Egg rolls are a delicious appetizer that can be found in many Chinese and Asian restaurants. They are filled with meat, vegetables, and sometimes glass noodles, all wrapped up in a wonton wrapper and fried until crispy and golden brown. Egg rolls are the perfect finger food to serve at parties or other gatherings with friends and family. Their portability also makes them an ideal snack to pack for lunches or road trips.
While freshly made egg rolls from your local Chinese restaurant are hard to beat, it’s not always feasible to get them on demand. In these cases, being able to make egg rolls at home and freeze them for later is an excellent solution. But will freezing impact the taste and texture of egg rolls? Let’s take a closer look at whether egg rolls freeze well.
Do egg rolls freeze well?
The good news is that egg rolls freeze extremely well. The wonton wrappers and filling hold up nicely through the freezing and thawing process. As long as you take a few precautions when freezing egg rolls, they will taste nearly identical to fresh ones when reheated later on.
There are a few reasons why egg rolls freeze so successfully:
- The wrappers are already cooked – Wonton wrappers hold their structure well in the freezer since they are already cooked and somewhat dried out before filling and frying.
- Short freezer time – Egg rolls don’t take long to freeze, so large ice crystals don’t have time to form and damage the texture.
- Fried coating protects filling – The crispy outer shell protects the tender filling inside from freezer burn.
Follow the tips below for freezing egg rolls properly so they come out with the same delicious taste and texture as when they were freshly made.
Tips for Freezing Egg Rolls
1. Let egg rolls cool completely before freezing
It’s important to let egg rolls come to room temperature before placing them in the freezer. Putting hot or warm egg rolls directly into the freezer can cause condensation to form that leads to soggy egg rolls when reheated later. Let egg rolls cool for about 30 minutes after frying until they no longer feel warm to the touch.
2. Place egg rolls in single layer on baking sheet
Lay egg rolls out on a baking sheet or pan in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. Let them freeze on the sheet for 1-2 hours. The quick initial partial freeze helps maintain the egg rolls’ shape.
3. Transfer to freezer bags
Once the egg rolls have firmed up, transfer them from the baking sheet to freezer bags or containers. This protects them from exposure to air, which can lead to freezer burn over time. Press out as much air as possible and seal the bags tightly.
4. Label bags with date and contents
Be sure to label the freezer bags with the contents and date. This makes it easier to track how long the egg rolls have been frozen. Egg rolls can be kept frozen for 2-3 months for best quality.
5. Freeze egg rolls in smaller batches
Freeze egg rolls in smaller batches of 4-6 rather than all together in one large bag. This prevents you from having to thaw more egg rolls than you need at one time.
Thawing and Reheating Egg Rolls
Once you are ready to enjoy your frozen egg rolls, use these tips for thawing and reheating them properly:
Thawing
- Refrigerator – Thaw egg rolls overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
- Cold water – For quicker thawing, place egg rolls in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes, changing the water every 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Microwave frozen egg rolls on 50% power for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent overcooking.
Reheating
- Oven – Bake egg rolls at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy.
- Air fryer – Air fry at 400°F for 4-5 minutes until crisped.
- Microwave – Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute on high until hot. The texture may become soggy.
- Pan fry – Fry egg rolls over medium high heat for 1-2 minutes per side to recrisp the outside.
How Long Do Frozen Egg Rolls Last?
Properly frozen egg rolls will maintain quality in the freezer for 2-3 months. After this time, you may notice degradation in texture and flavor. The egg roll wrappers can become soggy and start to fall apart. The filling may also dry out and become tough and chewy when reheating after long term freezing. For best results, try to eat frozen egg rolls within a few months.
Watch for any signs of freezer burn on the egg rolls, such as dried out spots or changes in color. Freezer burned egg rolls should be discarded.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Egg Rolls?
It is not recommended to refreeze egg rolls after they have been thawed. Any condensation or ice crystals that form during the thawing process will damage the egg roll texture upon refreezing. The wrappers will likely become too soggy to crisp back up properly. Refreezing also allows harmful bacteria additional chances to grow.
For food safety, it is best to fully cook thawed egg rolls within 1-2 days and avoid refreezing. Freeze any extras before thawing whenever possible.
Ingredients That Don’t Freeze Well in Egg Rolls
While egg roll wrappers and most fillings freeze well, there are a few ingredients that can become compromised in texture or flavor when frozen in egg rolls. Avoid freezing egg rolls with these fillings:
- Lettuce or other delicate greens – Will wilt and become soggy.
- Cream cheese – Can weep liquid and become grainy.
- Mayonnaise – Can separate and curdle.
- Soft herbs like cilantro, dill, parsley – Will lose flavor.
Hardier herbs and greens like cabbage and carrot stand up better to freezing. Stick with fillings that are already cooked or raw ingredients that freeze solidly.
Best Fillings for Freezer Egg Rolls
These protein, vegetable, and flavor combinations make the most freezer-friendly egg roll fillings:
Pork and Vegetable
Ground pork, shredded cabbage, carrot, onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger
Chicken and Cabbage
Shredded chicken, cabbage, onion, carrots, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil
Shrimp and Celery
Chopped shrimp, thinly sliced celery, onions, garlic, fish sauce, black pepper
BBQ Pulled Pork or Chicken
Shredded smoked meat, BBQ sauce, shredded carrot and cabbage
Beef and Broccoli
Flank steak, broccoli, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil
Egg Roll Filling Ideas
Get creative with these freezer-friendly filling combinations for egg rolls:
| Filling | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Buffalo Chicken | Shredded chicken, hot sauce, blue cheese, celery, onion |
| Philly Cheesesteak | Thinly sliced beef, onions, bell peppers, provolone |
| Potstickers | Ground pork, napa cabbage, scallions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce |
| Tofu Vegetable | Firm tofu, shredded carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, garlic |
| Pizza | Pepperoni, pizza sauce, mozzarella |
Tips for Making the Best Freezer Egg Rolls
Follow these tips when preparing egg rolls destined for the freezer:
- Use fresh ingredients – Don’t freeze egg rolls made with ingredients that are already close to spoiling.
- Undercook fillings slightly – Account for additional cooking time when reheating.
- Wrap tightly – Ensure egg roll wrappers are sealed well so filling won’t leak.
- Use freezer-safe materials – Avoid foil or plastic wrap that can stick to egg rolls.
- Cool completely before freezing – Prevents condensation from forming inside.
- Label with date and contents – Helps track freshness and ingredients.
- Freeze individually at first – Holds shape better than freezing in a clump.
Conclusion
With a few simple precautions, egg rolls can be frozen and reheated with delicious results. Their wonton wrappers protect the filling and maintain texture beautifully during freezing. Allow egg rolls to fully cool before freezing, wrap tightly in freezer bags, and avoid refreezing after thawing. Follow suggested thawing and reheating methods for tender and crispy egg rolls just like you get from the takeout joint. With a stock of egg rolls in the freezer, you can enjoy restaurant-quality egg rolls anytime.