Can I Cook Frozen Egg Rolls in an Air Fryer Fast and Crispy

Yes, you can cook frozen egg rolls in an air fryer for a fast, crispy, and oil-free result! Simply preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C), arrange the egg rolls in a single layer, and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, for perfectly golden, crunchy perfection. No thawing needed—just pop them in and enjoy restaurant-quality egg rolls in minutes!

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook frozen egg rolls in an air fryer—no thawing needed for crispy results.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Arrange in a single layer with space between for optimal air circulation.
• Cook at 380°F–400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Spray lightly with oil to enhance crispiness without adding excess fat.
• Check internal temperature to ensure food safety (165°F minimum).
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.

Why Air Frying Frozen Egg Rolls Is a Game-Changer

Let’s be honest: life gets busy. Between work, family, and that never-ending to-do list, who has time to babysit a pot of oil or wait for the oven to preheat just for a few frozen egg rolls? If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen, staring at a bag of frozen egg rolls, wondering, “Can I cook frozen egg rolls in an air fryer?”—you’re not alone. And the good news? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it might just become your new go-to method.

I remember the first time I tried it. I had a craving for crispy, golden egg rolls but didn’t want the mess of deep frying or the soggy disappointment of microwaving. My air fryer sat on the counter, silently judging my indecision. I tossed in a couple of frozen egg rolls, set the timer, and crossed my fingers. Ten minutes later, I had perfectly crispy, juicy egg rolls with no oil splatter and zero cleanup. That’s when it clicked: air frying frozen egg rolls isn’t just possible—it’s fast, easy, and downright delicious.

How Air Frying Transforms Frozen Egg Rolls

Air fryers have taken the kitchen world by storm, and for good reason. They use rapid hot air circulation to mimic the effects of deep frying, giving you that crispy exterior without submerging your food in oil. But how does this work for frozen egg rolls, which are already pre-cooked and just need reheating? Let’s break it down.

The Science Behind Crispy Perfection

Frozen egg rolls are typically pre-cooked and flash-frozen to lock in flavor and texture. When you deep fry them, the hot oil quickly crisps the wrapper while warming the filling. An air fryer does the same—but with hot air instead of oil. The circulating heat hits every surface of the egg roll, creating a golden, crunchy shell while gently heating the inside.

The key is the Maillard reaction—a chemical process that gives browned food its savory flavor. The air fryer’s high heat and airflow accelerate this reaction, turning the thin rice paper or wheat wrapper into a crisp, crackly delight. Plus, since the egg rolls are already cooked, you’re just reheating and crisping, not cooking from raw. That means less time and better results.

Why Skip the Oven or Microwave?

Let’s compare methods. In the oven, frozen egg rolls take 20–25 minutes, and the texture often ends up soft or chewy—not the crispy bite you crave. Microwaving is fast, but it turns the wrapper soggy and rubbery, like a sad leftover. Deep frying gives great results, but it’s messy, uses a ton of oil, and isn’t exactly healthy.

Air frying strikes the perfect balance. It’s faster than the oven, crispier than the microwave, and healthier than deep frying. Plus, no hot oil to deal with. I once tried baking egg rolls for a party and spent half the time wiping down the kitchen. With my air fryer, I just wipe the basket—done.

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Frozen Egg Rolls

Ready to try it? Here’s how to cook frozen egg rolls in an air fryer perfectly, every time. I’ll walk you through the process, including tips to avoid common mistakes.

What You’ll Need

• Air fryer (any model—basket or oven-style works)
• Frozen egg rolls (store-bought or homemade)
• Optional: cooking spray or 1 tsp oil (for extra crispiness)
• Small bowl and tongs (for handling hot rolls)

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer (Optional but Helpful)

Most air fryers don’t require preheating, but doing so (3–5 minutes at 375°F/190°C) ensures even cooking. I always preheat mine—it helps the egg rolls crisp faster and more evenly. If you’re in a rush, skip it, but expect slightly longer cook time.

Step 2: Arrange Egg Rolls in the Basket

Place the frozen egg rolls in a single layer, leaving space between them. Overcrowding blocks airflow, leading to uneven cooking. For a 5-quart air fryer, 4–6 egg rolls is ideal. If you have more, cook in batches.

Pro tip: Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking oil or brush with a thin layer of vegetable or canola oil. This enhances crispiness and prevents dryness. I use a mister bottle—just a quick spritz is enough.

Step 3: Set Temperature and Time

For most frozen egg rolls, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes. Flip halfway through (around the 5–6 minute mark) for even browning. Some brands recommend 390°F (199°C)—check the package instructions.

Example: I tried two brands—Brand A (375°F for 10 min) and Brand B (390°F for 12 min). Both came out crispy, but Brand B had a slightly darker wrapper. I prefer the lower temp to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

After cooking, the egg rolls should be golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check the center of one roll. If it’s not hot enough, cook in 1–2 minute increments.

Warning: Don’t overcook! Air fryers can quickly turn egg rolls from golden to burnt. I once left mine in for 15 minutes and ended up with charcoal—lesson learned.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the egg rolls cool for 1–2 minutes. This prevents burns and lets the filling settle. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce—soy sauce, sweet and sour, or chili garlic. I love a mix of hoisin and sriracha for a spicy kick.

Air Fryer Settings and Timing for Different Brands

Not all frozen egg rolls are created equal. Thickness, filling, and wrapper type affect cooking time. Here’s a handy guide to help you adapt based on the brand you’re using.

Common Brands and Recommended Settings

Below is a table comparing popular frozen egg roll brands and their ideal air fryer settings. These are based on personal testing and customer reviews.

