Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Turkey: This is the star of your egg rolls! Any leftover turkey works well, but if you have chicken or even leftover pork, those can also be substituted for a tasty twist!
Stuffing or Dressing: If you don’t have stuffing, you can replace it with cooked rice, quinoa, or even breadcrumbs mixed with herbs to give a similar texture.
Cooked Vegetables: Feel free to use any leftover veggies such as carrots, peas, or broccoli. You can also use frozen vegetables if you don’t have any leftovers handy.
Egg Roll Wrappers: If you can’t find these, you can use spring roll wrappers or even homemade dough for the outside. Just make sure whatever you choose is flexible enough to roll without breaking.
How Do I Get the Perfect Seal on My Egg Rolls?
Sealing the egg rolls properly is key to ensuring they hold their filling during cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a beaten egg as your sealing agent. When you brush it on the top point of the egg roll, it helps bind it together.
- Don’t overfill the wrapper, as this makes sealing difficult. Stick to about 2-3 tablespoons of filling for each roll.
- Be sure to press the edges firmly together after folding to get a tight seal.
With these tips, you should be set for a successful air frying session! Enjoy your delicious egg rolls!
Air Fryer Turkey Egg Rolls (Thanksgiving Leftovers)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
- 1 cup stuffing or dressing, crumbled
- 1 cup cooked vegetables (corn, green beans, or mixed), finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mashed potatoes (optional, to bind)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning or sage
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Wrappers:
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
For Cooking:
- Cooking spray or oil for air fryer
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 10 minutes of cooking time. So, you’ll have delicious turkey egg rolls ready in just about 25 minutes—perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Toss in the finely chopped turkey, crumbled stuffing, cooked vegetables, and mashed potatoes if you’re using them. Add in the poultry seasoning and black pepper. Mix everything together well until it’s evenly combined. This is where all those great Thanksgiving flavors come together!
2. Assemble the Egg Rolls:
Now, take one egg roll wrapper and lay it in a diamond shape on a clean, flat surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the turkey mixture near the bottom corner of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the two side corners. Roll it up tightly towards the top corner. To seal the roll, brush the top corner with the beaten egg. Repeat this process for the remaining wrappers and filling!
3. Air Fry the Egg Rolls:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Once it’s ready, lightly spray each egg roll with cooking spray or brush them with a bit of oil to enhance crispiness. Arrange the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching each other. This ensures they cook evenly!
4. Cooking Time:
Cook the egg rolls for about 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure they get golden brown and crisp all around. Once done, take them out and let them cool slightly before serving.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious turkey egg rolls are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, like sweet chili sauce or a garlic-soy sauce mix, for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy this creative twist on Thanksgiving leftovers with crispy, flavorful air fryer turkey egg rolls!
Can I Use Other Meats in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have turkey leftovers, feel free to substitute with cooked chicken, pork, or even beef. Just ensure they are finely chopped for easy filling.
What If I Don’t Have Egg Roll Wrappers?
No problem! You can use spring roll wrappers, or even make your own dough if you’re feeling adventurous. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary slightly for different wrappers.
Can I Freeze These Egg Rolls?
Yes, you can! Assemble the egg rolls and lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Just cook from frozen in the air fryer for a few extra minutes!
What Dipping Sauces Work Best?
Sweet chili sauce and soy sauce mixed with garlic are great choices! You could also try spicy mustard, ranch dressing, or even a homemade teriyaki sauce for a flavor boost!