Reheating egg rolls in an air fryer takes just 5 to 7 minutes at 350°F, giving you a crispy outside and hot, flavorful filling every time. If you have ever been stuck with soggy, rubbery egg rolls after using a microwave, you are in for a real treat. The air fryer is hands down the best way to bring leftover or frozen egg rolls back to life, and once you try it, you will never go back to the old methods. I have been reheating egg rolls this way for years, and the results are consistently restaurant quality right from my own kitchen.
Why the Air Fryer Is the Best Way to Reheat Egg Rolls
The air fryer works like a small convection oven, circulating hot air all around the food. This means every side of the egg roll gets exposed to even heat, which is exactly what you need to restore that signature crunch. Unlike a microwave, which steams the wrapper from the inside out, the air fryer keeps the outer shell dry and crispy. You also avoid the greasy mess that comes with reheating in a pan or deep fryer.
In my experience, microwaving egg rolls is the biggest mistake people make. The wrapper turns soft and chewy, and the filling can become unevenly heated. Pan frying takes more time and effort, and the oil can make the egg rolls feel heavy. The air fryer gives you the perfect balance: fast, easy, light, and crispy. It is honestly a game changer for anyone who loves egg rolls but hates dealing with leftovers.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you jump in, gather a few simple items. You will need your leftover or frozen egg rolls, an air fryer, and optionally a light spray of cooking oil. A non-stick spray or a brush with a tiny bit of sesame oil or avocado oil can help boost the crispiness, especially if your egg rolls are not pre-buttered or oiled. You will also want a pair of tongs to flip them halfway through.
Make sure your air fryer basket is clean and that you do not overcrowd it. Egg rolls need space around them so the hot air can do its job. If you stack them or pack them too close, you will end up with steamed spots instead of crispy ones. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I tried to reheat an entire batch at once and got half crispy, half soft results.
Step by Step Guide: How to Reheat Egg Rolls in Air Fryer
Reheating egg rolls in an air fryer is one of the easiest kitchen tasks you will ever do. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 2 to 3 minutes. This helps create an even cooking environment from the start.
- Place the egg rolls in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they are not touching each other.
- Lightly spray or brush them with oil if you want extra crunch. This step is optional but highly recommended for dry or older egg rolls.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then flip them using tongs.
- Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the wrappers are golden and crispy.
- Remove and let them rest for 1 minute before serving. This helps the filling cool slightly and firm up.
If you are reheating frozen egg rolls, you may need to add 1 to 2 extra minutes. I usually do 5 minutes total for frozen ones, flipping halfway. Always check the internal temperature if you are unsure. The filling should be hot all the way through.
Best Temperature and Time Settings
The sweet spot for reheating egg rolls in an air fryer is 350°F. This temperature is hot enough to crisp the wrapper without burning it, and gentle enough to heat the filling evenly. Going higher, like 400°F, can char the outside before the inside gets warm. Going lower, like 300°F, will dry them out and take too long.
Here is a quick breakdown based on your situation:
- Leftover refrigerated egg rolls: 350°F for 5 to 6 minutes
- Frozen egg rolls: 350°F for 7 to 9 minutes
- Thawed egg rolls: 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes
I have tested all three many times, and these times work perfectly. Your air fryer model may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them the first time. You will quickly learn what works best for your specific unit.
Tips for Getting Extra Crispy Egg Rolls
If you love that deep fried crunch, a few small tricks can take your reheated egg rolls to the next level. First, always start with a preheated air fryer. Putting egg rolls into a cold basket is a recipe for soggy bottoms. Second, do not skip the oil spray. It makes a huge difference, especially with wrappers that have dried out a bit in the fridge.
Another tip is to avoid thick sauces before reheating. If you have egg rolls with sauce already on them, the moisture can prevent crisping. Reheat them plain and dip afterward. Also, never cover the egg rolls with foil unless you are trying to prevent browning, which is usually not the goal. You want the hot air to hit every surface.
Finally, let the egg rolls come to room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes if they were in the fridge. This helps them heat more evenly and reduces the risk of cold spots in the filling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes is overcrowding the basket. It is tempting to reheat everything at once, but air flow is key. If you have a large batch, do it in two rounds. The extra few minutes are worth it for even crispiness.
Another mistake is using too much oil. A light coat is all you need. Too much oil can make the egg rolls greasy and cause dripping in the basket, which leads to smoke and mess. I made this mistake early on and ended up with a smoky kitchen and egg rolls that tasted like they were deep fried, but in a bad way.
Do not skip flipping. The bottom of the egg roll is closer to the heat source, so it can brown faster. Flipping ensures both sides get equal attention. Also, avoid opening the air fryer too many times. Each opening lets out heat and extends cooking time.
How to Store Egg Rolls for Best Reheating Results
How you store your egg rolls before reheating matters a lot. If you know you will have leftovers, let them cool completely before putting them in the fridge. Warm egg rolls in a closed container create steam, which makes the wrappers soggy. Once cool, store them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb any extra moisture.
For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. When you are ready to reheat, you can pop them in the air fryer straight from the freezer without thawing. They come out just as crispy as fresh ones.
In my house, we always make a big batch of egg rolls on weekends and freeze them for quick snacks during the week. The air fryer makes it possible to enjoy them anytime without the hassle of deep frying.
Reheating Different Types of Egg Rolls
Not all egg rolls are the same. Whether you have pork, vegetable, shrimp, or chicken egg rolls, the air fryer method works for all of them. The key is to make sure the filling is fully heated. Dense fillings like pork and vegetable may take a little longer than thinner ones like shrimp.
If your egg rolls are stuffed with cheese or have a lot of moisture in the filling, they might not get as crispy as meat based ones. You can compensate by spraying a bit more oil or adding an extra minute of cook time. Fresh egg rolls from a restaurant or homemade ones will also reheat beautifully, as long as they were cooked properly the first time.
I have reheated everything from classic pork egg rolls to spicy Southwest vegetarian ones, and the air fryer handles them all like a champ. It does not discriminate.
Can You Reheat Egg Rolls More Than Once?
Technically, you can reheat egg rolls multiple times, but the quality drops each time. The wrapper gets drier and more prone to cracking, and the filling can become rubbery. For best results, only reheat what you plan to eat. If you have a big batch, reheat only one or two at a time and keep the rest in the fridge or freezer.
Food safety is also important. Do not leave egg rolls out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Reheat them to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat. The air fryer easily reaches this temperature, so you are good as long as you follow the times and temps I mentioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you reheat egg rolls in an air fryer without them getting soggy?
Yes, the air fryer is the best tool for keeping egg rolls crispy. The circulating hot air removes moisture from the wrapper, giving you a crunch that rivals fresh fried ones. Just make sure not to overcrowd the basket and preheat the air fryer first.
How long do you reheat egg rolls in an air fryer?
For refrigerated egg rolls, heat at 350°F for 5 to 6 minutes. For frozen ones, allow 7 to 9 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure even browning and check that the filling is hot before serving.
Do you need to add oil when reheating egg rolls in an air fryer?
A light spray of oil is optional but recommended. It helps restore crispiness, especially if the egg rolls have been stored for a day or two. Use a high smoke point oil like avocado or vegetable oil for best results.
Can you reheat frozen egg rolls directly in the air fryer?
Absolutely. There is no need to thaw them first. Just add 1 to 2 extra minutes to the cooking time. The air fryer does a great job of cooking them from frozen to crispy and hot.
What is the best temperature to reheat egg rolls in an air fryer?
350°F is the ideal temperature. It is hot enough to crisp the wrapper quickly without burning, and it heats the filling evenly. Higher temps can scorch the outside, and lower temps dry them out.
Conclusion
Reheating egg rolls in an air fryer is one of the simplest and most satisfying kitchen tricks you can learn. With just a few minutes and minimal effort, you can turn leftover or frozen egg rolls into a crispy, golden, restaurant quality snack. The key is using the right temperature, giving them space, and not skipping the flip. Once you master this method, you will never settle for soggy microwaved egg rolls again. Try it for yourself and taste the difference. Have a favorite dipping sauce or air fryer tip? Share it in the comments below.