Air Fryer Egg Rolls bring together everything I love about homemade appetizers: bold flavor, crispy texture, and simple preparation. I used to think making egg rolls at home required deep frying and a messy kitchen, so I rarely attempted them.
However, once I discovered how beautifully Air Fryer Egg Rolls cook with circulating hot air, I never looked back. The wrappers turn golden and crisp without soaking in oil, while the seasoned beef and fresh vegetables stay juicy inside. Making them from scratch allows you to control every ingredient, from the shredded cabbage to the hint of sesame oil.
Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner, game night, or weekend craving, Air Fryer Egg Rolls offer a lighter and easier alternative to traditional frying. With just a few fresh ingredients and about 30 minutes, you can serve a batch of homemade egg rolls that taste fresh, satisfying, and perfectly crisp.
Preparing the Egg Roll Filling
Ingredients for Homemade Air Fryer Egg Rolls
Making Air Fryer Egg Rolls at home starts with fresh, simple ingredients. The combination of cabbage, carrots, and seasoned meat creates balance and texture. If you enjoy cabbage-based dishes, you may also like my Ground Beef and Cabbage recipe , which uses similar hearty ingredients.
Egg Roll Filling Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken)
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Wrapping:
- 12–15 egg roll wrappers
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch for sealing)
- Cooking spray (for air frying)
Cabbage creates the traditional base and softens beautifully while keeping a light crunch. Carrots add mild sweetness and color. Garlic, ginger, and green onions build depth and aroma. Soy sauce and oyster sauce deliver savory balance, while sesame oil adds a rich finish.
Cooking the Filling for Balanced Texture
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Make sure the meat cooks thoroughly before removing it from heat. According to the USDA safe ground meat guidelines, ground meats should reach safe internal temperatures to prevent foodborne illness. This step ensures your homemade Air Fryer Egg Rolls stay both flavorful and safe to eat.
Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook briefly until fragrant. Then add shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Stir continuously for 3 to 4 minutes. The vegetables should soften slightly but remain crisp.
After that, pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly so the seasoning distributes evenly. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the filling to cool for several minutes before wrapping.
Letting the mixture cool prevents steam from softening the wrappers. Once cooled, the filling becomes perfectly ready for assembling and air frying your homemade Air Fryer Egg Rolls.
Wrapping and Cooking Air Fryer Egg Rolls
How to Wrap Egg Rolls Properly
After cooking and cooling the filling, wrap each egg roll tightly. Proper sealing prevents leaks during air frying. If you enjoy hand-held appetizers, you might also like my Greek Baked Feta Rolls, which use a similar rolling technique.
Start by placing one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond position, with one corner pointing toward you. Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling into the center, slightly closer to the bottom corner.
Next, fold the bottom corner tightly over the filling. Press gently to remove air pockets. Then fold the left and right corners inward, creating an envelope shape. Continue rolling upward firmly but gently until only the top corner remains.
Brush the top corner with the cornstarch and water mixture. This acts as glue and seals the roll securely. Finish rolling and press lightly to seal.
Repeat the process until you wrap all the filling. Keep the wrapped egg rolls covered with a clean towel while working so the wrappers do not dry out.
Air Fryer Cooking Instructions and Timing
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that your Air Fryer Egg Rolls start crisping immediately.
Lightly spray each egg roll with cooking spray. This step promotes even browning and enhances the golden color.
Place the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd them. Proper spacing allows hot air to circulate around each roll.
Cook for 6 minutes. Then flip each egg roll carefully using tongs. Continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes until the wrappers turn evenly golden brown and crisp.
Total cooking time is about 11 to 13 minutes.
Once finished, remove them carefully and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The exterior will be crispy, while the inside remains flavorful and tender, exactly what you want from homemade Air Fryer Egg Rolls.
Why Air Fryer Egg Rolls Are Better Than Deep Fried
Crispy Texture Without Heavy Oil
Air Fryer Egg Rolls turn perfectly crispy because hot air circulates rapidly around the wrapper. This method eliminates the need for deep frying in oil or solid fats such as shortening. In traditional frying, some cooks use fats like vegetable shortening, which you can read more about here. However, air frying achieves crispiness without submerging the egg rolls in added fat. Source
Traditional deep frying fully submerges egg rolls in oil. Although that method creates crispiness, the wrapper often absorbs excess oil. This can make the egg rolls feel heavier. In contrast, Air Fryer Egg Rolls require only a light spray of oil, which allows the natural texture of the wrapper to shine without greasiness.
Another advantage involves control. With air frying, you simply set the temperature to 400°F and flip halfway through cooking. Because the heat remains consistent, your egg rolls brown evenly. Deep frying requires careful oil temperature monitoring, which can fluctuate and affect texture.
For another crispy appetizer idea, check out my Crispy Garlic Domino Potatoes. Both recipes rely on proper spacing and high heat for texture.
