These crispy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are loaded with tender beef, onions, and peppers, rolled up and fried golden, then dipped into the star of the show: a creamy, dreamy homemade beer cheese sauce. They’re fun, easy, and guaranteed to disappear at parties, game days, or whenever snack cravings hit!
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If you’ve ever bitten into a Philly cheesesteak and wished it came with a louder crunch, these Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are about to rock your world. Tender beef, melty cheese, sautéed onions and peppers — all wrapped tightly in an egg roll wrapper and blasted in the air fryer until they’re impossibly crispy. No deep-frying, no fuss, no lingering oil smell.
And because I am who I am, we’re serving them with a warm, creamy homemade beer cheese dipping sauce that takes these easy cheesesteak egg rolls over the top!
Whether you’re feeding a hungry Friday-night crew, building a game day spread, or just want a fun appetizer that hits hard, these crispy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls deliver every single time.
Before we dive in, here’s why these crispy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls work every single time:
- Air fryer = instant crispiness. Golden, crunchy egg rolls without deep-frying — fast, clean, and wildly satisfying.
- Oven option included. No air fryer? No problem — they bake up beautifully and still get crisp.
- The homemade beer cheese is the show-stealing moment. Warm, creamy, tangy, and perfect for dipping every bite.
- Classic cheesesteak flavor, handheld. Juicy beef, peppers, onions, and melty cheese wrapped in a crispy shell.
- Perfect game day appetizer. These disappear faster than anything else on the table.
- Make-ahead friendly. Assemble and freeze, then air fry straight from frozen when company arrives.
- Crowd-pleaser for all ages. Kids love them, adults fight over them — a universal win.
- Easier than they look. Simple ingredients, quick steps, big payoff.
What You'll Need and Why
Everything you need to make crispy Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls with creamy homemade beer cheese.
For the Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
- Ground beef — classic cheesesteak flavor base.
- Onion — adds sweetness and depth.
- Green bell pepper — essential Philly cheesesteak vibe.
- Worcestershire sauce — savory umami boost.
- Granulated garlic & onion — simple, big-flavor seasonings.
- Cream cheese — makes the filling creamy and helps it stick together.
- Provolone slices — melty, iconic cheesesteak cheese.
- Egg roll wrappers — the crispy shell for your air fryer egg rolls.
For the Homemade Beer Cheese Sauce
- Butter & flour — classic roux base for thick, velvety dip.
- Beer — adds sharp, tangy depth to the sauce.
- Whole milk — creates a smooth, creamy texture.
- Whole grain mustard — extra savory punch.
- Worcestershire sauce — rounds out the flavor.
- Kosher salt, garlic, onion, pepper — simple seasonings that build warmth.
- Cheddar cheese — the star of your creamy homemade beer cheese dip.
Swaps and Flavor-Boosting Variations
Fun ways to customize these Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls and make them your own.
- Use rotisserie chicken instead of beef — fold it into the sautéed onion and pepper mixture for a lighter, still-delicious filling.
- Crank up the heat — sauté jalapeños with the peppers and onions or add a splash of hot sauce to the beer cheese dipping sauce.
- Make Philly Cheesesteak Wontons — use smaller wonton wrappers for bite-size party appetizers.
- Use leftover steak — ribeye, NY strip, or even leftover prime rib make outrageously good cheesesteak egg rolls.
- Swap the cheese — American cheese melts beautifully and gives you that classic creamy cheesesteak vibe.
- Add mushrooms — sauté sliced mushrooms with the veggies for extra savory flavor.
- Use pepper jack — for a spicy, melty twist that works especially well for game day.
- Add garlic butter inside — brush a little into the wrapper before rolling for a richer, more indulgent filling.
- Make pizza-cheesesteak egg rolls — add a spoonful of marinara + mozzarella for a fun fusion moment.
- Turn them into air fryer cheesesteak taquitos — use small tortillas instead of wrappers for a crunchy Tex-Mex twist.
