A hush of browned pastry and the sweet warmth of cranberry—these egg rolls fold Thanksgiving into a crisp, golden whisper. Each bite is a memory reshaped: turkey, stuffing, and mashed potato softened and sealed in a delicate wrapper. It’s comfort made portable, with a bright, savory finish.
Why make this recipe
Because the holidays leave us with small altars of flavor—leftover turkey, tangy cranberry, herbed stuffing—and this recipe offers a patient, elegant way to transform them. Air frying gives the wrappers an ethereal crunch while keeping the interior soft and comforting; it’s a way to honor the meal without losing its soul. For those who like to follow a sweet note afterward, try this three-ingredient air fryer cookies as an effortless companion.
How to make Air Fryer Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls
Work calmly and measure with feeling: each spoonful is a brushstroke, each fold a small, intimate ritual. Lay the wrapper like a little diamond of possibility and compose the filling in the lower third. Seal gently, not tightly—there should be room for steam and warmth to bloom inside. The air fryer is a quick, honest oven: a few minutes on each side and the egg rolls emerge bronzed and fragrant, the edges caramelized, the centers pillowy.
Ingredients:
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- ¾ cup diced or shredded cooked turkey
- ¾ cup prepared stuffing
- ¾ cup cold mashed potatoes
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup gravy
- Olive oil mist (or similar)
Directions:
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean work surface so that it’s facing you in a diamond shape. Put a small bowl of water off to the side.
- Add 1 Tbsp mashed potatoes, 1 Tbsp stuffing, 1 tsp cranberry sauce, and 1 Tbsp turkey to the bottom half of the egg roll wrapper. Spread it evenly, but make sure to leave at least ½” at the edges clean.
- Wet the outside edge of the egg roll wrapper all the way around by dipping your finger in the water and then running it along the outside edge.
- Roll the egg roll by bringing the bottom corner up over the filling and pressing to secure it. Then, fold in the left and right sides, also pressing to secure.
- Last, roll away from you until the last corner is rolled up, and give it a gentle press to make sure it’s also secured.
- Repeat until all egg rolls are filled and rolled.
- Place the egg rolls into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer with a little air space between each one. Spray the tops with a mist of olive oil spray (or similar).
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 6 minutes, then flip, reapply oil, and cook for an additional 5–6 minutes, until brown and crispy. Note: if you are cooking in batches, 3–4 minutes per side is usually fine for later batches as the air fryer will be hotter to start.
- Serve hot, with gravy on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
How to serve Air Fryer Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls
Serve them immediately, while the wrapper sings under your fingers. Arrange on a warm platter with a small bowl of gravy for dipping and a few spoonfuls of extra cranberry sauce for color and tartness. A scattering of chopped parsley or a sprinkle of flaky salt can lift the flavors and add texture contrast—small, deliberate touches that invite someone to taste slowly.
How to store Air Fryer Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls
Cool completely before storing to keep moisture from collecting inside the container. Refrigerate in a single layer or separated by parchment for up to 3 days. To reheat, briefly air fry for 3–5 minutes at 375°F to restore crispness; avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the wrapper’s delicate crunch.
Tips to make Air Fryer Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls
- Keep the mashed potatoes cold and firm; warm potatoes will make the wrapper soggy.
- Don’t overfill—the ½” clear edge is crucial for a clean seal.
- Mist with oil lightly; too much will darken the wrapper before the inside heats through.
- If you’d like a sweeter finish or a vegetarian companion, explore seasonal desserts such as delicious Thanksgiving desserts to round the meal.
Variations (if any)
- Vegetarian: Replace turkey with roasted mushrooms and a splash of soy or tamari for umami.
- Cranberry relish swap: Use a jalapeño-laced cranberry relish for heat and brightness.
- Cheesy heart: Add a small sprinkle of sharp cheddar or gruyère to the filling for a molten surprise.
- Mini versions: Use smaller wrappers for bite-sized appetizers.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the egg rolls before air frying?
A: Yes. Freeze them on a baking sheet in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag. Air fry from frozen at 400°F for 8–10 minutes per side, checking for even browning.
Q: Will the wrappers burst while air frying?
A: They shouldn’t if you leave the clean edge and seal properly. Bursting usually happens from overfilling or wrapping too loosely—press gently to remove air pockets before the final roll.
Q: Can I use leftover gravy inside the rolls without making them soggy?
A: Use gravy sparingly—1 Tbsp per roll at most—and keep the mashed potatoes chilled to buffer moisture. Serve extra gravy on the side.
Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer—can I bake them?
A: Yes. Brush with oil and bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, turning once, until evenly browned.
Q: Are these good for parties?
A: Absolutely. Make ahead, freeze, and reheat in the air fryer as needed for a warm, effortless appetizer.
Conclusion
If you want a similar crunchy approach to Thanksgiving flavors, try this savory take on Air Fryer Thanksgiving Egg Rolls for a slightly different assembly and spice profile. For plant-based inspiration that mirrors the same technique, see these Vegan Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls (Air Fryer) to adapt the fillings and keep the ritual alive.
There is a small, patient kind of beauty in folding and waiting; baking reminds us that flavor, like time, is a gentle work of hands and attention.
Air Fryer Thanksgiving Leftover Egg Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean work surface in a diamond shape.
- Add 1 Tbsp of mashed potatoes, 1 Tbsp of stuffing, 1 tsp of cranberry sauce, and 1 Tbsp of turkey to the bottom half of the wrapper, leaving ½ inch clean at the edges.
- Wet the outer edge of the wrapper with water using your finger.
- Roll the egg roll by securing the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the left and right sides, and finally roll away from you until fully wrapped.
- Repeat until all egg rolls are filled and rolled.
- Place egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with some space between each one.
- Spray the tops lightly with olive oil.
- Cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 6 minutes, then flip, reapply oil, and cook for an additional 5–6 minutes until brown and crispy.
- If cooking in batches, reduce cooking time to 3-4 minutes per side for later batches.
- Serve immediately with gravy for dipping and extra cranberry sauce.