What Are Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls?
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crave-worthy textures, Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls might just be your new favorite appetizer. These rolls combine the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the creamy tang of cheese, all wrapped in a golden, crispy egg roll wrapper. Unlike traditional deep-fried versions, these are cooked in the air fryer, giving you that irresistible crunch without the extra oil or mess.
This recipe is a modern take on comfort food, mixing American buffalo wing flavors with an Asian-inspired presentation. The result? A crowd-pleasing finger food that delivers flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting game night, prepping snacks for a party, or simply craving something crispy and cheesy, these egg rolls deliver on all fronts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier than deep frying: Thanks to the air fryer, you use less oil but still get that crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Packed with flavor: The combination of shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and three types of cheese creates a spicy, tangy, creamy filling.
- Quick to make: With pre-cooked chicken and minimal prep, you’ll have a dozen ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for meal prep: You can freeze them before or after cooking and reheat easily in the air fryer.
- Versatile: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, adjust spice levels, or make mini versions for party platters.
Unique Recipe Features
These air fryer buffalo chicken egg rolls stand out from typical appetizers due to their flavor fusion and simplicity. The recipe fuses bold American flavors with the crispy texture of Asian-style egg rolls. Unlike store-bought options, these rolls are fully customizable—add extra heat, switch up the cheese, or toss in veggies like diced celery or jalapeño for a twist.
The use of an air fryer makes the cooking process cleaner and faster, with less oil and no need for a deep fryer. These egg rolls are perfect for those who want delicious results without compromising on health or spending hours in the kitchen.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and prep your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and quicker.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer – Key for getting the crispy texture with minimal oil
- Large mixing bowl – For combining the filling ingredients
- Spoon or spatula – To evenly mix and portion the filling
- Pastry brush – For brushing melted butter or oil on the wrappers
- Cutting board & knife – To finely slice green onions or optional add-ins
- Small bowl of water – For sealing the egg roll wrappers
Why Each Tool Matters
The air fryer is the heart of this recipe—it ensures even cooking and crispiness. The pastry brush helps coat the egg rolls for maximum crunch without excess oil. The small bowl of water is a crucial step many overlook: it’s used to seal the wrappers securely, so they don’t open during cooking.
Preparation Tips
- Soften your cream cheese ahead of time. This ensures it mixes smoothly into the filling.
- Preheat your air fryer for even crisping and cooking.
- Don’t overstuff the wrappers. Overfilling can cause the rolls to burst open during air frying.
- Seal edges tightly. Use water to moisten the final corner and press firmly to avoid leaks.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls:
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (your preferred brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)
- Optional for serving: Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Optional Add-ins
- Diced celery for crunch
- Minced jalapeños for heat
- Extra cheddar for more cheesiness
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, blue cheese, cheddar cheese, and sliced green onion. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
2. Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with one corner pointing toward you, like a diamond. Add about 1/4 cup of the filling just below the center.
Fold in the left and right sides over the filling. Then fold the bottom corner up over the filling and continue to roll tightly. Moisten the top corner with a little water and press to seal.
Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Brush with Oil or Butter
Lightly brush each egg roll with melted butter or olive oil on all sides. This helps achieve that golden, crispy texture in the air fryer.
4. Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange egg rolls in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each. Avoid overcrowding. You may need to work in batches.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping. The rolls are done when golden brown and slightly bubbling.
5. Serve Immediately
Transfer to a serving plate and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Garnish with extra sliced green onions if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are the kind of appetizer that immediately grabs attention. Their crispy exterior and cheesy, spicy interior make them ideal for casual gatherings, game days, or family movie nights. How you serve them can enhance their appeal and make them a star on the table.
Best Ways to Serve
- Plated with Dips: Arrange them on a platter with bowls of ranch and blue cheese dressing. These creamy dips balance the spice and add another layer of flavor.
- Garnished with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of finely chopped green onion or parsley adds color and freshness.
- On a Party Tray: Slice the egg rolls diagonally and stand them upright on a tray for an eye-catching party presentation.
- Mini Version Option: Cut the wrappers in half and reduce filling quantity for bite-sized versions—perfect for finger food at gatherings.
- Serve Hot: These egg rolls are best served fresh out of the air fryer, while the wrappers are still crisp and the cheese inside is melty.
Great Pairings
The bold flavors in these egg rolls can be complemented with lighter or cooling dishes, or you can double down on comfort food for an indulgent spread. Keep the theme in mind—buffalo chicken—when choosing what to serve alongside.
Common Mistakes to Avoid and How to Fix Them
While this recipe is simple, a few missteps can result in soggy, torn, or underwhelming egg rolls. Avoid these common errors to ensure the best results.
1. Overfilling the Wrappers
Problem: Stuffing too much filling makes it difficult to roll and seal the wrappers. This often leads to bursting or leaking during air frying.
Fix: Use only about 1/4 cup of filling per wrapper. It might not seem like much, but it’s enough to fill each roll without overloading.
2. Not Sealing Properly
Problem: If the edges of the wrapper aren’t sealed well, the rolls may unravel during cooking.
Fix: Always moisten the top corner with water and press firmly to create a strong seal. Let it sit for a minute before transferring to the air fryer.
3. Skipping the Oil or Butter Coating
Problem: Dry wrappers won’t brown well in the air fryer. You’ll end up with tough, pale rolls.
Fix: Lightly brush all sides with melted butter or olive oil before cooking. This ensures even crisping and rich color.
4. Overcrowding the Air Fryer
Problem: Placing too many rolls close together prevents air circulation, leading to uneven cooking.
Fix: Leave space between each roll. Work in batches if necessary for best results.
