How To Cook Egg Rolls In Air Fryer [FULL GUIDE]

Recommended Equipments:

Air fryers have transformed the way home cooks approach classic fried foods. Instead of submerging egg rolls in hot oil, the air fryer uses rapid convection heat to produce a crisp, golden exterior with only a fraction of the fat. Whether you are preparing homemade egg rolls, using frozen store-bought varieties, or reheating leftovers, the air fryer offers speed, consistency, and impressive texture.

This guide explores the best air fryer temperature, ideal cooking times, essential tips, troubleshooting advice, and step-by-step directions to make perfectly crisp egg rolls every time.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature To Cook Egg Rolls In Air Fryer

The ideal temperature for cooking egg rolls in an air fryer is 375°F (190°C).

This temperature strikes the perfect balance between achieving a crisp exterior and allowing the filling to heat thoroughly without burning or drying out the wrapper. At lower temperatures, the wrapper may turn leathery, while higher temperatures can cause the outside to darken too quickly before the inside reaches a safe temperature.

How Long To Cook Egg Rolls In Air Fryer

The cooking time depends on whether the egg rolls are fresh, frozen, or pre-cooked.

Average Cooking Times At 375°F (190°C)

• Frozen Egg Rolls: 12-15 minutes
• Fresh (Uncooked) Egg Rolls: 10-12 minutes
• Reheating Cooked Egg Rolls: 3-5 minutes

Turn the egg rolls halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides. Thicker rolls or rolls with high-moisture fillings may require an additional 2-3 minutes.

How To Tell If The Egg Rolls Are Done

Properly cooked egg rolls will exhibit:

1. Even Golden-Brown Color: The wrapper should look crisp and uniformly browned without pale or soggy spots.
2. Audible Crispness: A slight crackle when tapped lightly.
3. Steaming Hot Filling: Carefully cut one open; the interior should be piping hot, with no cold patches.
4. Internal Temperature: For food safety, the filling should reach 165°F (74°C) if it contains meat.

If the outside browns before the inside heats through, lower the temperature by 10-15 degrees and continue cooking.

Ingredients Needed

For homemade egg rolls, you’ll typically need:

• Egg roll wrappers
• Protein of choice (ground pork, chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
• Vegetables (shredded cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, onions)
• Garlic and ginger
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Cornstarch slurry to seal the wrappers
• Optional flavor enhancements: scallions, chili paste, oyster sauce

If using frozen egg rolls, no extra ingredients are required, though a light spray of oil can enhance browning.

How To Cook Egg Rolls In Air Fryer

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set it to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

2. Prepare The Egg Rolls

   • For fresh rolls: Seal the edges tightly with a cornstarch slurry.
   • For frozen rolls: No thawing needed.
   • Lightly mist with cooking spray for a crispier exterior.
3. Arrange in the Basket: Place egg rolls in a single layer, leaving space between them to allow air circulation.

4. Cook

   • Fresh: 10-12 minutes
   • Frozen: 12-15 minutes
   • Turn halfway through the cooking time.
5. Check Doneness: Slice one open to ensure the interior is hot; continue cooking in 2-3 minute intervals if needed.
6. Rest: Let them sit for 2 minutes before serving to prevent steam burns and allow crisping to finalize.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Temperature?

Using a temperature lower than 375°F results in:

• Wrappers that dry out before they crisp
• Longer cooking times
• Uneven browning

Using a higher temperature may cause:

• Rapid browning with an undercooked interior
• Hard, brittle crust
• Filling that stays lukewarm

If adjusting temperature, compensate with time. For example:

• At 350°F (177°C): Add 2-4 minutes
• At 400°F (204°C): Reduce time by 2-3 minutes and monitor closely

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Cooking Time?

Cooking for too short a duration leads to:

• Cold centers
• Limp or pale wrappers
• Uneven texture

Cooking too long causes:

• Excessive browning
• Tough, overly dry wrappers
• Burnt ends

Always check halfway through so adjustments can be made before the egg rolls overcook.

When Things Go Wrong

Common issues and solutions:

1. Wrappers Burst Open

   • Overfilled rolls or wrappers sealed improperly
   • Solution: Reduce filling by one-third and seal tightly with slurry.

2. Egg Rolls Not Crispy

   • Insufficient oil mist or overcrowding
   • Solution: Light spray of oil and leave space around each roll.

3. Dark Spots On Wrapper

   • Hot air hitting certain areas more intensely
   • Solution: Rotate the basket and flip rolls halfway.

4. Soggy Bottoms

   • Moist filling leaking
   • Solution: Drain cooked fillings before wrapping.

Expert Tips

• Avoid Thawing Frozen Rolls: Air fry straight from the freezer for best texture.
• Use Parchment with Holes: Prevents sticking while maintaining airflow.
• Do Not Overcrowd: A single layer always yields a crisper finish.
• Brush, Don’t Soak: A tiny amount of oil dramatically improves browning.
• Pre-Cook High-Moisture Fillings: This prevents sogginess and wrapper splitting.
• Rotate for Uniform Results: Air fryers vary in heat distribution; turning the rolls ensures consistency.

FAQs

What Temperature Should I Set My Air Fryer To Cook Egg Rolls?

For best results, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the egg rolls to cook evenly and become golden brown without burning the wrapper.

How Long Do Egg Rolls Take To Cook In An Air Fryer?

Cook egg rolls in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are crispy on all sides. Exact timing may vary depending on the size of the egg rolls and your air fryer model.

Should I Spray Or Brush Egg Rolls With Oil Before Air Frying?

Yes, lightly spraying or brushing the egg rolls with cooking oil helps achieve a golden, crispy texture without making them greasy. Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil.

Can I Cook Frozen Egg Rolls Directly In The Air Fryer?

Yes, frozen egg rolls can be cooked in the air fryer without thawing. Increase the cooking time slightly to 12-15 minutes and flip halfway through. Spraying with a small amount of oil can enhance crispiness.

How Many Egg Rolls Can I Cook At Once In The Air Fryer?

It depends on the size of your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; leave space between each egg roll for proper air circulation, which ensures even cooking and crispiness.

How Do I Know When The Egg Rolls Are Fully Cooked?

Egg rolls are done when the exterior is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is hot. You can carefully cut one open to check if the filling is cooked through and piping hot.

Can I Reheat Leftover Egg Rolls In The Air Fryer?

Yes, reheat leftover egg rolls at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid overcooking, as they can dry out quickly.