Best Air Fryer Chicken Egg Rolls - Better Than Restaurant

There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly crispy egg roll with that satisfying crunch that gives way to a savory, tender filling. These air fryer chicken egg rolls deliver exactly that—without the mess and calories of deep frying! I’ll never forget the first time I made these for my family game night.

The skeptics at the table (yes, I’m looking at you, traditionalists) couldn’t believe they weren’t deep-fried. Here’s the thing: air frying makes these golden beauties just as crispy while being healthier and way less intimidating to make.

If you loved my [Air Fryer Spring Rolls], you’re going to be obsessed with this chicken version. It’s quick, beginner-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or party appetizers. Let’s get rolling!

What Are Air Fryer Chicken Egg Rolls?

Ever wonder why we call them “egg rolls” when there’s barely any egg involved? The mystery continues! But here’s what I do know: air fryer chicken egg rolls are crispy, hand-held parcels of joy stuffed with seasoned chicken and crunchy vegetables, all wrapped up in a golden wrapper.

They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, and trust me, these egg rolls are your express ticket there. Ready to become the egg roll hero in your household?

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Egg Rolls Recipe

<h4>The Perfect Crispy Texture Without the Guilt</h4>

Let’s be real—traditional egg rolls are deep-fried and swimming in oil. These air fryer chicken egg rolls give you that same incredible crunch and golden-brown exterior without dunking them in a vat of oil. The hot circulating air creates the perfect crispy shell while the filling stays moist and flavorful. Your kitchen won’t smell like a fast-food restaurant, and you won’t need to deal with disposing of used oil. It’s a total win-win! <h4>Budget-Friendly and Customizable</h4>

Making egg rolls at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at restaurants or for frozen ones at the grocery store. A pack of wonton wrappers costs just a few dollars, and you can use whatever protein or vegetables you have on hand. Ground chicken is affordable and cooks quickly, but you could also use leftover rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or even make them vegetarian. The possibilities are endless, and your wallet will thank you. <h4>Flavor-Packed Filling That Hits Different</h4>

These aren’t your average bland egg rolls. The filling is loaded with savory ground chicken, crisp cabbage, matchstick carrots, and aromatic garlic and ginger. A splash of soy sauce and sesame oil brings everything together with that authentic Asian-inspired flavor. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and seasoning. If you enjoyed my [Air Fryer Chicken Wings], you’ll appreciate how the air fryer brings out such incredible flavor and texture in chicken. Why order takeout when you can make something this delicious at home?

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Egg Rolls

Quick Overview

Making air fryer chicken egg rolls is easier than you think! These crispy delights come together in about 40 minutes from start to finish. The filling cooks quickly on the stovetop, and while it cools, you can set up your rolling station.

The air fryer does the heavy lifting, giving you perfectly golden egg rolls in just 12-15 minutes. No complicated techniques required—just simple wrapping, a light spray of oil, and you’re golden (literally).

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 egg rolls

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Egg Rolls

For the Filling:

1 pound ground chicken
2 cups shredded cabbage (green or napa cabbage work great)
1 cup shredded carrots (matchstick-cut carrots save time)
3 green onions, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
½ teaspoon white pepper
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

For Assembly:

12 egg roll wrappers (found in the refrigerated section)
1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
Cooking spray or oil mister

For Serving:

Sweet chili sauce
Soy sauce
Duck sauce
Sriracha mayo

Step-by-Step Instructions

<h4>Step 1: Prepare the Filling</h4>

Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let them burn! Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and has started to brown slightly. <h4>Step 2: Add the Vegetables</h4>

Toss in the shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped green onions. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables have softened but still have a slight crunch. You don’t want mushy vegetables—they’ll continue cooking in the air fryer. <h4>Step 3: Season the Filling</h4>

Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and white pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Taste and add salt if needed (remember, soy sauce is already salty). Cook for another minute, then remove from heat and let the filling cool completely. This step is crucial—warm filling will make your wrappers soggy and difficult to work with. <h4>Step 4: Set Up Your Rolling Station</h4>

While the filling cools, prepare your workspace. Lay out a clean cutting board or work surface. Have your egg roll wrappers, beaten egg in a small bowl, and a pastry brush ready. Keep a damp kitchen towel over the wrappers to prevent them from drying out. <h4>Step 5: Fill and Roll the Egg Rolls</h4>

Place one egg roll wrapper on your work surface with a corner pointing toward you (diamond shape). Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of cooled filling onto the lower third of the wrapper, forming a horizontal log shape. Don’t overfill or they’ll burst during cooking!

