My sister taught me this hack for skipping the deep fryer, and they come out perfectly crunchy. Just 4 ingredients needed.

These oven baked 4-ingredients crispy egg rolls are my go-to when I want that shattery crunch without dragging out the deep fryer. My sister, who cooks just as much as I do, showed me this simple method: a hot oven, a light oil coating, and plenty of space on the pan. The result is golden brown rolls that look like they came out of a restaurant fryer, but they’re lighter, less messy, and perfect for a weeknight. While traditional egg rolls are usually deep-fried and can have elaborate fillings, this streamlined version keeps things practical for home cooks without sacrificing texture.

Serve these crispy egg rolls hot from the oven with a small bowl of sweet chili sauce or soy sauce on the side for dipping. They pair nicely with a simple cucumber salad, steamed rice, or a quick stir-fried vegetable medley to round out the plate. For a more casual spread, pile them onto a dark baking sheet or platter, garnish with a few sliced green onions if you like, and set them out as an appetizer alongside other finger foods such as edamame or baked chicken wings.

Servings: 12

12 egg roll wrappers

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large dark baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup, or lightly oil the bare pan if you prefer extra browning.

In a medium bowl, toss the coleslaw mix with 1 tablespoon of the oil to lightly coat the shreds. This helps them soften slightly in the oven and keeps the filling moist without extra ingredients.

Add the cooked ground pork or chicken to the bowl with the coleslaw mix and gently toss to combine. Taste a small bite and add a pinch of salt and pepper if needed, keeping in mind that dipping sauces will add more flavor later.

Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean work surface in a diamond shape, with one corner pointing toward you. Keep the remaining wrappers covered with a clean, slightly damp kitchen towel so they don’t dry out while you work.

Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling in a horizontal line across the lower third of the wrapper, leaving about 1 inch of space on each side for folding.

Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up and over the filling, tucking it snugly underneath. Fold in the left and right corners toward the center, like an envelope, then roll away from you into a tight cylinder. Press the tip of the final corner firmly to seal. If the wrapper feels too dry to stick, dab the corner lightly with a bit of water, but usually the natural moisture in the filling will be enough.

Place the rolled egg roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling, spacing the egg rolls at least 1 inch apart so hot air can circulate and crisp them evenly.

Brush the tops and sides of each egg roll generously with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, making sure to coat all visible surfaces. This is the key to getting that deep-fried look and crunch in the oven.

Bake on the center rack for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each egg roll with tongs. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the egg rolls are deep golden brown and crisp all over. If your oven runs cool, you may need an extra 2 to 3 minutes.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the egg rolls rest for 3 to 5 minutes; this brief rest helps the wrappers finish crisping and keeps the filling from spilling out when you bite in. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

For a vegetarian version, swap the ground meat for crumbled firm tofu, finely chopped mushrooms, or extra coleslaw mix; just be sure the filling is not too wet so the rolls stay crisp. If you prefer a more pronounced flavor without adding extra ingredients, season the meat more assertively as you cook it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic or onion powder from your pantry. You can also use ground turkey or finely shredded leftover roast chicken instead of ground pork or chicken for a slightly leaner option. For extra crunch, bake the egg rolls on a preheated dark metal baking sheet or on a wire rack set over the sheet so hot air can circulate underneath. If your oven has a convection setting, use it and reduce the baking time by a few minutes, watching closely toward the end. Leftover egg rolls re-crisp well: reheat on a baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes until hot and crunchy again.