Easy Air Fryer Egg Rolls
EASY Air Fryer Egg Rolls is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 24 min | Cook: 31 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $14.07 total, $3.52 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Pork (prefer 20% fat for juiciness)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for sautéing)
- 2 Green Onions (chopped, use whole white and green parts)
- 2 Garlic Cloves (smashed and minced or pressed)
- 3 cups Coleslaw Mix (pre‑shredded cabbage and carrots; can substitute homemade shredded cabbage + grated carrots)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger (peeled and grated)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low‑sodium optional)
- 2 teaspoons Toasted Sesame Oil (adds nutty flavor)
- 8 Egg Roll Wrappers (keep covered with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying)
- as needed Olive Oil Spray or Cooking Spray (for coating egg rolls before air frying)
- ¼ cup Water Chestnuts (optional) (chopped, adds extra crunch)
Instructions
Prep Aromatics
Trim and finely chop the green onions. Smash the garlic cloves, peel, and either mince them or run them through a garlic press. Peel the ginger and grate 1 teaspoon using a microplane.
Time: PT5M
Brown the Pork
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the ground pork, break it up with a wooden spoon, and cook, stirring frequently, until it is well‑browned and only a few pink bits remain (about 4–5 minutes).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Add Vegetables & Aromatics
Stir in the coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage and carrots), the chopped green onions, the garlic, and the grated ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Season the Filling
Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil to the skillet. Stir for another minute to combine.
Time: PT1M
Cool the Filling
Transfer the hot filling to a mixing bowl and let it sit for 2 minutes so it cools enough to handle.
Time: PT2M
Prepare the Wrappers
Lay the egg‑roll wrappers on a clean surface, cover them with a slightly damp kitchen towel, and lightly brush the two long edges of each wrapper with water using a pastry brush.
Time: PT3M
Assemble Egg Rolls
Place 2–3 tablespoons of the cooled filling in the center of a wrapper (diagonally). Fold the bottom corner over the filling, fold in the side corners, then roll tightly toward the top corner. Seal the final edge with a little water.
Time: PT8M
First Air‑Fry Batch
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F if your model requires it. Lightly spray the tops of the first 4‑5 egg rolls with oil. Place them oil‑side down in the basket, leaving space between each roll. Air‑fry for 7 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: 350°F
Flip and Finish First Batch
After 7 minutes, spray the tops again, flip each roll, and air‑fry for an additional 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Second Air‑Fry Batch
Repeat steps 8 and 9 with the remaining egg rolls.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 350°F
Serve
Remove the egg rolls, let them rest a minute, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Contains pork, Can be made with ground turkey for lower fat, Gluten‑free option: use rice‑paper wrappers
Allergens: Wheat (egg‑roll wrappers), Soy (soy sauce, sesame oil), Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Pork: Ground Turkey (higher fat), Ground Beef
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola Oil, Avocado Oil
- Instead of Green Onions: Scallions
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic paste
- Instead of Coleslaw Mix: Shredded cabbage and carrots
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari
- Instead of Toasted Sesame Oil: Regular sesame oil, Omit if allergic
- Instead of Egg Roll Wrappers: Spring roll wrappers
- Instead of Olive Oil Spray or Cooking Spray: Brush with a little oil
- Instead of Water Chestnuts (optional): Diced jicama
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Garlic Press
- Microplane Grater
- Mixing Bowl
- Pastry Brush
- Kitchen Towel
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Air Fryer
- Measuring Spoons
- Timer
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Fully brown the ground pork to eliminate any pink (food safety).
- Brush water on the wrapper edges to prevent cracking.
- Do not overfill the wrappers; excess filling can cause bursting.
- Lightly oil the egg rolls before air‑frying for maximum crispness.
- Flip the rolls at the 7‑minute mark and finish with a second spray.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use pork with a little extra fat (around 20%) for juicier, more flavorful rolls.
- Preheat the air fryer for a minute before adding the first batch for consistent temperature.
- If you like extra crunch, add a handful of chopped water chestnuts to the filling.