Fold the bottom corner up over the filling and tuck it under snugly. Fold in the left and right corners toward the center, overlapping slightly. Brush the top corner with beaten egg, then roll the wrapper away from you tightly, sealing the edge with the egg wash. Place seam-side down on a plate and repeat with remaining wrappers and filling. <h4>Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer</h4>

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness right from the start. <h4>Step 7: Spray and Arrange</h4>

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the egg rolls in a single layer, seam-side down, making sure they’re not touching. Generously spray the tops and sides of each egg roll with cooking spray—this is the secret to that golden, crispy exterior! <h4>Step 8: Air Fry to Perfection</h4>

Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping the egg rolls halfway through cooking. They’re done when they’re deep golden brown and crispy all over. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to work in batches. Keep finished egg rolls warm in a low oven (200°F) while you cook the rest. <h4>Step 9: Serve Immediately</h4>

Let the egg rolls cool for 2-3 minutes before serving—the filling will be volcano-hot! Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and watch them disappear.

What to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Egg Rolls With

These versatile egg rolls work beautifully as an appetizer or main course. Here are my favorite pairings:

Side Dishes:

Fried rice or vegetable fried rice
Asian cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing
Hot and sour soup
Steamed edamame with sea salt
Sesame noodles

Dipping Sauces:

Sweet chili sauce (my personal favorite!)
Classic soy sauce with a splash of rice vinegar
Spicy mayo (mix mayo with sriracha)
Duck sauce for a sweeter option
Chinese hot mustard for heat lovers

Beverages:

Green tea (hot or iced)
Thai iced tea
Light beer or sake
Ginger ale with lime

For a complete Asian-inspired feast, serve these alongside [Air Fryer Potstickers] and some steamed broccoli with oyster sauce. Your family will think they’re dining at their favorite restaurant!

Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Chicken Egg Rolls

<h4>Don’t Skip Cooling the Filling</h4>

I cannot stress this enough: let that filling cool completely! Warm filling creates steam that makes wrappers soggy and tears them when rolling. I usually make my filling 30 minutes ahead or spread it on a baking sheet to cool faster. <h4>Master the Wrap Technique</h4>

The key to leak-free egg rolls is rolling them tightly. Think of it like swaddling a baby—snug but not so tight that you tear the wrapper. The egg wash seal is your insurance policy, so don’t skimp on it. If a wrapper tears while rolling, just wrap it in a second wrapper. <h4>Oil is Essential for Crispiness</h4>

Don’t be shy with the cooking spray! The oil creates that deep-fried texture and golden color. I spray the tops, then flip and spray the bottoms right in the air fryer basket. An oil mister with olive or avocado oil works even better than cooking spray. <h4>Avoid Overcrowding</h4>

Air needs to circulate around each egg roll for even crisping. Leave at least half an inch between each one. Yes, it means cooking in batches, but the results are worth it. Overcrowded egg rolls steam instead of crisp. <h4>Check Your Air Fryer Temperature</h4>

Every air fryer is different. If your egg rolls are browning too quickly, reduce the temperature to 350°F and add a few minutes to the cooking time. If they’re not getting crispy enough, bump it up to 390°F. <h4>Use Fresh Wrappers</h4>

Old, dried-out wrappers crack and tear easily. Check the expiration date and make sure your wrappers are still pliable. Store opened packages wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge. <h4>Prevent Sticking</h4>

Parchment paper cut to fit your air fryer basket can prevent sticking, but make sure it has holes for air circulation. You can buy pre-cut perforated parchment paper made specifically for air fryers.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. The wrappers will soften slightly in the fridge, but they crisp right back up when reheated.

Freezing Cooked Egg Rolls: Let the cooked egg rolls cool completely, then arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 2 hours. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. This prevents them from freezing together in a clump.

Freezing Uncooked Egg Rolls: You can also freeze assembled but uncooked egg rolls using the same method. When you’re ready to eat them, cook from frozen—just add 3-4 extra minutes to the cooking time. No thawing necessary!

Reheating Instructions: To reheat refrigerated egg rolls, air fry at 350°F for 5-6 minutes until heated through and crispy. For frozen cooked egg rolls, air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Don’t microwave them—you’ll lose that beautiful crispy texture!

