“Easy Air Fryer Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls in 30 Minutes”

Okay, friends – confession time. Every year after Thanksgiving, I stare at those mountains of leftovers in my fridge and think, “There’s GOT to be something better than day-five turkey sandwiches.” Enter my absolute favorite solution: air fryer Thanksgiving leftover egg rolls. Seriously, these crispy little flavor bombs transform your mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey into something magical with minimal effort.

I love how my air fryer gives me that perfect golden crunch without the mess of deep frying. Plus, these egg rolls come together in under 30 minutes – perfect when you’re craving something satisfying but can’t face another round of reheated plates. The best part? You’re giving those leftovers new life while creating a snack so good, your family might start requesting extra turkey just to make more!

Trust me, once you try wrapping Thanksgiving dinner in a crispy egg roll wrapper and air frying it to perfection, you’ll never look at leftovers the same way again.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls

Listen, these aren’t just any egg rolls – they’re your Thanksgiving leftovers’ glorious second act! Here’s why I’m obsessed:

• Crispy magic: That air fryer gives you golden, crunchy perfection without deep frying (hello, no greasy mess!)
• Speedy savior: From fridge to plate in under 30 minutes when the post-holiday laziness hits
• Kitchen improv: Use whatever leftovers you’ve got – turkey, ham, extra stuffing? All fair game
• No-waste win: Turns “boring” leftovers into something you’ll actually crave
• Crowd-pleaser: My kids fight over these more than they did the actual Thanksgiving turkey!

Seriously, these egg rolls taste like holiday nostalgia wrapped in crispy deliciousness.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls

Here’s what you’ll need to raid from your fridge and pantry – I promise it’s all stuff you probably already have on hand after Turkey Day!

• 2 cups shredded turkey – I like using both white and dark meat for maximum flavor
• 1 cup packed mashed potatoes – Day-old works even better because they’re firmer
• 1 cup stuffing – The more herbs the better in my opinion!
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce – The sweet-tart contrast is magic with the savory filling
• 1 cup shredded cabbage – Adds the perfect crunch (I grab pre-shredded to save time)
• 12 egg roll wrappers – Look for the square ones in the refrigerated produce section
• 1 tbsp water – For sealing those wrappers tight
• 1 tbsp oil – I use avocado oil, but any neutral oil works for that golden crisp

Pro tip: Keep your wrappers covered with a damp towel while working – they dry out faster than you’d think!

How to Make Air Fryer Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls

Alright, let’s get rolling (literally)! These egg rolls come together so easily, you’ll be snacking in no time. Just follow these simple steps – I promise it’s harder to resist eating them than it is to make them!

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

First, grab your biggest mixing bowl – trust me, you’ll need the space! Dump in your shredded turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and cabbage. Now here’s my secret: use your hands to mix it all together! The warmth from your fingers helps everything blend perfectly while keeping that lovely texture. You want a mixture that holds together when pinched but isn’t too wet – sort of like a Thanksgiving version of meatloaf consistency.

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls

Lay out an egg roll wrapper like a diamond in front of you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling across the center – resist the urge to overstuff! (I learned this the hard way with exploding egg rolls.) Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, tuck in the sides like you’re wrapping a burrito, then roll tightly toward the top corner. Dip your finger in water and run it along the final edge to seal. Pro tip: Keep your finished rolls under that damp towel while you work to prevent drying out.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F – this step is crucial for that perfect crisp! While it heats, lightly brush each egg roll with oil (I use a silicone brush for easy cleanup). Arrange them in a single layer with some breathing room – no overcrowding! Cook for 5 minutes, flip carefully with tongs, then cook another 3-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and irresistible. You’ll know they’re done when they sound hollow when tapped. Let them cool just long enough that you don’t burn your tongue – about 2 minutes of willpower required!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls

After making dozens (okay, maybe hundreds) of these egg rolls, I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll guarantee crispy success every time:

