Name: Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 3 cups shredded cabbage; 1/4 cup shredded carrot (if not using coleslaw mix); 1.5 tsp toasted sesame oil; 2 tsp grated fresh ginger (or ~1/2 tsp dried ginger); 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp reduced sodium soy sauce; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 green onions, sliced; 6 egg roll wrappers; 1 tsp olive oil (for brushing)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 12 reviews

I absolutely adore making Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe whenever I want a crunchy, flavorful snack that feels like a special treat but is actually so easy to whip up at home. The way the crisp, golden wrappers give way to a savory, tender filling of cabbage, carrot, and fragrant sesame and ginger is simply irresistible. Making these in the air fryer means I get that perfect crunch without the mess or extra oil of deep frying, which makes me feel good about indulging more often. Whether I’m craving something to munch on during a cozy night in or bringing a homemade appetizer to a gathering, these egg rolls never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The toasted sesame oil and grated ginger infuse the cabbage and carrot filling with warm, aromatic notes, while a splash of soy sauce and a hint of black pepper add just the right savoriness. The green onions bring a fresh bite, and the wrappers crisp up beautifully in the air fryer so every bite is satisfyingly crunchy — it’s like having your favorite restaurant appetizer made fresh in your kitchen.

I also love how straightforward this recipe is. I’ve always found assembling egg rolls a bit intimidating, but the simple instructions here take the guesswork out of it. Plus, using the air fryer means no standing over a stove full of hot oil, which is a huge win in my book. This recipe is flexible too — perfect for quick weeknight dinners when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen. And of course, it shines at parties or casual gatherings where finger foods steal the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four golden brown, crispy spring rolls with bubbled, textured skin are placed on a piece of parchment paper on a wooden board. The spring rolls have different rectangular shapes and are positioned in a scattered manner with small pieces of green onion around them. At the bottom of the board, a small white round bowl holds dark soy sauce with floating sesame seeds and green onion slices. The board is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are refreshingly simple but each plays an essential role in making these egg rolls flavorful and crisp. From the fresh cabbage to the punchy ginger and garlic, everything contributes to a balanced filling that’s both light and delicious.

Egg roll wrappers: These create the beautifully crisp, golden shell that holds everything together perfectly.
Cabbage (shredded): The main filling component that provides a fresh crunch and hearty texture.
Carrot (shredded): Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the filling.
Toasted sesame oil: Brings a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the filling.
Ginger (grated): Adds a warm, slightly spicy zing that makes the flavors pop.
Garlic (minced): Lends aromatic richness and depth to the filling mix.
Reduced sodium soy sauce: Provides umami and saltiness without overpowering the other flavors.
Black pepper: A subtle heat that balances the sweetness and savoriness.
Green onions (sliced): Fresh and slightly sharp, they bring brightness and a beautiful pop of color.
Olive oil: Used to brush the egg rolls and basket to ensure even crispiness without excess grease.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat a frying pan over medium heat for a few minutes. This helps ensure even cooking starting right away.

Step 2: Add the toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, shredded cabbage, and shredded carrot to the pan. Stir frequently and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cabbage wilts and softens slightly but still retains some crunch.

Step 3: Stir in the sliced green onions, reduced sodium soy sauce, and black pepper. Mix well and then remove the pan from heat to let the filling cool slightly while you prepare the egg rolls.

Step 4: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you (diamond shape). Spoon some filling near the corner closest to you, then fold the corner over the filling. Fold in the left and right corners snugly, and continue rolling up tightly until sealed.

Step 5: Lightly brush the top of each assembled egg roll with olive oil. This will help achieve that gorgeous crispy finish in the air fryer.

Step 6: Brush a little olive oil inside the air fryer basket as well, then place the egg rolls seam side down, making sure they don’t touch each other to allow hot air to circulate properly.

Step 7: Air fry the egg rolls at 360˚F for 7 minutes. After that, carefully flip each egg roll and air fry for an additional 2 minutes until the wrappers are evenly golden and crispy all over.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 6 egg rolls, perfect for sharing with 2 to 3 people as an appetizer or snack. The prep time, including chopping and cooking the filling, takes about 15 minutes. Air frying takes roughly 9 minutes total. So from start to finish, you’re looking at about 25 minutes for a delightful crispy treat. There’s no resting time needed — these are best enjoyed hot or warm right out of the air fryer for that unbeatable crunch.

