Crispy Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls in 15 Minutes

If you’re a fan of cheeseburgers and egg rolls, imagine combining them into a crispy, flavorful bite-sized snack that’s easy to make and packed with delicious flavors. Enter Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls—the perfect combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and pickles wrapped in a crispy egg roll wrapper, then air-fried to golden perfection. These little bites make the ideal appetizer, a fun dinner idea, or even a game-day treat that will surely impress your guests.

Unlike traditional deep-frying, the air fryer gives you all the crunch with a fraction of the oil, making these egg rolls a lighter, healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Whether you’re planning a party, hosting a casual gathering, or just looking for a snack to satisfy your cravings, this recipe is a game-changer.

Let’s dive into this crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-tasty recipe and make your next meal even more special with these homemade Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

Before you get started, gather these simple ingredients to make the best cheeseburger egg rolls you’ve ever tasted. These ingredients are straightforward, and they come together to mimic the flavors of a cheeseburger in a fun, bite-sized format.

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef – The star of these egg rolls, just like in a cheeseburger. Use lean ground beef, such as 93/7, for a nice balance between flavor and fat. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute.
• Spices – A mix of garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper adds just the right amount of seasoning to the beef. Feel free to experiment with other spices like onion powder or smoked paprika for a more robust flavor profile.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Choose a good melting cheese like cheddar to mimic that classic cheeseburger taste. You can also experiment with mozzarella or American cheese for a different twist.

• Green Onions – A fresh addition for a hint of onion flavor without being overpowering. Use both the white and green parts for a balanced taste.

• Chopped Dill Pickles – A classic cheeseburger topping, pickles add crunch and tang to the egg rolls. You can swap for sweet pickles if you prefer a sweeter taste or use pickle relish for convenience.

• Egg Roll Wrappers – These are the foundation of your egg rolls. Available at most grocery stores, they give that satisfying crunch when air-fried. Make sure you buy egg roll wrappers, not spring roll wrappers, for the best texture. • Egg Wash – Beaten egg mixed with a splash of water to help seal the egg rolls and give them that golden color and crispy texture after air frying.

Equipment Needed:

• Air Fryer – The star kitchen tool for this recipe, an air fryer crisps up the egg rolls with little to no oil.

• Egg Roll Wrappers – Essential for wrapping up the filling and giving your rolls that crispy shell.

• Air Fryer Parchment Paper (optional) – While not necessary, parchment paper helps prevent the egg rolls from sticking to the basket and makes clean-up a breeze.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

• 1 lb ground beef (93/7 lean is ideal, but you can use fattier ground beef if preferred)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 2 green onions (thinly sliced, both white and green parts)
• 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles (or dill pickle relish)
• 10 egg roll wrappers (available in most grocery stores)
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef:
   Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, and break up the meat until fully browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain off any excess fat.

2. Cool the meat:
   Remove the browned beef from the pan and let it cool for 10 minutes. This step ensures the beef doesn’t melt the cheese when mixed.

3. Combine the filling:
   Once the beef has cooled, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and chopped dill pickles. Stir everything together until well combined.

4. Assemble the egg rolls:
   Lay one egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture into the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overstuff.
   Brush the edges of the wrapper with the beaten egg wash (egg + a splash of water). Fold the bottom point of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the left and right sides. Roll it tightly towards the top point to seal.

5. Air fry the egg rolls:
   Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or brush the egg rolls with a little oil for extra crispness.
   Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket, seam side down. Cook in batches, if necessary, so that they don’t overlap. Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip the egg rolls and cook for another 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve:
   Remove the egg rolls from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving. Serve with dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or homemade fry sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

• Substitute proteins: If you prefer a different protein, you can swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even ground buffalo for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian version: For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use black beans, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat.
• Cheese options: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for extra flavor.
• Extra crispiness: If you want extra crispy egg rolls, lightly spray the wrappers with a cooking spray before air frying.
• Storage: Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes to restore the crispiness.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the egg rolls before cooking. To freeze, place the egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry frozen egg rolls at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, 1 egg roll)

• Calories: 272 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 19g
• Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 73mg
• Sodium: 399mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Potassium: 268mg
• Vitamin A: 4% of daily value
• Vitamin C: 1% of daily value
• Calcium: 10% of daily value
• Iron: 8% of daily value

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to assemble and cook your Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls. Follow these steps for the perfect golden, crispy rolls.

