Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Mastering Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls: A Beginner’s Guide

Air Fryers have transformed home cooking, making it possible to enjoy your favorite crispy treats without the mess and added calories of deep frying. One recipe that’s perfect for those new to the air fryer is Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls. It’s a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods—Philly cheesesteak and crispy egg rolls. This guide will walk you through every step to create mouthwatering Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls right from your kitchen, even if you’re a beginner.

What Are Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls?

Philly cheesesteak is a classic American sandwich that combines thinly sliced beef with melted cheese, often served with onions and peppers on a hoagie roll. In this recipe, we’re taking those flavors and wrapping them in a crunchy egg roll wrapper, then air frying them to perfection. The result is a golden, crispy shell with a juicy, cheesy, and flavorful filling.

Why the Air Fryer?

Traditionally, egg rolls are deep-fried, which can be messy and loaded with oil. The air fryer offers a healthier alternative without sacrificing the crispy texture. Using rapid hot air circulation, air fryers cook food quickly and evenly, making them perfect for egg rolls. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound of thinly sliced ribeye steak (or deli roast beef for convenience)
1 cup of green bell peppers, diced
1 cup of onions, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 slices of provolone cheese (or cheese of your choice: American or Cheez Whiz are popular alternatives)
12 egg roll wrappers
Cooking spray or a light coat of oil for air frying
Salt and pepper to taste
Dipping sauce of choice (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

1. Prepare the Filling

Cook the Steak: Start by slicing your ribeye steak as thinly as possible. If you’re using pre-cooked roast beef, you can skip this part. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan and cook the steak over medium-high heat until it’s browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the diced green bell peppers and onions. Sauté them until they’re soft and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
Combine the Filling: Once the veggies are done, return the cooked steak to the pan. Stir everything together until the steak and vegetables are well combined. Turn off the heat.

2. Assemble the Egg Rolls

Set Up the Wrapper: Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface. Rotate the wrapper so that it looks like a diamond with a corner pointing towards you.
Add the Filling: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the steak and vegetable mixture onto the center of the wrapper. Top the mixture with half a slice of provolone cheese.
Roll It Up: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up over the filling, tucking it snugly. Then, fold in the sides and continue rolling it tightly until you reach the top. Use a bit of water to seal the edges of the wrapper so it stays closed.
Repeat this process until all of your egg rolls are filled and rolled.

3. Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Lightly spray or brush the egg rolls with cooking spray or a light coat of oil. This will help them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without needing to be submerged in oil.

4. Air Fry the Egg Rolls

Place the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd them—leaving a bit of space between each one allows the hot air to circulate properly, ensuring an even cook.
Cook the Egg Rolls: Air fry the egg rolls for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers can vary in power, but the egg rolls should turn a golden-brown color and have a crispy texture when ready.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once your egg rolls are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. These crispy, savory treats are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with dipping sauces. Cheese sauce, ranch dressing, or even marinara sauce work wonderfully with these egg rolls.

Tips for Beginners

Use Thin Steak: If you’re new to slicing meat, you can make it easier by placing the steak in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before cutting it. This will firm up the meat, making it easier to slice thinly.
Don’t Overstuff the Egg Rolls: It might be tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, but overstuffing can cause the egg rolls to burst open during cooking. Stick to about 2 tablespoons of filling per roll for best results.
Check Your Air Fryer’s Capacity: If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the egg rolls in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to get creative with the filling. Add mushrooms, jalapeños, or even switch up the cheese for different flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have any leftover egg rolls, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until they are heated through and crispy again.

You can also freeze the egg rolls before air frying them. To freeze, lay the rolled egg rolls on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook, there’s no need to thaw them—just add an extra 3-5 minutes to the air frying time.

Final Thoughts

Making Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls is a great way to explore the versatility of your air fryer while mastering a dish that’s sure to impress friends and family. With this recipe, you can enjoy the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak in a new and exciting form—all while keeping things healthier and easier in the kitchen. Even if you’re just starting with air fryer cooking, this recipe is approachable, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit!

Happy cooking, and enjoy your crispy, cheesy egg rolls!