Air Fryer Egg Rolls
This Air Fryer Egg Rolls recipe is built around ground pork, and it comes together in about under an hour from start to finish. It sits firmly in the Chinese tradition, so expect the flavours you would get from a good home kitchen there. Scroll down for the ingredients, the step-by-step method, and answers to the questions we get asked most about it.
- Level Hard
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 lb Ground Pork
- 1 clove Peeled crushed Garlic
- 1 tbsp Chopped Ginger
- 1 medium Carrots
- 3 Chopped Scallions
- 3 cup Cabbage
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 12 Egg Roll Wrappers
- For brushing Oil
- To serve Duck Sauce
- To serve Plum Sauce
- To serve Soy Sauce
Method
- Alternative Pan Fry Method: If you don’t have access to an air fryer, you can make these egg rolls using a traditional pan fry method. Add enough oil to a medium skillet with high walls so the oil is about 1/2 inch up the side of the skillet. Heat oil on medium high heat until it reaches 350°F. Add egg rolls and fry for 3 to 4 minutes, flip, and fry for another 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Remove and let them drain and cool on a few paper towels.
- Cook the filling:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil along with the ground pork or chicken. Break apart the meat with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until the meat is cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add garlic, ginger, carrot, scallions, and cabbage. Continue to cook until cabbage wilts down and is soft, another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring regularly. Season the filling with soy sauce and rice wine vinegar, and take off the heat to cool. (This filling can be made in advance.)
- Assemble the egg rolls:
- Place a single egg roll wrapper on a dry surface with one point of the square facing you (like a diamond). Place about 1/4 cup of the egg roll filling mixture in the middle of the wrapper.
- Dip your fingers in water and run around the edges of the wrapper. Then fold the edges of the wrapper over the center and start rolling the egg roll away from you to form a tight cylinder. Place on a plate and repeat until you are out of filling. You should get at least a dozen egg rolls.
- Air fry the egg rolls:
- Place the egg rolls in the basket of your air fryer. Spray or brush them lightly with oil. Add as many as you can without stacking the egg rolls, making sure they don’t touch. Air needs to circulate around them. Brush the egg rolls lightly with oil.
- Place the basket in the air fryer and turn the air fryer to 350°F. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes, then flip the egg rolls, spray or brush with oil a second time on the bottom side, and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes.
- Finished egg rolls should be golden brown and crispy! Serve immediately.
Tips for the best Air Fryer Egg Rolls
- Rest the finished dish for a few minutes before serving — it lets the flavours settle and the texture firm up.
- Do not crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed so everything browns instead of steaming.
- This is a 11-step recipe, so set up your workspace in the order the steps use it.
- Let the pork come up to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.
Variations
- Fusion twist: keep the method but swap the spices for your own favourites — the Chinese base takes well to it.
- Swap the pork for chicken thigh or tempeh — keep the cooking time similar and check for doneness.
- Spicier version: add a pinch of chilli flakes or a sliced fresh chilli with the aromatics.
Serving ideas
Serve alongside a grilled main or as part of a shared table.
Storage
Best eaten fresh. Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for 2 days; reheat in a hot pan or oven rather than the microwave to bring the crispness back.
Frequently asked questions
What can I substitute for ground pork?
Any ingredient with a similar texture and cooking time works; see the variations below for ideas. Keep quantities the same and adjust seasoning at the end.
Can I make Air Fryer Egg Rolls ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, then cook just before serving for the best texture.
Is this Air Fryer Egg Rolls recipe hard to make?
It is rated hard: 14 ingredients and 11 steps. Follow the order and the tips above and it is very forgiving.
Recipe data via TheMealDB — source
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