If you have ever wondered how to get that perfect crispy crunch on your egg rolls without the mess and calories of deep frying, you have to try this Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe. It’s a total game changer for anyone who loves the crispy golden texture paired with a flavorful, savory filling. The air fryer makes these egg rolls irresistibly crispy on the outside while keeping the inside tender and packed with just the right amount of juicy shrimp, cabbage, and spices. Whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch or impressing friends at your next gathering, this Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe will become your new favorite go-to snack that’s both easy and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential to crafting the ultimate crunchy and flavorful egg rolls. Each element plays a vital role in the dish’s vibrant taste, delightful texture, and colorful appearance.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for sautéing the vegetables to soft perfection without overpowering their natural flavors.
- Green cabbage: Thinly sliced for a fresh, crisp texture that forms the bulk of the filling.
- Shredded carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely vibrant color to the mix.
- Green onion: Finely diced to bring a mild, oniony bite that brightens the filling.
- Soy sauce: Adds a savory depth and umami punch that holds the flavors together.
- Sugar: Just a touch to balance the savory and bring harmony to the filling.
- Toasted sesame oil: Infuses the filling with a nutty aroma that makes every bite irresistible.
- Five spice powder: A pinch to introduce subtle warmth and complexity.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors while seasoning everything perfectly.
- Tiny shrimp: Adds tender, juicy bites of seafood goodness that elevate the filling.
- Egg roll wrappers: The crunchy outer shell that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Beaten egg: Acts as the glue to seal the egg rolls perfectly so nothing spills out.
- Peanut oil: A light brush on the outside to get that golden and crispy finish.
- Your favorite frozen egg rolls: For a quick alternative when you want easy cooking with authentic taste.
How to Make Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrots. Cook these veggies for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they soften beautifully and release their natural sweetness. Then add the finely diced green onions, soy sauce, sugar, toasted sesame oil, five spice powder, salt, and tiny shrimp to the skillet. Stir everything together well and take the pan off the heat. This mixture will be bursting with layered flavors, ready to fill your egg rolls.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape. Spoon roughly 3 ounces of the cabbage and shrimp filling just below the center line. Fold the bottom corner up and over the filling, tucking it underneath as you gently press down to keep everything tight. Next, fold in the side corners toward the center to create an envelope-like shape. Brush a little beaten egg on the top corner to act as glue, then roll the wrapper up firmly to seal the filling inside. Repeat this process until you’ve used all the delicious filling.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Egg Rolls for Air Frying
Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly brush each egg roll with a very thin layer of peanut oil on all sides. If you have an oil sprayer, now’s the time to use it for an even coating. This light oiling ensures that the wrappers will crisp up gorgeously while cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Egg Rolls
Arrange the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, taking care to leave space between each one so the hot air can circulate freely. Cook at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes, then pause to flip each roll over. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy. The result is perfectly cooked egg rolls with a delightful crunch and flavorful filling you won’t be able to resist.
Step 5: Cooking Frozen Egg Rolls
If you’re using frozen egg rolls, preheat the air fryer similarly, place them in a single layer with some breathing room, and cook for 5 minutes before flipping. Cook for another 5 minutes, then leave the basket in the fryer for 5 extra minutes to ensure they’re heated through. It’s a quick and healthier way to enjoy your favorite frozen snack with a crisp finish every time.
How to Serve Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Egg rolls are even better with a few fresh garnishes that brighten and complement their savoriness. Think thinly sliced green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or a side of fresh cilantro. These add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor that makes every bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
For a full meal, serve these egg rolls alongside simple and refreshing sides like a crisp Asian slaw, steamed jasmine rice, or a light cucumber salad. The balance of crunchy, soft, warm, and cool makes the eating experience well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by cutting egg rolls into bite-sized pieces for party platters or arranging them in colorful stacks on vibrant plates. Offering an array of dipping sauces such as sweet chili, soy-ginger, or creamy peanut sauce invites everyone to mix and match and keeps things fun and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover air-fried egg rolls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay crispy and flavorful for up to 3 days—making for a perfect snack or meal addition later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for another day, freeze the uncooked, assembled egg rolls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can pop them straight into the air fryer anytime for a fast homemade treat with all the flavor of freshly made.
