Crispy & Flavorful Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls: The Ultimate Easy Recipe

Prepare to revolutionize your dinner routine with these incredibly easy and undeniably delicious Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls! If you’re searching for a new air fryer recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, look no further. This innovative dish combines the beloved savory goodness of a classic Philly Cheesesteak with the irresistible crispy crunch of an egg roll, all perfectly cooked in your air fryer. It’s a fantastic go-to for a quick lunch, a satisfying weeknight dinner, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone asking for more. Get ready to elevate your cooking with these simple, step-by-step instructions!

This recipe is truly a culinary mashup masterpiece, born from the fusion of two highly popular dishes: the Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak and Air Fryer Egg Rolls. We’ve taken the best elements of both—the tender, seasoned steak and gooey cheese from the cheesesteak, and the golden, crispy wrapper from the egg roll—and brought them together in a convenient air fryer format. The result? A mouthwatering experience that’s both familiar and excitingly new, offering a delightful texture contrast and an explosion of savory flavors in every bite. It’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion, proving that comfort food can be both creative and incredibly simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Beyond their amazing taste, there are so many reasons these Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls will become a staple in your recipe rotation. First and foremost, the air fryer makes them incredibly crispy without the need for deep frying, meaning less oil and a healthier alternative to traditional fried egg rolls. This kitchen appliance circulates hot air, creating a perfectly golden and crunchy exterior that perfectly encases the warm, cheesy, and savory filling. The convenience factor is also a huge plus; from prep to plate, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

The flavor profile is another major draw. The combination of thinly sliced ribeye steak, sautéed bell peppers, and sweet onions, all seasoned to perfection, creates a robust and authentic Philly Cheesesteak experience. When melted provolone cheese is added to the mix and wrapped in a crisp egg roll shell, it creates a handheld delight that’s packed with satisfying textures and tastes. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Philly Cheesesteaks or simply looking for an exciting new way to use your air fryer, these egg rolls offer a unique and delicious twist that’s sure to impress. They’re also highly customizable, allowing you to tweak ingredients to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs.

What Ingredients Do You Need for Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls?

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these fantastic Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls. The beauty of this recipe lies in its relatively simple list of accessible items that combine to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some insights into why each component is essential for that authentic flavor and texture:

• Ribeye Steak: Opt for good quality ribeye, thinly sliced. This cut is known for its marbling, which contributes to its tenderness and rich flavor, making it perfect for a cheesesteak filling. You can ask your butcher to thinly slice it for you, or partially freeze it at home for easier slicing.
• Salt & Ground Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the steak and vegetables. Adjust to your taste.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples add a foundational layer of aromatic flavor that is characteristic of a classic cheesesteak, permeating the meat and vegetables.
• Bell Pepper: Any color bell pepper will work, thinly sliced. Green bell peppers offer a slightly more traditional Philly flavor, but red, yellow, or orange can add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
• Sweet Onion: Thinly sliced sweet onion caramelizes beautifully when cooked with the steak, adding depth and a lovely mild sweetness to the filling.
• Provolone Cheese: This is the classic cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak, known for its mild, slightly tangy flavor and excellent melting qualities. For extra gooeyness, you can use sharp or mild provolone.
• Egg Roll Wrappers: The crispy shell! These are readily available in most grocery stores in the refrigerated section, usually near the produce or tofu. Ensure they are fresh for optimal flexibility and crispness.
• Grapeseed Oil Spray: Crucial for achieving that beautiful golden-brown and crispy exterior in the air fryer. Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for air frying.

These carefully selected ingredients work in harmony to create a truly delicious and satisfying meal. While the recipe calls for ribeye, you could experiment with other cuts like sirloin or even shaved steak for convenience. For the cheese, alternatives like American cheese or a cheese sauce (like Cheez Whiz, for a more authentic Philly street food vibe) could also be considered, though provolone offers a superb balance. Feel free to adjust the amounts of seasonings and vegetables to match your personal preferences, making this recipe truly your own.

How Do You Make Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls? A Detailed Guide

Making these Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls is a straightforward process, broken down into two main parts: preparing the delicious cheesesteak filling and then assembling and air frying the egg rolls to golden perfection. Follow these detailed steps for the best results.

Part 1: Preparing the Philly Cheesesteak Filling

1. Season the Steak: In a large mixing bowl, combine your thinly sliced ribeye steak with salt, ground pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the seasonings into the meat, ensuring every piece is well-coated. This initial seasoning step is vital for building deep flavor.
2. Add Vegetables: Next, add the thinly sliced bell pepper and sweet onion to the bowl with the seasoned steak. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly, so the vegetables are evenly distributed with the meat.
3. Cook the Filling: Place the meat and vegetable mixture into the basket of your air fryer. If you have a larger air fryer, you might be able to cook it all at once; otherwise, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can steam the ingredients instead of browning them.
4. Air Fry the Filling: Air Fry the mixture at 390°F (199°C) for 7-8 minutes. It’s crucial to stir or shake the basket about halfway through the cooking time (around 3-4 minutes) to ensure even cooking and browning. If the mixture appears dry, a light spray of grapeseed oil can help achieve a better sear. The goal is for the steak to be cooked through and slightly browned, and the vegetables to be tender-crisp.

Part 2: Assembling and Air Frying the Egg Rolls

Once your flavorful cheesesteak filling is ready, it’s time to transform it into crispy egg rolls. This process involves careful assembly and precise air frying.

