Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

Buffalo chicken can turn any dish into a crowd favorite. Crispy egg rolls filled with creamy, spicy chicken take that classic flavor to a whole new level. I remember setting out a plate of these for a game night, thinking they’d last a while. Within minutes, they were gone—barely enough time for me to grab one. That’s when I knew this recipe was a winner.

What makes these so good? The contrast of textures. The shell is light and crispy, while the filling is rich and slightly tangy from the buffalo sauce. They’re easy to make, too—just mix, roll, and let the air fryer do the work.

If you’re looking for a snack that’s simple yet impressive, this one checks all the boxes.

Short Description

These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are packed with spicy shredded chicken, melty cheese, and creamy ranch, all wrapped in a crispy shell. Cooked in the air fryer for a lighter take on a classic, they’re perfect for game days, parties, or a quick snack.

Key Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• ½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup ranch dressing (optional, for creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

• 8–10 egg roll wrappers
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for sealing)

For Serving:

• Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
• Extra hot sauce (optional, for drizzling)

Tools Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Pastry brush (for sealing the wrappers)
• Tongs (for flipping the egg rolls)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, ranch dressing (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Stir everything together until smooth and well mixed. Taste the filling and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls

Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, positioning it like a diamond. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken filling into the center.

Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll the wrapper tightly toward the top corner, sealing the edges with the cornstarch-water mixture. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Step 3: Cook in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or line it with air fryer-safe parchment paper.

Place the egg rolls in a single layer, leaving space between them for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops with cooking oil. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve

Transfer the egg rolls to a plate and let them cool slightly before serving. Dip in ranch or blue cheese dressing, drizzle with extra hot sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Without Deep Frying: The air fryer gives these egg rolls a perfectly crisp texture without extra oil.

Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, quick assembly, and fast cooking time.

Great for Parties: Perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

Customizable: Adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to suit your taste.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Egg rolls bursting open while cooking: Seal them properly with the cornstarch mixture and don’t overfill them.

2. Wrappers drying out before rolling: Keep them covered with a damp paper towel while working.

3. Egg rolls not crispy enough: Lightly spray them with oil before air frying for an extra-crispy finish.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

– Best served fresh with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
– Pair with a side of celery and carrot sticks for a classic buffalo experience.
– Enjoy alongside a cold glass of beer or sparkling water for a refreshing contrast.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing: Place leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes.

Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes.

Microwave: Not recommended, as it makes them soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought shredded chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.

2. Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying.

3. Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Freeze unbaked egg rolls in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.

4. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

5. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend works well.

Tips & Tricks

– For extra crunch, brush the egg rolls lightly with egg wash before air frying.
– Adjust the heat level by using milder or spicier hot sauce.
– Serve with a side of coleslaw for a cool contrast.

Recipe Variations

1. BBQ Chicken Egg Rolls: Swap the hot sauce for BBQ sauce and replace ranch with honey mustard.

2. Spicy Jalapeño Buffalo Egg Rolls: Add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

3. Vegetarian Buffalo Egg Rolls: Replace chicken with mashed chickpeas or shredded jackfruit.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls might just be the ultimate appetizer—bold flavors, crispy texture, and incredibly easy to make. The air fryer works its magic, creating a golden, crunchy shell without the mess of deep frying.

These egg rolls have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, especially when I need a quick, crowd-pleasing snack. Whether it’s a party, game night, or just a craving for something spicy and satisfying, this recipe never disappoints.

Once you make them, you’ll see why they vanish so fast. So grab some egg roll wrappers, fire up the air fryer, and give these a try—you won’t regret it!