Shrimp egg rolls are a popular Chinese dish that combines the delicate flavors of shrimp and vegetables wrapped in a crispy shell. Traditionally, these delectable treats are deep-fried, but with the rise in popularity of air fryers, you can now enjoy a healthier version of this classic dish. In this article, we will guide you through a simple and delicious recipe on how to make shrimp egg rolls in an air fryer.
Gathering Your Ingredients
To make shrimp egg rolls in an air fryer, you will need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
For the Egg Roll Filling:
– 1 pound of medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups of finely shredded cabbage
– 1 cup of grated carrots
– 1/2 cup of finely chopped scallions
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger
– 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
For Wrapping the Egg Rolls:
– Store-bought egg roll wrappers
– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water for sealing the rolls
Preparing the Shrimp Filling
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s start preparing the shrimp filling for our egg rolls. Follow these simple steps:
1. Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, shredded cabbage, grated carrots, chopped scallions, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the shrimp and vegetable mixture and toss until well coated.
5. Let the filling sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Assembling the Egg Rolls
With our shrimp filling prepared, it’s time to assemble the egg rolls. Follow these steps:
1. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, making sure it is in a diamond shape with one corner facing towards you.
2. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the shrimp filling near the corner facing you.
3. Fold the corner facing you over the filling and tuck it underneath.
4. Fold the two side corners towards the center, creating an envelope-like shape.
5. Brush the remaining corner with the cornstarch-water mixture to seal the egg roll.
6. Continue rolling the egg roll until you reach the end, making sure it is tightly sealed.
7. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Air Frying the Egg Rolls
Now that our shrimp egg rolls are assembled, it’s time to air fry them to crispy perfection. Follow these steps:
1. Lightly grease the air fryer basket or use cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Place the egg rolls in the basket, making sure to leave some space between each roll.
3. Cook the egg rolls in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
4. Halfway through cooking, flip the egg rolls to ensure even browning.
Serving and Enjoying the Shrimp Egg Rolls
Finally, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious shrimp egg rolls. Here are a few tips on serving:
– Serve the egg rolls hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or chili sauce.
– Garnish with additional chopped scallions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
– Shrimp egg rolls pair well with fried rice, lo mein, or a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Health Benefits of Using an Air Fryer
Using an air fryer to make shrimp egg rolls offers various health benefits. Since air frying requires minimal to no oil, it significantly reduces calories and unhealthy fats compared to deep-frying. Additionally, air fryers help retain more nutrients in the food compared to traditional deep-frying methods. They also produce less odor and mess, making cleanup a breeze.
Experimenting with Different Fillings
While this recipe focuses on shrimp as the main filling for egg rolls, feel free to experiment with other ingredients. You can substitute the shrimp with chicken, beef, or tofu for a different flavor profile. Add additional vegetables or spices to customize the filling according to your taste preferences. The air fryer provides a versatile cooking method that allows you to explore various combinations and create unique egg roll recipes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making shrimp egg rolls in an air fryer is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this Chinese favorite with a healthier twist. By following the steps outlined in this recipe, you’ll achieve crispy and flavorful egg rolls without the guilt of deep-frying. So grab your air fryer, gather the ingredients, and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!