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These Air Fryer Egg Rolls started in my kitchen one night when I was craving takeout but wanted something healthier. Now they've become our favorite way to get that perfect crispy crunch without all the oil. The filling gets so flavorful with fresh ginger and garlic while the wrappers turn golden and crispy in the air fryer. My family hovers around the kitchen every time I make them, watching for that first batch to come out.
Perfectly Crispy Magic
What makes these egg rolls so special is how they get that amazing restaurant-style crunch using barely any oil. That savory pork filling with tender vegetables wrapped in those crispy golden wrappers brings takeout flavor right to your kitchen. My neighbor caught the smell of ginger and garlic through our window last week—now she makes them every Sunday, says her kids think they're better than takeout.
What You'll Need
- For the filling: Good ground pork, fresh ginger and garlic, green onions.
- Your vegetables: Crisp cabbage, fresh carrots—all chopped nice and fine.
- The seasonings: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil—brings everything together.
- For wrapping: Egg roll wrappers—find them in the produce section.
- Final touches: Just a little oil for brushing—makes them golden brown.
Let's Start Rolling
- Make your filling:
- Brown that pork in a big skillet, add your ginger and garlic until your kitchen smells amazing. Then in go all those vegetables, cooking just until tender.
- Perfect seasoning:
- Add your soy sauce, vinegar, and that splash of sesame oil. Let everything cool before filling.
- Rolling time:
- Lay out your wrapper like a diamond, add filling, fold up the bottom, then the sides, roll tight like you're wrapping a tiny present.
- Air fry to golden:
- Brush with just a little oil, air fry until they're perfectly crispy, turning halfway through.
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My Kitchen Secrets
After making countless batches of these egg rolls, I've learned all the tricks. Don't overfill your wrappers or they'll burst while cooking—about a quarter cup of filling is perfect. Make sure to seal the edges really well with water—keeps everything inside where it belongs. Give them a light brush with oil before air frying—it helps them get that beautiful golden color. And always let that filling cool before rolling—nobody likes soggy wrappers.
Perfect Pairings
We love serving these with all kinds of dipping sauces. Sweet chili sauce adds nice heat while classic soy sauce keeps things simple. Sometimes I'll mix up some spicy mayo—just sriracha and mayonnaise—makes everything extra special. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions on top makes them look like they came from your favorite restaurant.
Save Some For Later
These egg rolls keep beautifully in the fridge for about five days, though honestly they rarely last that long in our house. When you're ready for more, just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes—they crisp right back up. Want to plan ahead? You can freeze them after cooking—wrap them well, they'll keep for three months. Just reheat them straight from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
Mix It Up
While the classic pork filling will always have my heart, sometimes I'll switch things up. Ground chicken or turkey works beautifully, or make them vegetarian with extra mushrooms and cabbage. Playing with different vegetables keeps things interesting—water chestnuts add amazing crunch. My spice-loving friends add extra ginger and a touch of chili oil to their filling.
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Better Than Takeout
These air fryer egg rolls have become our favorite way to bring takeout flavors home. They're what I make when we're craving something crispy and delicious but want to keep things a bit lighter. The way everyone gathers in the kitchen waiting for each batch to finish, how they disappear almost as fast as I can make them—that's what makes cooking so rewarding. Sometimes the healthier version becomes the family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This makes assembly much quicker when you're ready to cook the egg rolls.
- → Why do my egg rolls split open while cooking?
Egg rolls usually split if they're rolled too loosely or if the edges aren't sealed well. Make sure to wrap them tightly and seal the edges with water completely.
- → Can I freeze these egg rolls?
You can freeze uncooked egg rolls for up to 3 months. Freeze them separately on a tray first, then bag them. Cook straight from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftover egg rolls?
Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. This keeps them crispy, unlike microwaving which can make them soggy.
- → Can I use different filling ingredients?
You can customize the filling with different meats or make them vegetarian. Just make sure the filling is cooked and not too wet before wrapping to prevent soggy egg rolls.