Ingredients and preparation
To create delicious air fryer egg rolls, you’ll need a selection of fresh ingredients that come together to form a crispy, flavorful snack or appetizer. Below is a list of the essential ingredients you’ll need, along with some preparation tips to ensure your egg rolls turn out perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork or chicken
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12-15 egg roll wrappers
- Cooking spray
- Optional: Sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping
Preparation:
- Cook the filling: In a large skillet, cook the ground pork or chicken over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add vegetables and seasoning: Stir in the shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Prepare the egg roll wrappers: Lay out an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with one corner pointing towards you, forming a diamond shape. Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Roll the egg rolls: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll the wrapper tightly towards the top corner, sealing the edge with a dab of water to ensure it stays closed. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Cooking instructions
Once your egg rolls are assembled, it’s time to cook them to crispy perfection using your air fryer. The air fryer is an excellent tool for achieving that golden-brown exterior without the need for deep frying, making these egg rolls a healthier alternative.
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the egg rolls cook evenly and develop a crispy texture.
- Arrange the egg rolls: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the egg rolls in the basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch or overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Spray the egg rolls: Lightly spray the tops of the egg rolls with cooking spray. This helps them achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Cook the egg rolls: Air fry the egg rolls at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, carefully flip the egg rolls to ensure even browning on all sides. Continue cooking until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy.
- Check for doneness: Once the egg rolls are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps maintain their crispiness. The filling should be hot and the wrappers should be crisp and golden.
- Serve: Serve the egg rolls immediately with your choice of dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or soy sauce. Enjoy them while they’re hot and crispy!
Tips for perfect egg rolls
To ensure your air fryer egg rolls turn out perfectly every time, here are some tips and tricks that can make a big difference in the final result:
- Don’t overfill the wrappers: While it might be tempting to pack as much filling as possible into each egg roll, overfilling can cause the wrappers to tear or the filling to spill out during cooking. Stick to about 2 tablespoons of filling per wrapper to ensure they roll up neatly and cook evenly.
- Seal the edges well: Properly sealing the edges of your egg rolls is crucial to prevent them from unraveling during cooking. Use a small amount of water or a beaten egg to moisten the edges of the wrapper before sealing. Press firmly to ensure a tight seal.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: For the crispiest results, make sure to arrange the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with space between each roll. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy spots. If necessary, cook the egg rolls in batches.
- Flip halfway through cooking: To achieve even browning on all sides, it’s important to flip the egg rolls halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that both sides get exposed to the hot air circulating in the air fryer, resulting in a uniformly crispy exterior.
- Let them rest on a wire rack: After cooking, place the egg rolls on a wire rack to cool slightly. This allows air to circulate around the egg rolls, preventing them from becoming soggy as they cool. Avoid placing them directly on a plate, as this can trap steam and soften the crispy exterior.
- Experiment with fillings: While the classic pork or chicken filling is delicious, don’t be afraid to get creative with your egg rolls. Try different combinations of vegetables, proteins, and seasonings to suit your taste. Just be mindful of the moisture content in your filling, as too much liquid can make the wrappers soggy.
- Reheat leftovers properly: If you have leftover egg rolls, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the wrappers chewy instead of crispy.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create air fryer egg rolls that are consistently crispy, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a party, a snack, or a meal, these egg rolls are sure to impress!