Name: Air Fried Egg Rolls: Crispy, Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 egg rolls
Ingredients: 1 pound ground pork; 1 cup shredded cabbage; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 24 egg roll wrappers; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; Cooking spray

Air Fried Egg Rolls: Crispy, golden, and utterly irresistible – are you ready to experience your favorite appetizer in a whole new light? Forget the deep fryer and say hello to a healthier, equally delicious version that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

Egg rolls, those delightful pockets of savory goodness, have a rich history rooted in Chinese cuisine. While their exact origins are debated, similar fried rolls have been enjoyed in China for centuries, often served during festive occasions to symbolize wealth and good fortune. Over time, they've become a beloved staple in Chinese-American restaurants, adapted and embraced by diverse palates worldwide.

What's not to love? The satisfying crunch of the wrapper gives way to a flavorful filling, typically a medley of shredded cabbage, carrots, and protein, all seasoned with aromatic spices. People adore egg rolls for their delightful combination of textures and tastes, making them the perfect appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. And now, with the magic of air frying, you can enjoy all that goodness with significantly less oil. These Air Fried Egg Rolls are not only healthier but also incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing party snack. Get ready to ditch the takeout menu and embrace the joy of homemade!

Ingredients:

1 pound ground pork
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
24 egg roll wrappers
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Cooking spray

Preparing the Filling:

Okay, let's get started with the heart of our egg rolls – the delicious filling! This is where we build all the flavor, so pay close attention to the details. I promise it's easier than it sounds!

Brown the Ground Pork: In a large skillet or wok, place your ground pork over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. We want to brown the pork evenly, so keep stirring and crumbling it until it's no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy egg rolls!
Add the Aromatics: Now for the good stuff! Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet with the cooked pork. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as that can make it bitter. The aroma should be amazing at this point!
Incorporate the Vegetables: Add the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions to the skillet. Stir everything together well, ensuring the vegetables are evenly distributed. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cabbage starts to soften slightly. We don't want them to be mushy, just tender enough to meld with the other flavors.
Season the Filling: Time to bring it all together with some serious flavor! Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Sprinkle in the ground black pepper and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients and ensure the vegetables are coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Taste and Adjust: This is a crucial step! Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more soy sauce for saltiness, rice vinegar for tanginess, or red pepper flakes for heat. Remember, you're the chef, so make it your own! Once you're happy with the flavor, remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly. This will make it easier to handle when we start wrapping the egg rolls.

Wrapping the Egg Rolls:

Now comes the fun (and slightly tricky) part – wrapping the egg rolls! Don't worry if your first few aren't perfect; practice makes perfect. Just take your time and follow these steps carefully.

Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This will be our "glue" to seal the egg rolls. Set it aside for now.
Lay Out the Egg Roll Wrapper: Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface. Position it so that one of the corners is pointing towards you (like a diamond).
Add the Filling: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled pork and vegetable filling onto the center of the wrapper. Don't overfill it, or the egg roll will be difficult to close and might burst during cooking.
Fold the Bottom Corner: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, tucking it in tightly. This creates a small, compact roll.
Fold the Sides: Fold the left and right corners of the wrapper inward, towards the center. This creates a sealed envelope shape.
Roll and Seal: Brush the top corner of the wrapper with the cornstarch slurry. This will help seal the egg roll and prevent it from opening during cooking. Roll the egg roll tightly from the bottom up, pressing gently to seal the edge.
Repeat: Repeat steps 2-6 with the remaining egg roll wrappers and filling. As you wrap each egg roll, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Air Frying the Egg Rolls:

Finally, the moment we've been waiting for – air frying these beauties! Air frying gives you that crispy, golden-brown texture without all the extra oil. If you don't have an air fryer, you can also bake these in the oven, but the air fryer definitely gives the best results.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the egg rolls will cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
Prepare the Egg Rolls: Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking spray. This will help them brown evenly and prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket.
Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Overcrowding will prevent them from getting crispy.
Air Fry: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer.
Check for Doneness: To ensure the egg rolls are cooked through, you can insert a thermometer into the center of one. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Carefully remove the air-fried egg rolls from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or duck sauce.

Baking Option (If You Don't Have an Air Fryer):

If you don't have an air fryer, don't worry! You can still bake these egg rolls in the oven. They won't be quite as crispy as air-fried ones, but they'll still be delicious.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the egg rolls from sticking.
Arrange the Egg Rolls: Place the egg rolls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
Spray with Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking spray. This will help them brown evenly.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the egg rolls are golden brown.
Check for Doneness: As with air frying, you can insert a thermometer into the center of one to ensure it's cooked through. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Carefully remove the baked egg rolls from the oven and place them on a serving plate. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize your egg rolls? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Add Shrimp: For a seafood twist, add cooked and chopped shrimp to the filling.
Make it Vegetarian: Omit the pork and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots. You can also add tofu for protein.
Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the filling for extra heat.
Use Different Wrappers: Experiment with different types of wrappers, such as spring roll wrappers or wonton wrappers. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of wrapper you use.
Dipping Sauces: Get creative with your dipping sauces! Try peanut sauce, hoisin sauce, or even a homemade sweet chili sauce.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these air-fried egg rolls as much as I do! They're perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. Don't be afraid to experiment with different fillings and dipping sauces to create your own signature egg roll recipe. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Air Fried Egg Rolls are truly a game-changer. Forget greasy takeout; this recipe delivers all the satisfying crunch and savory filling you crave, but with a fraction of the calories and fat. I promise, once you try this method, you'll never go back to deep-frying again. The air fryer creates an unbelievably crispy exterior while keeping the inside perfectly tender and flavorful. It's quick, it's easy, and it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different fillings to suit your taste. Craving something spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the filling mixture. Want a vegetarian option? Simply swap out the ground pork for crumbled tofu or extra vegetables like shredded carrots, cabbage, and mushrooms. You could even try a sweet version with a cream cheese and fruit filling for a delightful dessert egg roll! When it comes to serving, the possibilities are endless. I personally love these Air Fried Egg Rolls with a classic sweet and sour sauce, but they're also fantastic with a spicy mustard, plum sauce, or even a simple soy sauce with a drizzle of sesame oil. For a complete meal, serve them alongside some fried rice or a fresh Asian-inspired salad. They also make a fantastic appetizer for parties or gatherings. Imagine the look on your guests' faces when they bite into these perfectly crispy, homemade egg rolls! And don't forget about dipping sauces! A creamy peanut sauce would be divine, or even a tangy ginger-lime dressing. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations to find your perfect pairing. You can even set up a dipping sauce bar with a variety of options for your guests to choose from. I'm confident that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It's a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food without the guilt, and it's so easy to customize to your liking. Plus, the air fryer makes cleanup a breeze! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, dust off your air fryer, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade Air Fried Egg Rolls. I'm absolutely certain you'll love them as much as I do. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you've had a chance to make these delicious egg rolls, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications to the filling? What dipping sauce did you choose? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this recipe. Let's build a community of air fryer enthusiasts and share our culinary creations! Happy cooking!