Crispy Air Fryer Avocado Egg Rolls: The Ultimate Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe (with Tamarind Dipping Sauce!)

The Cheesecake Factory is renowned for its extensive menu, but one item that consistently stands out and garners rave reviews is their famous avocado egg rolls (always spelled as one word, just like on their menu!). While a trip to the restaurant is always a treat, imagine being able to recreate those perfectly crispy, creamy, and utterly irresistible bites right in your own kitchen. Now you can! With my air fryer avocado egg rolls recipe, you can enjoy this beloved appetizer from the comfort of your home, and with significantly less effort and oil than traditional deep-frying.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Avocado Egg Roll Recipe

There are countless reasons why this homemade air fryer avocado egg roll recipe will become a staple in your appetizer repertoire:

• Healthier Alternative: By using an air fryer, you achieve that coveted crispy texture with a fraction of the oil typically used in deep-frying. This makes them a much healthier and guilt-free option, without sacrificing any of the crunch or flavor.
• Budget-Friendly: Dining out at The Cheesecake Factory can be quite an expense, especially when you factor in appetizers. Making these avocado egg rolls at home is a far more economical choice, allowing you to enjoy this gourmet treat without breaking the bank. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your wallet!
• Irresistible Flavor & Texture: Each bite delivers a delightful contrast: a perfectly crispy egg roll wrapper encasing a rich, creamy filling of fresh avocado, finely minced red onion, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Rolled into a convenient, dippable format, they are bursting with savory-sweet flavor that’s utterly addicting.
• Naturally Vegetarian: This recipe is entirely vegetarian, making it a fantastic option for a variety of diets and a crowd-pleaser for guests with different preferences.
• Versatile Dipping Options: While this recipe includes a copycat version of the Cheesecake Factory’s signature sweet and spicy tamarind cashew dipping sauce, you’re not limited to just one choice. These egg rolls are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with many pre-made or homemade sauces. I’m personally a huge fan of serving them with a vibrant cilantro lime dressing or even a simple spicy mayo!

Ingredients List for Homemade Avocado Egg Rolls

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delectable air fryer avocado egg rolls. You’ll need fresh, ripe avocados and simple pantry staples for the filling, plus a few key items for the signature Cheesecake Factory-style dipping sauce.

For the Avocado Egg Rolls:

• 3 medium to large avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced (use 4 if they are small and ripeness is key for a creamy texture)
• 2 Tbsp minced red onion (adds a sharp, fresh bite)
• 1 Tbsp finely minced fresh cilantro (for aromatic freshness)
• 6 sun-dried tomato halves (packed in oil), roughly chopped (adds a burst of umami and sweetness)
• ½ tsp salt (to enhance all the flavors)
• ½ tsp lemon (or lime) juice (prevents browning and brightens the avocado)
• 8 egg roll wrappers (essential for that crispy exterior)
• Olive oil spray (or similar light cooking oil spray for air frying)

For the Cashew Tamarind Dipping Sauce (Cheesecake Factory Copycat!)

• ¼ cup cashews (roasted and salted – adds creaminess and nutty depth)
• ⅛ cup fresh cilantro leaves (for a fresh, herbaceous note)
• 1 Tbsp tamarind powder (provides the distinctive sweet and sour tang)
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce (the Thai style, not the tomato-based version; for sweetness and mild heat)
• ½ tsp yellow curry powder (adds an aromatic, complex spice profile)
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste, to balance the flavors)

Step-By-Step Instructions to Air Fry Your Avocado Egg Rolls

Follow these detailed steps to create your crispy air fryer avocado egg rolls and the irresistible cashew tamarind dipping sauce:

1. Begin by preparing the cashew tamarind dipping sauce. First, chop the cashews into small pieces using a food processor or a sharp Chef’s knife. This ensures a nice texture in the final sauce. Next, in a blender or food processor, combine all the other dipping sauce ingredients (cilantro leaves, tamarind powder, sweet chili sauce, yellow curry powder, and salt). Blend until the mixture is well combined and smooth. If the sauce appears too thick, you can thin it slightly with a teaspoon or two of water until it reaches your desired consistency. Once blended, fold in the previously chopped nuts. Set the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the egg rolls. Note: I used to blend the nuts directly with the other ingredients, but I found that doing so often resulted in a pasty, cloudy sauce because the cashews started turning into cashew butter. Keeping them separate and folding them in maintains a better texture.

