Buffalo chicken and egg rolls are a match made in appetizer heaven. Combining the spicy kick of classic buffalo sauce with the crispy, golden crunch of egg rolls creates a snack that’s perfect for game day or any casual get-together. We love how the flavors come together in each bite, delivering a satisfying punch without being too heavy.
Using an air fryer for this recipe makes it easier than ever to get that perfect crispiness without deep frying. It’s a healthier, quicker way to enjoy a favorite comfort food with less mess and fewer calories. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want a flavorful snack, these buffalo chicken egg rolls are sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls in the air fryer, we need a well-balanced mix of ingredients for the filling, the wrappers, and the final touches to elevate every bite. Here’s everything we’ll use to craft this crispy, spicy, and downright delicious appetizer.
For the Buffalo Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
- 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce (choose your favorite wing sauce for authentic flavor)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for creaminess
- 1/4 cup diced green onions (optional for a fresh kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Egg Rolls
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Egg roll wrappers | 10 wrappers | Store-bought or homemade |
| Cooking spray or oil | As needed | For air fryer crispiness |
| Water | 2 tablespoons | To seal the wrappers |
For Serving and Garnishes
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
- Celery sticks for crunch and balance
- Extra Buffalo sauce for those who love it spicy
This ingredient list will help us achieve the signature crispy exterior and boldly flavored buffalo chicken filling that make these egg rolls irresistible. Let’s move on to assembling and air frying each roll to golden perfection.
Equipment Needed
To make our Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls Recipe Air Fryer perfectly crispy and delicious, having the right equipment is essential. Let’s review the key tools that ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.
Air Fryer
The Air Fryer is our star appliance for this recipe. It uses hot air circulation to cook the egg rolls evenly, rendering them crispy without excess oil.
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Minimum 3.5 quarts or larger |
| Temperature Range | Up to 400°F |
| Additional Accessories | Non-stick basket, wire rack (optional) |
A compact air fryer with adjustable temperature control guarantees even cooking and golden crispiness. We recommend preheating it to 375°F for optimal results.
Mixing Bowls
We need sturdy Mixing Bowls to combine our buffalo chicken filling ingredients thoroughly. Use different sizes for convenience during prep and assembly.
- Large bowl: For mixing shredded chicken, cheeses, Buffalo sauce, and seasonings.
- Small bowl: For sealing mixture water or any additional sauces.
Using bowls with a non-slip base helps keep the station clean and secure while you mix.
Cooking Utensils
Having the right Cooking Utensils helps us assemble and cook efficiently:
- Rubber spatula: For folding and mixing the filling smoothly.
- Pastry brush or small spoon: To apply water for sealing wrappers.
- Tongs: For flipping the egg rolls safely inside the air fryer.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient amounts and seasoning balance.
With these tools in hand, crafting the perfect Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls becomes a manageable and enjoyable process.
Prep Work
To ensure our Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls turn out perfectly crispy and flavorful, we need to focus on thorough prep work. Let’s get everything ready step by step for efficient assembly and cooking.
Preparing the Buffalo Chicken
- Cook and shred the chicken: Use 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great). Shred to bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and even filling distribution.
- Mix the sauce and seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with ½ cup Buffalo sauce, ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons ranch or blue cheese dressing, 2 green onions sliced thin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of black pepper.
- Stir thoroughly until cheese melts slightly and ingredients are well incorporated. This mixture should be moist enough to hold together but not soggy.
Preparing the Egg Roll Wrappers
- Lay out the wrappers on a clean flat surface. We recommend using 10-12 inch square egg roll wrappers for ideal size.
- Keep wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out while you work.
- Place 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the buffalo chicken filling near the bottom corner of each wrapper.
- Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water using a small bowl and fingertip or clean pastry brush. This helps seal the egg rolls.
- Roll the wrapper tightly over the filling, folding in the sides, and continue rolling until sealed.
- Arrange the rolls seam-side down on a plate.
| Prep Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Wrapper size | 10-12 inch square |
| Filling per wrapper | 1/4 to 1/3 cup |
| Sealing method | Edges moistened with water |
| Wrapper coverage | Keep wrapped with damp towel |
Making the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
For an extra layer of flavor, we can whip up a simple dipping sauce that complements the spicy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls perfectly.
- Classic Ranch Dip: Mix ½ cup ranch dressing with 1 tablespoon of blue cheese crumbles and a dash of lemon juice.
