If you love crispy, golden egg rolls filled with savory goodness, this Easy Chinese Egg Rolls recipe will become your new go-to appetizer! These rolls are perfectly crunchy on the outside and packed with a flavorful mix of meat, cabbage, carrots, and seasonings inside. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or to stash in the freezer for later, they’re incredibly simple and far more delicious than takeout.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Flavorful: Each roll has a satisfying crunch with a deliciously seasoned filling.
- Versatile: Choose from pork, chicken, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Prep and freeze for quick appetizers anytime.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as a snack, starter, or part of an Asian-inspired meal.
- Air Fryer Friendly: Enjoy the same crunch with less oil!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes about 12–14 egg rolls)
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or sesame)
- ½ lb (225g) ground pork or chicken (or use crumbled tofu for vegetarian version)
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (helps bind filling)
For the Wrapping:
- 12–14 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing edges)
- Oil for frying (or cooking spray for air fryer)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Filling
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground pork or chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Add the garlic, shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), black pepper, and cornstarch. Mix until well combined.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool before wrapping — this makes rolling easier and prevents sogginess.
Step 2: Wrap the Egg Rolls
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner facing you (like a diamond).
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling into the center.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in both sides.
- Roll tightly upward, sealing the top edge with a dab of beaten egg.
- Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
💡 Tip: Keep the wrappers covered with a damp towel while working to prevent them from drying out.
Step 3: Fry or Air Fry the Egg Rolls
Deep Fry Method:
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add 3–4 egg rolls at a time and fry for 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Air Fryer Method:
- Lightly spray or brush the egg rolls with oil.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your crispy egg rolls hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as:
- Sweet chili sauce
- Soy sauce
- Hoisin or plum sauce
- Garlic dipping sauce
For a complete meal, pair them with fried rice, lo mein, or stir-fried veggies for a restaurant-worthy experience at home.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze before or after frying for up to 2 months. (If freezing raw rolls, place them in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid.)
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until hot and crispy again — no soggy rolls here!
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of fresh vegetables, savory meat (or tofu), and aromatic seasonings gives these egg rolls their authentic flavor and satisfying crunch. Using cornstarch helps the filling hold together beautifully, while wrapping and sealing correctly ensures no leaks or oily messes. Whether you fry or air fry, the results are always crisp on the outside and bursting with flavor inside.
Conclusion: Better Than Takeout
Skip the restaurant line and make these Easy Chinese Egg Rolls right at home! They’re crispy, flavorful, and versatile — a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Plus, with make-ahead and freezer options, you can always have a batch ready to go.
Give them a try and share your twist — maybe add mushrooms, bean sprouts, or a dash of chili oil for your signature version.
