Egg Roll Recipe Air Fryer

I love finding ways to take familiar comfort foods and give them a fun, new twist, especially for busy weeknights. This creamy gochujang chicken egg roll recipe for the air fryer achieves just that, delivering a perfectly crispy exterior that crunches delightfully before giving way to a rich, savory filling. This simple air fryer egg roll recipe is a total game-changer for family dinners, offering a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions that’s ideal for quick meals. The filling for this specific egg roll recipe air fryer version uses pre-cooked chicken and a unique creamy kimchi mixture to keep things easy and flavorful. This recipe takes inspiration from traditional Asian flavors while transforming them into a high-protein snack that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• Shredded Cooked Chicken Breast: About 250g (9 oz) of pre-cooked chicken. Shred or finely chop for best filling texture; rotisserie chicken works perfectly here as a shortcut.
• Vegan Kimchi (drained and chopped): 200g (7 oz) of kimchi. Ensure it is well-drained and chopped finely to prevent excess moisture, which can make the wrappers soggy.
• Shredded Cabbage and Carrots: 150g (5 oz) green cabbage and 100g (3.5 oz) carrots, finely shredded/grated. Provides essential structure and a slight crunch to contrast the creamy filling.
• Aromatics and Seasonings: Green onions (white/light parts sliced), minced garlic, grated ginger, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. This combination creates the signature sweet, spicy, and savory flavor profile of the recipe.
• Cream Cheese (softened): 60g (2 oz) of cream cheese. The key ingredient that binds the filling together and adds a creamy element to balance the spice.
• Egg Roll Wrappers: 18-20 sheets of standard egg roll wrappers. Note: Egg roll wrappers are thicker than spring roll wrappers, providing better structure for this hearty filling.
• Assembly and Frying Supplies: Water for sealing the wrappers, vegetable oil spray for crisping the exterior in the air fryer, and garnish (toasted sesame seeds and dark green onion slices).

Instructions

1. Prepare the Aromatic Base and Vegetables: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add 5ml (1 teaspoon) of sesame oil. Sauté the white and light green parts of the sliced green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the shredded cabbage and grated carrots to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are slightly softened but still retain some crunch. This initial step is key to building the flavor base for this egg roll recipe air fryer version.
2. Create the Creamy Gochujang Filling: Add the shredded cooked chicken, finely chopped kimchi, gochujang, and soy sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the gochujang is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Reduce heat to low, then add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and coats the filling evenly, creating a cohesive, creamy mixture with a rich, slightly reddish hue.
3. Cool and Prepare for Wrapping: Remove the filling mixture from the heat and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes. A cooled filling is essential to prevent tearing the delicate wrappers during assembly. This step also allows the flavors to meld together fully before wrapping your air fryer egg rolls.
4. Assemble the Egg Rolls: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface in a diamond shape with one corner pointing towards you. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of cooled filling in a horizontal line across the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the left and right corners towards the center. Roll tightly from the bottom upwards, sealing the top corner with a dab of water. If your filling is still warm, the wrappers may become difficult to handle or tear easily. Ensure a full 15 minutes of cooling before you start assembly.
5. Air Fry for Crispy Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Lightly spray the assembled egg rolls on all sides with vegetable oil spray to encourage even browning and crispness. Place 3-4 egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring space between them for air circulation.
6. Finish Cooking and Garnish: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the egg rolls are golden brown and visibly crispy on all sides. Repeat this process for all remaining egg rolls, serving immediately with garnishes of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. For a truly professional look, I cut mine diagonally to show off the creamy interior.

The Key to Creamy and Crispy Egg Rolls

Getting that perfect balance of textures—a crispy exterior and a rich, creamy interior—is what makes this particular egg roll recipe air fryer method so successful. The filling combines unique flavors and ingredients that work together to create a cohesive and satisfying bite.

The Unique Role of Cream Cheese

The addition of cream cheese is a game-changer for this recipe. Traditional egg roll fillings can sometimes feel dry or crumbly. The cream cheese melts into the mixture, binding all the ingredients together and creating a creamy, cohesive texture that perfectly contrasts with the crispy wrapper.

Balancing Heat and Sweetness

Gochujang (Korean chili paste) provides a complex heat that is balanced by the natural sweetness of the carrots and the mild, tangy flavor of the cream cheese. The result is a savory filling with a delightful kick, but it’s not overpoweringly spicy. It offers a more dynamic flavor profile than a standard takeout egg roll.

Air Fryer Technique for Crispy Texture

The secret to achieving a crispy texture without deep-frying is a light spray of oil and proper air circulation during cooking. The air fryer works by circulating superheated air, which essentially mimics the effect of deep-frying by quickly drying out the surface of the wrapper. Don’t crowd the basket to ensure every part of the egg roll gets direct airflow, creating that desired golden-brown, crispy exterior.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

This air fryer egg roll recipe is excellent for meal prep and make-ahead convenience. You can assemble a big batch of these in advance, making weeknight dinners or high-protein snacks much easier. Proper storage ensures they retain their texture and flavor when you’re ready to cook.

Assembling Ahead of Time

You can assemble these egg rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover loosely, and refrigerate. The key is to keep them from touching each other to prevent sticking. When ready to cook, proceed directly to air frying from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the cook time if they are very cold.

Freezing Instructions

For longer storage, freeze the uncooked egg rolls by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, place them directly in the preheated air fryer and increase the cooking time to 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Reheating Leftovers

To reheat cooked egg rolls, avoid the microwave, which turns them soggy. Simply place them in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again. This method restores that fresh-cooked texture, making leftovers almost as good as the first time.

FAQs about Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Can I use spring roll wrappers instead of egg roll wrappers?

Spring roll wrappers are much thinner and more delicate than standard egg roll wrappers. While they can work, they will crisp up quickly and may tear under the weight of this hearty filling, especially since it’s a creamy mixture. Egg roll wrappers are recommended for durability and to achieve that satisfying chew alongside the crispness.

What if my egg rolls keep splitting open during air frying?

This usually happens when there’s too much moisture in the filling or the wrappers aren’t sealed properly. Ensure the filling is completely cooled before wrapping to avoid steam buildup. Also, check that the edges of your wrappers are sealed completely with water, especially at the final seam. I find that chilling the assembled egg rolls for just 10 minutes helps a lot before air frying.

Can I make this filling vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily adapt this air fryer egg roll recipe to be vegetarian. Omit the chicken and replace it with 250g (9 oz) of firm tofu, crumbled and pan-fried until slightly crispy. You can also substitute with extra mushrooms and cabbage to add bulk, or use a plant-based ground meat substitute.

What is gochujang and where do I find it?

Gochujang is a savory, sweet, and moderately spicy fermented Korean chili paste. It adds a deep, complex flavor that’s hard to replicate with other ingredients. You can typically find it in the international aisle of most grocery stores or at any Asian supermarket. Look for the distinctive red plastic tubs with Korean writing.

How do I store and reheat leftovers properly?

Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For reheating, the best method to restore the crispy texture is to place them in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes. Reheating in the microwave will make them soggy and soft.

Conclusion

This air fryer egg roll recipe transforms simple ingredients into a unique and flavorful appetizer or meal that’s perfect for family dinners. With a perfectly crispy exterior and a creamy, gochujang-spiced interior, these egg rolls offer a healthier and more exciting alternative to standard take-out fare. Pin this recipe for future use, gather your ingredients, and try this unique twist on air fryer egg rolls this week—you won’t be disappointed!

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