2. Next, prepare the avocado egg roll filling. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the diced avocado chunks, roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes, finely minced red onion and fresh cilantro, salt, and lemon (or lime) juice. Gently stir all the ingredients together with a spatula or spoon until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much; you want some texture remaining.

3. Now, it’s time to assemble the egg rolls. Fill a small bowl with a little water; this will be used to seal the wrappers. Lay an egg roll wrapper onto a clean, dry work surface, positioning it like a diamond (with one point facing you). Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the avocado filling into the center of the wrapper, forming it into a log shape that’s slightly off-center towards the point closest to you. Don’t overfill, or it will be difficult to roll.

4. Dip your finger into the bowl of water and carefully run it along all four outside edges of the egg roll wrapper. This step is crucial as the water acts as a glue, ensuring the wrapper seals properly and prevents the filling from escaping during cooking.

5. To roll the egg roll, first fold the bottom triangle of the egg roll wrapper up over the filling, gently pressing it to secure. Next, fold in the two side corners towards the center, creating an envelope shape. Finally, tightly roll the egg roll away from you, starting from the folded edge, until it forms a compact tube. Press the final corner firmly to seal. Repeat this process for all remaining egg rolls until all the filling is used.

6. Once all your avocado egg rolls are assembled, carefully place them into your air fryer’s basket or on its rack. Ensure they are arranged in a single layer, leaving a little air space between each one. This allows for optimal air circulation, which is essential for achieving that consistent crispy texture. Lightly spray the tops of the egg rolls with a mist of olive oil spray or your preferred cooking oil.

7. Cook the avocado egg rolls on the air fry setting at 400°F (200°C) for an initial 6 minutes. After this time, carefully flip each egg roll to the other side, reapply a light mist of oil spray, and continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes. Continue cooking until the egg rolls are beautifully golden brown and delightfully crispy on all sides. Keep in mind that cooking times can vary slightly between different air fryer models, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on them and adjust as needed.
8. Once cooked to perfection, serve your crispy air fryer avocado egg rolls hot, alongside the reserved homemade cashew tamarind dipping sauce. Enjoy!

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Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Air Fryer Avocado Egg Rolls

Achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful avocado egg rolls in your air fryer is simple with these expert tips:

• I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe since I flip the egg rolls halfway through anyway. This saves time and still yields fantastic results. My usual method is 6 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the other. This works perfectly in my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer, but cooking times can vary slightly between different air fryer models and wattage, so adjust as needed based on your appliance.
• Note that if you are making multiple batches, subsequent batches might cook faster. Once your air fryer is hot from the first batch, you can often reduce the cooking time to about 3 minutes per side (6 minutes total) for the following rounds to prevent overcooking.
• Ensure your avocado filling isn’t too wet. If your avocados are overly ripe or your sun-dried tomatoes are very oily, gently pat them dry with a paper towel before mixing to avoid a soggy interior.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with the filling! While this is a copycat recipe, you can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or a dash of garlic powder for extra savory notes if you like.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Avocado Egg Rolls

Planning ahead or dealing with leftovers? Here’s how to best store and reheat your delicious air fryer avocado egg rolls:

• To store any leftover avocado egg rolls, allow them to cool completely to room temperature first. Then, place them in an airtight container or a sealed bag. They can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• To reheat avocado egg rolls and restore their crispiness, the air fryer is your best friend! Place the refrigerated egg rolls back into your air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry them at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 3 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warmed through and have regained their desired crispy texture. You typically shouldn’t need to add any additional oil for reheating. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soggy.
• The cashew tamarind dipping sauce can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir well before serving.

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Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Avocado Egg Rolls

These air fryer avocado egg rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re a ticket to bringing a beloved restaurant favorite right into your home. This Cheesecake Factory copycat recipe provides a delicious, healthier, and more economical alternative to one of their most popular appetizers. The combination of the crispy wrapper and the creamy, flavorful avocado filling is truly addictive.

Whether you choose to enjoy them with the authentic sweet and spicy cashew tamarind sauce, as served at the restaurant, or opt for another favorite dipping sauce (I highly recommend a creamy cilantro ranch for a different but equally delicious experience!), these egg rolls are guaranteed to impress. They are naturally vegetarian, making them a versatile option for various dietary needs and occasions.

Perfect for game day gatherings, a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration, or simply as a satisfying snack or appetizer any time you’re craving something crunchy, creamy, and undeniably delicious, these homemade air fryer avocado egg rolls are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the ease and amazing flavor!