5. Prepare Wrappers: While the meat is cooking, prepare your egg roll wrappers. Lay them out on a clean, dry surface. This recipe typically yields about 8 egg rolls, so you’ll want 8 wrappers ready.
6. Fill the Wrappers: Once the meat mixture is cooked, allow it to cool slightly, just enough to handle. Place a small amount of the meat and vegetable mixture in the center of each egg roll wrapper. Top this with half a slice of provolone cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully inside, binding the filling together.
7. Wrap the Egg Rolls: Follow the package instructions for your egg roll wrappers, or use the “envelope fold” method:
   • Orient the wrapper like a diamond (one corner pointing towards you).
   • Fold the bottom corner up over the filling and tuck it in tightly.
   • Fold in the left and right corners towards the center, overlapping slightly.
   • Roll the egg roll tightly from the bottom upwards.
   • Before the final roll, dab a little water on the top corner to seal it securely. A tight seal is key to preventing the filling from escaping and ensuring a crispy exterior.
8. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the assembled egg rolls in the air fryer basket, seam side down. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket; typically, 2-4 egg rolls will fit comfortably, leaving ample space between them for proper air circulation. Cooking in batches ensures even crispiness.
9. Spray with Oil: Give the egg rolls a generous and even coat of grapeseed oil spray. This step is essential for achieving that desirable golden-brown and crispy texture. Grapeseed oil spray is preferred due to its high smoke point, which prevents burning and yields superior crispiness compared to some other oils. Olive oil spray can be used as an alternative, but watch closely.

As mentioned, grapeseed oil spray is a top choice due to its high smoke point, ensuring your egg rolls get beautifully crispy without a smoky kitchen. While olive oil spray works, grapeseed offers an advantage in the air fryer’s high-heat environment.

10. Air Fry the Egg Rolls: Air Fry at 390°F (199°C) for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Pay close attention during this stage, as air fryers vary in their heating intensity. Since your air fryer will already be preheated from cooking the meat, the egg rolls may cook faster than expected. Monitor them carefully to prevent overcooking or burning.
11. Serve: Carefully remove the hot, crispy egg rolls from the air fryer. If you have more batches to cook, repeat the process. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Your Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

These Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. As a main course, they are satisfying on their own, perhaps alongside a simple green salad or some air-fried vegetables for a balanced meal. They also make an outstanding appetizer for parties, game days, or family gatherings. For an authentic experience, consider serving them with a side of classic cheese sauce (like a homemade beer cheese dip or Cheez Whiz, if you dare!), a spicy sriracha mayo, or even just ketchup. A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can also add a delightful kick. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your dips!

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs:

• Cheese Alternatives: While provolone is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like white American, cheddar, or even a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for different melt and flavor profiles.
• Meat Options: Not a fan of beef? Try thinly sliced chicken breast or ground chicken for a “Chicken Philly” version. Ground turkey or even plant-based meat alternatives can also work for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, jalapeños for a spicy kick, or extra bell peppers can all be sautéed with the steak and onions to diversify the filling.
• Spice It Up: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the seasoning mix or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier egg roll.
• Gluten-Free: If available, look for gluten-free egg roll wrappers to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How Do You Store Leftovers and Reheat Them?

If you happen to have any of these delectable Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls left over (which is a rare occurrence!), proper storage and reheating are key to maintaining their deliciousness and crisp texture.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To prevent them from getting soggy, it’s best to place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best method for reheating to restore their crispy texture is, you guessed it, the air fryer!

Simply preheat your air fryer to 340°F (170°C). Place the leftover egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Reheat for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the wrapper has regained its crispiness. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model and how cold the egg rolls are, so keep an eye on them. Avoid using a microwave for reheating, as it will likely result in a soggy wrapper and diminish the overall experience. A conventional oven can also work, preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Tips for Air Frying Success

To ensure your Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls turn out perfectly every time, keep these essential tips in mind:

• Thin Slices are Key: For the steak, very thin slices (shaved steak style) cook quickly and evenly, mimicking the authentic cheesesteak texture. If your steak isn’t thinly sliced, you can partially freeze it for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly at home.
• Don’t Overfill: While tempting to pack them full, overfilling egg rolls can lead to wrappers tearing during cooking, causing the delicious filling to leak out. Use a modest amount of filling, ensuring you can still comfortably seal the wrapper.
• Seal Properly: Use a little water on the edge of the wrapper to create a strong seal. This prevents the egg roll from unraveling and the cheese from oozing out during air frying. A well-sealed egg roll cooks more evenly and stays crispy.
• Avoid Overcrowding: This is perhaps the most crucial rule for air frying. Overcrowding the basket prevents hot air from circulating effectively, leading to steamed, rather than crispy, egg rolls. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring there’s space around each egg roll.
• Use High Smoke Point Oil: Grapeseed oil spray is recommended for its high smoke point, which helps achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior without burning. If you use olive oil, watch it closely, as it has a lower smoke point.
• Monitor Cooking Times: All air fryers differ. The cooking times provided are a guideline. It’s always best to check for doneness visually. Your egg rolls should be golden brown and crispy. If they’re not quite there, add another minute or two.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: While the instructions have you cook the meat first, effectively preheating the air fryer, if you were to make just egg rolls, preheating for 3-5 minutes before adding them helps achieve immediate crisping upon contact.

Are you ready for this incredibly tasty meal or appetizer? It’s time to eat up and enjoy the crispy, savory goodness of these Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls. They are simple to prepare, bursting with flavor, and a healthier way to enjoy a classic comfort food. Don’t wait – add this recipe to your favorites and delight your taste buds!