There’s a buzz in the air this weekend, and it’s not just the excitement of gatherings—it’s the mouthwatering aroma of crispy, golden Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls! Imagine unrolling a perfect, crunchy bite to reveal a warm, cheesy filling that dances with flavors of chicken, black beans, and sweet corn. The best part? This recipe gives you all the goodness of those beloved Tex-Mex treats but with a lighter twist that won’t weigh you down.
As I readied for game day, I found myself craving something that would not only impress guests but also provide that comforting crunch I adore. That’s when I whipped up these egg rolls, finessing them in my air fryer for an easier, healthier take without compromising on taste. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a delightful weeknight dinner, these egg rolls are bound to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire. Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible scent of crispy homemade goodness!
Why love Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls?
Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives these egg rolls a delightful crunch without the extra oil, making them a healthier choice.
Mouthwatering Filling: Packed with juicy chicken, black beans, and sweet corn, each bite bursts with Tex-Mex flavor that’s hard to resist.
Quick Preparation: With simple ingredients and an easy assembly process, you’ll have a delicious appetizer ready in no time!
Versatile Option: Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, they pair beautifully with creamy avocado ranch dip or your favorite salsa.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: Enjoy the classic taste of a beloved dish, but without the heaviness of traditional frying. These egg rolls are the ultimate way to treat yourself while keeping it light!
Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls Ingredients
For the Filling
• Egg Roll Wrappers – Provide structure; keep them covered to prevent drying out while assembling.
• Cooked Chicken – Adds protein; rotisserie chicken works great as a time-saving shortcut.
• Black Beans – Contribute creamy texture and protein; drain and pat dry to minimize moisture.
• Corn – Adds sweetness and crunch; fresh, canned, or frozen varieties all work well.
• Bell Peppers (red and green) – Provide flavor and color; can substitute with other mild peppers based on preference.
• Cheddar Cheese – Offers creaminess and richness; a cheese blend can create interesting flavor profiles.
For the Dip
• Creamy Avocado Ranch Dip – Enhances flavor with a creamy texture; consider using cilantro-lime crema for a refreshing twist.
These Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls are on their way to becoming your new favorite appetizer!
How to Make Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls
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Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, drained black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, and cheddar cheese. Make sure the mixture is not overly wet to ensure crispiness.
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Prepare the Wrappers: Lay out your egg roll wrappers on a clean surface. Place about two tablespoons of the filling mixture in the center of each wrapper. Fold and roll tightly, sealing the edges so that the filling won’t escape.
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Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes before you add the egg rolls. This ensures they cook evenly.
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Arrange and Spray: Place the rolled egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with oil to help achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
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Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the egg rolls at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking until they are golden brown and crispy.
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Rest and Serve: Let the egg rolls rest for about 5 minutes after cooking to improve slicing and presentation. Serve warm with creamy avocado ranch dip or your favorite salsa.
Optional: Serve with diced jalapeños for an added kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls
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Fridge: Store leftover cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
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Freezer: Uncooked assembled egg rolls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once frozen to prevent sticking.
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Reheating: For best results, reheat cooked egg rolls in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain that crispy texture.
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Make-Ahead: You can prepare and fill the egg rolls a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just air fry them before serving for a warm, crispy treat!
Make Ahead Options
These Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls are fantastic for meal prep! You can assemble the uncooked egg rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare the filling, fill the wrappers, and lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate to prevent any drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply preheat the air fryer and cook the egg rolls straight from the fridge, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time if needed. This way, you’ll have delicious, Tex-Mex-inspired appetizers ready to impress without the last-minute rush!
Variations of Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own with these fun variations!
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with shredded jackfruit or cooked quinoa for a delicious plant-based twist.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for an extra heat boost.
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Cheese Lovers: Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a creamy filling with a spicy layer of flavor that will melt in your mouth.
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Tex-Mex Explosion: Mix in spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder to the filling to amplify that Southwest flavor and enhance the overall taste profile.
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Crunchy Additions: Toss in some finely chopped spinach or shredded carrots to the filling for a delightful crunch and extra nutrition.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Swap the cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative to accommodate a dairy-free lifestyle without losing flavor.
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Sweet Twist: For a unique flavor, add a sprinkle of corn kernels drizzled in honey to the filling mixture, balancing sweetness with savory flavors.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs such as cilantro or green onions into the mixture for a refreshing pop of flavor that brightens every bite.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls?
Experience a fiesta of flavors and textures that will complement your delicious egg rolls perfectly!
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Creamy Avocado Ranch Dip: The cool creaminess enhances the crispy egg rolls, making each bite a savory-sweet sensation.
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Pico de Gallo: Fresh and zesty, this classic salsa adds a burst of flavor while balancing the richness of the egg rolls.
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Tortilla Soup: A warm, hearty soup pairs beautifully with the crunch of your egg rolls, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Simple Green Salad: Light and refreshing, a salad adds a crisp contrast to the richness of the egg rolls while being a nutritious side.
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Mexican Street Corn Salad: This sweet and tangy corn salad brings a festive element that harmonizes with the Tex-Mex theme of the egg rolls.
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Cucumber and Tomato Salad: Crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes offer a refreshing side that cleanses the palate between savory bites.
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Beer or Margarita: A chilled beer or a zesty margarita elevates the experience, enhancing the flavors of both the egg rolls and the company around the table.
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls
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Keep Filling Dry: Ensure the filling mixture isn’t too moist to prevent sogginess and leaks during air frying, preserving that satisfying crunch.
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Perfect Rolling Technique: Roll the egg rolls tightly and seal the edges well to avoid any filling escape while cooking—trust me, you want all that tasty goodness inside!
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Adjust Cooking Time: For an extra crunch, you may increase the air frying time by 1-2 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
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Temperature Check: Always preheat your air fryer before cooking—this ensures even cooking and helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown finish.
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Resting is Key: Allow the egg rolls to rest for about 5 minutes after air frying. This improves slicing and prevents cheese leakage, giving you picture-perfect results when serving.
Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls Recipe FAQs
What type of egg roll wrappers should I use?
I recommend using traditional egg roll wrappers as they provide the best structure for your Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls. Make sure to keep them covered with a damp cloth while assembling to prevent them from drying out. If you prefer a gluten-free option, look for rice paper wrappers or gluten-free egg roll wrappers at your local grocery store.
How should I store leftover egg rolls?
Store any leftover cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help retain their flavor and slight crunchiness. Before serving, reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes—this is the best way to bring back their crispy texture!
Can I freeze the assembled egg rolls?
Absolutely! To freeze uncooked assembled Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls, lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch, and place them in the freezer until solid. After about 1-2 hours, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air frying time.
What if my filling is too wet?
If you notice your filling is overly moist, this can lead to soggy egg rolls. To remedy this, drain and pat dry your black beans and corn thoroughly before using them. Additionally, you can adjust the ratio of cheese to help bind the mixture better. If you encounter sogginess after cooking, consider reheating in the air fryer to restore its crunch.
Are these egg rolls suitable for kids?
Yes, these Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls make a fantastic kid-friendly dish! They’re packed with nutritious ingredients and can be a fun finger food. Just be mindful of any allergy considerations, especially concerning cheese and beans. You can also make a milder filling by using less spicy ingredients or adjusting the seasoning to suit little taste buds.
Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls - Crispy Tex-Mex Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, drained black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, and cheddar cheese. Make sure the mixture is not overly wet to ensure crispiness.
- Lay out your egg roll wrappers on a clean surface. Place about two tablespoons of the filling mixture in the center of each wrapper. Fold and roll tightly, sealing the edges so that the filling won’t escape.
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes before you add the egg rolls. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Place the rolled egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with oil to help achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
- Cook the egg rolls at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Let the egg rolls rest for about 5 minutes after cooking to improve slicing and presentation. Serve warm with creamy avocado ranch dip or your favorite salsa.