Last updated on January 26th, 2024 at 09:35 pm

Cheesy Southwestern Egg Rolls are a crispy and flavorful appetizer that can be made in the air fryer or oven, and is perfect for parties, game day and more!

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These cheesy Southwestern eggs rolls are definitely my new favorite appetizer. They crispy, crunchy pockets of cheesy flavorful goodness, and way easier to make than you might think.

The filling for these cheesy Southwest egg rolls consists of shredded chicken, veggies, cheddar cheese and Southwest spices. Everything is wrapped in egg roll wrappers and baked or air fried (instructions for both below) to golden and crispy perfection.

These Southwestern egg rolls make the perfect appetizer for the Super Bowl. They can be prepped in the morning and then pop into the oven or air fryer right before the game starts.

They are delicious on their own or dipped into my tasty cilantro avocado crema. Serve alongside your other favorite appetizers for the ultimate game day spread!

Ingredients

Egg Roll Wrappers: egg roll wrappers are thin square sheets of wheat dough that turn super crispy when fried or air fried.
Chicken: we’ll be using cooked and shredded chicken breast meat. Have this prepped beforehand.
Cheddar cheese: I recommend sharp cheese to compete with the bold flavors in these egg rolls.
Cream cheese: cream cheese adds some creaminess and moisture to the Southwest filling.
Plain Greek yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt allows us to cut back on the amount of cream cheese used, which lowers the fat content and ups the protein.
Corn: yellow or white corn will work. For extra flavor, try charring before adding to the filling.
Black beans: drained and rinsed
Red bell pepper and onion: the red bell pepper and onion are sautéed before they’re added to the filling to soften them up and bring out their flavors.
Spices: chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper and salt.

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Small frying pan
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board and knife
Rubber spatula

Make the Filling

Heat one teaspoon of avocado oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add peppers and onions and sauté until soft, about 4-5 minutes.

In a mixing bowl, add cooked and shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, sautéed peppers and onions, corn, black beans and spices. Mix together so everything is well combined.

Assemble the Egg Rolls

Take one egg roll wrapper and place on the work surface in front of you so one corner is pointed towards you (so it looks like a diamond). Add 1/4 cup of the cheesy southwestern mixture to the center of the egg roll wrapper.

Wet your finger with a bit of water and dab each corner of the egg roll wrapper. Fold the corner facing you up over the filling.

Fold in the two sides over the mixture, then roll away from you to roll up the egg roll.

Place egg roll wrappers seam side down in air frier basket or on a parchment lined baking sheet with wire rack.

Brush or spray egg rolls with avocado oil and cook according to the instructions below.

Bake or Air Fry

To air fry: Air fry egg rolls at 375°F for 10 minutes, then flip and cook an additional five minutes.

Be sure to watch carefully as each air fryer is different and the egg rolls can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly!

To bake: Preheat oven to 425°F. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip egg rolls and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until golden on both sides.

Note: Baked egg rolls may feel soft while in the oven, especially in the center, but will crisp up as they cool on the wire rack.

Tips

Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Buy a block of cheddar cheese and shred it yourself. It tastes and melts better than pre-shredded.
If you don’t have all the spices listed and don’t want to buy all of them, you can used a store bought Southwest seasoning mix. Use 1 1/2 tablespoons.
Use just a small dab of water to wet the corners of your egg roll wrappers. Too much water will make the wrappers soggy and fragile.
Place egg rolls seam side down on air fryer basket or wire rack to prevent the egg rolls from popping open in the oven.

FAQ

Where can I buy egg roll wrappers?

Egg roll wrappers can be purchased at Wal-Mart and most grocery stores or at an Asian market. They are refrigerated and often located in the produce section.

Can I use wonton wrappers instead of egg roll wrappers?

Yes. Wonton wrappers are made from the same dough, but they are just smaller in size. Use 2-3 tablespoons of cheesy Southwest filling if you are using wonton wrappers.

Spring roll wrappers are NOT the same as egg roll wrappers!

Which cooking method is better?

If you have an air fryer, I’d recommend that method. They will cook faster and crisp up a little more than the baking method.

Can I freeze cheesy Southwestern egg rolls?

Yes, they freeze great! Assemble egg rolls but do not cook. Freeze them on a tray and then seal in an air tight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, add right to your air fryer frozen and cook at 375 for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Substitutions and Variations

Chicken: to make these Southwestern egg rolls vegetarian, omit the chicken and add an additional 1/2 cup black beans and 1/2 cup corn.
Cream cheese: for a lighter option, use Neufchâtel cheese.
Cheddar cheese: Monterey Jack, queso blanco or a shredded Mexican cheese blend can be used instead of cheddar cheese.
Plain Greek yogurt: you can use sour cream instead of plain Greek yogurt.
Cayenne: the cayenne pepper controls the spice level in these egg rolls. Omit for no spice or up the amount for extra heat.

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As always, if you make this recipe please let me know by commenting and rating below. If you take a picture, tag me on Instagram @thechowdown. I love seeing your recreations!

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