Perfectly Crispy Chicken Egg Rolls in Your Air Fryer: The Ultimate Cooking Time Guide

Are you craving that delicious crunch of chicken egg rolls but want to skip the unhealthy deep frying? Well, you’re in luck! Air fryers have revolutionized the way we enjoy our favorite crispy treats, including those delectable chicken egg rolls. But if you’re scratching your head wondering exactly how long to cook chicken egg rolls in an air fryer, I’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide.

As someone who’s been experimenting with air fryers for years, I can tell you that getting the perfect timing is crucial for that golden-brown exterior while maintaining a juicy, flavorful filling. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about cooking chicken egg rolls in your air fryer!

Why Choose an Air Fryer for Cooking Egg Rolls?

Before we get into the specific cooking times let’s talk about why the air fryer is such a game-changer for egg rolls

• Healthier Option: Uses significantly less oil than traditional deep frying
• Consistent Results: Even cooking and browning throughout
• Convenience: Faster cooking times than conventional ovens
• Less Mess: No splattered oil to clean up afterward
• Crispy Texture: Achieves that perfect crunch without sogginess

The Perfect Cooking Time for Chicken Egg Rolls

So here’s what you’ve been waiting for – the exact cooking times for chicken egg rolls in your air fryer

Fresh Homemade Chicken Egg Rolls

• Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
• Cooking Time: 12 to 15 minutes
• Flip: Halfway through cooking (around 6-7 minutes)

Frozen Chicken Egg Rolls

• Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
• Cooking Time: 15 to 18 minutes
• Flip: Halfway through cooking (around 8-9 minutes)

It’s important to note that these times can vary slightly depending on a few factors:

1. The size of your egg rolls
2. Your specific air fryer model
3. How crispy you prefer your egg rolls
4. Whether your filling is pre-cooked or raw

I always recommend checking your egg rolls a minute or two before the suggested time is up, especially if it’s your first time cooking them in your air fryer. Every air fryer has its own personality, I swear!

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Egg Rolls

Now let’s walk through the entire process of cooking chicken egg rolls in an air fryer:

1. Preparation

If you’re making homemade egg rolls you’ll need

• Egg roll wrappers
• Cooked shredded chicken
• Shredded cabbage
• Shredded carrots
• Green onions
• Garlic and ginger
• Soy sauce
• Seasonings of your choice

Mix your filling ingredients, place about 1-2 tablespoons in each wrapper, then fold and seal with a bit of water.

2. Preheating

Always preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps achieve that immediate crisp when you add the egg rolls.

3. Arrangement

Place your egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. Don’t overcrowd the basket – this is super important for even cooking! If you’re cooking a large batch, it’s better to do it in multiple rounds.

4. Oil Application

Lightly spray or brush the egg rolls with a thin layer of oil. This helps achieve that golden-brown color and extra crispiness we all love.

5. Cooking

Cook at 375°F (190°C) for:

• 12-15 minutes for fresh egg rolls
• 15-18 minutes for frozen egg rolls

Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

6. Checking Doneness

Your egg rolls should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If they need a bit more time, add 1-2 minutes and check again.

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chicken Egg Rolls

After tons of trial and error (and some sadly soggy attempts), I’ve gathered these tips to share with you:

1. Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between each egg roll for proper air circulation
2. Spray with Oil: A light coating of cooking spray makes a huge difference in crispiness
3. Flip Halfway: This ensures even browning on all sides
4. Pat Dry Ingredients: Remove excess moisture from your filling ingredients to prevent sogginess
5. Seal Properly: Make sure your egg rolls are sealed tightly to prevent filling from leaking
6. Check Early: Start checking for doneness a minute or two before the recommended time

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Even with the best instructions, things sometimes go wrong. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

Egg Rolls Not Crispy Enough?

• Cook for 1-2 minutes longer
• Make sure you’ve sprayed with oil
• Check that your air fryer is properly preheated

Egg Rolls Burning on Outside but Raw Inside?

• Lower temperature to 350°F and cook longer
• Make sure filling isn’t too cold when you start

Egg Rolls Sticking to Basket?

• Use parchment paper designed for air fryers
• Spray the basket with non-stick spray before adding egg rolls

Making Your Own Chicken Egg Rolls from Scratch

If you wanna take it to the next level, here’s my go-to recipe for homemade chicken egg rolls:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• Egg roll wrappers
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Mix all filling ingredients in a bowl
2. Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each wrapper
3. Fold bottom corner over filling, fold in sides, then roll tightly
4. Seal edges with water
5. Preheat air fryer to 375°F
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through

Storing and Reheating Leftover Egg Rolls

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storing:

• Let cool completely
• Place in airtight container with parchment paper between layers
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months

Reheating in Air Fryer:

• Preheat to 375°F
• Cook refrigerated egg rolls for 5-7 minutes
• Cook frozen egg rolls for 7-10 minutes

Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauces

Your perfectly cooked egg rolls deserve the perfect accompaniments:

Dipping Sauce Options:

• Sweet and sour sauce
• Soy sauce with a splash of rice vinegar
• Spicy chili sauce
• Peanut sauce
• Hoisin sauce

Perfect Pairings:

• Fried rice
• Steamed vegetables
• Asian-inspired salad
• Hot and sour soup

Flavor Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic chicken egg roll, why not experiment with these tasty variations:

1. Spicy Chicken: Add sriracha or chili sauce to your filling
2. Teriyaki Chicken: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce
3. Asian-Fusion: Add mango or pineapple chunks for a sweet twist
4. Protein Swap: Try ground pork, beef, or tofu instead of chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other proteins in place of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu work great as alternatives. Just make sure they’re cooked properly before adding to your filling.

How do I prevent my egg rolls from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray both the basket and the egg rolls with cooking spray. You can also use perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers.

Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them up to a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator, separated by parchment paper, until ready to cook. For longer storage, freeze them uncooked.

What dipping sauces pair well with chicken egg rolls?

Sweet and sour sauce, duck sauce, soy sauce, and spicy chili sauce are all excellent choices. I personally love a mix of soy sauce with a splash of rice vinegar and a bit of honey!

How do I know when my egg rolls are done?

They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you’re unsure about the filling, you can always cut one open to check.

Conclusion

Cooking chicken egg rolls in an air fryer is seriously a game-changer. With the perfect cooking time of 12-15 minutes for fresh rolls and 15-18 minutes for frozen ones at 375°F, you’ll achieve that restaurant-quality crispiness without all the unhealthy oil.

Remember to preheat your air fryer, don’t overcrowd the basket, and flip your egg rolls halfway through cooking for the best results. Soon, you’ll be enjoying perfectly crispy chicken egg rolls that’ll impress your family and friends.

Happy air frying!