Egg rolls are a classic appetizer that are enjoyed around the world. They have a crispy outer shell and are filled with delicious ingredients like cabbage, carrots, chicken or pork. Many people keep frozen egg rolls on hand for quick and easy appetizers. But how long should you deep fry frozen egg rolls to achieve that perfect crispy texture without overcooking the inside?
What is an Egg Roll?
Egg rolls are a cylindrical shaped appetizer made with a wheat flour wrapper wrapped around savory fillings. Typical fillings include:
- Shredded cabbage
- Carrots
- Bean sprouts
- Green onions
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Chicken, pork, shrimp or a combination
- Sesame oil
- Soy sauce
- Salt and pepper
The wrapper is rolled up into a cylindrical log shape around the fillings and sealed. Egg rolls can be freshly made, refrigerated for short term storage or frozen for longer term storage. Frozen egg rolls provide the convenience of being able to pull them from the freezer and fry them up whenever you get a craving.
Benefits of Deep Frying Frozen Egg Rolls
There are a few advantages to deep frying frozen egg rolls rather than freshly made ones:
- Convenience – Keeping a bag of frozen egg rolls on hand means you can enjoy these crunchy appetizers anytime without a lot of prep work.
- Texture – Frozen egg rolls actually deep fry up extra crispy on the outside since the water molecules expand during freezing and create steam during cooking. This makes the outer shell extra crunchy.
- Cook time – Frozen egg rolls take less time to deep fry since they don’t need to be cooked all the way through. Only the outside needs to be crisped up.
How Long to Deep Fry Frozen Egg Rolls
The amount of time needed to deep fry frozen egg rolls depends on a few factors:
- Oil temperature – The temperature of the oil makes a significant difference in cook time. Hotter oil will crisp up the egg roll faster.
- Egg roll size – Larger egg rolls will take a little longer than smaller egg rolls.
- Amount being cooked – Cooking a few egg rolls at a time will go faster than cooking a whole package.
- Doneness preference – Some people prefer their egg rolls very crispy while others like them just lightly fried.
Taking these factors into account, here are some general guidelines for deep frying times for frozen egg rolls:
| Oil Temperature | Egg Roll Size | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 350°F | Small (3 inch) | 2-3 minutes |
| 350°F | Medium (4 inch) | 3-4 minutes |
| 350°F | Large (5 inch+) | 4-5 minutes |
| 375°F | Small (3 inch) | 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 minutes |
| 375°F | Medium (4 inch) | 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 minutes |
| 375°F | Large (5 inch+) | 3 1/2 – 4 1/2 minutes |
For best results, fry just a few egg rolls at a time so you don’t lower the oil temperature too much. Fry them in batches for a consistent cook time. Flip the egg rolls over about halfway through frying to ensure even browning.
How to Tell When Egg Rolls are Done Frying
It can be tricky to tell when frozen egg rolls are crispy and heated through without cutting one open. Here are a few signs to look for to determine doneness:
- Color – The egg roll wrapper will turn from pale to golden brown with some crispy, darkened spots.
- Texture – A properly fried egg roll will feel very firm and crunchy all over.
- Floating – As egg rolls fry, they will start floating to the top of the oil when they become lighter than the oil.
- Sizzling – The bubbling and sizzling sound will quiet down when the egg roll is almost finished frying.
You can also use a deep fry thermometer to test the internal temperature. Frozen egg rolls are done frying when the center reaches 165°F-175°F. If the egg roll doesn’t feel crispy enough, let it fry another 30-60 seconds until golden brown.
Troubleshooting Fried Egg Rolls
If your deep fried frozen egg rolls aren’t turning out right, here are some common problems and how to fix them:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Soggy | Oil not hot enough | Increase oil temperature to 350-375°F |
| Greasy | Oil too hot | Lower oil temperature to 325-350°F |
| Burnt outside, cold inside | Frying too long | Reduce fry time by 30-60 seconds |
| Falls apart | Frying too long | Reduce fry time by 30-60 seconds |
Best Practices for Deep Frying Frozen Egg Rolls
Follow these tips to deep fry frozen egg rolls like a pro:
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F. This prevents uneven cooking.
- Allow oil to fully heat up before adding egg rolls. Adding frozen food lowers the temp.
- Fry just 2-3 egg rolls at a time so they cook evenly.
- Flip egg rolls over halfway through frying.
- Let excess oil drain off on a paper towel lined plate.
- Blot fried egg rolls with more paper towels to absorb extra grease.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
What Oil is Best for Frying?
The oil you choose for deep frying makes a difference. Look for oils with a high smoke point and neutral flavor:
| Oil | Smoke Point | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Canola | 400°F | Neutral |
| Vegetable | 450°F | Neutral |
| Peanut | 450°F | Nutty |
| Sunflower | 450°F | Neutral |
| Avocado | 520°F | Buttery |
Avoid olive oil and non-stick cooking sprays which can burn at high frying temperatures. Also avoid reusing oil more than a few times as it will break down and impart off flavors.
Safety Tips for Deep Frying
Hot oil can easily cause burns and injuries. Keep these safety tips in mind:
- Use caution when cooking with large amounts of hot oil.
- Always add food gently to prevent splattering.
- Wear short sleeves and tie back long hair.
- Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area.
- Heat oil slowly to prevent overheating.
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.
- If oil starts smoking, immediately turn off heat.
- Let oil fully cool before disposing to prevent fires.
Serving Ideas for Fried Egg Rolls
Crispy deep fried egg rolls pair nicely with:
- Dipping sauces like sweet chili, duck, plum, hot mustard or soy sauce
- Main dishes like orange chicken, fried rice or lo mein
- Soups like egg drop, wonton or hot and sour
- Salads like Chinese chicken salad
- Pot stickers or crab rangoons
With some hot oil, frozen egg rolls and a few dipping sauces you can pull together a quick and easy Asian inspired meal or appetizer any night of the week.
Storing Leftover Fried Egg Rolls
Properly stored, fried egg rolls will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To maintain texture and flavor:
- Let egg rolls cool completely before refrigerating.
- Place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
- If reheating, use the oven or toaster oven instead of microwaving.
- Don’t refrigerate more than 3-4 days.
For longer term storage, fried egg rolls can be frozen up to 2-3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 375°F oven until hot and crisp.
Conclusion
Deep frying frozen egg rolls makes for a quick and delicious appetizer any night of the week. For best results, fry at 350-375°F for 1 1/2 – 4 minutes depending on size. Look for golden brown color and floating to determine doneness. Use a neutral, high heat oil and fry in small batches for even cooking. Keep safety top of mind when working with hot oil. Serve these crispy treats hot with dipping sauces and enjoy!