Name: Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound shaved steak; 2 teaspoons olive oil (divided); 2 teaspoons seasoned salt (divided); 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 4 slices provolone cheese; 12 egg roll wrappers; Oil spray, for lightly spraying egg rolls; Cheez Whiz, warm, for dipping

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 9 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Recipe with friends because it takes everything I adore about a classic Philly cheesesteak and transforms it into a perfectly crispy, handheld treat. The savory blend of tender shaved steak, sweet peppers and onions, melted provolone, all wrapped in a crunchy egg roll wrapper creates a flavor and texture combo that’s truly unbeatable. Whenever I whip these up, whether for a casual snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, everyone is instantly hooked—and it’s easy enough that I’m always excited to make them again.

Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Recipe

What really makes this Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Recipe special for me is the harmony of flavors packed into every bite. You get the authentic cheesesteak taste with the rich, juicy steak seasoned just right, the sweetness of the sautéed onions and peppers, and that gooey melted provolone that pulls it all together. Then, the crispy golden exterior from the air frying adds a fun crunch that’s different from the traditional sandwich but just as satisfying.

I also love how approachable this recipe is. The ingredients are simple and straightforward, and the steps are easy to follow, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the egg roll format makes it perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings—everyone can grab one and enjoy the familiar Philly cheesesteak flavors in a playful new form. It’s truly one of my go-to recipes whenever I want something comforting yet exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a black pan with raw and partially cooked ground meat inside, showing a mix of pink-red raw pieces and light brown cooked pieces scattered unevenly across the pan's textured black surface, with some steam rising gently. The pan sits on a cooking stove with a shiny black base. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These basic yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together to create a balance of taste, texture, and color that makes these egg rolls addictive. Each one has a role in building that classic Philly cheesesteak flavor with a crispy twist.

1 pound shaved steak: The star of the dish, providing tender, flavorful meat that’s easy to cook quickly.
2 teaspoons olive oil (divided): Helps cook the steak and veggies while adding subtle richness.
2 teaspoons seasoned salt (divided): Adds depth and enhances all the flavors.
1 small yellow onion (finely diced): Introduces a sweet crunch that softens perfectly when cooked.
1 small green bell pepper (finely diced): Brings freshness and a slight brightness to each bite.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle smoky warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
4 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that iconic cheesesteak creaminess.
12 egg roll wrappers: The crispy casing turns this classic sandwich into a fun finger food.
Cheez Whiz (for dipping): A nostalgic touch that perfectly complements the savory filling.

Directions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding the steak.

Step 2: Add the shaved steak to the hot skillet, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt, and cook, stirring often, until the steak is fully cooked through and starting to brown. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Then, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil to the skillet and heat it up. Toss in the finely diced onion and green bell pepper along with the remaining teaspoon of seasoned salt and the chili powder. Cook this mixture, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, which usually takes about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the softened vegetables. Stir everything together well, taste the mixture, and if needed, add a little more seasoned salt to balance the flavors.

Step 5: Layer the slices of provolone cheese evenly over the steak and vegetable mixture. Turn off the heat, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the cheese melt into the filling for 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 6: Once the cheese has melted, stir everything until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the cheese is evenly distributed throughout.

Step 7: Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the steak mixture onto the center of an egg roll wrapper. Fold in each side of the wrapper, roll it up tightly, then seal the edge by dipping your finger in water and brushing it along the wrapper’s edge before finishing the roll. Repeat this process with all the remaining filling and wrappers.

Step 8: Lightly spritz each egg roll on all sides with cooking oil spray to help achieve a golden, crispy finish when cooked.

Step 9: Arrange the egg rolls in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure to leave enough space between them for the air to circulate properly. You may need to cook them in batches depending on your air fryer’s size.

Step 10: Air fry the egg rolls at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for about 7 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to get an even golden-brown crust on all sides.

Step 11: Serve the egg rolls piping hot with warm Cheez Whiz for dipping—this combo brings back that nostalgic Philly vibe I adore.