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook the egg rolls when you’re ready to serve. This is perfect for entertaining!

Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes

<h4>Mistake: Filling Falls Out During Cooking</h4>

Solution: You’re probably overfilling your egg rolls or not sealing them properly. Use only 2-3 tablespoons of filling and make sure to brush egg wash on all edges. Roll tightly and press the seams firmly. <h4>Mistake: Wrappers Aren’t Crispy</h4>

Solution: You need more oil! Spray generously on all sides. Also check that you’re not overcrowding the basket—the egg rolls need space for air to circulate. <h4>Mistake: Burnt Outsides, Cold Insides</h4>

Solution: Your temperature is too high. Lower it to 350°F and cook a bit longer. Making sure your filling is cold before assembling also helps with even cooking. <h4>Mistake: Egg Rolls Stick to the Basket</h4>

Solution: Always spray the basket first, then spray the egg rolls. Using parchment paper designed for air fryers can also help. <h4>Mistake: Wrappers Tear While Rolling</h4>

Solution: Your filling might be too hot, or the wrappers are dried out. Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel while working. If a wrapper tears, just wrap it in a second wrapper. <h4>Mistake: Soggy Egg Rolls</h4>

Solution: Make sure your filling is completely cool and not too wet. If your vegetables released a lot of moisture, drain it before assembling. Also ensure you’re using enough oil spray.

Frequently Asked Questions

<h4>Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?</h4>

Absolutely! Dice the chicken breast into very small pieces (about ¼-inch) or shred cooked chicken breast. You can even use rotisserie chicken for a super quick shortcut. Just make sure any chicken pieces are small enough to roll easily. <h4>What’s the difference between egg roll wrappers and spring roll wrappers?</h4>

Egg roll wrappers are thicker and made with wheat flour and eggs, creating a bubbly, crispy texture when fried or air fried. Spring roll wrappers are thinner, made with rice flour, and stay smooth. For this recipe, you definitely want egg roll wrappers. <h4>Can I make these vegetarian?</h4>

Yes! Replace the chicken with crumbled firm tofu, extra vegetables, or mushrooms. Add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce for extra flavor. The cooking process stays exactly the same. <h4>Do I have to use an air fryer?</h4>

While this recipe is optimized for the air fryer, you can bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Deep frying works too—cook at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. But the air fryer truly gives the best crispy-to-effort ratio! <h4>Why do my egg rolls keep exploding in the air fryer?</h4>

This usually happens when they’re overfilled or the filling is too hot/wet. Cool your filling completely, don’t overstuff, and seal tightly with egg wash. Make sure there are no air pockets in the rolls. <h4>Can I prep these in advance?</h4>

Yes! Assemble the egg rolls up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Cook them straight from the fridge, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time. <h4>What if I don’t have sesame oil?</h4>

Sesame oil adds authentic flavor, but you can substitute with extra vegetable oil plus a dash of toasted sesame seeds. The flavor won’t be quite as rich, but they’ll still be delicious. <h4>How do I know when they’re fully cooked?</h4>

The wrappers should be deep golden brown and crispy all over. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F. You should also hear a satisfying crunch when you bite into them!

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Egg Roll
Calories	145
Total Fat	5g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	285mg
Total Carbohydrates	15g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	1g
Protein	9g

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and based on one egg roll without dipping sauce.

Final Thoughts

Making air fryer chicken egg rolls at home is one of those recipes that seems intimidating until you try it—then you wonder why you ever bought frozen ones! The first time I served these at a party, people were fighting over the last one. No joke.

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Once you master the basic technique, you can customize the filling with different proteins, vegetables, or even make breakfast egg rolls with scrambled eggs and cheese. The air fryer does all the hard work, giving you that perfect crispy exterior without the mess and calories of deep frying.

These egg rolls have become my go-to for game days, potlucks, busy weeknights, and even meal prep. I’ll often double the batch and freeze half for those nights when I need dinner in a hurry. Pop them in the air fryer straight from the freezer, and 15 minutes later, you’ve got a satisfying meal that tastes like you spent all day cooking.

So grab your air fryer and give these a try! I promise once you taste that first crispy, savory bite, you’ll be hooked. Don’t forget to tag me when you make them—I love seeing your creations!