Brand	Quantity	Temperature	Time	Notes
Tai Pei	4–6 rolls	375°F (190°C)	10–11 min	Thin wrapper; flip at 5 min
Bibigo	4 rolls	380°F (193°C)	12–13 min	Hearty filling; spray lightly with oil
Trader Joe’s	6 rolls	375°F (190°C)	11–12 min	Crisps well; no oil needed
Costco (Kirkland Signature)	8 rolls (in batches)	390°F (199°C)	12–14 min	Large rolls; cook in 2 batches
Homemade (frozen)	4–6 rolls	375°F (190°C)	13–15 min	Thicker wrapper; check internal temp

Adjusting for Your Air Fryer Model

Every air fryer is different. Basket-style models (like Ninja or Cosori) cook faster due to direct airflow. Oven-style air fryers (like Instant Vortex) may need 1–2 extra minutes. Start with the recommended time, then adjust based on your results.

Example: My Cosori air fryer crisps Tai Pei rolls in 10 minutes. My friend’s Ninja needs 11 minutes. Test one roll first, then scale up.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the top mistakes I’ve made—and how to fix them.

Overcrowding the Basket

It’s tempting to cook all your egg rolls at once, but overcrowding is the #1 cause of soggy, uneven results. Air needs to circulate around each roll to crisp it properly. Stick to a single layer, even if it means cooking in batches.

Tip: If you’re feeding a crowd, keep cooked rolls warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while you air fry the next batch.

Skipping the Flip

Flipping halfway ensures even browning. Without it, one side will be crispy and the other pale. Use tongs or a fork to gently turn each roll. Don’t press down—this can crush the wrapper.

Not Using Oil (or Using Too Much)

Frozen egg rolls already contain oil, but a light spray helps them crisp up. Too much oil, however, can make them greasy or cause smoke. Use a mister or brush for control. I avoid olive oil—it smokes at high temps. Stick to vegetable, canola, or avocado oil.

Overcooking

Air fryers cook fast. Leaving egg rolls in too long can dry out the filling or burn the wrapper. Set a timer and check early. If the outside looks golden, the inside is likely done.

Forgetting to Rest

Hot egg rolls are like mini volcanoes—the filling can be scalding. Let them cool for a minute or two before biting in. I learned this the hard way when I burned my tongue on a “just cooked” roll. Not fun.

Creative Twists and Serving Ideas

Air fried egg rolls are versatile. Once you master the basics, try these fun upgrades to impress your taste buds.

Add Flavor with Seasonings

Before air frying, sprinkle egg rolls with:

• Everything bagel seasoning for a savory crunch
• Smoked paprika or cayenne for heat
• Chinese five-spice powder for an Asian twist

I love dusting mine with a little sesame salt—it adds nuttiness without extra oil.

Make a Meal of It

Pair egg rolls with:

• Stir-fried vegetables (bok choy, bell peppers, snow peas)
• Fried rice or jasmine rice
• Crunchy slaw with sesame dressing

For a quick dinner, I serve 2–3 egg rolls with a side of rice and a spoonful of kimchi. It’s satisfying and takes less than 20 minutes.

Upgrade Your Dipping Sauces

Store-bought sauces are fine, but homemade ones take things up a notch. Try:

• Sweet chili-lime: Mix sweet chili sauce with lime juice and a dash of fish sauce
• Peanut-ginger: Stir peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger
• Spicy mayo: Blend mayo, sriracha, and a squeeze of lemon

My go-to is soy sauce with a splash of rice vinegar and a sprinkle of scallions. Simple but delicious.

Air Fryer Egg Roll Bowls

For a healthier twist, chop cooked egg rolls and serve over a bowl of greens, rice, or quinoa. Top with edamame, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of sesame dressing. It’s like deconstructed egg rolls—fun and nutritious!

Final Thoughts: Why Air Frying Is the Best Way

So, can you cook frozen egg rolls in an air fryer? Absolutely. And after years of testing, I can confidently say it’s the best method for speed, crispiness, and convenience. You get golden, crunchy egg rolls in under 15 minutes, with minimal mess and no guilt.

Compared to deep frying, you save on oil and cleanup. Compared to the oven, you save time and get better texture. Compared to the microwave, well—there’s no comparison. The air fryer wins every time.

Plus, it’s forgiving. Even if you overcook one batch, you’ll learn and adjust. And once you master the basics, you can experiment with flavors, sauces, and serving styles. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a party, or just craving a quick snack, air fried egg rolls deliver.

So grab your frozen egg rolls, fire up your air fryer, and give it a try. I promise—you won’t go back to the oven or microwave. And who knows? You might just find yourself asking, “What else can I air fry?” (Spoiler: a lot. But that’s a post for another day.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook frozen egg rolls in an air fryer without thawing them first?

Yes, you can cook frozen egg rolls in an air fryer directly from frozen—no thawing required! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, for a crispy result.

How do I make frozen egg rolls crispy in an air fryer?

To achieve crispy frozen egg rolls in an air fryer, lightly spray them with oil before cooking. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping once, to evenly crisp the wrapper without drying out the filling.

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

The ideal temperature for cooking frozen egg rolls in an air fryer is 375°F (190°C). This ensures a golden, crispy exterior while fully heating the filling in just 10-12 minutes.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking frozen egg rolls?

Preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes ensures even cooking and maximizes crispiness for frozen egg rolls. While not mandatory, it helps achieve restaurant-quality results faster.

How long do frozen egg rolls take in an air fryer compared to an oven?

Frozen egg rolls take 10-12 minutes in an air fryer versus 18-22 minutes in a conventional oven. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation delivers faster, crispier results with less energy.

Can I stack frozen egg rolls in the air fryer for faster cooking?

Avoid stacking frozen egg rolls in the air fryer—overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and crispiness. Cook in a single layer, flipping halfway, for even browning and texture.