Get crispy, delicious egg rolls in minutes with minimal fuss.
Honestly, I didn’t believe it at first, but this method really transforms leftover egg rolls. Below, you’ll find all the steps, tips, and even a bonus recipe for homemade egg rolls—let’s face it, your taste buds are going to thank you.
Introduction
We all know that egg rolls taste best when they’re fresh, right out of the fryer. However, leftover egg rolls are common in many households, especially after big weekend dinners or take-out splurges. Eventually, you reach that moment where you crave a quick snack but dread a soggy bite. Enter the air fryer. This modern appliance can revive leftover egg rolls in ways that a microwave or conventional oven simply cannot. Altogether, the result is an exterior that’s nearly as crunchy as when it was first made. In other words, it’s your solution to keep that golden crisp from turning into a sad, limp shell.
Moreover, air fryers are comparatively more energy-efficient and quicker at reheating than standard ovens. Another added bonus? It’s healthier than re-frying in oil. So, if you’re looking to reheat egg rolls in air fryer for the best texture possible, then keep reading. I’ll explain the science behind why this works so well and show you step-by-step instructions to get that perfect crunch.
Why reheat egg rolls in air fryer Is a Game-Changer
When You Should reheat egg rolls in air fryer
You might wonder when to pop those leftover egg rolls into your air fryer. Generally, I recommend reheating them within two days of storage in the refrigerator. Explicitly, the sooner you warm them up, the fresher they’ll taste. If you freeze your egg rolls, be sure to thaw them properly in the fridge. Afterward, place them in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
Chiefly, pay attention to the condition of the wrapper before you decide to reheat egg rolls in air fryer. If they’re too soggy and appear to have excess moisture, pat them dry using paper towels. Undoubtedly, you’ll get superior results.
Advantages of Using an Air Fryer
- Less Oil Needed: Because the air fryer circulates hot air quickly, you don’t have to add much oil—or any at all. Consequently, you end up with a lighter meal.
- Speed and Convenience: Air fryers heat up fast and cook quickly. Therefore, you can reheat a batch of egg rolls in about 4-7 minutes, depending on their size.
- Even Heating for a Perfect Crunch: The fan inside the air fryer pushes hot air around each piece. Accordingly, this provides a uniform crisp.
Comparatively, reheating in the oven might take longer, and you risk drying them out if you’re not careful. Meanwhile, the microwave can turn the wrapper chewy. That’s why so many people swear by the air fryer method for leftover egg rolls.
The Science Behind Crispiness
Basically, egg rolls crisp up nicely when moisture is minimized. Air fryers excel at moisture control because of the high-velocity hot air. Indeed, it pulls moisture away from the surface more effectively than a traditional oven. As a result, your wrapper remains flaky and crunchy, while the inside is warmed through.
In addition, an air fryer’s rapid circulation helps maintain an even temperature around the entire egg roll. Comparatively, you won’t need to rotate them constantly. Nonetheless, flipping them halfway can still help achieve that perfect golden brown we all crave.
How to reheat egg rolls in air fryer
Simple Steps to reheat egg rolls in air fryer
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F. Wait a couple of minutes for it to reach the right temperature.
- Arrange Egg Rolls in a Single Layer: Place your egg rolls inside, making sure not to overcrowd.
- Cook for 4-5 Minutes: This time can vary depending on how large or thick your egg rolls are. If you prefer them extra crispy, add one or two more minutes.
- Flip Halfway: To encourage even browning, flip them around after the first couple of minutes.
- Check Before Serving: Open one roll to ensure the interior is hot. If needed, give them an additional minute.
Basically, that’s it. These steps are straightforward, yet the result is almost shockingly good. You won’t believe how crunchy they turn out until you try it yourself.
Prep Work Before You Start
Initially, confirm whether your leftover egg rolls were in the fridge or freezer. If they’re frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours. In my own experience, trying to reheat egg rolls in air fryer directly from frozen can cook them unevenly.
Next, gently pat the surface if there’s visible oil or moisture. Furthermore, consider adding a light brush of cooking spray. However, if your egg rolls already have enough oil from their original cooking, you can skip this step altogether. Another tip? If you have sauce inside the roll, ensure it isn’t leaking out the ends. That might cause sticky spots or burn on the wrapper.
