If there’s one dish that brings people together for a good time, it’s definitely egg rolls! The moment I took my first bite of Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls, I was captivated by the combination of crispy wrappers and a savory filling that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. Fast forward to today, and I’m delighted to share a healthier twist on this classic favorite using my air fryer.
As I prepared this recipe, the aroma of seasoned chicken, black beans, and fresh corn filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a casual gathering with friends. With a creamy avocado ranch dip on the side, these Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls not only cater to my craving for comfort food but also let me enjoy them without the guilt of excess oil.
Perfect as an impressive appetizer or a satisfying weeknight dinner, these crispy delights promise to surprise your taste buds—and they’re a breeze to whip up! So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a staple at your table.
Why Love Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls?
Crispy, flavorful perfection: Experience the delightful crunch of golden-brown pastries filled with juicy chicken and fresh, colorful veggies.
Creamy dip bliss: Elevate each bite with a luscious avocado ranch dip that adds a rich creaminess you won’t want to skip.
Healthy twist: Enjoy the essence of your favorite restaurant dish while cutting back on oil and enjoying a guilt-free treat.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and quick prep, you can whip these up for a party or a cozy night in! Consider serving them with a side of cilantro-lime crema for an extra flavor twist.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these egg rolls are guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy cravings!
Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls Ingredients
For the Egg Rolls
• Egg Roll Wrappers – Essential for that crunchy exterior; keep them covered to prevent drying out.
• Cooked Chicken – Adds a protein boost and savory flavor; shredded rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
• Black Beans – Provide creaminess and fiber; make sure to drain and pat them dry to avoid a soggy filling.
• Corn – Introduces a touch of sweetness and texture; you can use either frozen or canned corn, just ensure it’s drained.
• Bell Peppers – Offer freshness and a satisfying crunch; feel free to substitute any color, diced finely for the best texture.
• Cheddar Cheese – Brings a melty, creamy element; swap for Pepper Jack if you’re in the mood for some spice.
For the Avocado Ranch Dip
• Avocado – Serves as the base for a creamy and rich dip; ripe avocados work best for smooth blending.
• Ranch Dressing – Adds zesty flavor; you can use any ranch dressing you love, homemade or store-bought.
• Lime Juice – Brightens up the dip; fresh lime juice adds the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
• Garlic Powder – Enhances the savory notes; feel free to add more if you love that garlicky kick!
These delightful Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls are packed with flavor and texture, and the creamy avocado ranch dip perfectly complements the crispy goodness. Enjoy making this tasty treat!
How to Make Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls
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Prep Filling: In a large bowl, stir together cooked chicken, drained black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, and cheddar cheese until well combined for a flavorful filling.
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Assemble Egg Rolls: Take an egg roll wrapper, spoon a generous portion of the filling onto the center, fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly to keep all that delicious goodness inside.
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Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your egg rolls cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
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Air Fry: Place the assembled egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with oil and cook for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
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Rest and Serve: Allow the egg rolls to cool for 5 minutes before slicing in half. Serve with the creamy avocado ranch dip for a delightful dipping adventure.
Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of lime zest for extra freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and personalize these delightful egg rolls with some exciting twists!
- Vegetarian: Swap shredded chicken for sautéed mushrooms or extra veggies like zucchini for a hearty plant-based filling. The result is a vibrant, satisfying flavor melody.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a fiery touch that will make your taste buds tingle with excitement!
- Vegan Delight: Use a vegan cheese alternative and stick with black beans, corn, and bell peppers for a delightful dairy-free snack that everyone can enjoy.
- Herb-Infused: Mix fresh chopped cilantro or parsley into the filling for a burst of freshness that brightens each bite, taking the flavors up a notch.
- Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika or chipotle powder into the filling for a deep, rich flavor profile that will have you reaching for seconds.
- Crunchy Twist: Add a handful of chopped water chestnuts for an unexpected crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Fruity Surprise: Toss in some finely diced jalapeño and mango for a sweet and spicy combination that tantalizes the palate and adds an exciting twist.