1. Prepare the Ground Beef

Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring often, and break up the meat until it’s browned, about 5 minutes. Drain the excess fat, then set the meat aside to cool for about 10 minutes. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during the rolling process.

2. Mix the Filling

Once the beef is cooled, place it in a large bowl. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and chopped dill pickles. Stir everything together until evenly combined. The heat from the beef will slightly melt the cheese, creating a gooey, cheesy filling.

3. Prepare the Egg Rolls

Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface. Add about 1/4 cup of the filling in the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overstuff the rolls, as it can make them difficult to seal.

4. Seal the Egg Rolls

In a small bowl, beat an egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash along the edges of the wrapper to help seal the egg rolls. Fold the bottom of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the sides. Finally, roll the wrapper upward tightly to form the egg roll. Make sure the seam is sealed well to prevent any filling from escaping during cooking.

5. Air Fry the Egg Rolls

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil. Place the egg rolls seam side down in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure they are not overcrowded.

6. Cook Until Crispy

Air fry the egg rolls for 5 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 5 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. You can brush the tops with a little more egg wash for an extra shiny finish, or sprinkle them with sesame seeds or flaky sea salt for added flavor.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftover egg rolls (though it’s unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Store: Place leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: To bring back the crispy texture, reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Check to ensure they are warmed through and crisp on the outside.

Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

While this recipe is simple to follow, here are a few extra tips to ensure your egg rolls turn out perfect every time:

• Don’t Overstuff the Wrappers – Too much filling can make the egg rolls difficult to roll and may cause them to burst during cooking. Stick to about 1/4 cup of filling per roll.
• Cool the Beef Before Assembling – Cooling the ground beef before mixing in the cheese prevents the cheese from melting too quickly, making the filling easier to handle.
• Use Fresh Wrappers – Make sure your egg roll wrappers are fresh and pliable. Dry wrappers can crack and are harder to roll.
• Brush with Egg Wash – Brushing the egg rolls with an egg wash creates a golden, crispy exterior. You can skip this step, but it adds an appealing shine.

Variations to Try

You can personalize this recipe based on your preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Swap the Beef – If you’re not a fan of beef, you can easily substitute it with ground chicken, turkey, or even ground lamb for a different flavor.
• Add Bacon – For extra flavor, toss in some crispy bacon bits or finely chopped cooked bacon to the beef mixture.
• Make it Spicy – Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Version – Use a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version, or skip the protein entirely and add sautéed mushrooms or veggies for a delicious twist.

Why Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls are a Must-Try

If you’ve ever been to a party and found yourself eyeing the appetizers, these air fryer cheeseburger egg rolls are sure to be a showstopper. The crispy shell combined with a flavorful filling mimics all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a fun, finger-food format. Plus, using the air fryer means they are healthier without sacrificing that crave-worthy crunch.

Why the Air Fryer?

The air fryer has become a kitchen staple, and for good reason! It allows you to make crispy foods with little to no oil, cutting down on calories while still delivering the crunchy, golden texture you crave. The best part? The air fryer heats up quickly and cooks your egg rolls in a fraction of the time it would take to deep fry. Here are some additional reasons why using the air fryer is a game-changer:

• Less Mess – No oil splatters or greasy stove-top messes to deal with. The air fryer cooks your egg rolls evenly without the need for a deep fryer.
• Time-Saving – Air frying takes about 10 minutes for perfectly crispy egg rolls, much faster than traditional frying methods.
• Healthier Cooking – The air fryer uses hot air to cook, resulting in a crispy texture with only a light coating of oil. This means fewer calories and less fat in your final dish.
• Even Cooking – The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, ensuring that each egg roll cooks evenly with a crispy exterior and warm, gooey interior.

