When it comes time to order Chinese takeout, egg rolls are an absolute must. Their savory flavor paired with my favorite sweet and sour dipping sauce provides the ultimate flavor. Usually, when I order egg rolls, my eyes are bigger than my stomach, so I always end up ordering way more egg rolls than I can eat. Having leftover egg rolls is my favorite problem to have. Therefore, before any further do we will talk about the best ways to reheat egg rolls to eat them later!
Generally, egg rolls can be safely refrigerated, reheated, and eaten within 4 days. If you don’t plan on eating the egg rolls that quickly, you can always place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, you will have several reheating options that will guarantee you a delicious and evenly heated egg roll. This article will teach you the best ways how to reheat egg rolls.
Reheating Egg Rolls in the Oven (Recommended)
Reheating your egg rolls in the oven will give you a perfectly crunchy exterior along with a completely heated (and not mushy) interior. This may not be the quickest reheating method, but if you’re looking for reheated egg rolls that taste the same as they did when they were freshly made, the oven is the reheating method for you. Additionally, if your egg rolls are frozen, the oven is a great option because you won’t need to defrost them. You may need to add an additional 8 to 10 minutes to your heating time if the egg rolls are frozen.
- Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or a baking mat. You do not need to spray the baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Lay the egg rolls on the baking sheet. Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet into the oven and set the timer for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Make sure you flip each egg roll for 2 to 3 minutes through the baking time. This will ensure that the egg rolls are cooked evenly and all sides will be crispy.
- After the timer goes off, remove the egg rolls from the oven and check to see if they are cooked all the way through. If you have a food thermometer; you can place it in the center of the egg roll and verify that the internal temperature is around 165 degrees Fahrenheit. And, If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut one egg roll in half and carefully check to see if the center is heated. If the egg rolls need more heating time, place them back in the oven and continue heating them at 2-to-3-minute intervals.
Reheating Egg Rolls in the Microwave
If you are short on time or don’t own an oven, you can easily reheat the egg rolls in the microwave. However, using the microwave comes with the added risk of your egg rolls becoming soggy. In order to prevent this from happening, make sure you don’t overheat the egg rolls.
- You can either place the egg rolls directly onto a microwave-safe dish, or you can place a trivet onto a plate and place the egg rolls on top of the trivet. The trivet is a great tool to keep your egg rolls from becoming mushy.
- Place the microwave on a high-temperature setting and heat the egg rolls for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Use the methods mentioned above to verify that the egg rolls are heated thoroughly. You can continue reheating your egg rolls for 10 to 15 seconds if they need additional time.
Reheating Egg Rolls on a Stovetop
This may seem like a weird reheating option, but it actually works! The stovetop reheating method will also provide you with a crunchy and delicious egg roll in just a few simple steps.
- Choose a skillet or pot that is big enough to fit your egg rolls in. Spray the skillet with cooking spray or pour a thin layer of oil into the skillet.
- Heat the oil over medium heat.
- Once the oil is heated, carefully place your egg rolls into the skillet. Heat each side of the egg roll for 10 to 15 seconds and then flip. Continuing heating until all sides of the egg roll are heated.
- Place the reheated egg rolls on a plate that is lined with a paper towel. The towel will be used to soak up the leftover oil.
Reheating Egg Rolls in an Air Fryer
Not everyone owns an air fryer, but if you do, this is a healthier reheating alternative to the stovetop. Please note, if you plan to reheat egg rolls in an air fryer, the egg rolls cannot be too cold. If they are, they will not become evenly heated.
- Place the egg rolls into the air fryer and set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Set the timer for 1 minute and let the egg rolls fry in the air fryer.
- Once the timer goes off, flip the egg rolls over. Then, let them fry for another minute.
- Take the egg rolls out and make sure they are heated all the way through. You can continue heating them for one minute at a time until they are completely heated.
Conclusion
Many people are concerned that reheating egg rolls will lead to a soggy and messy disaster, but this isn’t the case at all! If you prefer a crisp and crunchy egg roll, you can choose the oven, stovetop, or air fryer reheating method. If you don’t mind a softer egg roll or don’t have a lot of time, choose the microwave method. Make sure you pair your reheated egg rolls with your favorite dipping sauce to really enhance the flavor.
If you plan on using the microwave; there is a fun little trick I like to use to make sure the egg rolls don’t turn out soggy. After the egg rolls are heated in the microwave thoroughly, I will throw them in a heated oven or toaster oven for a minute or two. This gives me the convenience of a short heating time as well as an enjoyable taste and texture.