- Spicy Buffalo Ranch: Combine ½ cup ranch dressing with 2 tablespoons Buffalo sauce.
- Cooling Blue Cheese Dip: Blend ½ cup blue cheese dressing with 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives.
Place the sauce in small bowls ready for serving alongside the hot air-fried egg rolls. This balances the heat and adds creamy richness.
Directions
Follow these precise steps to craft perfectly crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls in the air fryer. Each phase ensures bold flavors and a crunchy exterior every time.
Assembling the Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
- Lay one egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you like a diamond.
- Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the prepared Buffalo chicken filling onto the center of the wrapper, spreading it slightly but leaving edges clear.
- Fold the corner closest to you tightly over the filling.
- Fold each side corner in towards the center, creating sealed sides around the filling.
- Roll the egg roll firmly away from you to enclose the filling completely.
Sealing the Egg Rolls
- Mix 1 tablespoon water with 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour to make a thick paste.
- Dip your finger into the paste and run it along the top corner edge of the wrapper.
- Press firmly to seal and lock in the filling, preventing any leak during cooking.
Preheating the Air Fryer
| Step Number | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Set air fryer temperature | 375°F (190°C) |
| 2 | Preheat duration | 3–5 minutes |
| 3 | Ensure air fryer basket is clean | Prevent sticking |
Preheating at 375°F ensures crispy and evenly cooked egg rolls.
Air Frying the Egg Rolls
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a thin layer of oil.
- Arrange egg rolls in a single layer with space between each for airflow.
- Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through at 5-6 minutes.
- Air fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Use tongs to remove and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dip alongside celery sticks.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate our Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls experience, pairing them with complementary dips and sides enhances every bite. These suggestions ensure our appetizer shines at any gathering or casual meal.
Best Dipping Sauces for Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
The right dipping sauce amplifies the bold flavors and crunchy texture of our Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls. Here are our top picks that provide creamy, tangy, or spicy contrasts:
| Dipping Sauce | Flavor Profile | Serving Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Ranch Dressing | Creamy, cooling | Serve chilled for refreshing contrast |
| Blue Cheese Dip | Rich, tangy, slightly pungent | Crumble extra blue cheese on top for texture |
| Extra Buffalo Sauce | Spicy, tangy | Drizzle over egg rolls or use as dip to turn up heat |
| Garlic Aioli | Buttery, garlicky | Adds a smooth richness to balance spice |
| Honey Mustard | Sweet and tangy | Offers a sweet counterpoint to the hot filling |
“Tip: Keep dipping sauces cold and replenish often to maintain contrast with the hot egg rolls.”
Side Dishes to Complement
Pairing our Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with classic and fresh sides creates a balanced, satisfying snack or meal. Here are flavorful accompaniments to round out the plate:
- Celery Sticks: Crisp, cool, and refreshing. Celery helps cleanse the palate and cuts through the heat naturally.
- Carrot Sticks: Slightly sweet and crunchy, carrots add a vibrant color and texture contrast.
- Coleslaw: Creamy tangy slaw provides a cooling effect and pairs perfectly with spicy buffalo flavor.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and sweet, they add hearty comfort and a hint of natural sweetness.
- Mixed Greens Salad: Light greens with a zesty vinaigrette refresh the palate and add nutritional balance.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Preparing Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls ahead of time can save us valuable moments without sacrificing flavor or texture. Proper storage and reheating ensure our air-fried egg rolls stay crispy and delicious.
Storing Uncooked Egg Rolls
We can assemble our buffalo chicken egg rolls in advance and store them uncooked to streamline meal prep or party hosting. Follow these tips to keep them fresh and ready for air frying:
- Wrap securely: Place each assembled egg roll on a parchment-lined tray. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Freezing option: For longer storage, freeze laid-out egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm (about 1-2 hours). Then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or airtight container. They stay good for up to 1 month.
Pro Tip: Avoid stacking uncooked rolls without protection; this prevents sticking and misshaping.
| Storage Method | Duration | Storage Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated (Uncooked) | Up to 24 hours | Cover tightly, store on flat tray |
| Frozen (Uncooked) | Up to 1 month | Freeze in single layer, then bag |
Reheating Air Fried Egg Rolls
To enjoy crispy, hot buffalo chicken egg rolls after storage or leftovers, we recommend these reheating methods:
- Air fryer reheating: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place egg rolls in a single layer and air fry for 4-6 minutes. Flip halfway for even crispiness.
- Oven reheating: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange egg rolls on a baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through.