5. Not Flipping Midway
Problem: Rolls may brown on one side but stay pale on the other if left unturned.
Fix: Flip each roll halfway through cooking to ensure both sides get crispy and golden.
8 Perfect Side Dishes for Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
Serving these egg rolls with complementary sides can turn them from a snack into a full meal or enhance their role as the centerpiece of your party table. Here are eight excellent options:
1. Celery and Carrot Sticks
The classic sidekick to buffalo wings works perfectly here too. These raw veggies bring crunch and freshness, and they cool down the heat from the spicy filling.
2. Garlic Parmesan Fries
Crispy fries coated with garlic and parmesan deliver extra indulgence. Their savory richness pairs well with the spicy and cheesy filling of the egg rolls.
3. Creamy Coleslaw
The cool, tangy flavor of coleslaw adds balance and contrast. It’s light, crisp, and cuts through the richness of the buffalo filling.
4. Macaroni Salad
For a comforting, creamy complement, serve a chilled macaroni salad. It provides texture variety and a mellow flavor to calm the spice.
5. Loaded Potato Skins
Double down on the game-day theme with these cheese- and bacon-stuffed skins. They echo the indulgent character of the egg rolls while offering a different texture.
6. Deviled Eggs
Elegant yet simple, deviled eggs offer a creamy, savory flavor that works well with spicy appetizers. Their presentation adds variety to your table.
7. Cucumber Dill Salad
Refreshing and cool, this salad offers a crisp contrast to the warm, spicy egg rolls. The dill flavor pairs well with ranch or blue cheese.
8. Cornbread Muffins
A slightly sweet side, cornbread muffins can help balance the heat. They also add a hearty, comforting element to your spread.
Combining for a Winning Spread
To make a complete appetizer table or casual dinner, combine a few of these side dishes. For example:
- Party Platter Combo: Buffalo chicken egg rolls, garlic fries, celery sticks, and ranch dip.
- Game Day Meal: Egg rolls, loaded potato skins, coleslaw, and cornbread muffins.
- Light Spread: Egg rolls with cucumber salad and carrot sticks.
By selecting a mix of textures (crispy, creamy, crunchy) and temperatures (hot and cold), you can build a balanced and satisfying menu around your air fryer buffalo chicken egg rolls.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
Mastering Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls comes down to a few simple, practical techniques. These tips will help you achieve crispy, flavorful rolls every time.
1. Use Rotisserie Chicken
Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked, easy to shred, and packed with flavor.
2. Soften the Cream Cheese
Cold cream cheese doesn’t blend well. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, creamy filling.
3. Chill the Filling
Chilling the filling for 30 to 60 minutes before assembling helps it hold together better, making the wrapping process easier and cleaner.
4. Adjust the Heat Level
For milder rolls, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix in extra cream cheese. For spicier rolls, add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
5. Use a Light Hand with the Oil
You only need a light brush or spray of oil. Using too much can make the rolls greasy and soggy. A thin, even coating ensures they crisp up properly.
6. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating helps the egg rolls start crisping immediately. Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it preheat for 3 to 5 minutes before cooking.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how well it stores and reheats. Whether you have leftovers or want to prepare them ahead of time, these guidelines will ensure they stay delicious.
Refrigeration
- Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- To maintain crispiness, avoid stacking them directly. Use parchment paper between layers if needed.
Freezing
- These egg rolls can be frozen before or after cooking.
- For uncooked rolls: Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 2 hours. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container.
- For cooked rolls: Let them cool completely before freezing using the same method.
Freezer Life: Up to 2 months for both uncooked and cooked egg rolls.
Reheating Methods
To reheat and restore crispness, avoid the microwave when possible.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F and reheat for 5–6 minutes. No flipping required unless needed for even browning.
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure both sides crisp.
- Microwave (not recommended): While fastest, this method results in a softer texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them uncooked. When ready, simply brush with oil and air fry. This makes party prep easy and stress-free.
Are these gluten-free?
They can be, depending on the wrappers and sauces you use. Some egg roll wrappers contain gluten, so look for certified gluten-free options. Always check labels on buffalo sauce and cheese products.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, baking is a great alternative. Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping once halfway through for even browning. The texture will be slightly different, but still crispy and delicious.
Can I use canned chicken?
Canned chicken can be used in a pinch. Drain it well and shred it finely to prevent soggy filling. While fresh or rotisserie chicken offers the best texture and flavor, canned chicken works if you’re short on time.
How can I make a vegetarian version?
Replace the chicken with a plant-based protein such as seasoned jackfruit, mashed chickpeas, or a vegetarian meat substitute. Make sure to adjust the seasonings for taste balance.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales easily. Just make sure you cook in batches so the air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded. Overcrowding reduces air circulation and affects crispiness.
What sauces go best with these egg rolls?
Classic choices include ranch dressing and blue cheese. You can also serve with:
- Spicy garlic aioli
- Buffalo ranch blend
- Honey mustard
- Avocado crema for a milder dip
Conclusion
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls bring together the heat and creaminess of buffalo chicken with the satisfying crunch of egg roll wrappers—all without the need for deep frying. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, game day snacks, or party appetizers. Thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy a lighter version of this indulgent favorite with minimal effort.
Their versatility also makes them easy to customize. Whether you tone down the spice or load them up with extras like jalapeños and celery, the end result is always crispy, cheesy, and flavorful. Plus, the ability to prepare them in advance and freeze for later adds convenience that makes them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
These egg rolls deliver bold flavor, satisfying crunch, and crowd-pleasing appeal with every bite. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a repeat favorite in your appetizer rotation.