Crispy homemade egg rolls

Homemade egg rolls are a delicious appetizer with a crispy exterior and a savory filling of ground pork and vegetables. Making them at home allows you to customize the ingredients, enjoy the fresh flavors, and avoid the preservatives often found in takeout. Whether you panfry, bake, or use an air fryer, these egg rolls come out beautifully golden and crunchy every time.

I remember the first time I made these with my kids—it turned into a fun evening of rolling and tasting. Now they're my go to recipe whenever I want something crunchy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Egg roll wrappers: made with wheat flour and eggs for the perfect thick and crispy shell. Look in the refrigerated section and choose wrappers that are fresh and pliable.
• Ground pork: offers juicy, tender meat flavor but you can use chicken, beef, shrimp, crab, or tofu as alternatives depending on your preference.
• Shredded cabbage and carrots: provide crunch and sweetness. Preshredded coleslaw mix is a convenient shortcut but feel free to add bell peppers, onions, or celery for extra texture.
• Fish sauce: adds a savory umami depth though it is optional if you prefer a milder taste or cannot find it easily.
• Canola oil: for frying because of its neutral flavor and high smoke point which keeps the egg rolls crisp and golden.

Instructions

Sauté the Meat and Vegetables:

Start by cooking the ground pork over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces. Add the shredded cabbage and carrots and cook until the vegetables soften, about five minutes. Stir in the fish sauce if using to deepen the flavor at this stage. Remove from heat and set aside to cool a little.

Prepare the Wrappers and Filling:

Lay one egg roll wrapper flat with a corner pointing toward you (like a diamond shape). Spoon two to three tablespoons of filling near the corner closest to you. Be careful not to overfill or the rolls will be hard to seal.

Roll and Seal the Egg Rolls:

Fold the closest corner over the filling, tuck the sides in tightly, and continue rolling up toward the opposite corner. Seal the edge with a little water or beaten egg to keep everything intact when frying.

Fry the Egg Rolls:

Heat canola oil in a deep pan or wok to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the egg rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy, about three to five minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain the excess oil.

Alternatively Air Fry or Bake:

Place the rolls in a preheated air fryer basket or oven tray, mist with oil, and cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Air fry for about eight to ten minutes or bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and browned.

My favorite part is the crunchy wrapper that adds a delightful texture with every bite. Once, we made these for a family gathering and they disappeared within minutes. They are always a crowd pleaser, which makes me keep this recipe handy.

Storage Tips

Let the egg rolls cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess. Wrap each roll individually to maintain crispness and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and transfer to a freezer bag to avoid sticking. To reheat, bake in a hot oven until warmed through and crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground chicken or turkey works well instead of pork for a leaner version. Use tofu chunks for a vegetarian option and season well to boost flavor. If you do not have fish sauce, soy sauce is a good substitute but add a bit of lime juice for brightness. Prepackaged coleslaw can save prep time without sacrificing texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve egg rolls with classic soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or sweet chili sauce for dipping. They are great as an appetizer or served alongside fried rice or a fresh Asian noodle salad for a full meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an attractive finish.

These homemade egg rolls are a crowd pleaser and perfect for parties or meal prep. Try them baked or air fried for a lighter but still crispy result.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What ingredients are used in the filling?

The filling combines ground pork with shredded cabbage and carrots. Optional additions include bell peppers, onions, or celery for extra flavor and texture.

→ Can I cook these egg rolls without frying?

Yes, these can be cooked using an air fryer or baked in the oven for a lighter alternative while still achieving crispiness.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with egg rolls?

Popular choices include soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, and sweet chili sauce to complement the savory filling.

→ How do egg roll wrappers differ from spring roll wrappers?

Egg roll wrappers are thicker and made with eggs, giving a crunchy texture when fried, whereas spring roll wrappers are thinner and more delicate.

→ What is the best way to store cooked egg rolls?

Allow egg rolls to cool completely, then wrap individually and refrigerate up to 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.