This Easy Air-fried Vegan egg rolls recipe will blow your mind. These egg rolls are so crispy you won't believe they are air-fried. The quick and easy filling is made from seasoned, crumbled tofu and veggies. This one is so simple because you use a pre-cut bagged coleslaw mix for the veggies to minimize prep time. We also use a prepared egg roll wrapper. Nasoya makes a wonderful vegan egg roll wrapper that is available in many stores. These wrappers make egg rolls really quick and easy!

What is an egg roll?

Egg rolls are Chinese-American appetizers. They are like tiny little fried burritos! Usually the typical egg roll fillings are cabbage, bean sprouts and even pork. Strangely, they are called egg rolls since they do not usually contain any eggs. Sometimes there is egg in the flour wrappers and sometimes they are dipped in egg before being fried. Egg rolls are typically deep fried in oil which makes them golden and crispy, giving the wrapper a bubbly texture.

Why should I use an air fryer?

As you know, I like to avoid consuming copious amounts of oil. That is why I love my air-fryer. With my air-fryer, I can simply spray the foods with oil before air-frying and they come out crispy and golden brown. It really is amazing how foods come out with the texture and flavor of crave-able fried foods without the oiliness that comes from deep-frying.

Ingredients for Easy Air-Fried Vegan Eggrolls

Creating easy air-fried vegan egg rolls is easy, quick and actually quite fun! Each ingredient plays an important role in crafting these delicious, healthier alternatives to traditional fried egg rolls.

Vegan Egg Roll Wrappers: The foundation of any good egg roll. Contrary to their name, they do not contain any animal products. They are thin, pliable sheets used to encase the savory filling. In the air fryer these wrappers crisping up beautifully.

Extra Firm Tofu: I choose to use extra firm tofu as it is a protein powerhouse. It also provides a satisfying chewiness and meaty texture that absorbs flavors wonderfully. Its low moisture content is key to keeping the filling from becoming soggy. Don't forget to press the tofu to remove excess water, ensuring it crisps up nicely when cooked.

Pre-Cut Coleslaw Mix: You can find a mix like this in most grocers and will shorten the prep time significantly. It typically consists of shredded cabbage and carrots. It adds a fresh crunch, vibrant color, and a boost of nutrients to your egg rolls.

Garlic: Adding a robust and aromatic flavor that is fundamental to the depth of this dish. It introduces a slight heat and pungency, enhancing the overall taste profile of the filling. Mince it finely to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the egg rolls.

Ginger: bringing a zesty, warm bite and a hint of sweetness that complements the garlic beautifully. Its distinctive flavor is key to many Asian dishes, including these vegan egg rolls. Grate the ginger finely so it melds seamlessly with the other ingredients.

Dark Soy Sauce: Dark soy sauce is thicker, darker, and slightly sweeter than other version. Adds color and a rich, umami flavor to the filling, giving the egg rolls a deeper taste and an appetizing, golden-brown hue.

Light Sodium Soy Sauce: Light sodium soy sauce has a saltier flavor and a thinner consistency than dark soy sauce. Using a low-sodium variety helps control the salt content of the dish.

Toasted Sesame Oil: A few drops of toasted sesame oil go a long way and can transform a dish.

Oil of Choice for Spraying: The egg rolls are lightly sprayed with an oil to maximize the crunch prior to air frying. Opt for a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil.

How to Make Easy Air-Fried Vegan Eggrolls

Creating these air-fried vegan egg rolls is a breeze, starting with a quick and flavorful filling.

Begin by heating sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add crumbled tofu. Allow the tofu to cook undisturbed for 5 minutes, letting it brown and crisp up. Next, create a space in the center of the pan for the garlic and ginger, cooking them for 2-3 minutes without stirring, before combining them with the tofu. The addition of dark soy sauce transforms the tofu, giving it a savory depth reminiscent of ground pork. Cook for another few minutes to ensure the flavors meld perfectly.

The next step involves integrating fresh, crunchy elements into the filling. Add pre-shredded coleslaw vegetables and light soy sauce to the skillet, cooking everything together for 5 minutes while stirring frequently. Once well-combined and the vegetables are slightly softened, remove the pan from heat and allow the filling to cool. This pause not only makes handling easier but also lets the flavors infuse further. Prepare your wrapping station with egg roll wrappers and a small bowl of water to seal the edges of your egg rolls. Pack each one tightly with roughly 3 tablespoons of filling before rolling them up burrito-style.

Finally, the air-frying process brings the egg rolls to crispy perfection. After spraying your air fryer basket with oil and arranging the egg rolls without overcrowding, a quick spray on top and about 10 minutes at 400 degrees (flipping halfway through) are all it takes to achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Whether served with Thai sweet chili sauce, hoisin, or soy sauce, these vegan egg rolls offer a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor, making them a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion.

HOW TO REHEAT EGG ROLLS

To reheat egg rolls you'll want to use either an oven or toaster oven as it will maintain/ recreate the essential crunch. Reheat for 10-15 minutes at around 350°F. Place egg rolls separately on the wire rack or a baking sheet to evenly heat. Alternatively, you could pop them back into the air fryer at the same temperature for just 3-4 minutes.

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