The smell of crispy wrappers hitting hot oil used to fill my childhood kitchen every Sunday. Now I get that same golden crunch without the mess or the oil splatter everywhere. Air fryer egg rolls are having their TikTok moment, and honestly, it’s about time.
Think traditional takeout flavors wrapped in a crispy shell, but made right in your kitchen with cabbage, carrots, and whatever protein you love. These wraps cook up perfectly golden in just minutes, like the restaurant version but so much simpler. Full details in the blog!
I’ve been perfecting this recipe since I started my air fryer experiments back in 2019. My family kept asking for “those crunchy things” every week until I finally wrote it down. I tested it twelve times to get the perfect crisp. You’ll love the secret!
My Air Fryer Egg Roll Story
I’ll never forget the first time I made air fryer egg rolls for my kids’ sleepover party. I was nervous they’d miss the deep-fried crunch, but when I heard them arguing over the last one, I knew these were a winner. Now they request my homemade air fryer egg rolls every Friday night, and honestly, they’re so much easier than I ever expected.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Egg Rolls
These crispy wraps bring all the comfort of your favorite takeout without the greasy mess. No deep fryer needed, no oil splatter on your stovetop – just perfectly golden rolls in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
The filling is packed with tender shiitake mushrooms, crunchy broccoli slaw, and seasoned ground turkey that tastes way better than restaurant versions. Plus, you control every ingredient, so no mystery preservatives or excess sodium.
Best part? They freeze beautifully for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying fast. My family asks for these every Sunday, and I love that they’re one of those easy air fryer meals that actually feels special.
Key Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need
The magic happens with just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. I always keep egg roll wrappers in my freezer – they thaw quickly and make weeknight cooking so much easier.
- Shiitake mushrooms: These add incredible umami depth. Regular mushrooms work too, but shiitakes really make the filling shine
- Broccoli slaw: Pre-bagged saves time and gives perfect crunch. You could shred your own cabbage and carrots if you prefer
- Fish sauce: Don’t skip this! It’s the secret ingredient that ties all the Asian flavors together
- Ground turkey: Lean protein that absorbs all those delicious seasonings. Ground chicken or pork work great too
For tools, you’ll need a large skillet or wok for the filling, plus your trusty air fryer. A small bowl of water for sealing the wrappers is essential – learned that the hard way when my first batch split open!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by making your filling in a large skillet. Heat that olive oil over medium heat, then add your ginger and garlic paste. The smell will fill your kitchen in the best way – it reminds me of my favorite Thai restaurant.
Add the mushrooms and scallions first, cooking until the mushrooms get soft and golden. Then toss in that broccoli slaw for just a few minutes – you want it slightly tender but still with some bite. Push everything to one side of your pan and add the ground turkey with tamari, fish sauce, and sesame oil.
| Step | Time | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| Cook aromatics | 2-3 minutes | Fragrant, not browned |
| Add mushrooms & scallions | 4-5 minutes | Mushrooms softened |
| Cook slaw | 2-3 minutes | Slightly wilted but crisp |
| Add turkey & seasonings | 5-7 minutes | No pink meat remains |
Let that filling cool completely before assembling – hot filling makes soggy wrappers. For rolling, place about 1-2 tablespoons of filling on the lower half of each wrapper, wet the edges with water, and roll tightly from the corner closest to you. Seal those ends well!
Pro Tips & Helpful Variations
Pro tip: Keep assembled rolls under a damp paper towel while you work. This prevents the wrappers from drying out and cracking – something I learned after wasting a whole batch on my first attempt.
Don’t overfill these beauties! I used to pack them full thinking more filling meant better flavor, but they just burst open in the air fryer. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons max for perfect results.
- Protein swaps: Ground chicken, pork, or even crumbled tofu work wonderfully
- Veggie additions: Shredded carrots, water chestnuts, or bean sprouts add great texture
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the filling
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add more mushrooms plus some firm tofu
The key to crispy perfection is that olive oil spray. Don’t skip it – spray before cooking, flip at 6 minutes, spray again, then finish cooking. This creates that golden, crunchy exterior we all crave.
Serving Ideas & Storage Tips
These crispy rolls are perfect with sweet and sour sauce, duck sauce, or even a simple soy sauce and rice vinegar mix. I love them with sriracha mayo for a little heat, or that classic Chinese mustard if you’re feeling adventurous.
Serve them immediately while they’re hot and crispy. They’re amazing as appetizers for game day, or pair with some jasmine rice and steamed vegetables for a complete weeknight dinner that feels like takeout night.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Air fry 3-4 minutes at 350°F |
| Freezer (cooked) | 3 months | Air fry 5-7 minutes at 350°F from frozen |
| Freezer (uncooked) | 3 months | Cook as directed, add 2-3 extra minutes |
Make-ahead magic: You can assemble these in the morning and cook them for dinner, or freeze a batch for those nights when cooking feels impossible. They reheat beautifully in the air fryer – much better than the microwave!
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FAQs ( Air Fryer Egg Rolls )
What temperature should I cook these at?
Set your air fryer to 375°F for the best results. This temperature creates a perfectly crispy exterior while heating the filling thoroughly. Cooking at lower temperatures may result in soggy wrappers, while higher heat can burn the outside before the inside is heated.
How long do they take to cook?
Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 4-5 minute mark. The exact time depends on your air fryer model and how crispy you prefer them. They’re done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Should I spray them with oil?
Yes, lightly spray the tops with cooking oil or brush with a small amount of vegetable oil. This helps achieve that golden, crispy texture you want. Don’t oversaturate – just a light coating is perfect for browning.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. You can also freeze assembled rolls for up to 3 months. Cook frozen ones for an extra 2-3 minutes at the same temperature.
What dipping sauces work best?
Sweet and sour sauce is classic, but duck sauce, soy sauce with chili oil, or spicy mustard all pair wonderfully. For homemade options, mix soy sauce with rice vinegar and a touch of sesame oil. These easy air fryer meals shine with the right sauce!
Air Fryer Egg Rolls: Easy Delicious Meals to Love
Ingredients
Method
- Make the filling by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and stirring in ginger and garlic paste.
- Add mushrooms and scallions, cooking until mushrooms soften.
- Add broccoli slaw and cook for a few more minutes.
- Push veggies to the side, then add ground turkey, tamari, fish sauce, and sesame oil.
- Cook until meat is no longer pink and set filling aside to cool.
- Assemble egg rolls by laying out wrappers, wetting edges, adding 1-2 tablespoons of filling, then rolling and sealing tightly.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Spray air fryer basket with olive oil spray and arrange egg rolls in a single layer.
- Spray egg rolls with olive oil spray, cook for 6 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for 4-5 more minutes.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use high quality ingredients like grass-fed meat and organic veggies.
- Don’t skip the fish sauce for umami flavor.
- Keep assembled egg rolls covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying.
- Use 1-2 tablespoons filling per roll to avoid cracking.
- Roll tightly to prevent bursting during cooking.
- Olive oil spray before and during cooking ensures crispiness with less oil.