How to Serve This Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe

The image shows two round air fryer baskets with black edges and copper-colored interiors featuring small round holes on their bottom plates. The left basket contains four uncooked pale white spring rolls placed flat in different positions, some parallel and some at slight angles. The right basket shows the same four spring rolls now cooked to a golden brown color with slightly crispy textures on their surfaces, each spring roll evenly spaced without overlapping. Both baskets sit on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these egg rolls, I love pairing them with a variety of dipping sauces — soy sauce with a splash of rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, or even a creamy garlic aioli all work wonderfully. These sauces bring extra layers of flavor and help highlight the savory filling inside the crispy wrapper.

For sides, a simple Asian-style cucumber salad or steamed jasmine rice complement the egg rolls beautifully, keeping the meal balanced and fresh. I also enjoy garnishing the plate with extra sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a polished, restaurant-quality presentation. Serving several egg rolls on a bamboo tray or a pretty platter makes them perfect for entertaining.

When it comes to beverages, crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling sake pair well, cutting through the richness of the egg rolls. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, iced green tea or a fresh ginger-lime soda keeps the palate refreshed. These egg rolls are ideal for family dinners, casual parties, or anytime you want a satisfying finger food that impresses guests.

Variations

One of the reasons I love this Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe is how flexible it is. If you want to switch things up, you can substitute the cabbage and carrot with other vegetables like finely chopped mushrooms, bean sprouts, or even shredded zucchini for a different texture and flavor.

If you’re catering to dietary preferences, I’ve found using gluten-free egg roll wrappers makes this recipe accessible while still delivering great crunch. For a vegan twist, just double-check your wrappers and swap out soy sauce for a gluten-free or tamari variety without added animal ingredients. You can also add tofu or tempeh crumbles for extra protein.

While I’m a fan of the air fryer method, sometimes I lightly pan-fry these egg rolls in a non-stick skillet with a tiny bit of oil to get a golden crisp exterior if I don’t have access to an air fryer. Keep the heat medium to avoid burning and turn them frequently. Either way, the recipe’s flavor shines through wonderfully.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover egg rolls, I recommend storing them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. They keep well in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. This helps maintain some of the crispness while keeping the filling fresh.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these egg rolls before air frying them, which is perfect for meal prep or busy days. Arrange the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet without touching and freeze until solid (about 1 to 2 hours). Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They stay good frozen for up to 2 months. When ready, just add a couple of extra minutes to your air frying time.

Reheating

To reheat leftover egg rolls, I find the air fryer is your best friend again. Heat them at 350˚F for about 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that irresistible crunch because it tends to soften the wrapper. Using the oven is fine too, but the air fryer revives the texture most effectively.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of fresh cabbage and carrots?

Yes, pre-shredded coleslaw mix works wonderfully here and can simplify prep. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before cooking to avoid soggy filling.

Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble them and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before air frying, or freeze them as described. Just be sure to air fry from frozen or ensure they reach the proper temperature when cooking to keep everything safe and delicious.

Is it necessary to brush the egg rolls with olive oil before air frying?

Brushing with olive oil is key to achieving that beautiful golden crispness and prevents sticking in the air fryer. It also helps the wrappers brown evenly without bubbling up too much.

Can I add meat to the filling?

Absolutely! Ground pork, chicken, or shrimp can be sautéed with the vegetables before filling the egg rolls, making them heartier and more protein-packed. Just be sure the filling is cooled before assembling to keep the wrappers from tearing.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these instead?

You can bake homemade egg rolls at 400˚F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through to crisp evenly. They won’t be quite as crispy as air-fried, but still delicious and less greasy than deep frying.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe enough if you’re craving that perfect crunchy snack that’s packed with flavor but easy to make at home. It’s become one of my favorite go-to recipes for impromptu gatherings or whenever I want to impress without stress. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do — they truly bring a little crispy happiness to any occasion!