- Cheese Lovers: Blend in a mix of cheeses, such as Pepper Jack and cream cheese, to create an irresistibly creamy filling that richness enhances each delightful bite.
With these variations, you can make your Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls as unique as you are!
Storage Tips for Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls
Fridge: Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their crispy texture and flavor.
Freezer: If you need to freeze them, wrap each egg roll individually in plastic wrap and store in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For the best results when reheating, place frozen egg rolls directly in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy, giving you that fresh-out-of-the-air-fryer taste.
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls
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Keep It Dry: Pat black beans and corn dry before mixing to avoid a soggy filling that could spoil the texture of the Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls.
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Seal Tightly: Make sure to roll and seal each egg roll tightly to prevent them from opening during cooking and losing their flavorful filling.
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Preheat for Success: Always preheat your air fryer; this ensures even cooking and helps achieve that desirable crispy texture.
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Monitor Cooking Time: If you prefer extra crunch, you can air fry an additional 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye out for cheese leaks.
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Rest for Neat Slices: Let your egg rolls rest for a few minutes after cooking, as this helps set the filling and allows for a cleaner slice when serving.
Make Ahead Options
These Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls are perfect for busy weeknights and can easily be made ahead of time! You can assemble the egg rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying. To maintain their quality, make sure to keep the wrappers covered so they don’t dry out. Alternatively, if you want to prep components separately, prepare the filling and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply fill the wrappers and air fry them as directed, resulting in a crispy and delicious meal with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls?
These crunchy, flavorful bites are perfect for creating a deliciously well-rounded meal.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette refreshes your palate and balances the richness of the egg rolls.
- Cilantro-Lime Rice: This zesty, fragrant side adds a burst of flavor and complements the Tex-Mex theme perfectly. The fluffy texture contrasts beautifully with the crispy egg rolls.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro add a vibrant touch that brightens each bite and enhances the bold flavors of the egg rolls.
- Tortilla Soup: A warm bowl of tortilla soup is a comforting companion that pairs well with the egg rolls, delivering a satisfying and hearty meal experience.
- Guacamole: Rich, creamy guacamole provides a luxurious dip alternative; its coolness wonderfully balances the crispy egg rolls’ warmth.
- Margaritas: A fruity or classic margarita can elevate the dining experience and adds a festive touch perfect for gatherings.
- Key Lime Pie: For dessert, a slice of this tart and creamy treat is a delightful way to finish off your meal, offering a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
- Roasted Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob with a sprinkle of cheese and chili powder offers a fun, flavorful side that’s a nod to familiar Tex-Mex street food.
- Chips and Salsa: Serving crispy tortilla chips with fresh salsa allows for extra snacking and pair perfectly with the egg rolls and dip.
Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best egg roll wrappers for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for egg roll wrappers that are fresh and pliable, typically found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Check for any visible cracks or dryness, as fresh wrappers will roll tightly and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
What’s the best way to store leftover egg rolls?
After you’ve whipped up your delicious Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want them to retain their crispy texture, reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Can I freeze the egg rolls before cooking them?
Yes, you can! To freeze your assembled egg rolls, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, cook them from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway until they’re golden and crispy.
What if my filling is too wet?
The more the merrier when it comes to flavor, but a soggy filling can spoil the fun. Be sure to drain and pat dry your black beans and corn before mixing them into the filling. If you find your mixture is still too wet, try adding a bit more cheese or incorporate some breadcrumbs to help firm it up.
Are these egg rolls suitable for people with gluten allergies?
For a gluten-free variation of the Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls, you can use rice paper wraps or gluten-free egg roll wrappers. Just pay close attention to the ingredients in each product to ensure they meet your dietary needs and remember to check that your sauces and condiments are gluten-free as well!
Crispy Air Fryer Chili’s Southwest Egg Rolls You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep Filling: In a large bowl, stir together cooked chicken, drained black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, and cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Assemble Egg Rolls: Take an egg roll wrapper, spoon a generous portion of the filling onto the center, fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking.
- Air Fry: Place the assembled egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with oil and cook for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the egg rolls to cool for 5 minutes before slicing in half. Serve with the creamy avocado ranch dip.