Can Egg Rolls Be Cooked in an Air Fryer The Crispy Truth

Yes, egg rolls can be perfectly cooked in an air fryer, achieving a crispy, golden exterior without the need for deep frying. With minimal oil and faster cooking times, air-fried egg rolls are a healthier, convenient alternative that delivers restaurant-quality crunch right at home.

Key Takeaways

• Air frying works: Achieve crispy egg rolls with less oil.
• Preheat for crispiness: Always preheat the air fryer first.
• Single layer only: Avoid stacking to ensure even cooking.
• Spray lightly: A quick oil spray boosts crunch and browning.
• Shake halfway: Flip or shake rolls for uniform crispness.
• Watch closely: Air fryers vary—check to prevent overcooking.

Can Egg Rolls Be Cooked in an Air Fryer? The Crispy Truth

Let’s talk about egg rolls. That golden, crispy wrapper hugging a savory filling of cabbage, carrots, and maybe a little meat or tofu. They’re a staple at Chinese takeout dinners, game-day spreads, and even as quick snacks when you’re craving something crunchy. But deep-frying them at home? That’s a whole ordeal. The oil splatters, the smell lingers for days, and let’s be honest—cleaning up is a chore. So, it’s no wonder so many of us have asked: Can egg rolls be cooked in an air fryer?

I’ve been there. Standing in the kitchen with a bag of frozen egg rolls, staring at my air fryer like it holds the answer to all my crispy-food prayers. And guess what? It kind of does. Over the past few years, I’ve tested, tweaked, and even (okay, maybe once) overcooked my way to figuring out how to make air-fried egg rolls that actually taste like the real deal. No soggy wrappers. No greasy mess. Just that satisfying crunch you crave. In this post, I’ll share what I’ve learned—from the science of air frying to practical tips for making the best egg rolls in your air fryer, whether they’re homemade, store-bought, or frozen. Spoiler: Yes, you can cook egg rolls in an air fryer. But how you do it matters.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Egg Rolls

Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why. The air fryer isn’t just a trendy gadget—it’s a kitchen workhorse that’s perfect for cooking foods that need crispiness without the oil. And egg rolls? They’re basically built for this.

How Air Frying Works (Without the Oil)

An air fryer circulates hot air around food at high speed, creating a convection effect. This mimics deep-frying by drying out the surface of the food, which triggers the Maillard reaction—the same chemical process that gives deep-fried foods their golden color and crispy texture. The key difference? You only need a light spray of oil (or sometimes none at all) to achieve that crunch. For egg rolls, this means you get the crispy wrapper you love with a fraction of the oil.

Healthier Without Sacrificing Flavor

Let’s be real: deep-fried egg rolls are delicious, but they’re also heavy. A single deep-fried egg roll can have 15–20 grams of fat, mostly from the oil it absorbs. Air-frying cuts that down dramatically—often to just 2–4 grams per roll. And because you’re not submerging them in oil, they don’t become soggy or greasy. I’ve had friends say, “But will they still taste good?” After trying them, they’re always surprised. The flavor is just as savory, the filling is just as tender, and the wrapper? Crispy on the outside, slightly chewy on the inside—just like takeout.

Time and Cleanup: A Win-Win

Deep-frying takes time. You have to heat the oil, monitor the temperature, and then deal with the aftermath. An air fryer? You can go from frozen to golden in 12–15 minutes. And cleanup? Wipe down the basket or toss it in the dishwasher. No oil to dispose of, no greasy stovetop to scrub. It’s a small thing, but after a long day, it makes a big difference.

Can You Cook Frozen Egg Rolls in an Air Fryer?

If you’re like me, you’ve got a stash of frozen egg rolls in your freezer—perfect for last-minute snacks or when the craving hits. And yes, you can absolutely cook frozen egg rolls in an air fryer. In fact, it might be the best way to do it.

