Pizza is a beloved dish worldwide, known for its gooey cheese, savory sauce, and delightful toppings. But what if you could enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a crispy, handheld package? Enter Air Fried Pizza Egg Rolls. This innovative recipe combines the best of both worlds, giving you the deliciousness of pizza wrapped in a crunchy egg roll shell. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a fun dinner option, these pizza egg rolls are sure to become a family favorite.
Origins and Inspiration
The fusion of pizza and egg rolls is a testament to culinary creativity. Combining elements of Italian and Asian cuisines, these egg rolls are a fun and tasty way to enjoy familiar flavors in a new form. The air fryer adds a modern twist, allowing you to achieve a perfectly crispy texture without the excess oil of traditional frying methods. With the rise of air frying as a popular cooking technique, this recipe offers a healthier alternative without compromising on taste or texture.
Ingredients
Before you start rolling, gather the following ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process:
- Egg Roll Wrappers: 12 sheets
- Pizza Sauce: 1 cup
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Pepperoni Slices: 24 pieces (or your preferred pizza toppings)
- Olive Oil: For brushing
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (optional, for extra flavor)
- Cooking Spray: For the air fryer basket
Instructions
Creating these delicious air-fried pizza egg rolls is simple and fun. Follow these steps to ensure perfect rolls every time.
Preparation
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Wrappers:
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, with one corner pointing towards you.
Filling the Egg Rolls
- Add Sauce:
- Spoon about a tablespoon of pizza sauce onto the center of the wrapper.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Place two slices of pepperoni (or your chosen toppings) on top of the cheese.
- Season:
- Sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder over the fillings.
Rolling the Egg Rolls
- Fold and Roll:
- Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly towards the top corner.
- Use a bit of water to seal the top edge.
- Repeat:
- Continue this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Cooking the Egg Rolls
- Brush with Olive Oil:
- Lightly brush each egg roll with olive oil to ensure a crispy texture.
- Arrange in Air Fryer:
- Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch.
- Cook:
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove the egg rolls and let them cool slightly. Serve with extra pizza sauce or marinara for dipping.
Tips and Variations
- Filling Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as cooked sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for a personalized touch.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the pepperoni and load your egg rolls with your favorite veggies for a vegetarian twist.
- Extra Crispy: For an extra crispy finish, consider using a mixture of olive oil and melted butter to brush the rolls before air frying.
- Frozen Egg Rolls: If using frozen egg rolls, adjust the cooking time to ensure they are heated through and crispy.
Common Questions
- Can pizza rolls be cooked in an air fryer? Yes, air frying is a fantastic way to cook pizza rolls, providing a crispy texture with less oil.
- How do you crisp egg rolls in an air fryer? Ensure they are evenly spaced in the basket and brush them with a bit of oil to enhance crispiness.
- Does pizza get crispy in an air fryer? Absolutely! The circulating hot air in the fryer crisps up the exterior while keeping the inside deliciously gooey.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 5g
These values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portions.
Air Fried Pizza Egg Rolls are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, offering a unique and fun way to enjoy pizza. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy night in, these egg rolls are sure to impress. We encourage you to try this recipe, explore variations, and share your creations with us. Don’t forget to leave a comment below, share the recipe on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes.