Southwestern Egg Rolls

Southwestern Egg Rolls

Crispy, crunchy, and loaded with a Southwestern filling of chicken, black beans, corn, and melty cheese. These air fryer egg rolls are better than any restaurant appetizer!

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 min

Cook Time: 10 min

Total Time: ~30 min

Servings: 12 egg rolls

Calories: ~210

Prep Time ISO: PT20M

Cook Time ISO: PT10M

Total Time ISO: PT30M

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 egg roll wrappers
  • Cooking spray
  • Avocado ranch dressing for dipping

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, black beans, corn, cheese, red pepper, green onions, and all seasonings.
  2. Place an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface in a diamond shape.
  3. Add about 3 tablespoons of filling to the center.
  4. Fold the bottom corner up, fold in the sides, then roll tightly toward the top corner. Seal with a dab of water.
  5. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
  6. Spray egg rolls generously with cooking spray on all sides.
  7. Place in air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
  8. Serve hot with avocado ranch dressing for dipping.

Pro Tips

Don't overfill the wrappers — they'll burst during cooking.
Spray generously with cooking spray for the crispiest results.
Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
For extra crispy results, lightly brush with egg wash before spraying.

Did You Know?

Restaurant Copycat: Southwestern egg rolls were popularized by Chili's restaurant in the 1990s and became one of the most requested appetizers in American casual dining.
Fusion Food: These egg rolls are a perfect example of fusion cuisine — Chinese egg roll wrappers filled with Tex-Mex ingredients, creating something uniquely American.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (approximate)

210 kcalCalories
14gProtein
20gCarbs
8gFat
3gFiber
2gSugar

Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigerate cooked egg rolls for up to 3 days.
Freeze uncooked egg rolls for up to 2 months.
Reheat in air fryer at 370°F for 4-5 minutes for crispy results.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I deep fry these instead?

Yes! Deep fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

2. Can I use flour tortillas instead of egg roll wrappers?

Yes, but the texture will be different — more like a crispy burrito than a crunchy egg roll.

3. What dipping sauce is best?

Avocado ranch is classic, but cilantro lime crema, chipotle mayo, or guacamole all work great.

4. Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the chicken and add more beans, corn, and diced sweet potato for a hearty veggie filling.

5. How do I prevent them from getting soggy?

Make sure the filling isn't too wet, spray well with oil, and don't stack them in the air fryer.

6. Can I bake these in the oven?

Yes, bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

7. Where do I buy egg roll wrappers?

Find them in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, usually near the tofu and produce.

8. How do I fold egg rolls properly?

Place filling in center, fold bottom corner up, fold in sides tightly, roll toward top corner, and seal with water.

9. Can I prep these the night before?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate on a parchment-lined tray, covered with plastic wrap.

10. Are these spicy?

Mildly spiced with cumin and chili powder. Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for more heat.

Previous
Previous

Garlic Shrimp Mofongo

Next
Next

Garlic Butter Roasted Brussels Sprouts