Air fryer recipes have taken the cooking world by storm due to their ability to deliver delicious, crispy foods with less oil and faster cooking times compared to traditional frying. One such delightful dish that has gained immense popularity is Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls. These golden, crispy egg rolls, filled with the bold flavors of buffalo chicken, cheese, and a hint of tangy heat, make for an irresistible appetizer, snack, or even a fun main dish.
In this article, we will delve deep into everything you need to know about making these scrumptious egg rolls in the air fryer, from preparation and ingredients to cooking tips, serving ideas, and more. Whether you’re an air fryer enthusiast or someone looking to add a spicy twist to your appetizer rotation, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
What Are Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls?
Air fryer Buffalo chicken egg rolls are a creative twist on the traditional egg roll. Traditionally, egg rolls are stuffed with a savory filling, wrapped in a thin egg roll wrapper, and deep-fried to crispy perfection. However, this air fryer version eliminates the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing the deliciously crispy texture.
The filling of these egg rolls typically consists of shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, cheese, and green onions, which are combined to create a flavorful and spicy filling. The egg roll wrappers are then carefully rolled and placed in the air fryer, where they cook to a perfect crisp, delivering the same great crunch and taste as deep-fried egg rolls with a fraction of the fat.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
To make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own chicken breasts or thighs. Shredded chicken is the perfect base for these egg rolls, as it allows the buffalo sauce to infuse the meat, making every bite flavorful and juicy.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce – Buffalo sauce gives the dish its signature tangy, spicy kick. You can use store-bought buffalo sauce, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own homemade version by mixing hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot) with butter, garlic powder, and a splash of vinegar.
- 1 cup shredded cheese – Cheddar and mozzarella are the most popular choices for this recipe. The cheddar adds sharpness and depth of flavor, while mozzarella provides a gooey, melty texture that complements the spicy chicken filling perfectly.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped – Green onions (or scallions) add a mild, crisp onion flavor to balance the richness of the buffalo sauce and cheese.
For the Egg Roll Wrappers:
- Egg roll wrappers – These thin, square wrappers are perfect for wrapping the buffalo chicken filling. They can be found in most grocery stores, usually in the refrigerated section near the tofu or Asian ingredients.
- Olive oil spray – A light misting of oil helps create a crispy, golden exterior for the egg rolls when cooked in the air fryer. You can also use vegetable oil or avocado oil spray.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
Making Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls is surprisingly simple and quick. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure your egg rolls come out perfectly crispy and packed with flavor:
1. Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- Shred the chicken: If you haven’t already, shred the cooked chicken using a fork or your hands. Make sure the chicken is shredded finely, as this will help the filling fit well inside the egg roll wrappers.
- Mix with buffalo sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. Adjust the amount of sauce according to how spicy or saucy you want your egg rolls to be.
- Add cheese and green onions: To the buffalo chicken mixture, add the shredded cheese and chopped green onions. Mix everything together until the cheese is evenly distributed and the green onions are spread throughout the filling.
2. Prepare the Egg Roll Wrappers:
- Arrange the wrappers: Place your egg roll wrappers on a clean surface like a cutting board or countertop. If the wrappers are square, rotate each wrapper to form a diamond shape, which makes the wrapping process easier.
- Spoon the filling: Take a generous spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture and place it in the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as it will be harder to roll and seal the egg roll.
- Roll the egg rolls: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up over the filling. Then, fold the two side corners inward to create a sealed pocket around the filling. Finally, roll the wrapper upwards toward the top corner, creating a tight seal. Wet the top corner with a small amount of water to help seal the egg roll. Repeat this process for the remaining egg rolls.
3. Air Fry the Egg Rolls:
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures that the egg rolls cook evenly and become crispy.
- Spray with oil: Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with olive oil spray. Then, place the prepared egg rolls in a single layer in the basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket to allow air circulation for even cooking. If necessary, cook the egg rolls in batches.
- Cook the egg rolls: Air fry the egg rolls at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The egg rolls should be golden brown and crispy when done. If you prefer a more golden crisp, you can cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Check for crispiness: When the egg rolls are done, they should have a crispy exterior. If you want an extra crispy texture, feel free to add an additional minute or two in the air fryer.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
- Let them cool: Once the egg rolls are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. They’ll be hot inside, so giving them a moment to rest will help prevent burning your mouth.
- Serve with dipping sauce: Buffalo chicken egg rolls are perfect when paired with a creamy dipping sauce. Some popular options include blue cheese dressing, ranch dressing, or even an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce. These sauces will enhance the flavor of the egg rolls and add a cool contrast to the heat from the buffalo sauce.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
- Don’t overstuff the egg rolls: If you add too much filling, it will be difficult to roll the egg rolls properly, and they may burst open during cooking.
- Use leftover chicken: This recipe is an excellent way to repurpose leftover chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even chicken from another meal.
- Experiment with cheese: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, you can also experiment with other types of cheese, like pepper jack, for an added kick or a blend of cheeses for more depth.
- Customize the spice level: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix in some cream cheese to temper the heat. On the other hand, if you love extra spice, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling.
Variations of Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
- Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Egg Rolls: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the buffalo chicken filling for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian Buffalo “Chicken” Egg Rolls: For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with cauliflower or chickpeas, and toss them in buffalo sauce for a plant-based alternative.
- Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls: For an even cheesier filling, add cream cheese or sour cream to the buffalo chicken mixture to create a rich, creamy texture inside the egg rolls.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and spicy, making them an ideal choice for game day, parties, or even a quick dinner. With the air fryer’s ability to crisp up the egg rolls with little to no oil, these treats offer the same delicious crunch as deep-fried egg rolls but with a fraction of the fat. Easy to make and customizable to your taste preferences, these egg rolls are sure to become a crowd favorite in your home. So gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy a plate full of these irresistible Buffalo chicken egg rolls!