- For a sweeter dip, mix equal parts honey and soy sauce with a dash of rice vinegar.
Troubleshooting
Wrappers dry out and crack before rolling.
Keep the wrappers covered with a damp kitchen towel at all times and brush the edges with water right before filling.
Filling is too wet and makes the roll soggy.
Drain excess liquid from the cooked pork mixture with a slotted spoon or let it sit a minute longer to evaporate moisture.
Egg rolls are not crispy after air‑frying.
Make sure each roll is lightly sprayed with oil on both sides and avoid overcrowding the basket; increase the final fry time by 1‑2 minutes if needed.
Pork is still pink after cooking.
Continue cooking the pork, breaking it up, until no pink remains; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Re‑heat in the air fryer for 3‑4 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze assembled (un‑fried) rolls on a parchment sheet, then transfer to a zip‑top bag. Cook from frozen, adding 2‑3 extra minutes per batch.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours; they lose crispness.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the pork filling up to step 5 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Assemble the egg rolls, place them on a parchment‑lined tray, cover with a damp towel, and freeze for up to 1 month.
- When ready, air‑fry directly from frozen, adding 2‑3 minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of crispy air fryer egg rolls in American Chinese cuisine?
Egg rolls originated from Chinese spring rolls, but the deep‑fried version became popular in the United States during the early 20th century, especially in Chinese‑American restaurants. The air‑fryer adaptation is a modern, healthier twist that keeps the beloved crunchy texture while using less oil.
What are the traditional regional variations of egg rolls in Chinese cuisine?
Traditional Chinese spring rolls are usually thin, steamed, or pan‑fried and filled with vegetables only. In American Chinese cuisine, egg rolls are larger, thicker, and often contain meat such as pork or shrimp, and they are deep‑fried for extra crispness.
How is the authentic traditional way of serving egg rolls different from the air fryer version on Preppy Kitchen?
Authentic American‑style egg rolls are deep‑fried in hot oil, giving them a very oily crust. The Preppy Kitchen recipe uses an air fryer, which sprays a thin layer of oil and circulates hot air to achieve a similar golden crunch with far less fat.
What occasions or celebrations are crispy air fryer egg rolls traditionally associated with in Chinese‑American culture?
Egg rolls are a popular appetizer at Chinese take‑out meals, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations such as Lunar New Year or birthday parties because they are easy to share and pair well with dipping sauces.
What other American Chinese dishes pair well with crispy air fryer egg rolls from Preppy Kitchen?
Serve them alongside sweet‑and‑sour chicken, fried rice, lo mein, or a simple cucumber salad with rice‑vinegar dressing for a balanced meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy air fryer egg rolls from Preppy Kitchen?
Common errors include undercooking the pork, overfilling the wrappers (which causes bursting), letting the wrappers dry out, and overcrowding the air‑fryer basket, which prevents proper crisping.
Why does this Preppy Kitchen recipe use a water brush on the wrapper edges instead of egg wash?
Water is a quick, neutral binder that prevents the edges from cracking without adding extra flavor or color, keeping the roll light and allowing the air fryer to crisp the exterior evenly.
Can I make the crispy air fryer egg rolls ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Prepare the pork filling up to step 5 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Assemble the rolls, place them on a parchment‑lined tray, cover with a damp towel, and freeze. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the crispy air fryer egg rolls are done?
The rolls should be golden‑brown all over, with a firm, crunchy exterior and a hot, moist interior. The edges should be sealed and not leaking.
How do I know when the pork filling is fully cooked in the Preppy Kitchen egg roll recipe?
The pork should be uniformly browned with no pink spots, and the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). It will also release a richer aroma and become less watery.
What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?
Preppy Kitchen focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking videos, often highlighting modern kitchen gadgets like air fryers, Instant Pots, and sous‑vide equipment while keeping recipes simple and budget‑friendly.
How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to Chinese‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Preppy Kitchen emphasizes minimal prep, using pantry staples and store‑bought components, and showcases appliance‑centric methods (e.g., air fryer) to achieve restaurant‑style results without deep‑frying or complex techniques.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
