Air Fryer Apple Pie Egg Rolls: A Crispy, Delicious Dessert!
These Air Fryer Apple Pie Egg Rolls are a fun and easy twist on a classic dessert! Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie encased in a crispy, golden-brown egg roll wrapper. They’re perfect for a quick dessert, a party snack, or even a unique breakfast treat. This recipe is incredibly simple, uses minimal ingredients, and is ready in under 30 minutes. The air fryer creates a delightfully crispy exterior without all the oil of deep frying, making them a healthier (and less messy!) option. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dessert cravings.
* **Deliciously Crispy:** The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy exterior without the need for deep frying.
* **Comforting Flavors:** The warm cinnamon and apple filling evokes the classic flavors of apple pie.
* **Versatile:** These egg rolls can be served as a dessert, snack, or even a unique breakfast treat.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids will love the fun, handheld format of these apple pie egg rolls.
* **Minimal Ingredients:** You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.
* **Healthier Option:** Air frying reduces the amount of oil used compared to deep frying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Egg Roll Wrappers:** These are readily available in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. Make sure to keep them covered with a damp cloth while you work to prevent them from drying out.
* **Apples:** Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness and ability to hold their shape during cooking. However, you can also use other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala.
* **Butter:** Use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the filling.
* **Brown Sugar:** Brown sugar adds a warm, molasses-like sweetness to the apple filling. Light or dark brown sugar can be used.
* **Cinnamon:** Ground cinnamon is essential for that classic apple pie flavor.
* **Nutmeg:** A pinch of nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice.
* **Lemon Juice:** Lemon juice helps to brighten the apple filling and prevent the apples from browning.
* **Cornstarch:** Cornstarch is used to thicken the apple filling.
* **Water:** Used to create a cornstarch slurry and to seal the egg rolls.
* **Optional: Granulated Sugar:** For coating the finished egg rolls.
* **Optional: Ground Ginger:** Add a pinch for more spicy and warm taste.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Air Fryer:** An air fryer is essential for achieving that crispy exterior. The size of your air fryer will determine how many egg rolls you can cook at a time.
* **Large Skillet:** For cooking the apple filling.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping the apples.
* **Knife:** For chopping the apples.
* **Small Bowl:** For the cornstarch slurry.
* **Pastry Brush or Small Bowl:** For water to seal egg rolls
* **Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring the filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Prepare the Apple Filling:**
* Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces (about 1/2 inch). Aim for consistency so they cook evenly.
* In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Add the diced apples to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
* In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the filling.
* Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet with the apple mixture. Stir constantly until the filling thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
**2. Assemble the Egg Rolls:**
* Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface, with one point facing you (like a diamond shape).
* Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling in the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the egg rolls to burst during cooking.
* Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling.
* Fold in the two side corners towards the center, like you’re making an envelope.
* Dampen the top corner of the wrapper with a little water. This will help seal the egg roll.
* Roll the egg roll tightly from the bottom to the top, pressing gently to seal the top corner. Ensure that it is completely sealed. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
**3. Air Fry the Egg Rolls:**
* Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking.
* Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the egg rolls from sticking. You can also brush the egg rolls themselves with a little oil or melted butter for extra crispiness.
* Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
* Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers can vary.
**4. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Remove the air-fried apple pie egg rolls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
* Optionally, roll the warm egg rolls in granulated sugar for extra sweetness and sparkle. For a richer flavour, consider mixing the sugar with a little ground cinnamon.
* Serve warm and enjoy! They are delicious on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Pie Egg Rolls
* **Don’t Overfill:** Overfilling the egg rolls will cause them to burst during cooking. Stick to about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per wrapper.
* **Seal Tightly:** Make sure to seal the egg rolls tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out. Use water to help seal the edges.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:** Cook the egg rolls in batches to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the air fryer will result in soggy egg rolls.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** Air fryer models vary, so adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior. Start checking at 6 minutes and add more time if necessary.
* **Use a Damp Cloth:** Keep the egg roll wrappers covered with a damp cloth while you’re working to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
* **Cool the Filling:** Allow the apple filling to cool slightly before assembling the egg rolls. This will prevent the wrappers from becoming soggy.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Try adding other spices to the apple filling, such as ginger, cardamom, or cloves. You can also add nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Get creative with your dipping sauces! Caramel sauce, vanilla glaze, cream cheese frosting, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar are all delicious options.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftover egg rolls in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness. Microwaving will make them soggy.
Variations and Additions
* **Caramel Apple Pie Egg Rolls:** Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the apple filling or serve the finished egg rolls with caramel dipping sauce.
* **Peanut Butter Apple Pie Egg Rolls:** Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the apple filling for a delicious twist.
* **Chocolate Chip Apple Pie Egg Rolls:** Stir in a handful of chocolate chips into the filling.
* **Spiced Apple Pie Egg Rolls:** Add a pinch of ground ginger, cardamom, or cloves to the apple filling for a more complex flavor.
* **Nutty Apple Pie Egg Rolls:** Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the apple filling for added texture and flavor.
* **Vegan Apple Pie Egg Rolls:** Use vegan butter and egg roll wrappers to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
* **Gluten-Free Apple Pie Egg Rolls:** Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers to make this recipe gluten-free. Note that not all egg roll wrappers are created equal, so be sure to read the packaging carefully to find a suitable gluten-free option. Rice paper wrappers are generally gluten-free and can be used, although they might not crisp up quite the same way as traditional egg roll wrappers.
Serving Suggestions
* **Dessert:** Serve as a simple and satisfying dessert after dinner.
* **Snack:** Enjoy as a fun and flavorful snack any time of day.
* **Party Appetizer:** These egg rolls are a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties and gatherings.
* **Breakfast Treat:** Indulge in a unique and delicious breakfast treat.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, caramel ice cream, or cinnamon ice cream.
* **With Whipped Cream:** Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
* **With Dipping Sauces:** Serve with caramel sauce, vanilla glaze, cream cheese frosting, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)**
* Calories: Varies depending on the ingredients used and serving size, but approximately 150-200 calories per egg roll.
* Fat: 5-8 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
* Protein: 2-3 grams
*Please note that this is just an estimate, and the actual nutritional information may vary.* For precise information, calculate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover air fryer apple pie egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this will make them soggy.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Apple Pie Egg Rolls are a delightful and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of apple pie. With their crispy exterior, warm and comforting filling, and simple preparation, they are sure to become a new favorite. So, grab your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to enjoy a taste of autumn in every bite!