Do you ever find yourself craving something crispy and packed with flavor, but you just don’t want the hassle of deep-frying? Well, let me tell you about the time I stumbled upon the magic of air-fried goodness.
It was a Tuesday, I think, the kind that drags on forever. I was in desperate need of a pick-me-up, something to jolt me out of my mid-week funk.
Enter: Southwest Egg Rolls.
These aren’t just any egg rolls; they’re a taste explosion wrapped in a crunchy shell. The air fryer is like a culinary magician, transforming these little parcels into golden dreams without the guilt of oil-drenched fingers.
(Who knew technology could be so delicious? ) The filling—oh, the filling—bursts with black beans, corn, and just the right kick of spices.
It’s like a fiesta in your mouth, and honestly, who doesn’t need a little party on a plate every now and then?
Steps
- Begin by preparing the vegetables: chop the red bell pepper and green onion, and mince the garlic. In a large pan over medium heat, sauté the pepper, corn, green onion, and jalapeño until they begin to soften.
- Add the black beans and spinach to the pan and cook until the spinach wilts. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Remove from heat and mix in cilantro and American cheese until the cheese melts.
- To wrap the egg rolls, place an egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the filling into the center, fold up the bottom, and then fold in the sides to form an envelope shape. Brush the edges with oil and roll tightly, sealing with more oil.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the egg rolls seam-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 8-9 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- If frying traditionally, heat 1/2 inch of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the egg rolls seam-side down, turning occasionally, until golden on all sides. Drain on paper towels before serving.
- Allow the cooked egg rolls to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup diced green onion
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup frozen corn (or fresh)
- 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 cup canned black beans, drained
- 1 cup packed fresh spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup fresh chopped cilantro
- 3/4 cup good quality American cheese
- 10-11 egg roll wrappers, defrosted
- Mild oil such as vegetable, avocado, or canola
FAQ
- What is the total cooking time for egg rolls in an air fryer?
- The total cooking time is approximately 13 minutes—8-9 minutes on the first side and 4-5 minutes on the other side—until they achieve a golden brown color.
- Can these egg rolls be deep-fried instead of air-fried?
- Yes, they can be deep-fried in vegetable oil. It takes around 1-2 minutes per side to achieve a crispy texture similar to traditional frying methods.
- Is there a specific type of air fryer recommended for this recipe?
- While any air fryer can be used, the recipe was tested with an Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, which accommodates fewer egg rolls at a time. Larger air fryers can handle more and may reduce cooking time.
- How can I make the Southwestern Egg Rolls vegan?
- To make them vegan, simply omit the cheese. The egg rolls will still be flavorful and delicious.
- What is the best way to freeze and reheat the egg rolls?
- Wrap each egg roll in cling wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat from frozen, cook them in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes per side.
Tips
- When preparing the filling for the egg rolls, ensure all vegetables are chopped evenly and cooked until they are just softened. This helps to maintain a good texture and prevents the egg rolls from becoming soggy.
- Be cautious not to overfill the egg roll wrappers. Using about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per wrapper will help prevent them from breaking apart during cooking.
- When using an air fryer, preheat it to 375 degrees F and brush the egg rolls with oil before cooking. This ensures they become crispy and golden brown on both sides.
- If you prefer a vegan version, simply omit the cheese and consider adding more vegetables to make up the volume. The egg rolls will still be flavorful and delicious.
Equipment
- Air Fryer: Specifically useful if you want to use the air fryer method. Any model would work, but the recipe mentions using an Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid.
- Deep Fryer (optional): For those who opt for traditional frying, a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan could be necessary.
- Baking Sheet: Necessary for placing the egg rolls before air frying or for cooling after frying.
