Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be aware that leaner meats might result in a slightly drier filling, so you could add a tablespoon of butter or increase the cheese slightly to maintain moisture.

My egg rolls are bursting open during cooking. What am I doing wrong?

There are two likely culprits: overfilling or inadequate sealing. Make sure to stick to about ¼ cup of filling per wrapper, and be generous with the egg wash around all edges. Press firmly to seal, and always place the egg rolls seam-side down in the air fryer basket to help prevent opening.

Can I bake these in the oven instead of using an air fryer?

Yes! Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. They won't be quite as crispy as air-fried versions, but still delicious. For extra crispiness, spray or brush with a little oil before baking.

How do I prevent the wrappers from drying out while I'm rolling the egg rolls?

Keep unused wrappers covered with a slightly damp paper towel while you work. This prevents them from drying out and becoming brittle. Work with one wrapper at a time, keeping the rest covered until needed.

Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound 80% lean ground beef; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon ground paprika; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon water; 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese; 1 green onion, thinly sliced; ¼ cup chopped dill pickles; 10 egg roll wrappers; Sesame seeds and sea salt (optional, for garnish)

These Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls combine two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible hand-held delight. Crispy on the outside with a savory, cheesy burger filling on the inside, these egg rolls transform the classic cheeseburger experience into a fun finger food that’s perfect for game day, casual gatherings, or an exciting weeknight dinner. Ready in just 40 minutes, they’re guaranteed to disappear as quickly as you make them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Fusion Food: All your favorite cheeseburger flavors wrapped in a crispy, golden shell – it’s the best of both worlds!
Air Fryer Magic: The air fryer gives these egg rolls the perfect crunch without the mess and calories of deep frying.
Crowd-Pleaser: Watch these disappear at your next gathering – they’re impossible to resist and perfect for sharing.
Versatile Dipping Options: Pair with ketchup, mustard, burger sauce, ranch, or any favorite dipping sauce for customizable flavor.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare ahead of time and cook when needed for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: 80% lean provides the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. The fat adds richness without making the filling too greasy.
Garlic Powder, Paprika, and Salt: This classic burger seasoning trio brings depth and authentic burger flavor to the filling.
Egg and Water: Creates an egg wash that acts as the perfect glue to seal the wrappers and helps achieve that gorgeous golden exterior.
Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged and creates those irresistible cheese pulls when you bite in.
Green Onion: Adds a mild, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.
Dill Pickles: Brings that classic burger tanginess and crunch that makes these truly taste like a cheeseburger.
Egg Roll Wrappers: The crispy vehicle for all that delicious filling – find these in the refrigerated section near tofu or produce.
Sesame Seeds and Sea Salt: Optional garnish that adds extra texture and visual appeal while enhancing the burger experience.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Cheese Options

Swap the cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick, blue cheese for a gourmet twist, or American cheese for that classic fast-food burger taste.

Bacon Cheeseburger Rolls

Add cooked, crumbled bacon to your filling mixture for an indulgent bacon cheeseburger experience.

Veggie Additions

Mix in finely diced onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers to add more vegetables and flavor complexity.

Plant-Based Version

Substitute the beef with your favorite plant-based ground meat alternative and vegan cheese for a meat-free option.

Breakfast Burger Rolls

Add scrambled eggs to the filling for a breakfast-inspired version that combines burger and breakfast flavors.

How to Make Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Brown the ground beef in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Break it up well as it cooks, then drain any excess grease to prevent soggy egg rolls.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Stir in garlic powder, paprika, and salt, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the beef. Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes – this cooling step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting prematurely.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash

While the beef mixture cools, whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl until well combined. This egg wash will help seal the egg rolls and give them that beautiful golden finish.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooled beef with shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, and chopped pickles. Mix thoroughly to ensure every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.

Step 5: Fill and Roll the Egg Rolls

Place about ¼ cup of filling in the center of each egg roll wrapper. Brush the edges with egg wash, then fold the bottom point over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll upward to seal completely. Place seam-side down on a clean surface.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray, then place egg rolls seam-side down in a single layer. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sea salt if desired. Cook for 5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 5 minutes until golden and crispy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Let the Filling Cool: Don’t skip the cooling time after cooking the beef. Hot filling will melt the cheese prematurely and could make the wrappers soggy.
Don’t Overfill: Stick to the recommended ¼ cup of filling per wrapper to ensure proper sealing and even cooking.
Work in Batches: Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. A single layer allows for proper air circulation and even crisping.
Seal Completely: Make sure to brush egg wash around the entire perimeter of the wrapper and press firmly to seal. Any gaps can cause cheese to leak out during cooking.
Double the Recipe: These freeze beautifully, so consider making a double batch to have on hand for quick appetizers or weeknight dinners.

How to Serve

These crispy, cheesy egg rolls are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

Dipping Sauces:

Serve with classic burger condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo. For something special, mix equal parts ketchup and mayo with a dash of pickle relish for an easy “special sauce.”

Complete the Meal:

Pair with sweet potato fries or a simple side salad for a complete meal. For a fun DIY burger bar approach, set out various dipping sauces and toppings.

Party Presentation:

For entertaining, stand egg rolls vertically in a tall cup or glass with dipping sauces on the side for an impressive presentation that keeps them crispy longer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The wrapper will soften slightly but will crisp up again when reheated.

Freezing

These egg rolls freeze beautifully! After rolling (but before cooking), place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container and store for up to 3 months. No need to thaw before cooking – just add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

For maximum crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes. You can also reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, though they won’t be quite as crispy as the air fryer method.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be aware that leaner meats might result in a slightly drier filling, so you could add a tablespoon of butter or increase the cheese slightly to maintain moisture.
My egg rolls are bursting open during cooking. What am I doing wrong?

There are two likely culprits: overfilling or inadequate sealing. Make sure to stick to about ¼ cup of filling per wrapper, and be generous with the egg wash around all edges. Press firmly to seal, and always place the egg rolls seam-side down in the air fryer basket to help prevent opening.
Can I bake these in the oven instead of using an air fryer?

Yes! Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. They won’t be quite as crispy as air-fried versions, but still delicious. For extra crispiness, spray or brush with a little oil before baking.
How do I prevent the wrappers from drying out while I’m rolling the egg rolls?

Keep unused wrappers covered with a slightly damp paper towel while you work. This prevents them from drying out and becoming brittle. Work with one wrapper at a time, keeping the rest covered until needed.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls brilliantly reimagine two comfort food classics into one irresistible bite. They deliver all the satisfaction of a juicy cheeseburger with the crispy fun of an egg roll, creating a dish that’s bound to become a regular request at your table. Perfect for quick dinners, game day gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something a little different, these egg rolls strike that perfect balance between familiar flavors and exciting presentation. Give them a try—your taste buds (and impressed guests) will thank you!