Perfect Crispy Chicken Egg Rolls in an Air Fryer: Cooking Times & Tips You Need

Ever wondered how long to cook chicken egg rolls in an air fryer for that perfect golden-brown crunch? You’re not alone! I’ve been obsessed with my air fryer lately and egg rolls have become one of my favorite things to make. They’re crispy delicious, and WAY healthier than the deep-fried version.

In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about making amazing chicken egg rolls in your air fryer – from cooking times for both fresh and frozen egg rolls to tips for getting that perfect crispy texture without all the oil. Let’s dive in!

Quick Answer: Cooking Times for Chicken Egg Rolls

If you’re in a hurry here’s what you need to know

• Fresh chicken egg rolls: 12-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping halfway
• Frozen chicken egg rolls: 15-18 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping halfway

But don’t leave yet! There’s so much more to know about perfecting your air fryer egg roll game.

Why Cook Chicken Egg Rolls in an Air Fryer?

Before we dive into all the details, let’s talk about why the air fryer is such a game-changer for egg rolls:

• Healthier option: Uses way less oil than traditional deep frying
• Crispy texture: The hot air circulation creates that perfect crunch we all crave
• Less mess: No splattered oil all over your kitchen
• Quick cooking: Faster than conventional ovens
• Energy efficient: Heats up quickly and uses less power

Detailed Cooking Instructions

For Fresh Chicken Egg Rolls

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
2. Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil
3. Place egg rolls in the basket without overcrowding
4. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through
5. Look for a golden-brown color and crispy exterior

For Frozen Chicken Egg Rolls

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
2. No need to thaw – use them straight from the freezer
3. Arrange in the air fryer basket with space between them
4. Cook for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway
5. Check that they’re heated through and crispy all over

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Egg Rolls

After making countless batches of egg rolls in my air fryer, I’ve picked up some tricks that make a huge difference:

1. Always Preheat Your Air Fryer

This might seem obvious, but it’s essential! Preheating helps your egg rolls start cooking immediately, resulting in that perfect crispy texture. I usually preheat for about 3-5 minutes

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

This is probably the #1 mistake people make. When you stack egg rolls or pack them too tightly, the air can’t circulate properly. This leaves you with soggy spots and uneven cooking.

For standard-sized air fryers, I recommend cooking no more than 4-6 egg rolls at once, depending on their size. If you’re feeding a crowd, it’s better to cook in batches.

3. Use a Light Coating of Oil

While air fryers need less oil than deep fryers, a light spray or brush of oil on your egg rolls will enhance that golden-brown crispiness. I like to use olive oil or avocado oil spray.

4. Flip Halfway Through Cooking

Don’t skip this step! Turning your egg rolls halfway through ensures they crisp up evenly on all sides. I use tongs to carefully flip them without tearing the wrappers.

Make Your Own Chicken Egg Rolls from Scratch

Store-bought egg rolls are convenient, but making them from scratch is surprisingly easy and SO much tastier! Here’s my go-to recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup finely 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 or oil

Instructions:

1. Mix the chicken, cabbage, carrots, green onions, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder in a bowl.
2. Place an egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape on your work surface.
3. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of filling near the center (don’t overstuff!).
4. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides.
5. Roll tightly toward the remaining corner and seal the edge with a bit of water.
6. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
7. Brush or spray lightly with oil.
8. Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Time-Saving Tip for Busy Cooks

I’m all about shortcuts when life gets hectic. One of my favorite time-savers is using pre-packaged coleslaw mix and matchstick carrots. This cuts prep time dramatically but still gives you that homemade taste!

Storing and Reheating Leftover Egg Rolls

Made too many egg rolls? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storing:

• Let egg rolls cool completely
• Place in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days
• Freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage

Reheating in the Air Fryer:

1. Preheat to 375°F (190°C)
2. Place leftover egg rolls in the basket
3. Heat for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through
4. No need to thaw if frozen, just add 2-3 extra minutes

Flavor Variations to Try

One thing I love about making egg rolls is how versatile they are! Here are some tasty variations to experiment with:

• Spicy chicken: Add sriracha or chili paste to your filling
• Sweet and sour: Mix in a bit of pineapple and bell pepper
• Protein swap: Try ground turkey, pork, or even tofu instead of chicken
• Veggie-packed: Add water chestnuts, mushrooms, or bean sprouts
• Asian fusion: Include some kimchi for a Korean twist

Perfect Dipping Sauces for Your Egg Rolls

No egg roll is complete without a delicious dipping sauce! My favorites are:

• Sweet chili sauce
• Duck sauce
• Spicy mustard
• Soy sauce with a bit of rice vinegar
• Peanut sauce
• Hoisin sauce mixed with a touch of sriracha

Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Egg Roll Problems

Problem: Egg rolls are browning too quickly

Solution: Lower the temperature to 350°F and extend cooking time slightly

Problem: Filling is leaking out

Solution: Make sure to seal edges well with water and don’t overstuff

Problem: Egg rolls are still soggy

Solution: Ensure you’re not overcrowding the basket and try cooking a bit longer

Make-Ahead Freezer-Friendly Egg Rolls

I love to meal prep, and egg rolls freeze beautifully! Here’s how:

1. Assemble your egg rolls but don’t cook them
2. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
3. Freeze until solid (about 2-3 hours)
4. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months
5. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time

Final Thoughts

Air fryer chicken egg rolls are seriously one of the most satisfying things you can make at home. They’re crispier than oven-baked versions but so much healthier than deep-fried ones. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish with some rice and veggies.

The key takeaways for perfect air fryer egg rolls:

• Fresh egg rolls: 12-15 minutes at 375°F
• Frozen egg rolls: 15-18 minutes at 375°F
• Always flip halfway through cooking
• Don’t overcrowd the basket
• A light coat of oil helps with browning

FAQs About Air Fryer Chicken Egg Rolls

Can I use wonton wrappers instead of egg roll wrappers?
You can, but they’re smaller and thinner, so reduce cooking time to about 8-10 minutes and watch them closely.

Do I need to spray the air fryer basket?
Yes! A light coating of cooking spray helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Can I reheat restaurant takeout egg rolls in the air fryer?
Absolutely! About 3-5 minutes at 350°F should crisp them right up.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake egg rolls in a conventional oven at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, but they won’t be quite as crispy.

My egg roll wrappers keep tearing. What am I doing wrong?
You might be overstuffing them or the wrappers might have dried out. Keep them covered with a damp paper towel until ready to use.

Now get cooking and enjoy those crispy, delicious chicken egg rolls!