• Fresh wrappers are key – Check the expiration date! Older ones crack and dry out faster than you can say “leftovers”
• Know your air fryer – Mine runs hot, so I check at 7 minutes. Yours might need the full 10 – peek through that window!
• Space is your friend – Overcrowding = steamed rolls instead of crispy ones. Cook in batches if needed
• Gravy is gold – Heat up leftover gravy for dipping – it’s like Thanksgiving in every bite!
• Oil lightly but evenly – Too much oil makes them greasy, too little leaves them pale. A silicone brush gives perfect coverage

Bonus tip: If your filling seems too wet, add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs to soak up extra moisture. Works like a charm!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe? It’s basically a blank canvas for your leftover creativity! Here are all the ways I’ve tweaked these egg rolls over the years (and trust me, they’ve all been delicious):

Protein Swaps

Don’t have turkey? No problem! I’ve used:

• Diced ham – Gives a salty, smoky twist (my husband’s favorite version)
• Shredded chicken – Works beautifully if you’re out of turkey
• Chopped mushrooms – For a vegetarian option with great texture
• Ground sausage – Mix it with the stuffing for extra flavor punch

Carb Alternatives

Mashed potatoes not your thing? Try:

• Sweet potato mash – Adds a lovely sweetness that pairs great with cranberry
• Chopped roasted potatoes – For more texture in every bite
• Cooked rice or quinoa – Makes it feel more like an Asian-inspired roll

Veggie Boosters

Want to sneak in more greens? I often add:

• Sautéed onions and celery – Extra flavor and crunch
• Shredded Brussels sprouts – They’re basically tiny cabbages, right?
• Diced roasted carrots – Because you can never have too many root veggies

Dietary Adjustments

For special diets:

• Gluten-free: Use GF egg roll wrappers (available at most health food stores) and check your stuffing ingredients
• Dairy-free: Skip any cheese in the stuffing and use oil instead of butter for brushing
• Low-carb: Try wrapping in lettuce leaves instead – not as crispy but still tasty!

My best advice? Don’t be afraid to experiment. Last year I added a sprinkle of blue cheese to some rolls – absolute game changer! The beauty of these is that as long as your filling isn’t too wet, almost any Thanksgiving leftover combo will work.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls

Now comes the best part – eating these crispy little bundles of joy! I’ve served these egg rolls every which way over the years, and here are my absolute favorite ways to enjoy them:

The Ultimate Dipping Sauce Bar

Set up a festive sauce station with small bowls of:

• Warmed turkey gravy – My go-to classic (pro tip: thin it slightly with broth if it’s too thick)
• Cranberry sauce – Either the chunky homemade kind or smooth canned – both work great
• Creamy ranch – The kids go nuts for this pairing
• Spicy mayo – Just mix mayo with sriracha to taste – gives a nice kick
• Honey mustard – Perfect if you used ham in your filling

Party Perfect Presentation

When I’m serving these at gatherings, I love to:

• Arrange them standing upright in a basket lined with parchment – looks so fancy!
• Skewer each roll with a festive pick and stand them in a pumpkin or squash for a centerpiece
• Serve on a platter with garnishes like fresh herbs or pomegranate seeds

Portion Perfection

These egg rolls are seriously versatile when it comes to serving sizes:

• Appetizer: 2-3 per person with dipping sauces
• Light meal: 4-5 with a simple salad on the side
• Game day snack: Cut them in half diagonally for easy grabbing

My favorite way? Standing over the kitchen counter straight from the air fryer while they’re still piping hot – no plate needed! But shhh, that’s our little secret.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Egg Rolls

Okay, let’s be real – leftovers of leftovers might sound funny, but these egg rolls reheat so well you’ll actually want extras! Here’s how I keep them tasting fresh-from-the-fryer good:

Refrigerating Like a Pro

First, let those beauties cool completely – about 30 minutes. Then, arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers (no sticking!). They’ll keep beautifully for 3-4 days. Pro tip: Write the date on the container because trust me, you’ll forget whether it’s day 3 or day 5!

