Egg rolls stay crispy on the outside and hot on the inside when reheated in an air fryer. If you want to know how to heat up egg rolls in air fryer, the process is simple and takes less than 10 minutes. No soggy shells. No greasy microwave mess. Just that fresh-from-the-restaurant crunch you remember.
This guide covers temps, times, and small tricks that make a big differance. Whether your egg rolls are frozen, leftover from takeout, or homemade, you will get a clear method that works every time.
Why The Air Fryer Works So Well For Egg Rolls
An air fryer moves hot air around the food at high speed. That airflow pulls moisture off the wrapper and crisps it fast.
A microwave heats from the inside and traps steam. That steam softens the wrapper and turns it chewy. A regular oven works, but it takes 15 to 20 minutes and can dry out the filling.
The air fryer sits in the middle. It is quick like a microwave but crisps like a deep fryer. For egg rolls, that balance is hard to beat.
What You Will Need
- An air fryer (any size works)
- Egg rolls (frozen, chilled, or room temp)
- Optional: cooking spray or a light brush of oil
- Optional: parchment liner with holes, or a small rack
- Tongs for flipping
How To Heat Up Egg Rolls In Air Fryer
Follow these steps in order. The times below are a good starting point for most air fryer models.
Step 1: Preheat The Air Fryer
Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and let it run for 3 minutes. Preheating helps the wrapper start crisping right away.
If your air fryer has no preheat setting, just run it empty for 3 minutes. It is worth the wait.
Step 2: Prep The Egg Rolls
If the egg rolls are frozen, do not thaw them. Cook them straight from frozen. Thawing makes the wrapper wet and soft before it even hits the basket.
For chilled or leftover egg rolls, pat them dry with a paper towel. Any surface moisture will slow the crisping.
Lightly spray or brush the outside with oil. This step is optional but helps the wrapper brown evenly. Use a neutral oil like canola or avocado.
Step 3: Arrange Them In The Basket
Place the egg rolls in a single layer. Leave space between each one so air can flow around all sides.
Do not stack them. Stacking traps steam and makes the bottom rolls soggy. If you have more egg rolls than fit, cook them in batches.
Step 4: Set The Time And Temperature
Cook at 350°F (175°C). Use these times as your guide:
- Frozen egg rolls: 8 to 10 minutes
- Refrigerated egg rolls: 5 to 7 minutes
- Room temperature egg rolls: 4 to 5 minutes
These times assume a standard size egg roll, about 4 to 5 inches long. Mini egg rolls need less time, often 4 to 6 minutes from frozen.
Step 5: Flip Halfway Through
At the halfway mark, open the basket and flip each egg roll with tongs. This helps both sides crisp evenly.
If you skip the flip, the bottom can stay pale while the top browns. It is a small step that makes a real difference.
Step 6: Check For Doneness
The wrapper should look golden brown and feel firm to the touch. The filling inside should be hot.
If the outside is brown but the middle feels cool, lower the heat to 320°F and cook 2 more minutes. This lets the inside catch up without burning the shell.
Step 7: Rest For One Minute
Take the egg rolls out and let them sit for about a minute. The filling is very hot at this point. A short rest keeps you from burning your mouth.
Tips For Better Results Every Time
Do Not Overcrowd The Basket
Air needs to move around each egg roll. Crowding is the number one cause of soggy results. Cook in batches if needed.
Use A Light Coat Of Oil
Frozen egg rolls often come pre-fried, so they already have some oil. A light spray is enough. Too much oil makes them greasy.
Watch Small Egg Rolls Closely
Mini or cocktail-size egg rolls cook much faster. Start checking at 4 minutes so they do not burn.
Reheat Sauces Separately
Do not put dipping sauce in the air fryer. Heat it in a small bowl in the microwave or on the stove. Keep the egg rolls dry until serving.
Skip The Foil
Foil blocks airflow and can be a safety risk in some air fryers. Use a perforated parchment liner if you want easy cleanup, or just cook directly in the basket.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Using a microwave first, then the air fryer. This adds steam and softens the shell.
- Thawing frozen egg rolls before cooking. Cook them frozen.
- Setting the temperature too high. Above 375°F, the wrapper burns before the filling heats through.
- Stacking egg rolls on top of each other.
- Forgetting to flip them halfway.
- Not preheating the air fryer.
How Long Do Reheated Egg Rolls Last?
Eat them right away for the best texture. If you must store them, keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
Reheat them again in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes. Do not reheat more than once, since the wrapper gets tougher each time.
Final Thoughts
Reheating egg rolls in an air fryer is fast, easy, and gives you a crispy shell with a hot filling. Set the temp to 350°F, cook for 5 to 10 minutes depending on their starting state, and flip halfway.
That is the whole method. Once you try it, you will not go back to the microwave again.