The aroma of buffalo sauce, cheese, and that satisfying crunch – it’s a combination that instantly transports me to game days and parties, always a crowd-pleaser. For years, I was happy to be on the receiving end of this amazing appetizer, but I secretly wished for an easy way to recreate that magic at home. I was tired of the usual store-bought snacks and wanted something homemade that packed a serious flavor punch. That’s when I started experimenting, and let me tell you, these Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are the answer I’d been searching for. They’re surprisingly simple to make, incredibly versatile, and deliver all the creamy, spicy, crispy goodness you could ask for. Get ready, because these are about to become your new favorite snack.
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls: Your New Favorite Snack?
Bold Flavor meets easy prep for a winner every time! Discover the joy of a truly craveable appetizer, featuring a perfectly crispy exterior and a flavor-packed, creamy filling. These egg rolls are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for any gathering or even a satisfying solo snack. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to repurpose leftover chicken, tying into delicious ways to reduce food waste.
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls Ingredients
- For the Filling
- Rotisserie Chicken – about 2 cups, finely shredded or diced to form the savory base. Leftover chicken is perfect here!
- Cream Cheese – 4 oz, softened to easily blend into a creamy texture.
- Buffalo Sauce – ½ cup, plus more for serving, infuses that signature tangy heat. Adjust to your preferred spice level for the best Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – ½ cup, shredded, for that delicious savory bite.
- Mozzarella Cheese – ½ cup, shredded, for that irresistible gooey melt.
- Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix – 1 tablespoon, to elevate the flavors and add a cool counterpoint.
- For Assembly & Cooking
- Egg Roll Wrappers – 1 package (about 12-15), your golden ticket to that perfect crunch.
- Water – for sealing the wrappers.
- Cooking Spray – for achieving a beautifully golden and crispy exterior, whether air frying or baking.
- For Serving
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing – for dipping and dipping and dipping!
How to Make Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
- Mix the Filling: Gently combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, cheddar, mozzarella, and ranch seasoning in a bowl. Stir until everything is just mixed and creamy.
- Assemble Egg Rolls: Spoon about 1/3 cup of filling onto an egg roll wrapper. Moisten edges with water, fold the bottom up, tuck in sides, and roll tightly to seal.
- Cook for Crispy Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange egg rolls seam-side down, spray them well, and air fry for 6-8 minutes total, flipping halfway.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the egg rolls cool slightly before serving warm with your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped chives for a fresh touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls?
Elevate your game day spread or weeknight appetizer with these irresistible flavor bombs, pairing perfectly with fresh, zesty, and creamy additions.
- Cooling Ranch Dip: A creamy, herbaceous counterpoint to the spicy buffalo chicken filling, offering a refreshing dip.
- Celery and Carrot Sticks: These crisp, fresh vegetables provide a delightful crunch and a clean taste that cuts through richness.
They bring a vital fresh element to the table, balancing the fried goodness of the egg rolls perfectly. Their natural crunch is wonderfully satisfying alongside the crisp wrapper.
- Sweet Potato Fries: A slightly sweet and savory side that complements the tangy buffalo flavor beautifully.
- Blue Cheese Coleslaw: Tangy dressing, crunchy cabbage, and the classic blue cheese tang make this a robust pairing.
- Corn Salsa: A burst of sweet corn, bell peppers, and onions adds a fresh, vibrant dimension.
- Cucumber Salad: Light, refreshing, and slightly acidic, it cleanses the palate between bites.
- Sour Cream and Chive Dip: A simple yet effective pairing that offers a cool, tangy, and savory element.
- Sparkling Water with Lime: The effervescence and citrus brightness of this drink cut through the richness of the egg rolls.
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls Variations
Let your culinary creativity shine and tailor these delights to your own taste buds.
- Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
- Blue Cheese Bliss: Mix crumbled blue cheese directly into the filling for that classic buffalo pairing.
- Veggie Boost: Gently fold in some finely chopped celery or carrot shreds for added crunch and freshness.
- Cheesy Pull: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different cheesy experience.
- Smoky Twist: Incorporate a teaspoon of smoked paprika into the filling for a subtle, smoky depth.
- Herbaceous Freshness: Fold in a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free spring roll wrappers made from rice or tapioca for a similar texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls are a game-changer for busy weeknights and party planning! For ultimate convenience, you can prepare the entire buffalo chicken filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even further. When you’re ready to assemble, simply spoon the filling into the egg roll wrappers, seal them, and then cook as directed, spraying generously with cooking spray for that perfect crisp. Alternatively, you can fully assemble the uncooked egg rolls, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze them for up to 2 months. To cook from frozen, add a few extra minutes to your air-frying or baking time. This make-ahead approach ensures you can enjoy these delicious Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with minimal fuss, whenever the craving strikes!
Storage Tips for Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
- Fridge: Store leftover cooked egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They’re still delicious, though the crispiness may lessen slightly.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked, assembled egg rolls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Enjoy these homemade Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To restore crispiness, reheat cooked egg rolls in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and golden.
Expert Tips
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Seal Tightly: Ensure egg rolls are rolled snugly and edges are well-moistened to prevent filling leakage during cooking for perfect Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls.
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Don’t Overfill: Use about 1/3 cup of filling per wrapper; too much makes rolling difficult and increases the chance of breakage.
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Spray Generously: For that coveted golden-brown, crispy finish when air frying or baking, don’t skimp on the cooking spray.
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Single Layer Cook: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer or baking sheet. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even crisping.
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Drain Excess: If using a moist filling, lightly drain any excess liquid before assembling to prevent soggy wrappers.
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls Recipe FAQs
How do I ensure my rotisserie chicken is perfect for the filling?
For the best texture, use chicken that’s cooled slightly. Finely shred or dice the meat; you want small, manageable pieces that will mix easily with the other ingredients and distribute evenly within the wrapper. If your chicken is still warm, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
What’s the best way to store uncooked buffalo chicken egg rolls?
I recommend freezing uncooked egg rolls for the best quality! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Can I make these egg rolls vegetarian?
Absolutely! While these are specifically buffalo chicken egg rolls, you can certainly adapt them. For a vegetarian version, you could use finely chopped jackfruit (cooked and shredded with buffalo sauce) or a blend of beans and plant-based chicken crumbles as your base. You might need to adjust the moisture content slightly to ensure the filling isn’t too wet.
My egg rolls aren’t getting crispy. What could be wrong?
The most common culprits for not-so-crispy egg rolls are overcrowding the cooking vessel and not using enough cooking spray. