How to Reheat Egg Rolls in an Air Fryer | Crispy, Fresh Results Every Time

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Few leftovers are as disappointing as a soggy egg roll. You saved them with good intentions, but when reheating time comes, the wrapper turns chewy, the filling dries out, or worse, it’s cold in the center.

Knowing how to reheat egg rolls in an air fryer matters because egg rolls rely on contrast: a crisp outer shell and a hot, flavorful interior. The wrong reheating method destroys that balance. Microwaves make them limp. Ovens take too long. Frying again feels excessive and messy.

This guide shows you exactly how to reheat egg rolls in an air fryer so they taste freshly made. By the end, you’ll know the right temperature, timing, safety tips, and small adjustments that make a big difference, whether your egg rolls are homemade, takeout, frozen, or stuffed with different fillings.

Why Egg Rolls Lose Their Texture When Reheating

Egg rolls are deep-fried or air-fried originally. When stored, moisture from the filling slowly migrates into the wrapper. That moisture is the enemy of crispness.

Reheating improperly causes one of two problems:

• Too much moisture (microwave effect)
• Too much heat too fast (burnt wrapper, cold center)

An air fryer works because it circulates dry, hot air around the egg roll, driving moisture out of the wrapper while reheating the filling evenly.

Common Misconceptions

• “Higher heat equals crispier egg rolls.” Not always. High heat can scorch the outside before the inside warms.
• “You need oil to reheat fried food.” Egg rolls already contain oil in the wrapper. Adding more often causes greasiness.
• “All egg rolls reheat the same way.” Size, filling, and whether they’re frozen or refrigerated all matter.

When Reheating Becomes a Food Safety Issue

Egg rolls should not be reheated if:

• They were left at room temperature for more than 2 hours
• They smell sour or “off”
• The wrapper feels slimy rather than dry

Food safety always comes before crispness.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

You don’t need much, but each item has a purpose.

Essential Tools

• Air fryer Basket or tray style both work. Basket styles crisp slightly faster.
• Tongs Prevents tearing the wrapper and protects your hands.
• Instant-read thermometer (optional but helpful) Ensures the center reaches at least 165°F for safe reheating.

Optional Add-Ons

• Parchment paper with holes Useful for sticky egg rolls but should never block airflow.
• Oil spray (optional) Only for very dry wrappers. Use sparingly.

How to Reheat Egg Rolls in an Air Fryer (Refrigerated, Fully Cooked Egg Rolls)

This is the most common scenario.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Set temperature to 350°F
• Preheat for 3–5 minutes

Preheating helps the wrapper crisp immediately instead of steaming.

Step 2: Arrange the Egg Rolls

• Place egg rolls in a single layer
• Leave space between them for airflow
• Do not stack

Step 3: Reheat

• Cook for 3–5 minutes
• Flip halfway through for even heating

Step 4: Check Temperature

• The center should be hot and steamy
• Aim for 165°F internal temperature

Step 5: Rest Briefly

• Let sit for 1 minute
• This allows steam to escape without softening the wrapper

Variations for Different Situations

Reheating Frozen Egg Rolls in an Air Fryer

Frozen egg rolls need more time, but no thawing.

• Temperature: 360°F
• Time: 8–10 minutes
• Flip after 5 minutes

Tip: If the wrapper browns too quickly, lower the heat to 340°F and extend time slightly.

Reheating Large or Overstuffed Egg Rolls

These hold more moisture and need gentler heat.

• Temperature: 325°F
• Time: 6–8 minutes
• Flip twice if possible

Reheating Mini Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls

Smaller rolls crisp faster.

• Temperature: 350°F
• Time: 2–4 minutes
• Check early to avoid burning

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the basket This traps steam and causes uneven reheating.
• Skipping the flip One side stays soft while the other overcooks.
• Using foil tightly wrapped Foil blocks airflow and defeats the air fryer’s purpose.
• Reheating multiple times Each reheating dries the filling further.

The Simple Science Behind Crispy Reheated Egg Rolls

Air fryers work through convection heat. Hot air moves rapidly around the food, evaporating surface moisture.

Egg roll wrappers contain starches and oils. When reheated correctly:

• Moisture evaporates from the surface
• Oils re-crisp the wrapper
• The filling warms without releasing excess steam

Microwaves heat water molecules directly, creating steam inside the wrapper. That steam has nowhere to escape, which is why microwaved egg rolls turn soft.

Expert Kitchen Insight: What Professionals Do Differently

In test kitchens, reheating fried foods always follows two rules:

• Lower heat than initial cooking
• Dry heat, never sealed heat

Many professional kitchens reheat egg rolls in convection ovens at 325–350°F. An air fryer is simply a smaller, faster version of that system, making it ideal for home use.

Extra Tips, Hacks, and Preventive Tricks

• Store egg rolls uncovered for the first hour in the fridge This lets steam escape before sealing.
• Wrap in paper towels, not plastic Paper absorbs moisture without trapping it.
• Reheat only what you’ll eat Repeated reheating degrades texture and flavor.
• Serve immediately Egg rolls lose crispness quickly once cooled.

What NOT to Do When Reheating Egg Rolls

• Do not microwave unless absolutely necessary
• Do not deep-fry again (adds grease and risk)
• Do not reheat directly from condensation-heavy containers
• Do not use aerosol cooking sprays with propellants (can damage air fryer coating)

DIY Air Fryer Method (Recommended)

Pros

• Best texture
• No added oil
• Fast and consistent
• Uses equipment you already own

Cons

• Requires monitoring
• Small batches only

Commercial Crisping Trays or Microwave Sleeves

Pros

• Convenient
• No flipping

Cons

• Inconsistent results
• Still relies on microwave steam
• Rarely restores true crispness

Cost, Time, and Effort Breakdown

• Time: 5–10 minutes total
• Cost: Essentially free
• Effort: Minimal, hands-off

Compared to ovens (15–20 minutes) or stovetop frying (messy and oily), the air fryer wins on all fronts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you reheat egg rolls in an air fryer without drying them out?

Yes. Use moderate heat (350°F) and avoid overcooking. Dryness usually comes from too much time, not too little oil.

2. Should I spray egg rolls with oil before reheating?

Usually no. Only spray lightly if the wrapper looks very dry.

3. How long do egg rolls last in the fridge?

Safely, up to 3–4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

4. Can I stack egg rolls in the air fryer?

No. Stacking traps steam and causes uneven reheating.

5. Is an air fryer better than an oven for reheating egg rolls?

Yes. Air fryers heat faster and circulate air more aggressively, producing crispier results.

Conclusion

Learning how to reheat egg rolls in an air fryer is one of those small kitchen skills that pays off every time. With the right temperature, spacing, and timing, you can bring leftover egg rolls back to life, crispy outside, hot inside, and never soggy.

The key is respecting how egg rolls are built and using dry, circulating heat to restore their texture. Skip the microwave, avoid overcrowding, and keep the heat moderate.

Next time you’re staring at leftover takeout or homemade egg rolls, pull out your air fryer and follow these steps. You’ll get results that taste intentional, not reheated, and that’s the difference a little kitchen know-how makes.