Servings and Timing

This Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Recipe makes about 12 egg rolls, perfect for serving 6 people as an appetizer or snack, or fewer if they’re a main event. The prep time usually takes around 10 minutes, thanks to the simple chopping and quick cooking steps. Cooking in the air fryer takes about 7 minutes per batch, so including the time to make multiple batches, expect the total cook time to be roughly 15-20 minutes. Altogether, from start to finish, you’ll be enjoying these crispy delights in about 30 minutes. No extended resting time is needed, but letting the cheese melt for those few minutes while covered is crucial to getting that perfect gooey filling.

How to Serve This Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Recipe

A close-up view shows a crispy, golden-brown rolled snack being dipped into a thick, bright orange-yellow sauce inside a small metal cup. The snack has a bubbled, textured surface with light and darker brown spots. The cup sits on a black plate holding similar snacks with the same golden, crispy texture. A woman's hand with pink-painted nails is gently holding the snack while dipping it. The background features a soft, white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving these Philly Cheesesteak egg rolls, I like to keep things fun and casual. They’re excellent as an appetizer at a party or game day gathering alongside some tangy dipping sauces like spicy mustard or a roasted garlic aioli. I always serve them warm to keep that crispy exterior and melty cheese inside at their best.

For presentation, plating them on a large wooden board or serving platter with little bowls of Cheez Whiz (or your favorite dip) nestled around adds a great touch. Sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes over the egg rolls gives a pop of color and a hint of extra flavor.

As for beverages, these egg rolls go surprisingly well with a crisp lager beer or a refreshing lemonade for non-drinkers. If you prefer wine, I’d choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir to keep the palate refreshed between bites. They’re so versatile that they fit any occasion—weeknight snack, holiday appetizer spread, or party finger food—and are always a crowd-pleaser served hot from the air fryer.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe to tailor it to different tastes or dietary needs. For a different flavor twist, swapping the green bell pepper for sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions adds an earthy sweetness that plays beautifully with the savory steak.

If you want to make this dish gluten-free, you can swap the traditional egg roll wrappers for gluten-free wrappers found at specialty stores or even use rice paper wrappers carefully fried for a lighter crunch. For a vegan spin, I’ve tried using plant-based steak alternatives, vegan cheese slices, and loading up on bell peppers and onions. While it’s a different experience, it still captures the essence of this Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Recipe in a fresh, creative way.

Another method I sometimes use is pan-frying the egg rolls in a shallow skillet with a bit of oil if an air fryer isn’t available. This yields a similar crispiness but requires careful attention to maintain even browning. Whichever variation you choose, this recipe invites you to customize it easily while staying true to the comforting cheesesteak flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend placing the cooled egg rolls in an airtight container to keep them from getting soggy. They will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Lining the container with paper towels helps absorb moisture and preserve crispiness quite well.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully too! To freeze, place unbaked, wrapped egg rolls on a parchment-lined sheet tray and freeze until firm, about 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well frozen for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy them, cook them straight from frozen—you’ll just need to add a couple of extra minutes to the air frying time.

Reheating

For reheating, I always use the air fryer to bring back that crispy texture. Heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4-5 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you can, because it tends to make the wrappers tough and chewy instead of delightfully crunchy. A quick re-crisp in a hot pan with a drizzle of oil can also work if you don’t have an air fryer handy.

FAQs

Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the egg rolls a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge before cooking. This makes them a great prep-ahead option for parties. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before air frying for the crispiest results.

What can I use if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can pan-fry the egg rolls by heating a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, baking them on a greased baking sheet at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, will also work well.

Is Cheez Whiz necessary for dipping?

Not at all! Cheez Whiz is a classic Philly touch, but you can substitute with ranch dressing, a spicy mayo, or even a simple ketchup and mustard combo. I like to experiment with different dips to keep things interesting.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Provolone is the traditional choice, but sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack can be great alternatives depending on your flavor preference. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well to keep the filling creamy.

How do I keep the egg rolls from getting soggy after cooking?

Serving immediately after air frying is best for maximum crispness. If you need to hold them, keep them on a wire rack in a warm oven (around 200 degrees Fahrenheit) to avoid steam buildup. Also, avoid stacking them when hot to prevent moisture from softening the wrappers.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels special yet easy enough for any day of the week. The combination of flavors and textures is exactly what I crave, and once you taste the crispy comfort with cheesy, savory filling, I’m confident you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s a little twist on a classic that brings so much joy to the table, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too!