Can I Cook Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer A Quick Guide

Yes, you can absolutely cook egg rolls in the air fryer for a crispy, golden result with far less oil than deep frying. Simply preheat, lightly spray, and air fry in batches to achieve perfectly crunchy egg rolls in under 15 minutes—ideal for quick snacks, appetizers, or meal prep.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Air fry egg rolls for a crispy, healthier alternative to deep frying.
• Preheat first: Always preheat the air fryer for even, golden-brown results.
• Spray lightly: Use minimal oil spray to enhance crispiness without sogginess.
• Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches to ensure proper air circulation and crunch.
• Flip halfway: Turn egg rolls mid-cook for uniform browning and texture.
• Check internal temp: Ensure they reach 165°F for safe, fully cooked filling.

Why the Air Fryer Revolutionized My Kitchen

Let me start with a confession: I was skeptical about air fryers. When my sister gifted me one for my birthday, I thought, “Another gadget to clutter my countertop.” But after trying it with frozen egg rolls, I became an instant convert. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and guilt-free because they weren’t swimming in oil? Yes, please. Now, I use my air fryer for everything—from reheating leftovers to making homemade snacks. And egg rolls? They’re one of the easiest, most satisfying dishes to cook this way.

If you’ve ever stood over a pot of bubbling oil, worrying about splatters or overcooking, the air fryer is your new best friend. It’s not just a fad; it’s a game-changer for busy people who want flavor without the mess. So, can you cook egg rolls in the air fryer? Absolutely. But like any kitchen hack, there’s a right way to do it—and a few tricks to make them even better. Let’s dive in.

How Air Frying Egg Rolls Works: The Science Simplified

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation (convection) to crisp food, mimicking deep-frying without the oil. Think of it like a mini convection oven with a fan on steroids. The hot air surrounds the egg rolls, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist. But how does it compare to traditional methods? And why might it be better for you?

The Science Behind the Crisp

When you deep-fry egg rolls, the high heat (usually 350–375°F) instantly vaporizes surface moisture, creating a golden, crunchy shell. The oil transfers heat quickly, but it also adds calories and can leave food greasy. In an air fryer, the fan blasts hot air (typically 360–400°F) around the egg rolls. This evaporates moisture too, but with less oil, the crisp is lighter and less oily. The Maillard reaction—the chemical process that browns food—still happens, giving you that restaurant-quality crunch.

Pro tip: Lightly spritz or brush the egg rolls with oil (1–2 tsp per batch) to enhance crispiness. A little oil goes a long way in helping the air fryer work its magic.

Air Fryer vs. Oven vs. Deep Fryer: A Quick Comparison

Let’s break down the pros and cons of each method:

• Air fryer: Fast (8–12 mins), less oil, minimal mess, and energy-efficient. Best for small batches (4–6 egg rolls at a time).
• Oven: Slower (15–20 mins), uses more energy, but good for large batches. Egg rolls can dry out if overcooked.
• Deep fryer: Fast (3–5 mins), ultra-crispy, but messy, oily, and high-calorie. Requires 2–3 cups of oil per batch.

I once tried cooking egg rolls in my oven and forgot to flip them. The result? One side was perfect; the other was pale and chewy. The air fryer’s even air circulation solves this problem—no flipping required!

Step-by-Step Guide: Cooking Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer

Whether you’re using frozen or homemade egg rolls, the process is simple. I’ve tested dozens of batches to perfect this method—here’s what works.

Prepping Your Egg Rolls

• Frozen egg rolls: No thawing needed! They cook best straight from the freezer. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving space between each (about 0.5 inches) so air circulates freely.
• Homemade egg rolls: If fresh, lightly brush with oil (avocado or canola) before air frying. For pre-cooked (leftovers), spritz with water or oil to prevent drying out.
• Oil tip: Use a spray bottle for even coverage, or brush with a pastry brush. Too much oil can cause smoke or splatter.

Real talk: I once overloaded my air fryer basket with 10 egg rolls, thinking “more is better.” They stuck together, cooked unevenly, and some were still cold inside. Learn from my mistake: less is more.

