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Panda Express Apple Pie Egg Rolls

Panda Express Apple Pie Egg Rolls - recipe card
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Crispy golden egg roll wrappers are filled with a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling and fried to perfection. This copycat recipe delivers the sweet, crunchy treat found at Panda Express right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup apple pie filling, coarsely chopped if large chunks remain
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups vegetable or canola oil, for frying
  • 8 egg roll wrappers (6-inch square)
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for sealing)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the apple pie filling, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed. The filling should be cohesive but not overly wet; if it seems too liquid, drain off some of the syrup before mixing.
  2. Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry work surface, positioned like a diamond (one corner pointing toward you). Keep the remaining wrappers covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out while you work.
  3. Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto the lower third of the wrapper, shaping it into a compact log about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Do not overfill, as this can cause the wrappers to tear during rolling.
  4. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tucking it snugly under the apple mixture. Then fold in the left and right corners toward the center, creating an envelope shape that encloses the filling.
  5. Brush the top corner of the wrapper with the beaten egg wash. Then roll the wrapper upward, away from you, until the egg-washed corner is sealed against the package. Press gently to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
  6. In a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test with a small piece of bread or a drop of filling — it should sizzle immediately and turn golden in about 15 seconds.
  7. Carefully place 3-4 egg rolls into the hot oil, ensuring they are in a single layer and not crowded. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, greasy rolls.
  8. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the wrappers are deep golden brown and crisp. Use tongs to turn them gently. Watch for a uniform color and a crisp, crackling sound when tapped — these indicate doneness.
  9. Transfer the fried egg rolls to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them rest for 2 minutes — this allows steam to finish cooking the filling and lets the shell set, so they stay crispy longer.
  10. While still warm, sprinkle with granulated sugar or dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve immediately for the best experience, while the exterior is shatteringly crisp and the filling is hot and gooey.

Notes

These egg rolls are best enjoyed immediately after frying. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. For longer storage, freeze the un-fried rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Fry frozen rolls without thawing, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple pie egg rolls, Panda Express copycat, fried apple rolls, cinnamon apple dessert, egg roll wraps, Chinese-American fusion, easy dessert, crispy apple pastry, homemade apple pie bites, weeknight dessert

Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/panda-express-apple-pie-egg-rolls/