Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

Directions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Once cooked, drain any excess fat.

2. Season the Meat:

Once the beef is cooked, stir in the ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for another minute or two, just to allow the flavors to combine.

3. Add the Cheese and Pickles:

Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped pickles. The cheese will melt into the beef, creating a gooey, flavorful filling that mimics the melty goodness of a classic cheeseburger.

4. Prepare the Egg Roll Wrappers:

Lay the egg roll wrappers flat on a clean surface, with one corner pointing towards you (like a diamond shape). If you’re using square wrappers, make sure to rotate them so they’re diamond-shaped before filling.

5. Fill the Egg Rolls:

Spoon a small amount (about 2-3 tablespoons) of the cheeseburger filling into the center of each egg roll wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as it can make rolling difficult and messy.

6. Roll the Egg Rolls:

To roll the egg rolls, fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up over the filling. Then, fold the two side corners in towards the center. Finally, roll the wrapper tightly from the bottom to the top, sealing the edge with a little water or egg wash to help it stick. If necessary, lightly press the seams to ensure they stay closed during cooking.

7. Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps the egg rolls cook evenly and get extra crispy.

8. Air Fry the Egg Rolls:

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray, then place the egg rolls seam-side down in the basket. Spray the tops of the egg rolls with a light coat of olive oil. This helps them crisp up as they cook.

Air fry the egg rolls at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they get evenly golden and crispy on all sides. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid overcooking or burning.

9. Serve:

Once the egg rolls are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, or even a creamy ranch dip.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls:

• Don’t Overfill the Wrappers: It’s tempting to load the egg rolls with extra filling, but keep in mind that overfilling can make them difficult to roll and might cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
• Use Lean Ground Beef: Since you’ll be cooking the beef in a skillet, using lean ground beef will help minimize excess grease. If you use a fattier beef, be sure to drain any excess fat after browning.
• Seal the Wrappers Well: Make sure to seal the edges of the egg rolls tightly so the filling doesn’t leak out during cooking. A bit of water or egg wash will help the wrapper stick.
• Customizing the Filling: You can get creative with your filling! Try adding caramelized onions, bacon crumbles, or sautéed mushrooms to mimic your favorite burger toppings. You can also swap the cheddar cheese for American cheese or Swiss cheese for a different twist.
• Check the Temperature: Air fryer models vary, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the egg rolls as they cook. If they’re not as crispy as you’d like, give them another minute or two in the air fryer.

Variations:

• Bacon Cheeseburger Egg Rolls: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the filling for a smoky, salty kick that elevates the classic cheeseburger flavor.
• Veggie Cheeseburger Egg Rolls: If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with crumbled veggie burgers or cooked lentils for a plant-based option. You can also add extra veggies like diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more flavor and texture.
• Spicy Cheeseburger Egg Rolls: Kick up the heat by adding some finely chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling.
• Cheeseburger Egg Roll Bites: For a fun, bite-sized version, cut the egg roll wrappers into smaller squares and fill them with a small amount of filling. Cook them as you would the regular egg rolls, adjusting the cooking time for the smaller size.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls:

These cheeseburger egg rolls are a complete meal in themselves, but they also pair well with a variety of side dishes:

• French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Keep the “burger and fries” theme going with a side of crispy fries.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch to balance the richness of the egg rolls.
• Salad: Serve with a simple side salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a fresher contrast.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, like ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo, to dip the egg rolls in.

Conclusion:

Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls are a fun and creative way to enjoy the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a crispy, portable form. These egg rolls are quick to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or indulging in a tasty snack. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a casual dinner, or as an appetizer at a party, they’re sure to be a hit!

So, grab your air fryer, fill those wrappers with cheeseburger goodness, and get ready for a crispy, cheesy treat that’s impossible to resist!