These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are the perfect game day food! Creamy buffalo shredded chicken is stuffed into egg roll wrappers and air fried to crispy perfection. They're a crowd pleaser that will leave the family fighting over the last piece.
This is basically the recipe I made the shredded Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken for, and I don't regret it one bit. I've made Air Fryer Southwest Egg Rolls and they were such a hit with readers, I knew I had to create another recipe that was just as addictive.
While those are vegetarian and even vegan-friendly, this recipe contains a little more protein so it could pass off as a complete dinner.
You'll love these air fryer buffalo chicken egg rolls because:
- They're lower in calories than your traditional deep fried egg roll.
- It's the best combination of a creamy buffalo chicken dip and an egg roll.
- These are perfect for a game day snack!
- The buffalo chicken can be made ahead so if you have some leftover, this is the perfect way to switch it up for a different meal or appetizer.
- This recipe can be made dairy free, and gluten free with your favorite tortillas.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Shredded Buffalo Chicken - I recommend making this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken the night before so this process goes really quickly, but if you want to make it the same day it only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. If you don't have an instant pot, just follow the directions in the post for a slow cooker. You could also mix shredded rotisserie chicken with Frank's Red Hot in a pinch.
- Egg Roll Wrappers - These are typically found in the frozen ethnic food section of the grocery store. No specific brand, just whatever you can find. I pick mine up at Whole Foods, HEB, or a local Asian grocer. The only thing I haven't been able to find is gluten free egg roll wrappers. There are some recipes online, or you can use your favorite gluten free tortilla and do these as crispy taquitos.
- Cream Cheese - Just a little bit goes a long way for making these air fryer buffalo chicken egg rolls super creamy. This can be omitted for dairy-free.
- Green Onion - Adds a light onion flavor that pairs well with the buffalo chicken filling.
Which Air Fryer Should I Use?
I highly recommend using a real air fryer for these, even if you own a convection oven. I think it has to do with being a smaller, more concentrated space, but these air fryer buffalo chicken egg rolls cook so much better in one.
The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is what I use because I'm generally cooking for two people. It's definitely a smaller space and would take a few batches if making these for a crowd. What's nice is I already have the instant pot out for making the buffalo chicken and just have to replace the lid to keep cooking. The size would be comparable to a Philips Compact.
Ninja Air Fryer XL would be great if you're cooking for a larger amount of people while the Instant Pot Vortex 6qt is good for a family of four.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer
The hardest part of making these is rolling, but with these easy tips you'll be an expert at it. Start by making the Shredded Buffalo Chicken (instant pot and slow cooker instructions included). Shred the chicken and mix it with the cream cheese and green onion.
- Defrost the egg roll wrappers, which take about 1 hour at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator. Lay the wrapper on a cutting board facing you in a diamond setting.
- Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the chicken filling on the lower end and roll the bottom tip towards the top, making sure the filling stays inside. Fold in the sides.
- Continue to roll up to the top, as tight as you can get it. Seal the end piece down with a mixture of cornstarch and water or egg - either one will work! Use your fingers to brush along the fold or a brush.
- Continue rolling until all the buffalo chicken filling is gone. Spray the outsides with oil to coat.
Air fry egg rolls at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Using tongs, flip and cook another 6-7 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Let cool for at least 10 minutes and then serve with ranch dip.
Recipe Tips
- Prep the Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken ahead and microwave it before mixing with the cream cheese and green onion. The whole mixture or the chicken alone both freeze well and it will save you time making the egg rolls.
- Don't own an air fryer? These can also be made the traditional way - deep frying! Heat a pot of canola oil (about 2" deep) to medium high heat. Place the egg rolls in the fryer, reducing the heat to medium, and fry until golden brown on all sides. Adjust the heat as needed, especially if they're browning really fast. You want them to cook at least 3-5 minutes to be cooked all the way through.
- I have yet to find good, store-bought gluten free egg roll wrappers. Unless you want to make your own, I suggest rolling the filling in your favorite gluten free tortillas.
- For dairy free, I would suggest leaving out the cream cheese for those on a migraine diet, or using your favorite dairy-free cream cheese substitute if you can tolerate nuts and glutamate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! To freeze these egg rolls, cook them according to the directions and place in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 6 months. Reheat at 350 degrees F for 7-10 minutes in the air fryer.
I'd recommend pairing these air fried egg rolls with Creamy Coleslaw, Ranch Dressing (for dipping), or with Ground Beef Nachos as a game day spread. They would also go well with a vegetable platter - cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, and carrots.
This filling works great as a simple and quick buffalo chicken dip. Use it in tortillas, to dip with potato chips or vegetables, or mix it with cooked pasta.
Air Fryer Recipes
For more recipes like these easy Air Fryer Egg Rolls, see these posts!
If you make this, tag me #thedizzycook or @thedizzycook on Facebook and Instagram. And if you love the recipe, please leave a review below! Follow along on my Pinterest for more great recipes.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer I used the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds shredded buffalo chicken
- ½ cup plain cream cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 12 egg roll wrappers, defrosted
- 1 egg or ¼ cup water mixed with ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- avocado or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Mix together warm shredded buffalo chicken, cream cheese, and green onions. Taste and adjust any seasonings.
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F. Whisk egg in a small bowl or cornstarch/water mixture for egg-free. Place egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape on a cutting board and spoon 1-2 tablespoons of buffalo chicken at the lower end.
- Roll the edge towards the top, folding in the sides like an envelope, then continue rolling till you're about 1 inch away from the top. Brush egg or cornstarch mixture along the edge, then continue to roll all the way, adding a little bit more of the mixture to make sure the edges are sealed.
- Spray the outside of the egg rolls with oil, as well as the inner basket of the air fryer. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 8 minutes, check and make sure it's golden brown, then flip and cook another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Allow the egg rolls to cool 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with ranch dip.
Notes
- Philadelphia, Organic Valley, or any grocery store brand without carrageenan is best for cream cheese. Leave out for dairy free or use your favorite substitute.
- Pair with my ranch dressing for dipping.
- Egg roll wrappers are usually found in the frozen section with other ethnic foods, like frozen egg rolls or gyoza. I have found them at HEB and Whole Foods. Local Asian markets also carry a good selection. Tortillas can be used if you cannot find egg roll wrappers.
Loriann says
Could you bake these in the oven?
Alicia says
You can but they won't be as crispy and you'll have to increase the baking time.
Kayley Brighton says
These are SO GOOD! We ate them all in less than 10 minutes haha.
Stephanie Hays says
OMG!😋 I made these for our Super Bowl appetizer and they are absolutely delicious!!! Paired with Alicia’s homemade ranch…..Wow!!!! So good 😊
Alicia says
Thank you, Stephanie! So glad you enjoyed them!
Hannah says
Delicious and easy! I couldn’t stop eating them.