Sides · Chinese

Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Maya Chen

Recipe by Maya Chen

Weeknight & global cooking · June 26, 2026

Crispy, golden egg rolls without a pot of bubbling oil: the air fryer does all the work. The pork and cabbage filling comes together in one skillet, and you can roll them ahead and crisp them right before serving. They make a great side or party snack alongside duck and plum sauce.

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Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Why you'll love this

  • All the crunch of fried egg rolls with a fraction of the oil.
  • One skillet for the filling, easy cleanup.
  • Roll ahead and crisp on demand for parties.
  • Easily swap pork for chicken or keep it veggie.

EveryDayMeal recipe

Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Prep
25m
Cook
20m
Total
45m
Serves
6
Level
Medium

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb ground pork (or chicken)
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • 3 scallions, chopped
  • 3 cups cabbage, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 12 egg roll wrappers
  • oil, for brushing
  • duck sauce, to serve
  • plum sauce, to serve
  • soy sauce, to serve

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Pastry brush or oil sprayer

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground pork. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 6 to 8 minutes, until no pink remains and the meat is lightly browned.
  2. Stir in the garlic, ginger, carrot, scallions, and cabbage. Cook another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage wilts down and softens so the filling is tender, not crunchy.
  3. Season with the soy sauce and rice vinegar, stir to coat, and take the pan off the heat. Let the filling cool fully before rolling so it doesn't tear the wrappers (it can be made a day ahead).
  4. Set a wrapper on a dry surface like a diamond, with one point facing you. Spoon about 1/4 cup of filling into the center, keeping it in a neat log so the roll stays tight.
  5. Dip your fingers in water and dampen all four edges of the wrapper. Fold the bottom point up over the filling, fold in the two side points, then roll away from you into a snug cylinder. Repeat to make about 12 rolls.
  6. Arrange the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer without touching, so air can circulate and they crisp evenly. Lightly brush or spray all over with oil.
  7. Air fry at 350F for 6 to 7 minutes, then flip the rolls, brush or spray the second side with oil, and cook 4 to 5 minutes more until deep golden and crisp.
  8. Serve right away while hot and crunchy, with duck sauce, plum sauce, and soy sauce for dipping.

Tips from the kitchen

  • Cool the filling completely before rolling: hot filling steams the wrappers and makes them tear.
  • Roll them tight and seal the edges well with water so they don't pop open and leak in the air fryer.
  • Don't crowd the basket. Cook in batches so each roll gets full air flow and turns crisp all over.

Estimated nutrition per serving: 280 cal · 14g protein · 24g carbs · 14g fat

Make it your own

  • Use ground chicken or turkey in place of pork for a leaner filling.
  • Skip the meat and bulk up with mushrooms, bean sprouts, and extra cabbage for a vegetarian version.
  • Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of sesame oil to the filling for more flavor.

Storing & make-ahead

Refrigerate cooked egg rolls up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer at 350F for 3 to 4 minutes to re-crisp. Uncooked rolls can be frozen on a tray, then bagged; air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Good to know

Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes. Pan fry in about 1/2 inch of 350F oil, 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden, then drain on paper towels.
Why did my egg rolls leak or burst?
Usually the rolls weren't sealed tightly or the filling was too hot and wet. Let it cool and seal the edges firmly with water.
Can I assemble them ahead of time?
Yes. Make the filling up to a day ahead and roll just before cooking, or freeze rolled egg rolls and cook from frozen.
What sauces go best with these?
Duck sauce, plum sauce, or plain soy sauce are classic. A little hot mustard or sweet chili sauce is great too.

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