If you love that classic Irish-American duo of corned beef and cabbage, wait until you try this Corned Beef and Cabbage Egg Rolls Recipe. It’s a crispy, fun twist that’ll have you reaching for seconds faster than you can say “St. Patrick’s Day!”
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m honestly obsessed with how these egg rolls transform the humble corned beef and cabbage into something crunchy, juicy, and packed with flavor. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up whether you’re using an air fryer or skillet.
- Crispy & Flavorful: The egg roll wrapper adds the perfect crunch to tender corned beef and sautéed veggies.
- Easy to Make: You can prep these in about 15 minutes and have them cooked in just over 10.
- Versatile Serving: Great as an appetizer or a satisfying main course to share.
- Customizable Dips: Pair with Dijon mustard or creamy Thousand Island dressing for a tasty finish.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Choosing fresh, simple ingredients really makes this Corned Beef and Cabbage Egg Rolls Recipe shine. From tender shredded corned beef to crisp cabbage and just the right amount of garlic and onions, you’ll get layers of flavor in every bite.
- Avocado oil: I love this oil because it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it perfect for sautéing and brushing on egg rolls before air frying.
- Shredded carrots: Add a bit of sweetness and crunch to balance the savory filling.
- Shredded cabbage: The star veggie that brings that classic texture and flavor.
- Sweet yellow onion: Provides a mild, aromatic sweetness without overpowering the mix.
- Garlic: A little minced garlic goes a long way in boosting the savory depth.
- Kosher salt: To season all the flavors beautifully.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that complements the whole filling.
- Cooked corned beef: Shredded and ready to bring hearty, meaty goodness to the rolls.
- Egg roll wrappers: The crispy shell that holds all that delicious filling — essential for that satisfying crunch.
- Dijon mustard or Thousand Island dressing: Your go-to dips for tangy or creamy flavor contrasts.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about this Corned Beef and Cabbage Egg Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to customize to suit your tastes and kitchen staples. Whether you want to add a little extra crunch, swap in some different veggies, or cater to specific dietary needs, your creativity is the limit!
- Vegetarian Variation: I’ve swapped out the corned beef for sautéed mushrooms and tempeh for a savory, meat-free twist. The umami of mushrooms pairs beautifully with the cabbage and carrots.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the filling gave my egg rolls a lively heat that contrasted wonderfully with the creamy dipping sauces.
- Seasonal Twist: In colder months, I like to toss in some roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash cubes for a cozy seasonal flavor and a hint of sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you need to avoid gluten, you can use rice paper wrappers instead of traditional egg roll wrappers—just remember to handle them gently as they’re more delicate.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Corned Beef and Cabbage Egg Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies and Corned Beef to Perfect Tenderness
Start by heating ½ tablespoon of avocado oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. As the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and diced sweet yellow onion. Stir them around for about 1 to 2 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic fills your kitchen with that mouthwatering aroma. Season everything with kosher salt and black pepper to bring out the flavors. Next, add the shredded carrots and cabbage—keep stirring occasionally for a few minutes until the cabbage softens just a bit but still has a slight bite. Finally, toss in your shredded corned beef, cover the skillet, and let it warm through for a few minutes to get all those flavors happy and cozy together.
Step 2: Wrap Your Egg Rolls with Care and Precision
Once your filling is ready, lay an egg roll wrapper flat on your clean work surface, positioning it like a diamond with one corner pointed toward you. Place roughly ¼ cup of the cabbage mixture and a few pieces of that tender corned beef right in the center. Fold the two side corners inward over the filling, then carefully pull the corner closest to you up and over—press firmly to compress the filling without tearing the wrapper. Now, roll it tightly away from you until only the last corner remains. Dab a little water along the edge to act as glue, then seal it shut. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling. Pro tip: Don't overfill your egg rolls as it makes wrapping tricky and risks tearing.
Step 3: Air Fry to Golden, Crispy Perfection
Brush each wrapped egg roll lightly with the remaining avocado oil—this helps achieve that gorgeous golden crisp. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange 3 to 4 egg rolls seam-side down in a single layer so they cook evenly. Air fry for 7 minutes, then flip each egg roll over and continue cooking for another 4 to 7 minutes. I like to peek around the 4-minute mark to see how golden they’re getting since air fryer models can vary. Once they’re crisp and brown, remove them carefully. Repeat with the rest of the egg rolls.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy with Your Favorite Dips
Serve your hot, crispy egg rolls immediately while they’re at their best. I love pairing them with tangy Dijon mustard or creamy Thousand Island dressing for dipping—both add a wonderful contrast to the savory filling. These bite-sized delights make for an awesome appetizer or a fun main course.