Temperature and Timing

Here’s my go-to method (works for most air fryer models):

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (5 mins). This ensures even cooking from the first minute.
2. Place egg rolls in the basket, leaving space. For extra crispiness, spray/brush with oil.
3. Cook at 380°F for 8–12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through (or at 6 minutes) to redistribute heat.
4. Check for doneness: The wrapper should be golden and crisp. If it’s pale, add 1–2 more minutes.

Note: Thicker or jumbo egg rolls may need 1–2 extra minutes. Always check the internal temperature (165°F for safety).

Pro Tips for Perfection

• Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed. Overloading = steamy, soggy results.
• Shake, don’t flip: Shaking the basket redistributes heat better than flipping (no need to handle hot rolls).
• Use parchment paper: For easy cleanup, line the basket with perforated parchment. Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Season after cooking: Sprinkle with salt, sesame seeds, or chili flakes while hot. This enhances flavor without sogginess.

I once forgot to shake the basket and ended up with one “crispy side” egg roll. Lesson learned: shake it like a polaroid picture (old-school reference, but you get it).

Frozen vs. Homemade: Which Egg Rolls Work Best?

Let’s be real: frozen egg rolls are a lifesaver when you’re craving takeout at home. But homemade? They’re customizable, fresher, and often healthier. Here’s how both perform in the air fryer.

Frozen Egg Rolls: Convenience Wins

Most frozen egg rolls (like Trader Joe’s, Tai Pei, or store brands) cook beautifully in the air fryer. They’re pre-seasoned, so you don’t need to add salt or spices. Just pop them in, and you’re done in 12 minutes. Pros:

• No prep work—great for busy weeknights.
• Consistent texture (thanks to factory sealing).
• Wider variety (vegetable, pork, shrimp, etc.).

Cons: Some brands are high in sodium or use preservatives. Check the label if you’re health-conscious.

Homemade Egg Rolls: Flavor and Flexibility

Making egg rolls from scratch lets you control ingredients. I love adding extra veggies (bok choy, bean sprouts) or lean protein (ground turkey instead of pork). How to air fry them:

1. Fill wrappers with your filling (avoid overstuffing).
2. Roll tightly, sealing with egg wash or water.
3. Brush lightly with oil (1 tsp per roll).
4. Air fry at 380°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking at 6 minutes.

Pros: Fresher taste, customizable fillings, and lower sodium. Cons: Takes time to assemble (30–45 mins). I batch-roll 20 at a time and freeze them for later—they cook just as well from frozen!

Hybrid Hack: Pre-Cooked Egg Rolls

Have leftover restaurant egg rolls? Reheat them in the air fryer! Spray with water or oil to prevent drying, then cook at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. They’ll taste almost as good as fresh.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Even the best cooks make air fryer mistakes. I’ve been there—burnt rolls, soggy centers, you name it. Here’s what to avoid.

Soggy or Pale Egg Rolls

Cause: Too much oil, overcrowding, or low temperature. Fix:

• Use only 1–2 tsp oil per batch.
• Preheat the air fryer.
• Don’t overload the basket.

I once used 1 tbsp of oil on 6 egg rolls—disaster. The excess oil pooled in the basket, creating steam instead of crisp. Lesson: less oil = more crisp.

Burnt or Charred Wrappers

Cause: High temperature or too-long cooking. Fix:

• Start at 380°F and check at 8 minutes.
• Lower to 360°F for delicate fillings (e.g., shrimp).

My air fryer has a “turbo” mode that’s too aggressive for egg rolls. I keep it at medium-high heat now.

Uneven Cooking

Cause: No shaking or poor airflow. Fix:

• Shake the basket at 6 minutes.
• Rotate egg rolls if your model has hot spots.

I tested my air fryer’s heat distribution by cooking egg rolls in different spots. The back-right corner ran hotter—now I rotate the basket halfway through.

Flavor Boosters and Dipping Sauces

Air-fried egg rolls are great, but the right sauce or seasoning takes them to the next level. Here are my favorite upgrades.

