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Introduction

Air Fryer Southwest Egg Rolls are a crispy, flavorful fusion of Tex-Mex and classic egg rolls. These golden, crunchy rolls are packed with a delicious filling of seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, bell peppers, and melty cheese, all wrapped in a crispy egg roll wrapper. The air fryer makes them lighter and less greasy than traditional fried egg rolls while still delivering the perfect crunch. These egg rolls are a fantastic appetizer, snack, or even a meal on their own, perfect for dipping into salsa, guacamole, or a creamy ranch dressing.

I remember the first time I made these for a game night with friends. The smell of the seasoned filling sizzling in the pan had everyone excited, and when the egg rolls came out of the air fryer, golden and crispy, they disappeared within minutes. What I love about these Southwest Egg Rolls is how versatile they are—you can swap out the protein, add a little heat with jalapeños, or experiment with different cheeses. And the dipping options? Endless! Whether you go for classic salsa, creamy avocado dip, or a zesty chipotle ranch, every bite is packed with bold, irresistible flavor.

These egg rolls are surprisingly simple to make, too. With just a few basic ingredients and the air fryer, you can have a batch of crispy, flavor-packed egg rolls ready in no time. Whether you’re making them for a party, a snack, or just because you’re craving something delicious, they’re always a hit!

Perfect for:

• Game nights
• Family gatherings
• Party appetizers
• Tex-Mex lovers
• Quick & easy meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Without Deep Frying: Air frying gives you the perfect crunch with less oil.
• Flavor-Packed Filling: The mix of tender chicken, black beans, corn, and cheese is deliciously satisfying.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice level and ingredients to your preference.
• Perfect for Dipping: Pairs great with salsa, guacamole, or Southwest ranch dressing.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped ahead and frozen for quick snacks or meals.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 egg rolls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Air Fryer Southwest Egg Rolls:

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese (or cheddar)
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 12 egg roll wrappers

For Cooking:

• Cooking spray (for air frying)
• Water (for sealing egg roll wrappers)

For Dipping (Optional):

• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Southwest ranch dressing

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: A great lean protein that pairs perfectly with the Southwest flavors.
• Black Beans & Corn: Add heartiness, texture, and classic Tex-Mex taste.
• Cheese: Melts beautifully inside the egg rolls for a gooey bite.
• Spices: Give the filling a smoky, slightly spicy Southwest kick.
• Egg Roll Wrappers: Crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without deep frying.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

1. Cook & Shred the Chicken: If not already cooked, cook the chicken breast in a pan over medium heat until fully cooked, then shred it with two forks.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, cheese, green onions, lime juice, and all the spices (garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne). Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.

Assemble the Egg Rolls:

3. Lay Out the Wrappers: Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape (one corner pointing toward you).
4. Fill the Wrapper: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling into the center of the wrapper.
5. Fold and Seal: Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll it up tightly, sealing the edge with a little water to hold it closed. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Air Fry the Egg Rolls:

6. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
7. Spray & Arrange: Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer (avoid overcrowding).
8. Air Fry Until Golden: Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the egg rolls are crispy and golden brown. If needed, cook in batches.

Serve and Garnish:

9. Cool Slightly: Let the egg rolls cool for a few minutes before serving.
10. Dip & Enjoy: Serve warm with salsa, guacamole, or Southwest ranch dressing.

How to Serve

• With a Side of Salsa: Classic and simple, perfect for dipping.
• For a Tex-Mex Platter: Serve with nachos, quesadillas, or tacos.
• As a Meal: Pair with a fresh salad or Mexican-style rice.
• With Extra Toppings: Garnish with chopped cilantro, extra lime juice, or a drizzle of sour cream.
• For Game Day: A great appetizer for parties and gatherings.

Additional Tips

• Keep egg roll wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.
• Don’t overfill the wrappers to avoid tearing.
• Lightly brush the egg rolls with oil for an even crispier texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Southwest Egg Rolls – Swap chicken for extra black beans, corn, and diced mushrooms.
2. Spicy Southwest Egg Rolls – Add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper.
3. Cheesy Southwest Egg Rolls – Add more cheese or a melty cheese blend inside.
4. Breakfast Southwest Egg Rolls – Mix in scrambled eggs for a fun twist.
5. Buffalo Chicken Southwest Egg Rolls – Toss the chicken in buffalo sauce before filling.
6. Turkey Southwest Egg Rolls – Substitute turkey for a leaner option.
7. Vegan Southwest Egg Rolls – Use plant-based cheese and swap chicken for more beans and veggies.
8. Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free wraps or corn tortillas instead of egg roll wrappers.
9. Sweet Potato Southwest Egg Rolls – Add mashed sweet potato for a creamy, slightly sweet twist.
10. Avocado Southwest Egg Rolls – Mix diced avocado into the filling for extra creaminess.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Assemble egg rolls and freeze before cooking. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F for 12-14 minutes.
• Storage: 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 5 minutes to crisp them up.

Special Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Brush (for oil or water)
• Tongs (for flipping)

FAQ Section

1. Can I bake these instead of air frying? Yes! Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! It saves time and adds great flavor.
3. Can I make these dairy-free? Yes! Use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
4. Can I use spring roll wrappers instead? Yes, but they will have a thinner, crispier texture.
5. How do I keep them crispy? Avoid stacking them while cooling, and reheat in the air fryer if needed.

Print

Conclusion

Air Fryer Southwest Egg Rolls are a crispy, flavorful treat packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors in every bite. These golden, crunchy rolls are filled with a delicious mixture of seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, peppers, and gooey cheese, making them an irresistible snack or meal.

With their crispy air-fried exterior and savory, well-seasoned filling, these egg rolls are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a quick meal, or indulging in a satisfying snack. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, like salsa, guacamole, or chipotle ranch, for an extra flavor boost.

This recipe is simple to prepare, using the air fryer to achieve a perfect crunch without deep-frying. Plus, they can be made ahead and frozen, making them a convenient option for busy days.

I’d love to see your Air Fryer Southwest Egg Rolls! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me so I can check out your delicious creation. Happy cooking!