Step-by-Step: Air-Frying Frozen Egg Rolls

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking from the start. If your model doesn’t have a preheat setting, run it empty for 3–5 minutes.
2. Arrange the rolls in a single layer, leaving space between them. Overcrowding = steam buildup = soggy wrappers. I usually do 4–6 at a time in my 5.8-quart basket.
3. Lightly spray the tops with oil (I use avocado or canola). This helps the wrappers crisp up. If you’re avoiding oil, skip it—but the texture might be slightly less golden.
4. Cook for 8 minutes, then flip and spray the other side. Cook for another 6–8 minutes until golden brown. Total time: 14–16 minutes.
5. Let them rest for 1–2 minutes. The filling stays hot, and the wrapper firms up a bit more.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Don’t thaw first. Cooking from frozen helps the wrapper crisp up without overcooking the filling.
• Use a light spray, not a heavy coat. Too much oil can drip and smoke.
• Flip halfway. This ensures even browning. I use tongs or a silicone spatula to avoid tearing the wrapper.
• Check for doneness. The wrapper should be golden and crisp, not pale or leathery. If it’s browning too fast, lower the temp to 350°F (175°C) for the last few minutes.

Real Talk: What to Expect

Air-fried frozen egg rolls won’t be exactly like deep-fried ones—but they’re close. The wrapper is crispier than microwaved rolls (no contest) and less greasy than deep-fried. The filling stays juicy, though. I’ve tested brands like Trader Joe’s, Costco, and store brands, and they all work well. Just avoid overcooking—they can dry out if you go too long.

Homemade Egg Rolls: Air-Frying from Scratch

Homemade egg rolls are a labor of love. The filling is fresh, the wrappers are delicate, and the flavor is customizable. But deep-frying them feels risky—what if they burst? What if they burn? Enter the air fryer.

Preparing Homemade Egg Rolls for Air Frying

Start by making your filling. I love a mix of cabbage, carrots, scallions, and ground pork (or tofu for vegetarian). Season with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a dash of sesame oil. Let it cool completely—warm filling can make the wrappers soggy. Then, roll them up using store-bought egg roll wrappers (found in the refrigerated section). Seal the edges with a bit of water or egg wash.

Air-Frying Technique

1. Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly oil the wrappers. Brush or spray both sides. This is crucial—homemade rolls need that oil to crisp up.
3. Arrange in the basket with space between. I do 3–4 at a time.
4. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for 5–6 more minutes. Total: 11–12 minutes.
5. Rest for 1 minute before serving.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

• Soggy wrappers? You didn’t use enough oil, or you overcrowded the basket. Fix: Lightly brush both sides and leave space.
• Burnt spots? The air fryer’s heat distribution might be uneven. Fix: Rotate the basket halfway, or lower the temp to 350°F (175°C).
• Filling leaks? The seal wasn’t tight enough. Fix: Use egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water) to seal the edges.

Why Homemade Air-Fried Rolls Shine

You control the filling. Want extra ginger? Add it. Prefer shrimp? Go for it. And the texture? Crispy outside, tender inside—no oil saturation. Plus, you can make a big batch, freeze them uncooked, and air-fry them later. Just add 2–3 minutes to the cook time.

Air Fryer Models and Settings: What Works Best?

Not all air fryers are created equal. I’ve tested egg rolls in basket-style, oven-style, and even multi-cookers with air fry functions. Here’s what I’ve learned.

Basket vs. Oven-Style Air Fryers

• Basket-style (like Philips, Ninja, Cosori): Great for small batches. The compact space ensures even heat. Ideal for 4–6 egg rolls at a time. Just don’t overfill.
• Oven-style (like Cuisinart, Instant Vortex Plus): Better for larger batches. You can cook 8–12 rolls at once. Use the crisper tray or wire rack for even browning.

Temperature and Time Guidelines

Most egg rolls cook well at 375°F (190°C), but here’s a quick reference:

Egg Roll Type	Temperature	Cook Time (Total)	Notes
Frozen	375°F (190°C)	14–16 minutes	Flip halfway, spray lightly
Homemade (uncooked)	375°F (190°C)	11–12 minutes	Brush with oil, flip halfway
Refrigerated (fresh)	375°F (190°C)	9–11 minutes	No oil needed, but flip halfway
Extra-large	350°F (175°C)	16–18 minutes	Lower temp to avoid burning

Model-Specific Tips

• Small basket air fryers (3–4 quarts): Work best for 2–3 rolls. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Large oven-style models: Use the middle rack position for even heat. Rotate the tray halfway if needed.
• Digital vs. analog: Digital models offer more precise temp control. Analog ones are fine—just monitor closely.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Air-Fried Egg Roll Ideas

Egg rolls don’t have to be boring. Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative. The air fryer handles variations beautifully—no extra oil, no extra hassle.