Customizing Your Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

One of the best parts of this recipe is how customizable it is. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas for making these egg rolls truly your own:

Add a Sweet Twist

If you love the combination of sweet and savory, you can experiment by adding a touch of sweetness to the filling. Try including:

• Caramelized onions – They add a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory beef and cheese.
• Ketchup and mustard – Classic burger condiments! A small drizzle of ketchup or mustard inside the egg rolls adds an extra layer of flavor. You could also try barbecue sauce for a smoky twist.
• Sweet pickles – If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor than dill pickles, opt for sweet pickles or bread-and-butter pickles to create a tangy-sweet bite.

Vegetarian Version

Not everyone enjoys meat, but you don’t have to miss out on the fun! Simply swap the ground beef for a vegetarian option like:

• Plant-based ground meat – There are plenty of great plant-based ground meats available now that mimic beef really well.
• Vegetables – Dice up your favorite veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini and sauté them with the same spices. These veggies will give the rolls a great texture and flavor without the meat.
• Cheese alternatives – For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese to keep the cheese pull while making it vegan-friendly.

Switch Up the Cheese

Cheddar is the classic choice for cheeseburgers, but that doesn’t mean you’re locked into it. Experiment with different cheeses to change the flavor profile:

• Mozzarella – For a milder, gooey cheese that melts beautifully.
• Swiss – A great option for a nuttier, more sophisticated flavor.
• American cheese – For that smooth, melty texture often found in fast-food cheeseburgers.
• Blue cheese – If you love bold, tangy flavors, blue cheese can add a rich, creamy twist.

Make It Spicy

If you like a little heat, there are many ways to turn up the spice level:

• Jalapeños – Dice up some fresh or pickled jalapeños and mix them into the filling for a spicy kick.
• Cayenne pepper – A pinch of cayenne in the beef mixture will give your egg rolls a subtle heat.
• Sriracha sauce – For a saucy and spicy addition, drizzle a bit of Sriracha inside the egg rolls before sealing them up.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

While these egg rolls are delicious on their own, they’re even better when paired with the right dipping sauces. Here are a few options to elevate your snack:

• Ketchup – A classic choice that complements the cheeseburger flavor perfectly.
• Mustard – For a tangy, sharp contrast to the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Ranch dressing – Cool, creamy ranch is a favorite dip for anything crispy and savory.
• Barbecue sauce – Sweet and smoky, barbecue sauce adds a wonderful depth of flavor to each bite.
• Fry sauce – If you’re feeling adventurous, make a simple fry sauce by mixing ketchup and mayonnaise together. This sauce pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the egg rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

To ensure your egg rolls come out perfectly crispy and flavorful, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Overstuffing the Wrappers

It’s tempting to fill the wrappers with a lot of the delicious filling, but too much stuffing can make them difficult to roll and might cause them to burst open during cooking. Stick to about 1/4 cup of filling per egg roll to ensure the wrapper seals properly.

2. Not Sealing the Wrappers Properly

Sealing the egg rolls correctly is essential for keeping the filling inside. Be sure to brush the edges of the wrapper with egg wash before folding and rolling to ensure a tight seal. If the wrappers aren’t sealed properly, the filling may leak out during air frying.

3. Skipping the Cooling Step for the Beef

Let the cooked beef cool down a bit before mixing in the cheese and other ingredients. If the beef is too hot, the cheese will melt too quickly, making it difficult to handle and roll up. Allowing the beef to cool will help everything come together more easily.

4. Crowding the Air Fryer Basket

To achieve the crispiest, most evenly cooked egg rolls, make sure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If the egg rolls are too close together, they won’t cook properly, and the air won’t circulate evenly. Cook the egg rolls in batches if necessary to give them enough space to crisp up.