– **Title**: Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (or rotisserie chicken)
– 1 cup coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
– 2 green onions, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 egg roll wrappers
– Cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil for brushing
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, coleslaw mix, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, with one corner pointing towards you. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly, sealing the top corner with a little water to help it stick. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to help them crisp up during cooking.
6. Place the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
7. Cook the egg rolls for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove the egg rolls from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
9. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This gives the egg rolls a nice protein base. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken works well too. For a vegetarian twist, try using a mix of mushrooms and tofu instead!
Cabbage & Carrots: Shredded cabbage adds crunch and is essential for that fresh taste. If you can’t find it, coleslaw mix can substitute easily. For carrots, you could use finely chopped bell peppers for a different flavor and color.
Green Onions: They add a wonderful mild onion flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use chopped onion or chives instead. I sometimes double up the green onions because they bring a nice freshness!
Ginger & Garlic: These ingredients are crucial for flavor. Fresh is best, but you can use garlic powder and ground ginger if that’s what you have on hand. I find that fresh ginger gives a brighter flavor.
Wonton Wrappers: If you can’t find egg roll wrappers, wonton wrappers work too, but they’re smaller so adjust your filling accordingly. For a gluten-free version, look for rice paper wrappers.
How Can I Roll the Egg Rolls Without Them Falling Apart?
Rolling egg rolls can be tricky, but it’s manageable once you get the hang of it! The goal is to keep them tightly sealed. Here’s a step-by-step on how to roll them properly:
- Start with a wrapper positioned like a diamond (one point facing you).
- Place a spoonful of filling on the bottom third of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tightly covering it.
- Fold the sides in, so they stick to the filling, and keep rolling away from you.
- Seal the top corner with a little water to avoid any leaks during cooking.
Don’t overfill! About 2-3 tablespoons of filling is perfect; too much makes rolling harder. Rolling tightly helps ensure they keep their shape while cooking. Enjoy making these savory treats!
How to Make Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Egg Rolls:
- 10-12 egg roll wrappers
- Cooking spray or oil for spraying
For Serving:
- Sweet and sour sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes to prepare and cook these delicious egg rolls. This includes about 10 minutes for prepping the filling and about 15 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. Get ready to enjoy something amazing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken Filling:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat after it’s cooked. This will keep your egg rolls nice and crunchy!
2. Adding the Vegetables and Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked, toss in the shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you like), sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the veggies are tender. Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool just a bit—it makes wrapping easier!
3. Assembling the Egg Rolls:
Time to roll! Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling near that bottom corner. Fold that corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly. Use a bit of water to seal the top edge. Repeat this with the rest of the wrappers and filling until you’re done!
4. Prepping the Air Fryer:
Before you start cooking, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray so the egg rolls don’t stick. Ready for some crispy goodness?
5. Cooking the Egg Rolls:
Place the assembled egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they have a bit of space between them so they cook evenly. Finally, give the tops a light spray with cooking spray for that golden finish.
6. Enjoying Your Egg Rolls:
Cook the egg rolls for about 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through for even crispiness. They should come out golden brown and crispy all over! Serve them hot with sweet and sour sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy your homemade takeout treat!
Enjoy your delicious Panda Express-inspired chicken egg rolls made in the air fryer!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. It has a similar texture and flavor, making it a perfect alternative. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so ensure it’s fully cooked before adding the vegetables.
What If I Don’t Have Egg Roll Wrappers?
No problem! You can use spring roll wrappers or wanton wrappers instead. Just remember that spring roll wrappers will be thinner and may cook faster, so keep an eye on them in the air fryer. You can also use large tortillas as a unique alternative, although the texture will be different!
How to Store Leftover Egg Rolls?
Store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy!
Can I Freeze These Egg Rolls?
Yes, egg rolls freeze well! Once assembled but uncooked, you can lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time in the air fryer.