Seasoning Hacks

• Spicy kick: Sprinkle with cayenne, chili powder, or sriracha flakes after cooking.
• Savory depth: Add toasted sesame seeds, furikake, or crushed peanuts.
• Umami boost: Drizzle with hoisin sauce or black bean sauce.

I once added a dash of smoked paprika to my egg rolls—game-changer. The smokiness mimicked deep-fried flavor perfectly.

Dipping Sauces to Try

Store-bought sauces work, but homemade is better. Here are three easy recipes:

1. Sweet & Spicy Dipping Sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
– 1 tsp sriracha
– 1 tsp lime juice
– 1 minced garlic clove
Mix and serve. Pro tip: Add a pinch of ginger for freshness.

2. Peanut Sauce
– 2 tbsp peanut butter
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 tbsp water (to thin)
– 1 tsp lime juice
Whisk and adjust consistency. Perfect for veggie egg rolls.

3. Classic Duck Sauce
– 2 tbsp apricot jam
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp minced ginger
Simmer 2 mins. Sweet, tangy, and addictive.

Side Dishes to Pair

• Steamed rice: Neutral base to balance flavors.
• Asian slaw: Crunchy cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing.
• Wonton soup: Light, comforting, and quick to make.

I serve my air-fried egg rolls with a side of kimchi—spicy, tangy, and the perfect contrast.

Data Table: Air Fryer Egg Roll Cooking Times

Here’s a quick reference for different types of egg rolls. Times are for a 380°F air fryer (preheated):

Type	Prep	Cook Time	Oil Needed?	Notes
Frozen (standard)	None	8–10 mins	Optional (spray/brush)	Shake at 6 mins
Frozen (jumbo)	None	10–12 mins	Optional	Add 1–2 mins if pale
Homemade (fresh)	Brush with oil	10–12 mins	Yes (1 tsp per roll)	Don’t overfill wrappers
Homemade (frozen)	Brush with oil	12–14 mins	Yes	No thawing needed
Reheated (leftovers)	Spray with water/oil	3–5 mins	Yes	350°F to prevent drying

Final Thoughts: Air Fryer Egg Rolls Are a Win

So, can you cook egg rolls in the air fryer? Without a doubt—and you should. It’s faster, cleaner, and healthier than deep-frying, and the results are just as delicious. Whether you’re using frozen convenience rolls or making your own, the air fryer delivers crispy, flavorful egg rolls with minimal effort.

My biggest takeaway? Experiment and adapt. Every air fryer is slightly different, and your taste preferences matter. Try adjusting oil amounts, cooking times, or seasonings until you find your perfect combo. And don’t forget the sauces—they’re the secret weapon for turning a good snack into a great one.

Next time you’re craving Chinese takeout, skip the delivery app. Fire up your air fryer, grab some egg rolls, and enjoy crispy, guilt-free perfection in 12 minutes. Your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook egg rolls in the air fryer without oil?

Yes, you can cook egg rolls in the air fryer with little to no oil. The air fryer’s circulating hot air crisps the wrapper naturally, though a light spray of oil can enhance browning.

How long do egg rolls take in the air fryer?

Most egg rolls cook in 10–12 minutes at 375°F (190°C) in an air fryer. Flip them halfway for even crispiness and check internal temperature (165°F/74°C for safety).

Can I cook frozen egg rolls in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Air-fry frozen egg rolls at 380°F (193°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping once. No need to thaw—just adjust time slightly for even heating.

Do air fryer egg rolls get as crispy as deep-fried?

Air fryer egg rolls achieve a similar crispiness to deep-fried ones, especially if you lightly oil the wrappers. The texture is slightly lighter but still satisfying.

What’s the best way to prevent egg rolls from drying out in the air fryer?

To keep air fryer egg rolls moist, avoid overcooking and lightly spritz with oil before cooking. Arrange them in a single layer with space for air circulation.

Can I reheat leftover egg rolls in the air fryer?

Yes! Reheat egg rolls in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispness without drying them out. Ideal for quick, fresh-tasting leftovers.