- Avoid microwave: Microwaving softens the wrapper and creates sogginess. Use air fryer or oven for the best crispy texture.
| Reheating Method | Temperature | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air fryer | 350°F | 4-6 minutes | Crispy exterior, hot inside |
| Oven | 375°F | 10-12 minutes | Evenly crispy, thoroughly heated |
| Microwave | N/A | Not recommended | Soft and soggy texture |
Troubleshooting Tips
When making our Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls in the air fryer, a few common issues can arise. Here’s how we solve them to ensure perfectly crispy and intact egg rolls every time.
Preventing Egg Rolls from Opening
To keep our Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls securely sealed:
- Use a Proper Sealant: Apply a generous amount of the flour-water paste along the edges of the wrapper. This acts like glue, fastening the folds tight.
- Don’t Overfill: Be mindful not to overload the filling. Excess filling can cause the wrapper to stretch and tear during cooking.
- Fold Tightly: When rolling, tuck the sides in firmly and roll the wrapper tightly around the filling. Loose rolls increase the chance of opening.
- Press Seams: Give a final gentle yet firm press on the sealed edge before air frying.
- Check Wrapper Quality: Use fresh, pliable egg roll wrappers. Dry or cracked wrappers break easier.
“The key to a perfect egg roll is a strong seal and manageable filling.“
| Common Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Under-sealing edges | Apply more flour-water paste |
| Overstuffing filling | Reduce filling quantity |
| Loose folding | Fold tighter and press seams |
| Dry wrappers | Use fresh, pliable wrappers |
Achieving Crispy Texture
To capture that irresistible crispy crunch in our Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Always preheat to 375°F for 3-5 minutes before cooking.
- Light Oil Spray: Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking oil to promote crisping without excess grease.
- Single Layer Cooking: Arrange rolls in a single layer with space between them to ensure even airflow and crispiness.
- Flip Halfway: Turn the egg rolls at the halfway mark (around 5-6 minutes) to brown all sides evenly.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Too many egg rolls stacked together trap steam and create sogginess.
| Tips for Crispiness | Reason |
|---|---|
| Preheat air fryer | Ensures even cooking start |
| Light oil spray | Promotes golden browning |
| Single layer cooking | Allows hot air circulation |
| Flip halfway | Even crisp texture |
| Avoid overcrowding | Prevents soggy spots |
“Crispiness is all about hot, circulating air and minimal moisture on the wrappers.“
Using these tips, we guarantee our Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls will come out perfectly sealed and satisfyingly crispy every time we use the air fryer.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls made in the air fryer bring together bold flavors and crispy texture with ease. This recipe offers a healthier and faster way to enjoy a classic comfort food without sacrificing taste.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these egg rolls are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day or just craving a satisfying snack, this dish delivers every time.
By following the tips and techniques we’ve shared, you can confidently create a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both delicious and convenient. Give it a try and watch these flavorful bites disappear fast!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need to make Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls?
You’ll need cooked shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, green onions, garlic powder, and seasonings for the filling. Also, use egg roll wrappers, cooking spray or oil, and water for sealing. Optional garnishes include celery sticks and extra dipping sauces.
Can I use an air fryer to cook Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls?
Yes, an air fryer is recommended for crispier and healthier egg rolls. Preheat it to 375°F and cook the egg rolls for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
How do I seal the egg rolls properly?
Lay the wrapper flat, add the filling, fold the sides inward, roll tightly, and seal the edge with a flour-water paste to prevent leaks during cooking.
Can Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls be made ahead of time?
Yes, uncooked egg rolls can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to a month. Reheat using an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
What are good dipping sauces for Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls?
Popular choices include ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, extra Buffalo sauce, garlic aioli, and honey mustard.
How do I avoid soggy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls?
Use an air fryer or oven to reheat instead of a microwave, avoid overcrowding during cooking, and preheat the air fryer for best results.
What side dishes pair well with Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls?
Celery sticks, carrot sticks, coleslaw, sweet potato fries, and mixed greens salad complement these egg rolls well.
What size air fryer is best for cooking these egg rolls?
A minimum 3.5 quart capacity air fryer that can reach up to 400°F works best to ensure proper crispiness and even cooking.
How can I prevent the egg rolls from opening during cooking?
Use enough but not too much filling, fold tightly, and seal edges well with flour-water paste to keep them intact.
Can I make the filling vegetarian or dairy-free?
You can modify the recipe by substituting chicken with plant-based protein and using dairy-free cheeses and dressings.