Reheating
To bring back the original crispness, reheat leftover or frozen egg rolls in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4 to 6 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the wrappers soggy and less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins in this Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! While tiny shrimp is traditional and delicious, you can swap it out for ground pork, chicken, tofu, or even a mix of mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure your protein is cooked through before filling the wrappers.
Do I need to brush oil on the egg rolls before air frying?
Yes, but just a very light coating on each side helps achieve that sought-after golden crispiness while keeping the egg rolls from drying out. Peanut oil or any neutral oil works beautifully.
Can I make these egg rolls gluten-free?
If you want a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free egg roll wrappers and tamari instead of regular soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so the recipe adapts well.
How long do I need to cook frozen egg rolls in an air fryer?
Frozen egg rolls generally take about 10 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping halfway through. It’s a quick way to get snack-time ready egg rolls without waiting for them to thaw first.
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake egg rolls in a conventional oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, the air fryer tends to produce crispier results faster and with less oil.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a crispy, savory egg roll that’s made healthier and easier with an air fryer. This Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe lets you enjoy that crunch and flavor without the extra grease or hassle. It’s the perfect combo of convenience, taste, and fun to make any day special. Give it a try—you might just find this is the egg roll recipe you’ve been dreaming of!
Print
Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Delicious and crispy air fryer egg rolls made with a savory shrimp and vegetable filling. This recipe offers both homemade and frozen egg roll instructions, giving you a healthier alternative to traditional frying. Prepared quickly using your air fryer, these egg rolls are perfect as appetizers or snacks.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoon Vegetable oil
- 4 cups Green cabbage (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup Shredded carrots
- 1 tablespoon Green onion (finely diced)
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Toasted sesame oil
- ⅛ teaspoon Five spice powder (this is just a pinch!)
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 6 ounces Tiny shrimp (alternatively cooked shrimp chopped into small pieces)
For the Wrapping:
- 12 Egg roll wrappers
- 1 large Egg (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons Peanut oil (for brushing)
For Frozen Egg Rolls:
- 1 package Your favorite brand of frozen egg rolls
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced cabbage and shredded carrots and cook while stirring often until they soften, about 7-10 minutes. Add the green onions, soy sauce, sugar, toasted sesame oil, five spice powder, salt, and shrimp to the skillet. Stir everything together well and remove from heat.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with a corner pointing toward you, making a diamond shape. Spoon approximately 3 ounces of the filling just below the center line of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tucking it underneath, then press the sides gently to seal.
- Fold the Sides: Fold the left and right corners of the wrapper into the center, creating an envelope shape around the filling. Brush beaten egg on the top corner of the wrapper to act as glue.
- Roll the Egg Rolls: Roll the wrapper from the bottom towards the top, sealing the edge with the egg wash so the egg roll stays closed. Repeat this process with remaining filling and wrappers.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390 ℉ and preheat for 3 minutes.
- Prepare Rolls for Air Frying: Lightly brush each egg roll with a thin layer of peanut oil or spray using an oil sprayer for an even coating.
- Cook in the Air Fryer: Arrange the egg rolls in the air fryer basket with space between each. Cook at 390 ℉ for 5 minutes, then flip each egg roll and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately while crispy and hot.
- Frozen Egg Rolls Option: Preheat the air fryer to 390 ℉ for 3 minutes. Place frozen egg rolls in a single layer in the basket with space in between. Cook for 5 minutes, flip them, then cook for another 5 minutes. After cooking, leave the basket in the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute tiny shrimp with finely chopped cooked shrimp if preferred.
- Use a brush or oil sprayer to apply peanut oil evenly and lightly on the egg rolls before air frying to achieve maximum crispiness.
- If cooking frozen egg rolls in batches, keep finished batches warm in a low oven while cooking the rest.
- Adjust cook time slightly based on your air fryer model and the size of egg rolls.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or ginger to the filling mixture when cooking the vegetables.
