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Crispy Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe with Sweet and Sour Sauce

crispy air fryer egg rolls - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy, flavorful egg rolls cooked in an air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep frying, paired with a tangy homemade sweet and sour sauce. Perfect for quick snacks, family gatherings, or appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cabbage, finely shredded
  • ½ cup carrots, grated
  • ½ cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup ground pork or chicken (ground turkey works too)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 egg roll wrappers
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling (15 minutes): In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and cook the ground pork or chicken until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and chopped green onions to the skillet. Stir well and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the veggies soften slightly but still have a little crunch. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let the filling cool for 10 minutes.
  3. Assemble the Egg Rolls (15 minutes): Lay out one egg roll wrapper with a corner pointing toward you (diamond shape). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling near the corner closest to you. Fold that corner over the filling, then fold in the left and right corners snugly.
  4. Roll the wrapper away from you tightly, leaving the top corner free. Brush beaten egg on the free corner and seal the roll closed. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
  5. Air Fry the Egg Rolls (12-15 minutes): Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Spray the basket lightly with oil. Place the egg rolls in a single layer without overlapping (cook in batches if needed).
  6. Cook for 6-7 minutes, then flip the egg rolls and spray lightly with oil again. Cook another 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
  7. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce (5 minutes): While the egg rolls cook, whisk together rice vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and soy sauce in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
  8. Serve: Plate the crispy air fryer egg rolls and drizzle or serve on the side with the sweet and sour sauce. Enjoy immediately for best crunch!

Notes

Do not overfill the egg rolls to prevent bursting. Let the filling cool before wrapping to avoid soggy wrappers. Spray egg rolls lightly with oil before and after flipping for a golden, crispy exterior. Avoid crowding the air fryer basket for even cooking. For gluten-free, use rice paper wrappers. To reheat leftovers, air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer egg rolls, crispy egg rolls, sweet and sour sauce, easy egg rolls, appetizer, snack, Asian recipe