Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You get all the bold Southwest flavor — zesty, cheesy, and spicy — wrapped in a crisp shell.
Air frying gives you that satisfying crunch with much less oil than deep frying.
The filling is very flexible: meat or vegetarian, mild or spicy.
They’re fun to make and share and pair beautifully with creamy or tangy dipping sauces.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken (shredded or diced) — optional, to make them non-vegetarian
Black beans (rinsed and drained)
Corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
Red bell pepper, finely diced
Jalapeño (seeded, minced) — optional, for heat
Green onions, sliced
Fresh spinach or chopped greens (optional)
Cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Mexican blend)
Taco seasoning / chili powder / cumin / garlic powder
Egg roll wrappers
Water (or an egg + water slurry) for sealing
Oil spray or a little oil (for brushing/misting)
(Optional) Fresh cilantro, lime juice, salt & pepper

Directions

Prepare the filling
- In a bowl, combine the cooked chicken (if using), black beans, corn, diced red pepper, jalapeño, green onions, spinach (if using).
- Sprinkle in taco seasoning or a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stir in the cheese while the filling is still warm or slightly warm so it melts and binds things together.
Assemble the egg rolls
- Lay an egg roll wrapper flat (in a diamond orientation).
- Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons (or about ¼ cup, depending on size) of the filling onto the lower third of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold the two side corners inward, and roll tightly toward the top corner.
- Dab a bit of water (or egg + water) on the top edge to seal.
- Repeat until all filling is used.
Preheat the air fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to about 375–390 °F (≈ 190–200 °C) (depending on model). Cook the egg rolls
- Lightly brush or spray the outside of each egg roll with oil.
- Place them seam side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket — don’t overcrowd.
- Air fry for about 8 minutes, then flip them over, brush with a bit more oil, and cook another 4–6 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Serve
- Let them rest a minute or two (so the filling settles).
- Serve with your choice of dipping sauce (see suggestions below).

Servings and timing

Servings: about 10 egg rolls (depending on wrapper size and filling)
Prep time: ~15–20 minutes
Cook time: ~12–14 minutes (in batches)
Total time: ~30–35 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian / Vegan: Omit the chicken and add extra beans, veggies, or tofu. Use vegan cheese or skip the cheese.
Single wrapper: For lighter rolls, use just one wrapper layer—but don’t overfill or wrap too loosely.
Extra heat: Add extra jalapeño, hot sauce, or red chili flakes to the filling.
Herb or citrus twist: Stir in chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before wrapping.
Cheese variety: Mix cheeses — pepper jack, cheddar, or queso fresco for variation.
Chipotle version: Add chipotle in adobo (minced) for smoky heat.
Baked option: If you don’t have an air fryer, place assembled rolls on a rack over a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at ~425 °F until crisp, flipping halfway.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Once cooled, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze un-cooked (rolled) egg rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, air fry directly from frozen (add a few extra minutes).
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at ~350 °F for 3–5 minutes until crisp and heated through. Avoid microwaving (it makes them soggy).

FAQs

What if I don’t have chicken?

You can leave out the chicken and rely on beans, corn, and veggies for a hearty filling. Or use leftover cooked meat (beef, pork, turkey).

Can the egg rolls burst or leak filling?

Yes, if overfilled or wrapped loosely. Don’t overfill, wrap tightly, and seal the edge well with water or egg wash.

How many wrappers do I use per egg roll?

Usually one wrapper per roll is sufficient. Some recipes suggest double layering, but it depends on wrapper strength and filling.

Should I preheat the air fryer?

Yes — preheating helps the wrappers crisp more evenly and avoid sogginess.

What oil should I use?

Choose a neutral, high-smoke point oil (vegetable, canola, avocado) for brushing or spraying.

Will the cheese melt and leak?

If the filling is warm and the cheese is mixed in, it will melt internally. Don’t overfill and make sure the wrapper is fully sealed.

What if I only have small air fryer capacity?

Cook in batches and keep the cooked ones warm in a low oven (≈ 200 °F) until all are done.

Can I prepare them ahead?

You can roll them earlier and store (covered) in the fridge for an hour or so before cooking. Don’t let them sit too long or wrappers might get soggy.

What sauces work best?

Try creamy ranch, avocado ranch, chipotle mayo, salsa, guacamole, sour cream mixed with lime, or a cilantro lime dip.

How do I ensure even crisping?

Don’t overcrowd the basket, spray both sides with oil (or flip and spray), and allow air circulation between pieces.

Conclusion

Southwest egg rolls are a delicious fusion of Tex-Mex flavors and crispy texture, made easier and healthier in the air fryer. You can adapt the filling to your preferences, make them vegetarian or spicy, and pair them with your favorite dip. They’re great for parties, snacks, or even a fun weeknight dinner. Let me know if you’d like a printable recipe card with exact measurements!

Southwest Egg Rolls

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These crispy Southwest Egg Rolls are stuffed with a zesty mix of chicken, black beans, corn, peppers, and melted cheese — air fried to golden perfection for a lighter, flavorful appetizer or meal.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Yield: 10 egg rolls
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Southwestern / Tex-Mex

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine chicken (if using), black beans, corn, red pepper, jalapeño, green onions, and spinach. Add taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then stir in the shredded cheese.
Place one egg roll wrapper on a flat surface in a diamond shape. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto the lower third. Fold the bottom corner over, then the sides, and roll tightly toward the top corner. Seal edge with water or egg wash. Repeat with remaining wrappers.
Preheat the air fryer to 375–390°F (190–200°C).
Lightly brush or spray the egg rolls with oil. Arrange seam side down in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between each.
Air fry for 8 minutes. Flip, spray again, and continue cooking for another 4–6 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Let rest 1–2 minutes before serving. Serve warm with dipping sauces like chipotle mayo, ranch, or avocado lime sauce.

Notes

Don’t overfill the wrappers or the rolls may burst during cooking.
Use vegetarian filling (omit chicken) for a meatless version.
For extra smoky flavor, add chipotle in adobo to the mix.
Freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then store in a bag; air fry from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to cooking time.
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to re-crisp.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 egg roll
Calories: 180
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 240mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg