If you’re craving a crunchy, flavorful snack that’s a little different from the usual, then this Air Fryer Egg Rolls with Spicy Ponzu Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. These crispy egg rolls pack a vibrant mix of fresh veggies and rich seasonings, all air-fried to golden perfection without the greasy mess. Paired with a tangy, spicy ponzu dipping sauce, this recipe is a delightful burst of umami and heat that’s as addictive as it is delicious. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a fast favorite for snack time or even a light meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t worry—this recipe keeps things simple with ingredients that are easy to find but essential for delivering authentic flavor, great texture, and that perfect balance of fresh and savory in every bite.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps soften the veggies just right.
- Sesame oil: Brings that signature nutty aroma which is key to Asian-inspired dishes.
- Shredded cabbage: Gives crunch and bulk, making the egg rolls satisfyingly hearty.
- Julienned carrot: Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
- Julienned celery: Introduces a fresh, crisp texture.
- Chopped green onions: Provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of green.
- Minced garlic: Offers pungent warmth to elevate all the other ingredients.
- Grated ginger: Infuses a zesty, slightly spicy note that livens up the filling.
- Soy sauce: Imparts saltiness and depth of flavor.
- Egg roll wrappers: The essential crisp exterior once air fried.
- Ponzu: A citrusy soy-based sauce that shines in the dipping sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Balances heat with sweetness in the dip.
- Lime juice: Adds fresh acidity to brighten the sauce.
- Sriracha: Brings a kick of spicy heat to taste in the ponzu sauce.
How to Make Air Fryer Egg Rolls with Spicy Ponzu Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Filling
Start by heating the olive oil and sesame oil together in a large pan over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, celery, green onions, garlic, and grated ginger. Stir-fry until the veggies soften but still hold some bite, about 5 minutes. Finish with a splash of soy sauce and mix well so every bite is packed with flavor. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly before assembling your egg rolls.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay out an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner facing you (like a diamond). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled veggie filling near the corner closest to you. Fold the corner over the filling, then fold in the sides snugly and roll tightly toward the opposite corner, sealing the edge with a little water. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling until you have a plate of neatly wrapped egg rolls ready for the air fryer.
Step 3: Air Fry Until Crispy
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray or brush the egg rolls lightly with a bit of oil to achieve that irresistible crispy texture. Place them in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch for even cooking. Air fry for 10 minutes, then carefully flip and cook another 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crunchy on all sides.
Step 4: Whip Up the Spicy Ponzu Sauce
While the egg rolls air fry, combine the ponzu, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha in a small bowl. Adjust sriracha to your preferred heat level. This sauce perfectly balances tanginess, sweetness, and spice—making it the perfect dip to complement the crispy rolls.
How to Serve Air Fryer Egg Rolls with Spicy Ponzu Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over your egg rolls for an extra layer of flavor and a little visual pop. A wedge of lime on the side brightens every bite with juicy acidity.
Side Dishes
These egg rolls shine alongside a fresh Asian-style slaw or a simple cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, serve with steamed jasmine rice or even some miso soup to round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, place a few egg rolls in a basket lined with parchment paper, perfect for casual snacking at parties. Alternatively, slice the rolls into bite-sized pieces and serve them as appetizers with toothpicks and individual dipping bowls for your spicy ponzu sauce—it’s guaranteed to impress guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any egg rolls left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the filling fresh and the wrappers from becoming soggy as long as they cool completely before storing.
Freezing
To freeze, place uncooked assembled egg rolls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month, ready to be air fried straight from frozen—no thawing needed!
Reheating
For leftovers, reheat your egg rolls in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes to bring back their crunchy exterior. Avoid microwaving as it will make the wrapper chewy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add shredded mushrooms, bell peppers, or bean sprouts for your own vegetable combo. Just make sure to keep the fillings relatively dry to prevent soggy wrappers.
Is it possible to make these vegan?
Yes, definitely! This recipe as written is already plant-based. Just double-check that your egg roll wrappers don’t contain egg if you want to keep it strictly vegan, and opt for a vegan-friendly ponzu sauce if needed.
How spicy is the ponzu sauce with sriracha?
The sauce has a nice balanced heat that’s adjustable. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the sriracha. For spice lovers, add more to get a fiery kick that plays beautifully against the citrus notes of ponzu.
Can I bake the egg rolls instead of air frying?
You can bake them at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, air frying ensures extra crispiness with less oil, making it the preferred method here.
What dipping sauce pairs well aside from spicy ponzu?
If you want variety, sweet chili sauce on its own, a creamy peanut dipping sauce, or even hoisin sauce all make excellent alternatives to complement the flavors of these egg rolls.
Final Thoughts
There’s something simply joyful about biting into crispy, golden egg rolls bursting with fresh veggies and dipping them into a tangy, spicy ponzu sauce. This Air Fryer Egg Rolls with Spicy Ponzu Sauce Recipe captures that feeling perfectly with a healthy twist and easy preparation. I can’t recommend it enough for your next snack or appetizer craving—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make these sooner!
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Air Fryer Egg Rolls with Spicy Ponzu Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 egg rolls (serves 8)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Egg Rolls filled with a colorful medley of vegetables, served with a zesty and spicy Ponzu dipping sauce. These egg rolls are a healthier twist on a classic appetizer, made quickly and easily in the air fryer for a crunchy texture without deep frying.
Ingredients
Egg Roll Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 rib celery, julienned
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Egg Rolls
- 8 egg roll wrappers
Spicy Ponzu Sauce
- ¼ cup ponzu sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 teaspoons sriracha (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetable Filling: Heat the olive oil and sesame oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, celery, chopped green onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté the vegetables until tender but still crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls: Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface with one corner facing you. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the vegetable filling onto the wrapper near the corner closest to you. Fold the corner over the filling, then fold in the sides snugly. Roll the wrapper up tightly towards the far corner, sealing the edge with a little water to help it stick. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Air Fry the Egg Rolls: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray or brush the egg rolls with a bit of olive or sesame oil to help them crisp during cooking. Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Prepare the Spicy Ponzu Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the ponzu sauce, sweet chili sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, and sriracha. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Serve: Remove the egg rolls from the air fryer and let them cool briefly before serving. Serve hot with the spicy ponzu dipping sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly brush or spray the egg rolls with oil before air frying.
- You can customize the filling by adding cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a protein boost.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and browning.
- To store, keep the egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them in the air fryer to maintain crispness.
- If you cannot find ponzu, substitute with a mix of soy sauce and lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor.
