There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a crispy egg roll bursting with smoky pulled pork and tangy barbecue flavor. These Air Fryer BBQ Pork Egg Rolls with Garlic Aioli are the ultimate appetizer-meets-comfort food fusion. They’re crunchy on the outside, juicy and sweet-savory on the inside, and finished with a creamy, garlicky dipping sauce that’s totally addictive. Perfect for game day, parties, or even a casual weeknight dinner, this recipe blends the rich flavors of southern barbecue with the convenience and crunch of air frying. If you’ve ever wondered how to make pulled pork egg rolls or wanted a new spin on pork egg roll recipes, this one’s for you.
Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Pork Egg Rolls with Garlic Aioli
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American, Asian
Air fryer The magic tool that gives you that perfect crisp without deep frying. If you don’t have one, you can bake them in the oven or deep-fry as a traditional alternative.
Small bowl For mixing the garlic aioli.
Brush or Spray Bottle For coating the egg rolls lightly with oil.
Tongs Handy for flipping the egg rolls halfway through air frying.
Mixing bowl To combine your pulled pork filling.
For the Egg Rolls
- 2 cups cooked pulled pork leftovers or store-bought work great
- ½ cup barbecue sauce use your favorite brand or homemade
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese sharp or mild
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
- 1 cup coleslaw mix bagged cabbage and carrots work perfectly
- 1 tablespoon chopped pickled jalapeños optional for heat
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water for sealing the wrappers
- Olive oil spray or neutral cooking spray for air frying
For the Garlic Aioli
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine your cooked pulled pork with barbecue sauce, shredded cheddar, diced red onion, coleslaw mix, and pickled jalapeños if using. Mix well until all ingredients are coated and evenly distributed.
Set Up Your Wrapping Station
Lay out your egg roll wrappers on a clean, flat surface. Keep a small bowl of the cornstarch-water mix nearby—this is your “glue” for sealing the wrappers.
Roll the Egg Rolls
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the pork mixture into the center of each wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly like a burrito. Seal the edge with your cornstarch mix to prevent them from unrolling during cooking.
Preheat and Load the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Lightly spray the egg rolls with olive oil or cooking spray on all sides to help with browning. Place them in the basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd.
Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Make the Garlic Aioli
While the egg rolls are cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve and Dip
Serve the hot BBQ pork egg rolls with a generous side of garlic aioli. Watch them disappear fast.
Pairings
These egg rolls are bold, smoky, and a little bit tangy—so pairing them with the right sides or drinks takes them to another level:
- Drinks: A crisp lager or citrusy IPA is a great match. For non-alcoholic options, try a cold ginger beer or iced tea with lemon.
- Sides: Think simple but flavorful—like a vinegar-based slaw, grilled corn, or even a side of crispy sweet potato fries.
- Sauce Variations: The garlic aioli is a hit, but if you’re exploring egg roll dipping sauce ideas, try spicy ranch, chipotle mayo, or even a sweet chili sauce for a fun twist.
FAQs
1. What kind of pork works best for pulled pork egg rolls?
Use shredded pork shoulder (also called pork butt). It's tender, juicy, and shreds perfectly. Store-bought pulled pork is a great shortcut—just be sure it’s not overly sauced so you can control the flavor.
2. Can I make these with ground beef instead?
Absolutely. If you’re a fan of ground beef egg rolls or cheeseburger eggrolls recipes, just swap the pulled pork for browned and seasoned ground beef. Add pickles and a touch of ketchup-mustard mix to lean into that cheeseburger egg roll vibe.
3. Are there other versions I can try?
Yes! This base recipe is easy to adapt. Mexican egg rolls could include seasoned pork with black beans and corn. Reuben egg rolls might use corned beef and sauerkraut. Even boudin egg rolls are a great twist using Cajun sausage and rice stuffing.
4. Can I freeze these?
Yes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen at 400°F for 12–14 minutes until golden and heated through.
5. Can I bake them instead of air frying?
Totally. Bake at 425°F on a parchment-lined sheet for about 15–18 minutes, turning halfway. Spray with oil for crispiness. Still delicious, though air frying gives a superior crunch.
