Are you looking for a quick and tasty snack that you can make with your air fryer? Look no further! This blog post will guide you through the process of making perfect, crispy egg rolls using your air fryer. The air fryer is a fantastic tool that makes cooking these egg rolls a breeze, delivering all the crispiness of deep frying without the extra oil and mess.
Ⅰ. Time Overview
Before we get into the details, here’s a quick look at the time you’ll need:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
This quick and easy recipe allows you to enjoy a delicious, crispy dish in under an hour, perfect for any occasion.
Ⅱ. Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouth-watering egg rolls:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- 1/2 pound ground chicken
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- Egg roll wrappers
- Olive oil spray for the air fryer
These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying filling for your egg rolls. The combination of savory chicken, fresh vegetables, and rich sauces ensures every bite is packed with taste.
Ⅲ. Required Tools
Make sure you have these tools on hand:
- Air Fryer: Essential for cooking the egg rolls.
- Large Skillet: For cooking the filling.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the filling.
- Small Bowl: For mixing sauces.
- Brush: For applying oil to the egg rolls.
- Tongs: For handling hot egg rolls.
Having the right tools makes the preparation and cooking process much easier and more efficient.
Ⅳ. How to Make Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
1.Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. This will be the base for cooking your aromatic ingredients.
2.Add Garlic and Ginger:
Add 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of minced ginger to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. These ingredients will add a depth of flavor to your filling.
3.Cook the Vegetables:
Add 1/2 cup of chopped celery and 2 cups of coleslaw mix to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp. This mix adds a crunchy texture to your egg rolls.
4.Add the Chicken:
Stir in 1/2 pound of ground chicken and cook until the meat is no longer pink. The chicken should be well crumbled and evenly distributed with the vegetables.
5.Mix in the Sauces:
In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of chili sauce. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir well. The sauces will meld together, creating a rich, savory filling.
6.Add Green Onions:
Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped green onions and cook for another minute. The green onions add a fresh, sharp flavor that complements the richness of the filling. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
1.Prepare the Wrappers:
Keep the egg roll wrappers covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. This will keep them pliable and easy to work with.
2.Add Filling:
Place a wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the filling near the center of the wrapper.
3.Fold and Roll:
Fold the corner closest to you over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly to form the egg roll. Use a bit of water to seal the edge. The key is to roll them tightly to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
4.Repeat:
Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 3: Air Fry the Egg Rolls
1.Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that your egg rolls start cooking immediately, leading to a crispier texture.
2.Spray with Oil:
Lightly spray the egg rolls with olive oil spray to ensure they become crispy. An even coating will help them turn golden brown.
3.Arrange in the Basket:
Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
4.Cook:
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.
5.Serve:
Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a spicy mayo all make excellent choices.
Ⅴ. Tips for Perfect Egg Rolls
1.Keep the Wrappers Moist
Don’t open the package of egg roll wrappers until you’re ready to use them. Keep the wrappers covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out while you work. This will keep them flexible and easier to roll.
2.Roll Tightly
Make sure to roll the egg rolls tightly to prevent them from becoming flat and loose. If you don’t get it right the first time, don’t worry! You can always unroll and try again. A tightly rolled egg roll will hold its shape better and cook more evenly.
3.Spray Generously
Use enough non-stick spray to evenly coat the egg rolls. This helps them become crispy in the air fryer. An even coating ensures that the surface crisps up nicely, mimicking the texture of deep-fried egg rolls.
4.Give Them Space
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave enough space around each egg roll to allow hot air to circulate and ensure even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve the best results.