These air fryer cheeseburger egg rolls taste exactly like your favorite burger, wrapped in a shatteringly crispy shell. Seasoned ground beef, onions, melted cheddar and tangy pickles are rolled into egg roll wrappers and air fried until golden and bubbly, with no deep fryer needed. Dip them into a quick homemade burger sauce and you have the perfect game-day snack, party appetizer or fun dinner.
They are also one of the most-watched snack videos on the Airfryworld Facebook page, so here is the complete recipe with rolling tips and the dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
Course: Appetizer, SnackCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings20
minutes20
minutes485
kcal23
g28
g30
g1
g40
minutesCrispy air fryer cheeseburger egg rolls filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, onions and pickles, served with a creamy homemade burger sauce. All the flavor of a cheeseburger in a crunchy, golden roll.
Ingredients
- For the egg rolls
250 g (9 oz) lean ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
1 tablespoon burger sauce or ketchup
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
8 egg roll wrappers (or 1 sheet puff pastry)
Cooking spray or a little oil
- For the burger sauce
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon pickle relish or chopped pickles
1 pinch smoked paprika
Directions
- Cook the filling
Cook the ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned. Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper, drain the fat and stir in the burger sauce or ketchup. Let the filling cool for 10 minutes. - Add cheese and pickles
Mix the cooled beef with the cheddar and chopped pickles. - Roll the egg rolls
Place a wrapper on the counter like a diamond. Add about 2 heaped tablespoons of filling to the lower third, fold the bottom corner over it, fold in both sides and roll up tightly. Brush the top corner with a little water and press to seal. - Oil the rolls
Spray or brush the egg rolls lightly with oil on all sides and place them seam side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. - Air fry
Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them halfway, until deep golden and crispy. - Make the burger sauce
While the egg rolls cook, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish and paprika. - Serve
Let the egg rolls rest for 2 to 3 minutes, then cut them in half and serve with the burger sauce and extra pickles.
Notes
- Let the filling cool before rolling. Hot filling makes the wrappers soft and they can tear.
- Cover unused wrappers with a damp towel so they do not dry out.
- Do not skip the oil spray. It is what makes the wrappers bubbly and golden in the air fryer.
- Egg rolls can be frozen uncooked. Air fry from frozen and add 3 to 4 minutes.
Julia’s Tip: Spread the cooked beef on a plate so it cools quickly before you add the cheese. If the filling is still hot, the cheese melts too early and the wrappers turn soft and tear while rolling.
Egg Roll Wrappers or Puff Pastry?
- Egg roll wrappers give the classic result: thin, bubbly and super crunchy. You can find them in the refrigerated section of most supermarkets, often near the tofu.
- Puff pastry makes softer, flakier roll-ups that are more like mini sausage rolls. Cut the sheet into 8 rectangles, fill and roll them, and brush with egg instead of oil.
- Spring roll wrappers (wheat-based) work too, but they are thinner, so use two layers. Rice paper is not suitable for the air fryer.
How to Roll Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
- Work with one wrapper at a time and keep the rest covered.
- Use only about 2 tablespoons of filling. Overfilled rolls burst open.
- Fold the sides in tightly before rolling, so the filling cannot escape at the ends.
- Roll firmly without stretching the wrapper, and seal the last corner with water.
- Always place the rolls seam side down in the basket.
The Easy Burger Sauce
A creamy burger sauce is what makes these egg rolls taste like a real cheeseburger. It is a simple mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and chopped pickles with a pinch of smoked paprika, similar to the famous special sauces from burger restaurants. Make it while the egg rolls are in the air fryer, or prepare it a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. It is also delicious with fries, burgers and our crispy potato skins.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Not draining the beef: extra fat makes the wrappers greasy and soggy.
- Rolling with hot filling: it softens the wrappers and melts the cheese too early.
- Skipping the oil spray: without a little oil the wrappers stay pale and dry instead of golden.
- Crowding the basket: leave space between the rolls so the hot air reaches every side.
Make Ahead and Freezing
Cheeseburger egg rolls are ideal for parties because you can prepare them in advance. Roll them up to 1 day ahead, cover them with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge, then air fry just before serving. To freeze, place the uncooked rolls on a tray, freeze until firm and transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook them straight from frozen at 380°F (190°C) for 12 to 14 minutes, turning halfway.
Variations
- Bacon cheeseburger: add crumbled crispy bacon to the filling.
- Mushroom Swiss: swap the cheddar for Swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms.
- Spicy: add chopped jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese.
- Lighter: use lean ground turkey and reduced-fat cheddar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cheeseburger egg rolls need oil in the air fryer?
Just a light spray. A little oil helps the wrappers turn golden and bubbly. Without it, they can look pale and taste dry.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 3 to 4 minutes. They come out almost as crispy as fresh. The microwave makes them soft.
Can I bake them in the oven?
Yes. Bake them on a lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, turning them halfway.
How many egg rolls does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 egg rolls, enough for 4 people as a snack or 2 to 3 as a main dish. Double it for a party.
Leave a Reply