1. Cook the Chicken Filling: Creating a Savory Base

1. Heat Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the finely chopped chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Tip: If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, you can skip this step and simply warm the chicken through in the skillet.
3. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

2. Add Vegetables: Incorporating Flavor and Texture

1. Add Cabbage, Carrots, and Onion: Add the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and finely diced onion to the skillet.
2. Cook Until Softened: Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 3-5 minutes.

3. Season the Filling: Adding Depth and Complexity

1. Stir in Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil: Add the soy sauce and sesame oil to the skillet.
2. Cook: Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flavors are well combined and the sauce has slightly thickened.
3. Cool: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly. This will make it easier to handle when filling the egg roll wrappers.

4. Assemble the Egg Rolls: Wrapping Up the Filling

1. Prepare Egg Roll Wrapper: Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with one corner pointing towards you (like a diamond shape).
2. Add Filling: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled chicken and vegetable filling into the center of the wrapper.
3. Fold and Roll: Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck in the sides, and then roll it up tightly, like a burrito.
   • Tip: For a tighter seal, you can brush the edges of the wrapper with a little water or a beaten egg before rolling.
4. Repeat: Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

5. Prepare the Air Fryer: Getting Ready to Crisp

1. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spray Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

6. Air Fry the Egg Rolls: Achieving Golden-Brown Perfection

1. Arrange Egg Rolls: Place the assembled egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
   • Tip: Work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
2. Lightly Spray: Lightly spray the tops of the egg rolls with cooking spray or brush with a little oil. This helps them brown evenly.
3. Air Fry: Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping the egg rolls halfway through the cooking time.
4. Check for Doneness: The egg rolls are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should be at least 165F.

7. Cool and Serve: Enjoying Your Crispy Creation

1. Cool Slightly: Let the egg rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. They will be very hot!
2. Serve: Serve the Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or duck sauce.