Top Tip
Getting those Corned Beef and Cabbage Egg Rolls perfectly crispy and flavorful is easier than you think. Here are some tips from my kitchen that will help you nail this recipe every time.
- Use Avocado Oil: I always go with avocado oil because it brushes nicely and helps the egg rolls crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without burning.
- Don’t Overfill: It took me a few tries to get just the right amount of filling — around ¼ cup per wrapper keeps the egg rolls tidy and easier to roll without bursting.
- Seal with Water, Not Too Much: A quick dab of water on the wrapper’s edge seals the egg roll perfectly. Too much water and the wrapper gets soggy and doesn’t crisp up properly.
- Flip Halfway for Even Crispiness: I learned that flipping them halfway through the 14-minute cooking time ensures an even golden-brown crust every time.
How to Serve Corned Beef and Cabbage Egg Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a bright, fresh touch, sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the egg rolls. A light squeeze of lemon or lime juice also adds a nice zing that complements the savory filling.
Side Dishes
These egg rolls shine as a hearty appetizer or light main. Pair them with a crisp green salad, roasted potatoes, or even some baked sweet potato fries. And of course, don’t forget the classic dipping sauces—Dijon mustard and Thousand Island dressing bring a tangy creaminess perfect for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Store your cooked Corned Beef and Cabbage Egg Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. That way, you can enjoy the crispiness fresh throughout the week.
Freezing
To freeze, place unbaked egg rolls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, air fry straight from frozen, adding a couple minutes to the cooking time to get them golden and crispy.
Reheating
For the best crunch, reheat refrigerated or frozen egg rolls in the air fryer at 360°F. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to soften the wrappers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Pre-cooked, store-bought corned beef works perfectly. Just shred it before adding to the vegetable mixture for easy prep.
Nope! While air frying gives a crispy finish with less oil, you can also pan-fry or bake these egg rolls. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Yes! Simply substitute the corned beef for cooked lentils, mushrooms, or seasoned tofu for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Using just enough moisture when sealing the wrappers and air frying at the recommended temperature of 360°F helps keep them perfectly crispy. Also, avoid stacking the egg rolls after cooking so steam doesn’t soften the crust.
Final Thoughts
Making Corned Beef and Cabbage Egg Rolls is such a fun and tasty way to bring a classic Irish-American meal into a new form. The crispy exterior paired with the tender, savory filling is pure comfort food that’s sure to impress friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving something different, this recipe never fails to deliver warmth and flavor. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Corned Beef and Cabbage Egg Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Irish-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
These Corned Beef and Cabbage Egg Rolls are a crispy, flavorful twist on the classic corned beef and cabbage dish. Filled with tender shredded corned beef, sautéed cabbage, carrots, and onions, then wrapped in crunchy egg roll wrappers and air fried to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, served with tangy Dijon mustard or creamy Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil), divided
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- ¼ sweet yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ pounds cooked corned beef, shredded
Egg Rolls
- 6-8 egg roll wrappers
Dipping Sauce Options
- Dijon mustard
- Thousand Island dressing
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables and Corned Beef: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ½ tablespoon of avocado oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Add the shredded carrots and cabbage, stirring occasionally until the cabbage softens slightly. Add the shredded corned beef to the pan, cover, and allow it to warm through thoroughly.
- Prepare the Egg Rolls: Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you. Place approximately ¼ cup of the cabbage mixture and a few pieces of corned beef in the center of the wrapper. Fold the two side corners inward over the filling, then fold the near corner upward over the filling, pressing firmly to compress the ingredients. Roll the wrapper tightly away from you, moistening the last corner with a little water to seal it shut. Repeat this process with the remaining filling and wrappers.
- Cook the Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer: Brush the prepared egg rolls lightly with the remaining avocado oil. Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place 3-4 egg rolls seam-side down in the basket and air fry for 7 minutes. Flip the egg rolls and continue cooking for an additional 7 minutes, checking after 4 minutes to achieve the desired golden brown color. Remove the egg rolls once crispy and brown. Repeat with the remaining egg rolls.
- Serve: Serve the hot, crispy egg rolls immediately with your choice of Dijon mustard or Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
Notes
- This recipe works well using either a skillet or an air fryer for cooking.
- For a crispier egg roll, ensure to air fry at the recommended temperature and flip halfway through cooking.
- If you don’t have avocado oil, olive oil is a great substitute.
- Leftover egg rolls can be stored and reheated in the air fryer for crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning in the filling to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg

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