The Best Reheating Method

Now, here’s the magic – skip the microwave unless you like soggy rolls! Instead:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F
• Place egg rolls in a single layer (no crowding!)
• Spritz lightly with oil or water to refresh the crispness
• Heat for 3-4 minutes until piping hot and crispy again

Freezing for Future Cravings

Yes, you can freeze these! Here’s how I do it:

1. Cool completely after initial cooking
2. Flash freeze on a baking sheet for 1 hour
3. Transfer to freezer bags with parchment between layers
4. Label with date (they’re best within 2 months)

To reheat frozen: No thawing needed! Just add 1-2 extra minutes to the air fry time. They come out nearly as good as fresh – perfect for those random Thanksgiving cravings in July!

One last tip: If you’re reheating a big batch for a crowd, the oven works too – 375°F for about 10 minutes on a rack. But between you and me, nothing beats that air fryer crisp!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s inside these tasty egg rolls – they’re not just delicious, they’re pretty balanced too! Per egg roll, you’re looking at:

• Calories: About 150
• Fat: 5g (mostly from the oil and turkey)
• Carbohydrates: 18g (thanks to the wrappers and stuffing)
• Protein: 8g (hello, turkey!)

Now, a quick heads-up: these numbers are estimates. If you tweak the recipe (like adding extra cheese or swapping in different ingredients), the nutritional info will change. I always say – enjoy them in moderation, but don’t stress too much. After all, it’s Thanksgiving leftovers we’re talking about here!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get so many questions about these air fryer Thanksgiving leftover egg rolls – here are the answers to the ones I hear most often!

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You’ve got two great options. First, you can prep the filling up to 2 days ahead and keep it refrigerated – just assemble and cook when ready. Second, you can fully assemble the uncooked egg rolls, arrange them on a baking sheet, and freeze for 1 hour before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep frozen for 2 months – just add 1-2 extra minutes when air frying from frozen!

What If My Egg Rolls Aren’t Crispy?

Don’t panic! First, check that your air fryer was properly preheated – that makes a huge difference. If they’re still not crispy enough, try brushing with a tiny bit more oil and cooking for another 1-2 minutes. And always make sure you’re not overcrowding the basket – air needs to circulate around each roll for even crisping!

Can I Use Spring Roll Wrappers Instead?

You can, but there’s a catch! Spring roll wrappers are thinner and crispier, which means they cook faster and can tear more easily. If you use them, reduce the cooking time by about 2 minutes and be extra gentle when rolling. I actually prefer egg roll wrappers for leftovers because they’re sturdier and hold up better to the hearty filling.

How Do I Prevent My Egg Rolls From Bursting?

The key is not overfilling! Stick to about 2 tablespoons of filling per wrapper, and make sure to roll them tightly. If your filling seems too wet (which can cause bursting), mix in a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture. And always seal the edges well with water – I like to run my finger along the final edge twice to be safe!

Can I Bake These Instead of Air Frying?

Yes, but they won’t get quite as crispy. Bake at 400°F on a wire rack (so air circulates underneath) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush generously with oil before baking. They’ll still taste delicious, just with a slightly different texture. But honestly? This is the one recipe where I’ll say the air fryer really makes all the difference!

Share Your Experience

Okay, now it’s your turn! I want to hear all about your air fryer Thanksgiving leftover egg roll adventures. Did you add an unexpected ingredient that turned out amazing? Maybe your kids went wild for them (mine still fight over the last one every time)? Or perhaps you discovered the perfect dipping sauce combo?

Drop me a comment below – I read every single one! Your tips and tweaks might just become someone else’s new favorite version. And if you snapped a photo of your crispy creations (you know I’m a sucker for food pics), tag me on Instagram @[yourhandle]. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen successes!

Oh, and if you loved this recipe as much as I do, would you mind leaving a star rating? It helps other leftover-loving cooks find this recipe too. Now go enjoy those egg rolls – you’ve earned every crispy, savory bite!

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