Vegetarian and Vegan Egg Rolls

Skip the meat and load up on veggies. Try:

• Shredded carrots, cabbage, and mushrooms
• Edamame, scallions, and ginger
• Spicy tofu with hoisin sauce

Pro tip: Squeeze out excess moisture from veggies before filling. This prevents sogginess. Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Spicy or Sweet Twists

• Spicy Szechuan: Add chili paste, garlic, and Szechuan peppercorns to the filling. Serve with a side of chili oil.
• Thai-inspired: Use peanut sauce in the filling and top with crushed peanuts after frying.
• Dessert egg rolls: Fill with apple pie filling, cinnamon, and sugar. Air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar.

Reheating Leftovers (Yes, You Can!)

Got leftover egg rolls? Don’t microwave them—they’ll turn soggy. Instead, air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes. They’ll come out crispy, not rubbery. For frozen leftovers, add 2–3 minutes.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

Even the best air-fried egg rolls can have hiccups. Here’s how to solve the most common issues—and why they happen.

Why Are My Egg Rolls Soggy?

• Cause: Overcrowding, not enough oil, or cooking from thawed (not frozen).
• Fix: Leave space between rolls. Lightly oil the wrappers. Cook from frozen for store-bought.

Why Are They Burnt on the Outside but Cold Inside?

• Cause: Too high a temperature or too short a cook time.
• Fix: Lower the temp to 350°F (175°C) and extend the time by 2–3 minutes. Flip halfway.

Can I Cook Multiple Batches?

• Yes, but let the air fryer cool for 5 minutes between batches. Overheating can affect performance.
• Pro tip: Keep cooked rolls in a 200°F (95°C) oven to stay warm while you cook the rest.

What About Gluten-Free or Low-Carb Egg Rolls?

• Gluten-free: Use rice paper or gluten-free wrappers. Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.
• Low-carb: Skip the wrapper and make “egg roll in a bowl”—just air-fry the filling in a parchment paper cup for 10 minutes.

So, can egg rolls be cooked in an air fryer? Absolutely. Whether you’re using frozen, homemade, or even leftover rolls, the air fryer delivers crispy, flavorful results with less oil, less mess, and less hassle. It’s not magic—but it’s pretty close. And once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever deep-fried them at all. The key is simple: preheat, space them out, flip halfway, and don’t overcook. With a little practice, you’ll have golden, crunchy egg rolls in minutes. And that, my friend, is the crispy truth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can egg rolls be cooked in an air fryer without getting soggy?

Yes, egg rolls can be perfectly crispy in an air fryer if you lightly coat them with oil and avoid overcrowding the basket. The circulating hot air ensures even browning without the sogginess often caused by deep frying.

How do you cook frozen egg rolls in an air fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), place frozen egg rolls in a single layer, and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. No thawing is needed, making this a quick and convenient method.

Do you need to use oil when cooking egg rolls in an air fryer?

A light spray or brush of oil enhances crispiness, especially for homemade or leaner egg rolls. However, store-bought versions with oil in the wrapper may not require extra oil.

What’s the best air fryer temperature for crispy egg rolls?

For golden, crunchy egg rolls, cook at 375–400°F (190–200°C). Lower temperatures (350°F) work for delicate fillings, but 375°F strikes the ideal balance for most recipes.

Can you reheat leftover egg rolls in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to revive crispiness. The air fryer outperforms microwaves, which often leave egg rolls limp and rubbery.

How long does it take to cook egg rolls in an air fryer vs. deep frying?

Air-frying takes 10–15 minutes, similar to deep frying (3–5 minutes), but with less mess and healthier results. The total time may vary slightly based on size and filling density.