air fryer, complete with tips for preparation and customization.

Why Make Egg Rolls in an Air Fryer?

If you've never used an air fryer before, you might wonder what’s all the hype. When it comes to egg rolls, the air fryer ticks every box.

• Crisp Perfection: Achieves that satisfying crunch without the need for excess oil.
• Healthier Option: Significantly less oil means fewer calories and less grease without sacrificing flavor.
• Quick and Convenient: No deep-frying, no splatter, no cleanup chaos. Fast cooking times make these ideal for busy weeknights.
• Customizable Fillings: Whether you love traditional pork, veggie-packed rolls, or something uniquely yours, the air fryer handles it all.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make 10 perfectly crispy egg rolls. Feel free to customize based on your preferences!

For the Filling

• 1/2 pound ground pork (or preferred protein)
• 2 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Wrappers

• 10 egg roll wrappers (find these in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores)

For Cooking

• Cooking spray or a light brushing of neutral oil like canola or avocado oil

Optional Dipping Sauce

• Soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or spicy mustard

How to Make Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to the skillet, stirring until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Toss in the coleslaw mix and soy sauce, cooking until the vegetables soften (about 3-4 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Remove the filling from heat and allow it to cool slightly before assembling.

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls

1. Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface, with one corner pointing toward you (like a diamond).
2. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill!
3. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the wrapper tightly upward. Seal the top corner with a dab of water to keep it closed. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Step 3: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket and the rolled egg rolls with cooking spray or a light brushing of oil. This ensures they fry up golden and crispy.

Step 4: Cook the Egg Rolls

1. Place the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch or overlap (you may need to do this in batches).
2. Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the egg rolls hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Perfect for dinner parties, after-school snacks, or even an Asian-inspired dinner night.

Customization Ideas

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground pork for tofu crumbles or simply add more veggies, like mushrooms or bell peppers, to make vegetarian egg rolls.
• Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the filling.
• Cheesy Surprise: Mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a cheesy egg roll variation.
• Sweet Version: Go dessert-style with an apple pie filling or cream cheese and strawberry mix for a sugary treat.

Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Egg Rolls

1. Don’t Overfill: Too much filling may cause the wrapper to tear and leave you with a mess. Stick to 2-3 tablespoons of filling per roll.
2. Avoid Soggy Rolls: Cook the filling completely and allow it to cool slightly before assembling to avoid extra moisture in the wrapper.
3. Space Them Out: Give each egg roll breathing room in the air fryer basket for even cooking and crispiness.
4. Serve Immediately: Egg rolls are best enjoyed fresh and hot. If you need to reheat them, pop them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes.

Why Air Fryer Egg Rolls Are a Game-Changer

Air fryer egg rolls aren't just a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version—they're a time saver, a crowd-pleaser, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making a quick snack for yourself or impressing friends and family, this recipe ensures crispy perfection every time.

What's more, using an air fryer is mess-free and encourages a healthier cooking lifestyle, which is why air fryer enthusiasts can't get enough. If you own an air fryer, this egg roll recipe is a must-try.

Explore New Recipes with Us

Whether you’re just dabbling in air fryer recipes or you’re a seasoned pro looking to expand your repertoire, we’ve got you covered. Bookmark this recipe and share it with your fellow foodies for endless crispy, delicious joy.

Have your own creative spin on egg rolls? Drop your tips or favorite fillings in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!

Happy air frying!