We’ve always loved the fiery kick of buffalo chicken wings, and now we’re twisting that classic into something even more irresistible: Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls made in the air fryer. This fun fusion combines tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce with crunchy wrappers for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for game day or weeknight snacking.
What makes our recipe stand out is how the air fryer delivers that golden crispiness with less oil, keeping things lighter without sacrificing flavor. We’re confident you’ll enjoy this easy twist on a favorite, bringing bold tastes to your table in no time.
Ingredients
To craft our irresistible Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls in the air fryer, we gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients below. We’ve organized them in the order they’re used—from preparing the filling to assembling and cooking—for seamless preparation.
- Shredded cooked chicken (2 cups): Use rotisserie or poached chicken for juicy tenderness; shred it finely to ensure even distribution in the filling.
- Buffalo sauce (½ cup): Opt for a high-quality, spicy brand like Frank’s RedHot to infuse that signature bold buffalo flavor we love in this air fryer recipe.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Freshly grate for maximum meltiness, adding a creamy contrast to the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- Celery (½ cup, finely diced): Chop into small pieces for a crisp, refreshing crunch that complements the Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls.
- Carrots (½ cup, finely diced): Dice these vibrant veggies for added sweetness and texture, enhancing the overall appeal of our air-fried appetizer.
- Egg roll wrappers (12 wrappers): Keep them at room temperature for easy handling during assembly.
- Blue cheese crumbles (¼ cup, optional): Sprinkle these in for an extra tangy kick, perfect if you’re aiming for authentic buffalo wing vibes.
- Olive oil spray: A light mist is all you need for that golden crispiness in the air fryer, keeping our recipe healthier without sacrificing taste.
Equipment Needed
To seamlessly transition from preparing our flavorful ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls in the air fryer, we need a few key tools that ensure efficiency and that perfect crispy finish. Gathering the right equipment helps us achieve the ideal balance of bold buffalo flavors and a golden, crunchy wrapper with minimal effort.
Here’s a concise list of the essential items, organized by their role in the process:
- Air Fryer: Our primary appliance for cooking the egg rolls to a crispy, golden brown in just minutes, using hot air circulation to mimic deep-frying while keeping things healthier.
- Mixing Bowl (Medium-sized): Ideal for tossing together the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cheese, and veggies to create the savory filling.
- Knife and Cutting Board: Sharp tools for precisely chopping celery, carrots, and other fresh components, ensuring even distribution in each egg roll.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate for measuring ingredients like buffalo sauce and cheese, helping us maintain the recipe’s bold taste without overdoing it.
- Spoon or Spatula: Useful for mixing the filling and spooning it into the egg roll wrappers with ease.
- Olive Oil Spray Bottle: A simple way to lightly mist the egg rolls before air frying, promoting that irresistible crispiness while reducing excess oil.
By having these items ready, we make the process of crafting our Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls smoother and more enjoyable, leading directly into the assembly and cooking steps.
Instructions
We walk you through crafting our Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls in the air fryer, delivering a crispy exterior and spicy, savory filling that’s perfect for game day snacking.
Prepare the Filling
First, gather your ingredients as listed earlier and mix them in a medium bowl to create a flavorful base. In the bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken with ½ cup of buffalo sauce for that bold, tangy heat, then add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for creamy meltiness, ½ cup of finely chopped celery for a crisp crunch, and ½ cup of grated carrots for subtle sweetness. Using a spoon or spatula, stir everything together until the mixture is evenly coated and holds together—this step infuses the filling with a spicy aroma that will make your kitchen irresistible, promising a mouthwatering contrast of textures once cooked.
Assemble the Egg Rolls
Now that our filling is ready, lay out 10 egg roll wrappers on a clean surface and work quickly to prevent drying. Place about ¼ cup of the Buffalo Chicken mixture in the center of each wrapper, then fold the bottom corner up over the filling and tuck in the sides before rolling tightly to the top corner—seal the edge with a bit of water or beaten egg for a secure hold. As you assemble, envision the golden crispiness awaiting in the air fryer, where these rolls transform into handheld delights with a satisfying snap and burst of spicy flavors in every bite.
Air Fry the Egg Rolls
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Lightly mist the assembled egg rolls with olive oil spray, then arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket—cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for uniform golden browning that achieves a lighter, healthier crunch without deep-frying. Once done, the rolls will emerge with a tantalizingly crispy exterior and warm, spicy interior, ready to serve with an irresistible aroma that elevates any gathering.
Make-Ahead and Storage
As we perfect our Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls in the air fryer, planning ahead keeps things simple and ensures that crispy, spicy goodness is always ready for game day or a quick snack. Let’s break down how we can prepare these egg rolls in advance and store them properly to maintain their irresistible crunch and bold flavors.
Making Ahead
We recommend assembling the egg rolls up to 24 hours before cooking to save time without sacrificing quality. Here’s how we do it step by step:
- Prepare the filling first: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, diced celery, and carrots as outlined in our ingredients section. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it immediately to keep the flavors fresh and prevent bacterial growth.
- Assemble the egg rolls: Lay out the egg roll wrappers and fill each one with about 2 tablespoons of the mixture. Roll them tightly as per our assembly instructions, then place the uncooked rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush or spray them lightly with olive oil to avoid sticking.
- Store until ready: Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap or transfer the rolls to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This step ensures the wrappers stay pliable and the filling retains its spicy, tangy essence.
Storage Tips
Once cooked, our Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls store well, but proper methods are key to preserving their golden crispiness and warm, flavorful interior. We always aim for food safety and optimal taste.
For quick reference, here’s a table summarizing storage durations and guidelines based on standard food safety practices:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Place cooled egg rolls in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness and enjoy the fiery buffalo kick. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Arrange egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before air frying at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. |
By following these steps, we ensure our Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls remain a convenient, delicious option that delivers that perfect balance of crunchy exterior and spicy filling every time.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this air fryer twist on buffalo chicken egg rolls, bringing bold flavors to your table with ease. It’s a game-changer for healthier snacking without losing that irresistible crunch. Whether you’re hosting friends or prepping ahead, this recipe adds excitement to any meal. Give it a try and elevate your gatherings with our simple yet tasty creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls?
You’ll need shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, celery, carrots, egg roll wrappers, and a light olive oil spray. Optional blue cheese crumbles add extra flavor. This combination creates a spicy, crunchy treat.
How do I make Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls in an air fryer?
Mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cheese, celery, and carrots in a bowl. Place filling in egg roll wrappers, roll tightly, and spray with olive oil. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until crispy. It’s quick and easy for game day snacking.
Is using an air fryer healthier for this recipe?
Yes, an air fryer uses less oil for a golden, crispy finish, making the egg rolls lighter than traditional frying while keeping bold flavors intact. It’s a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
Can I prepare Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely, assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and store in the fridge. Prepare the filling first, roll them, and cover tightly. This makes them convenient for parties or quick meals.
How should I store leftover Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls?
Refrigerate cooked egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
What equipment do I need for this recipe?
You’ll need an air fryer for cooking, a mixing bowl for the filling, a knife and cutting board for chopping veggies, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and an olive oil spray bottle. These tools ensure a smooth process.
Can I customize the Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls recipe?
Yes, swap cheddar for other cheeses, add more veggies like onions, or adjust spice levels with extra sauce. Experiment while keeping the core flavors, but maintain the air fryer method for the best results.