- Make them “thin & crispy” — use less filling and roll tighter for ultra-crunchy egg rolls.
- Go full bar-food mode — serve with beer cheese + ranch + hot sauce so everyone can dip their own way.
Tips and Tricks
A few smart moves to guarantee perfectly crispy Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls and silky-smooth homemade beer cheese every time.
- Melt cheese over LOW or NO heat. Add shredded cheddar to the warm beer sauce with the heat off to prevent graininess.
- Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese = anti-caking agents = gloopy sadness. Only team freshly shredded here.
- Keep the filling warm but not hot. Hot filling can steam the wrappers and make them harder to seal.
- Don’t overfill the egg rolls. Too much filling = egg roll blowout. Keep them tight and tidy.
- Seal the edges with water. A quick swipe around the perimeter helps the wrapper stick to itself and prevents leaks.
- Roll tightly for maximum crispiness. Air pockets can cause soggy spots, so roll firmly without tearing.
- Air fryer tip: don’t overcrowd. Leave space between rolls so the air circulates and crisps every surface.
- Brush lightly with oil. A tiny bit of oil gives you that deep-fried golden crunch without the actual frying.
- Oven method: use a wire rack. Elevating the egg rolls keeps the bottoms crisp instead of steaming on the tray.
- Let them cool for 2 minutes before dipping. The filling sets slightly, so you get cleaner bites into the beer cheese.
- Thin the beer cheese as needed. A splash of warm milk or beer loosens the sauce if it thickens on the stove.
Make Ahead Instructions
These Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are incredibly make-ahead friendly — perfect for parties, game days, or prepping appetizers in advance.
- Assemble the egg rolls up to 24 hours ahead, but don’t spray them with oil. Place in a covered container and refrigerate.
- When ready to cook, remove from the fridge, lightly spray with oil, and air fry or bake according to the recipe.
- Freezer-friendly: You can also freeze them before cooking. Freeze on a tray, transfer to a bag, then air fry straight from frozen (adding a few extra minutes).
- Make the beer cheese 2–3 days in advance. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or beer to loosen it as needed.
Perfectly crisp egg rolls + creamy beer cheese, even when made ahead = chef’s kiss.
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Cheesesteak Eggrolls
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 med onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 slices provolone, cut into half
- 16 egg roll wrappers
Beer Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup beer
- 1 cup whole milk up to a ¼ cup more if you like a thinner sauce
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ½ teaspoon granulated onion
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
The Egg Rolls
- Brown the ground beef along with the onions and bell pepper.
- Add the granulated garlic and onion with the Worcestershire sauce. When the beef is cooked through, stir in the softened cream cheese until everything is well combined. Let the mixture cool just a bit.
- Spoon the ground beef mixture in the middle of an egg roll wrapper. Place a piece of provolone on top of the filling. Dip your finger in a little water and run it along the perimeter of the egg roll wrapper. Fold and roll. Just like a burrito!
- Coat the egg rolls evenly with spray oil and into a preheated 400° air fryer they go until nice and crispy - about 15 to 20 minutes. Turn them over about halfway through cooking.
The Beer Cheese Sauce
- Melt the butter in a cast iron skillet on medium heat. Add the flour, whisking constantly for a few minutes to cook out any raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in the beer and milk. Keep whisking to prevent any clumps from forming. Add the granulated garlic and onion, salt and pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and the whole grain mustard.
- Once the mixture is smooth, remove the skillet from the heat or turn the heat to very, very low. This is key to prevent a grainy cheese sauce.
- Slowly, add in the grated cheese. Whisk the cheese until it melts. If you want your beer cheese sauce a little thiner, feel free to add some warm milk or cream.
Serving
- Serve the egg rolls alongside the beer cheese sauce. Add a little hot sauce for zing and enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving Ideas
Fun ways to serve these crispy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls with homemade beer cheese.
- Holiday appetizer — they fit perfectly on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve tables (and disappear instantly).
- Game day appetizer — serve with warm beer cheese, ranch, and hot sauce so everyone can dip their own way.
