How to Make Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer

';

Are you craving the crispy, flavorful goodness of Panda Express chicken egg rolls but want a healthier, homemade version? Store-bought egg rolls often lack freshness, while deep-frying at home can be messy and unhealthy. The solution? Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls—a perfect balance of crunch and flavor without excessive oil.

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality egg rolls with a crispy shell and a savory, well-seasoned chicken and vegetable filling. Plus, it’s quick, budget-friendly, and air fryer-approved!

As a food enthusiast with years of experience recreating takeout favorites at home, I’ve fine-tuned this recipe to be both easy and authentic. In this guide, I’ll cover the best ingredients, preparation steps, air-frying techniques, and tips to ensure perfectly crispy egg rolls every time.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why this air fryer recipe works so well
• How to choose the right ingredients
• Step-by-step preparation and air frying tips
• Storage and reheating methods

---

Why This Recipe Works

These air fryer chicken egg rolls are flavor-packed, crispy, and easy to make. Here’s why they’re a game-changer:

• Healthier than deep-frying – Air frying uses up to 80% less oil, reducing calories while maintaining crunch.
• Quick and easy – Ready in just 15 minutes of cooking time, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients that are easy to find.
• Versatile – You can customize the filling to suit your taste or dietary needs.

---

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Best Cuts for This Recipe

For juicy and flavorful egg rolls, ground chicken or finely chopped chicken thighs work best. Chicken thighs retain moisture better than chicken breast, making them the preferred choice.

Buying Tips

• Look for fresh ground chicken with a pinkish hue (not gray or slimy).
• Choose pre-shredded cabbage and carrots for convenience.
• Use egg roll wrappers, not spring roll wrappers, for the right texture.

Substitutions

• Swap ground turkey or pork for chicken if preferred.
• Use gluten-free wrappers if needed.
• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms.

---

Ingredients and Preparation

Meat Preparation Basics

• Trim excess fat if using whole chicken thighs.
• Finely chop or use ground chicken for even cooking.

Marinades & Seasoning

For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken filling with:

Ingredient	Quantity	Approx. Cost
Ground chicken	1 lb	$4.00
Soy sauce	2 tbsp	$0.50
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves	$0.30
Ginger (grated)	1 tsp	$0.20
Sesame oil	1 tsp	$0.40
Green onions	2 stalks	$0.50

Marinate for at least 15 minutes for deeper flavor.

Assembly Steps

1. Sauté the chicken until fully cooked, then mix with cabbage, carrots, and seasonings.
2. Lay an egg roll wrapper diagonally, place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center.
3. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly.
4. Seal with water or an egg wash.

---

Air Frying Instructions

Temperature	Time	Flip?
375°F	8 min	Yes
375°F	5 min	No

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
• Arrange in a single layer for even cooking.
• Flip halfway through for even crispiness.

---

Serving & Storage

Best Dipping Sauces

• Sweet chili sauce (classic pairing)
• Soy sauce with sesame oil
• Homemade peanut sauce

Storage & Reheating

Method	Temperature	Time
Refrigerator	3-4 days	—
Freezer	Up to 2 months	—
Air fryer reheat	350°F	4 min
Oven reheat	375°F	10 min

---

Watch the Full Recipe Video 🎥

Check out this step-by-step video guide to see the entire process in action!

---

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls are crispy, delicious, and easy to make at home. By using an air fryer, you get all the crunch without the excess oil. Try this recipe and enjoy a takeout favorite with a homemade touch!

What’s your favorite dipping sauce? Let me know in the comments below!