Finally, check your air fryer’s basket size. Equally important, leave a bit of space around each roll to allow maximum airflow. Don’t stack or overlap them. Spread them out nicely.
Additional Tips for Time and Temperature
- Size Matters: Smaller egg rolls may only require 3-4 minutes, while jumbo ones need closer to 6-7 minutes.
- Adjust Based on Brand: Air fryer capabilities differ by brand. Some run hotter than others, so monitor them closely.
- Trial and Error: If it’s your first time attempting to reheat egg rolls in air fryer, keep a close eye on them. You can always increase the time but can’t undo a burnt wrapper.
Best Techniques to reheat egg rolls in air fryer
Top Reasons People reheat egg rolls in air fryer
- Taste Revival: Leftovers can taste almost as good as fresh. Equally, the air fryer locks in the original flavors.
- Time Efficiency: You can warm up a small batch of egg rolls in minutes. Consequently, it’s perfect for hectic schedules.
- Healthy Results: Especially if you don’t add extra oil, the reheated egg rolls can be less greasy than other methods.
Meanwhile, you might worry that the filling gets too dry. However, if you reheat them for the correct length of time, the center remains moist. Furthermore, it might even be tastier because the flavors had more time to meld.
Common Mistakes When Reheating
- Overcrowding the Basket: You need adequate space for airflow. Otherwise, your egg rolls might heat unevenly.
- Ignoring Temperature Guidelines: Setting the air fryer too high might burn the outside while leaving the inside cold.
- Skipping the Flip: It’s wise to flip them at least once for even browning, unless your air fryer’s design circulates air 360° automatically.
Comparatively, not all air fryers are the same. If you see that your rolls aren’t browning, raise the temperature slightly or extend the cooking time. Conversely, if you see them getting dark too fast, reduce the heat or flip sooner.
Achieving a Perfect Golden Brown
You know, personally, I’m obsessed with that glorious golden shell. So, I like to lightly brush or spray the surface with a neutral oil, such as avocado or canola oil. Particularly, this trick helps the wrapper become perfectly crisp without tasting too oily.
Eventually, you’ll start to see that signature color on the exterior. Once they look golden and the internal temperature is hot enough, remove them and let them cool for a minute. Believe me, that first bite will remind you of the day you initially cooked them.
My Favorite Crispy Egg Rolls Recipe
Let’s face it: Sometimes you just want fresh egg rolls. So, I’m sharing a personal recipe that has never disappointed my friends or family. I start with a scrumptious filling, wrap it snugly, and then either air fry or pan-fry them. Afterward, I reheat egg rolls in air fryer if any are left over, which rarely happens because they vanish quickly.
Ingredients
Below are the ingredients you’ll need (for about 12 egg rolls). You can adjust the amount depending on how many rolls you plan to make:
- 1 pound ground chicken (or what you prefer)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (if pan-frying initially)
- Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to include chopped green onions or even a dash of sesame oil for added flavor. Additionally, if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can substitute the meat with tofu or just load up on more veggies.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a heated pan, add a touch of oil and sauté the ground pork until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add garlic, ginger, shredded cabbage, and carrots. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls:
- Lay an egg roll wrapper flat in a diamond shape.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of filling near the center.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly.
- Seal the top corner with a little water to ensure it sticks.
- Initial Cooking Method:
- Air Fryer: Lightly brush or spray the egg rolls with oil. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 375°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Pan-Frying: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place egg rolls seam side down and cook until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Cooling and Serving:
- Once done, let them cool for a moment. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Honestly, once you taste these, you might find it hard to keep extras for the next day. But if you do, you now know exactly how to reheat egg rolls in air fryer to reclaim that fresh-out-of-the-fryer vibe.
Nutritional Information
Below is a general guideline for the nutritional content per 100g of these egg rolls. Values can vary based on the ingredients you choose.
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Basically, these rolls are a balanced treat when enjoyed in moderation. Furthermore, keep an eye on sodium intake if you’re watching your salt levels. Feel free to cut back on sauces or use low-sodium soy sauce if needed.
Conclusion
Reheat egg rolls in air fryer for maximum crispiness—there’s just no better way, in my opinion. Undoubtedly, the hot air circulation does wonders to restore crunch while keeping the filling moist. It’s simpler, quicker, and healthier than other methods, especially if you’re trying to reduce oil. After all, nobody wants a soggy or rubbery wrapper.
Whether you’re dealing with store-bought leftovers or you’ve tried my homemade recipe, you’ll see that using an air fryer truly surpasses other reheating methods. Finally, feel free to experiment with sauces and fillings. Indeed, the possibilities are endless.
Bonus: Storing and Meal Prep Ideas
If you plan to reheat egg rolls often, a little meal prep can go a long way. First, consider making a bigger batch of egg rolls in advance. Then freeze them for future meals. After they cool, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or place them in freezer bags. This process ensures minimal freezer burn. When you’re ready to reheat egg rolls in air fryer, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator. Though some people try reheating them straight from frozen, the texture tends to be better if they’re at least partially thawed.
Additionally, if you anticipate a busy week, prepping all your ingredients ahead of time saves effort. Chop cabbage, carrots, and any other veggies, then store them in an airtight container. Likewise, cook your protein or marinate tofu. This way, you only need to assemble and cook on the day you plan to serve them. Consequently, you’ll reduce overall kitchen time.
Moreover, it’s worth experimenting with different wrappers. Some prefer lighter rice paper wrappers instead of the traditional wheat-based ones, particularly if you want a slightly different texture. Meanwhile, you can make your egg rolls more colorful by adding bell peppers or mushrooms. Another trick? Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a pop of flavor.
If you find yourself running short on time, store-bought egg rolls can serve as a convenient alternative. Especially if you choose high-quality brands, you can still reheat egg rolls in air fryer and achieve remarkable crispiness. However, check the packaging for cooking instructions. Some brands might already come par-cooked or battered differently, which can change your reheating timeframe.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of sauces. A simple sauce of soy, vinegar, and a touch of chili garlic paste can elevate your leftover egg rolls significantly. Alternatively, whip up a creamy sriracha mayo or a sweet chili dip if you prefer something milder. The real magic lies in how you can switch up flavors from one day to the next. Thus, you’ll never get bored of enjoying egg rolls.
Altogether, thoughtful storage, varied cooking techniques, and innovative sauces ensure your egg rolls remain a versatile meal or snack option. You can craft large batches on weekends, freeze portions for later, and rely on your trusty air fryer to bring them back to life. Life’s hectic, you know, so any opportunity to streamline a tasty meal is worth trying. Egg rolls, in particular, provide a fun canvas for endless fillings, and the air fryer method ties it all together by delivering that freshly crispy finish time and time again.
FAQs
How long do you reheat egg rolls in an air fryer?
Generally, it takes about 4-7 minutes at 350°F. The exact timing depends on how large your egg rolls are. Flip them halfway through for even crisping.
What is the best way to reheat egg rolls?
Using an air fryer is the best way, in my experience. It revives leftover egg rolls without making them greasy or soggy. Plus, it’s faster than using a conventional oven.
How do you reheat rolls in the air fryer?
To reheat bread rolls, set the air fryer to 320°F. Place the rolls in a single layer and heat for 3-4 minutes. Check the texture, then add more time if needed. The result is slightly crisp on the outside and warm on the inside.
How to make an egg roll crispy again?
An air fryer is your best bet. Lightly spray or brush the surface with oil if needed. Then heat at 350°F for a few minutes. Flipping halfway helps ensure an evenly crisp exterior.
Conclusion
Reheating egg rolls in an air fryer is a fuss-free way to restore that tantalizing crispiness. If you’re craving more egg roll inspiration, be sure to explore our Homemade Vegetable Egg Rolls Recipe for a classic crunch, learn new tricks with our How to Reheat Green Spaghetti guide, check out a delicious Baked Egg Roll Recipe for a healthier spin, discover How to Fry Egg Rolls in Vegetable Oil for that golden brown finish, and get essential details on Calories in Vegetable Egg Rolls to make informed choices. Enjoy every delicious bite!