- Party platter — arrange on a big board with pickles, jalapeños, and extra provolone for snacking.
- Movie night — pair with fries, tater tots, or onion rings for the ultimate cozy snack spread.
- Weeknight treat — add a simple side salad or roasted veggies to turn these into a fun dinner.
- Tailgate food — air fry them at home, then reheat on the grill or in a foil pan.
- Snack board centerpiece — mix these with pigs in a blanket, cheeseburger egg rolls, and crispy wontons for a crowd-pleaser spread.
- Beer cheese bar — offer classic beer cheese + spicy version + extra-sharp cheddar for dipping variety.
Storage & Reheating
Here’s how to store and reheat your leftover Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls so they stay crispy and delicious.
- Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until crisp again — the best method by far.
- Reheat in the oven at 400°F for 6–8 minutes on a wire rack to keep the bottoms from softening.
- Avoid the microwave unless absolutely necessary — it will soften the wrapper and lose the crunch.
- Store beer cheese separately in a sealed container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of warm milk, cream, or beer if it thickens.
- Freeze before cooking (optional): assemble egg rolls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Avoid freezing after cooking — the wrapper becomes tough and loses its signature crispiness.
You Asked, I Answered
Can I make these Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Absolutely. Arrange the egg rolls on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Keep an eye on them — you want that deep golden, super-crispy finish. Add a couple extra minutes if needed. The oven version is just as delicious and still gets beautifully crisp.
What kind of beer should I use for the homemade beer cheese dipping sauce?
Use a beer you actually enjoy drinking. Pale ales, lagers, blonde ales, and alcohol-free beers all work beautifully. Avoid very sweet or heavily flavored beers (fruity sours, dessert stouts, etc.) since they can throw off the balance. Stick with something clean, crisp, and flavorful.
Can I freeze these Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls before cooking?
Yes! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry straight from frozen — just add a few extra minutes until crispy.
Can I use steak instead of ground beef?
Absolutely. Leftover ribeye, NY strip, or even prime rib makes an incredible filling. Just chop and fold into the sautéed onions and peppers.
Can I make the beer cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yep — up to 2–3 days in advance. Reheat low and slow on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or beer to thin it as needed.
What dipping sauces go well with Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls?
Beer cheese is the star, but ranch, spicy mayo, chipotle aioli, and hot sauce also pair ridiculously well.
You’ll Also Love
More crispy, cheesy, crowd-pleasing appetizers to round out your game day or party spread:
- Cheeseburger Egg Rolls — another crispy handheld favorite loaded with juicy beef, melty cheese, and the BEST dipping sauce.
- Cheeseburger Sliders — easy, cheesy, and baked with a creamy tangy burger sauce. Always the first tray to disappear.
- Philly Cheesesteak Dip — all the flavors you love in warm, creamy, scoopable form. Perfect with chips, crackers, or toasted baguette.
- Puff Pastry Pigs in a Blanket — buttery, flaky, and guaranteed to steal the show on any appetizer board.
- Real Crab Kani Salad — a bright, crunchy fresh option that pairs beautifully with rich game-day bites.
Who’s Stirring the Pot?
Hi, I’m Ruth—recipe developer, comfort-food creator, and the voice behind Rufus For Real. I specialize in cozy, doable, flavor-packed meals for real-life kitchens, and I’m a firm believer that breakfast, dinner, and everything in between should be simple, satisfying, and impossible to mess up.
You’ll find me sharing even more comfort-food goodness, kitchen tips, and behind-the-scenes chaos over on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube (@rufusforreal everywhere).
If you love approachable recipes with a whole lot of personality, pull up a chair—there’s always room at this table.
Happy Cooking!
-Ruth aka Rufus
Carey says
These turned out soooo good! The cheese sauce was devoured!
Erica Jones says
Excellent! These were a hug gameday hit!
Rufus says
I'm so glad to hear it! Thank you for letting me know. That means the world to me!