Egg rolls are undoubtedly one of the most famous Chinese American snacks and appetizers. The deep-fried delicacy is best served warm right after frying, accompanied by the flavorful dipping sauce.
But, every now and then, we always have leftovers. Suppose you have a few pieces left from last night’s Chinese takeout. Of course, eating them cold is not very appealing. So, can you reheat egg rolls successfully?
Absolutely, yes! Although they won’t be as delightful as freshly baked ones, reheated egg rolls are hard to resist. Follow our tips below, so you can give this delicacy a second life!
How To Reheat Egg Rolls In An Oven
Reheating in the oven is perfect to crisp the wrapper, so leftover rolls will resemble the texture when they were just out of the deep fryer. It’s also efficient when you need to heat up a big batch of rolls. You can do this for both friend spring rolls and egg rolls.
Follow our instructions below to reheat leftover egg rolls in an oven.
1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F.
2. On an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet, arrange them on a lined baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t stack them. You can also use parchment paper to line the baking sheet.
3. Bake for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. You can always adjust the cooking time depending on the size and portions of the rolls.
4. Check if they are warmed up nicely. If you prefer crunchier wrappers, bake for a few more minutes. To check, cut a roll in half and see if the inside is already heated thoroughly.
5. Remove from the oven once they are ready
6. If the rolls look oily, remove excess oil by placing them on a paper towel.
7. Serve with your favorite sauce and salad on the side.
How To Heat Up Egg Rolls On A Stove Top
Reheating in a skillet is another excellent option. It’s quicker than the oven. However, since the snacks are already deep-fried, if not done correctly, re-frying will risk them becoming more oily and, even worse, burnt.
Here is our step-to-step guide to reheating egg rolls in a skillet, so they turn out crispy and delish.
1. Add a little bit of cooking oil into the pan.
2. Turn on the stove to medium heat and let the pan heats up.
3. Once the oil is hot, carefully add egg rolls into the pan. Don’t add them while the oil is still cold because they will soak up the oil. On the other hand, don’t set the heat too high because the outside will likely be burnt easily while the filling is still cold.
4. Fry for a few minutes on each side until warmed and crisped. Be extra careful during this step, so you don’t overheat and burn the wrapper.
5. Flip and fry for another 2 to 5 minutes until both sides are golden brown and the filling is warm.
6. Remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate.
7. Rest for a few minutes and let the paper towel absorb the excess oil. Serve!
Reheating Egg Rolls in Air Fryer
Another convenient way to warm up egg rolls is by using an air fryer. Here’s how:
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F
Place the rolls in for 1-2 minutes to heat them up and serve.
Can You Warm Up Egg Rolls In A Microwave?
Microwave is always the quickest and most convenient option when it comes to reheating leftovers. Unfortunately, some foods just don’t stand well in it, including egg rolls.
The wrappers tend to turn soft and soggy. Thus, it’s not the best method if you want crunchy rolls. But, it’s still an option if you’re in a hurry or if you only want to heat up a few pieces for a late-night snack. It is quick and easy.
Here is the easy way to warm up egg rolls in a microwave.
1. Place the rolls in a microwave-safe dish. Arrange them evenly on the plate, so they reheat evenly.
2. Microwave for about 15 to 30 seconds on medium-high power, depending on the size and quantity.
3. Once ready, take them out of the microwave and serve immediately. Don’t microwave them too long because the wrappers will turn soft and brittle.
FAQs
How do you store leftover egg rolls?
Whether they are vegetarian or with meat, these delicious snacks are perishable. They should be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days for maximum freshness.
Can I freeze egg rolls?
Yes. They freeze exceptionally well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then pack them in a heavy-duty freezer bag, remove excess air, seal tightly, label with the freezing date, and freeze for up to 2 months.
What is the difference between a spring roll and an egg roll?
These two popular snacks are like twins. Although they look alike, there are indeed some differences. Spring rolls are ubiquitous across many Asian countries; hence varieties are wide. Meanwhile, egg rolls are an Americanized version of Chinese spring rolls. The fillings can be Asian and non-Asian ingredients, including corn, guacamole, ham, etc.
Are there eggs in egg rolls?
The fillings don’t typically contain eggs. Meanwhile, traditional recipes for the wrapper may have eggs, but many recipes omit eggs.
Take Away Messages
Egg rolls are best eaten as soon as they are just fried. But, that doesn’t mean leftovers should go to waste. You can still reheat and enjoy them.
The best way to reheat egg rolls is in the oven. It’s great to bring back the crisp wrappers and heat up the fillings. The second best way is reheating in a skillet, while the microwave should only be your last resort.
Check our step-to-step guides above on the easy ways to reheat leftover egg rolls successfully for perfect warm snacks!
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