Convenience, Health, and Cleanup
Air Fryer Egg Rolls also win in convenience. You avoid heating a pot of oil, managing splatter, and dealing with oil disposal. Instead, you preheat, cook, flip, and serve. Cleanup usually involves washing only the air fryer basket.
From a health perspective, using minimal oil reduces added fat compared to deep frying. While egg rolls still contain rich filling, air frying prevents unnecessary oil absorption. Therefore, the final result feels lighter without sacrificing crunch.
Additionally, air frying produces less lingering odor in the kitchen. Deep frying often leaves a strong smell that lasts for hours. Air Fryer Egg Rolls cook cleanly and quickly, making them ideal for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.
Because they combine crisp texture, easier preparation, and lighter results, Air Fryer Egg Rolls offer a practical and satisfying alternative to deep frying.
If you’re planning a full dinner, these egg rolls pair nicely with my Chinese Chicken and Broccoli , creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Serving, Storage, and Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauces
Air Fryer Egg Rolls taste best when served immediately after cooking. The wrapper stays crisp, and the filling remains juicy and flavorful. Let them cool for just a few minutes before serving so the inside settles slightly.
For presentation, slice each egg roll diagonally. This showcases the colorful cabbage, carrots, and seasoned meat inside. Arrange them on a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions for a simple but appealing finish.
Pair your Air Fryer Egg Rolls with classic dipping sauces:
- Sweet chili sauce for mild sweetness
- Soy sauce for savory depth
- Duck sauce for a tangy balance
- Spicy mayo for creamy heat
You can also mix soy sauce with a splash of rice vinegar and a pinch of chili flakes for a quick homemade dipping sauce.
Storage, Reheating, and Helpful Tips
Store leftover Air Fryer Egg Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, avoid stacking them tightly while still warm.
When reheating, place the egg rolls in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes. This restores their crunch quickly. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it softens the wrapper and reduces texture.
For best results, always cook Air Fryer Egg Rolls in a single layer. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and can lead to uneven browning. Lightly spraying the rolls before cooking also improves color and crisp texture.
With the right preparation, careful wrapping, and proper air frying technique, homemade Air Fryer Egg Rolls deliver consistent crispiness and bold flavor every time.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat at 375°F for 3–5 minutes. If you love easy dinner inspiration, explore my full collection of 72 Best Easy Dinner Ideas for more quick meals.
Air Fryer Beef Egg Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Cook 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Mix in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Remove from heat and let filling cool.
- Lay one egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape. Add 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center.
- Fold bottom corner over filling, fold in sides, roll tightly upward, and seal with cornstarch mixture.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray egg rolls with cooking spray and place in a single layer in basket.
- Air fry 6 minutes, flip carefully, and cook another 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Let cool slightly before serving with dipping sauce.
Nutrition
Notes
Lightly spraying improves browning and crisp texture.
Allow filling to cool before wrapping to prevent soggy wrappers.
Reheat leftovers at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
From your stove to our hearts
share your delicious take!FAQs About Air Fryer Egg Rolls
How long do you cook egg rolls in the air fryer?
Air fryer egg rolls cook at 400°F (200°C) for 11 to 13 minutes total. Start by cooking them for 6 minutes. Then flip each roll carefully and continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes. Because air fryer models vary slightly, check them at the 11-minute mark. The wrapper should look golden brown and feel firm and crispy.
Is it better to fry or air fry egg rolls?
Air fryer egg rolls offer a crisp texture with little to no added oil. Deep frying creates a slightly heavier and oil-rich crust. While both methods produce crunch, air frying feels lighter and requires far less cleanup. Additionally, air frying reduces splatter and cooking odor in your kitchen.
What 5 foods should you not put in an air fryer?
Certain foods do not cook properly in an air fryer. Wet battered foods drip before crisping. Loose leafy greens move around due to airflow. Plain cheese melts and leaks. Raw grains need boiling water to cook properly. Large bone-in roasts may cook unevenly in smaller air fryer baskets. However, structured foods like frozen egg rolls cook perfectly because their wrapper holds shape and crisps evenly.
How long do you put rolls in the air fryer?
For frozen rolls, always cook directly from the freezer. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for about 12 minutes total, flipping halfway through. This method delivers evenly browned, crispy air fryer egg rolls every time.
conclusion: Air Fryer Egg Rolls
Homemade Air Fryer Egg Rolls prove that you don’t need deep frying to achieve a crispy, golden appetizer. By combining seasoned beef, fresh cabbage, carrots, and aromatic ginger inside a tightly wrapped shell, you create layers of flavor and texture in every bite.
In addition, this method reduces excess oil and simplifies cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Once you master the wrapping technique and follow the 11–13 minute cooking time, you can prepare Air Fryer Egg Rolls with confidence every time. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the crunch without the mess of traditional frying. After trying this homemade version, you’ll likely keep egg roll wrappers and fresh ingredients on hand for whenever the craving strikes.
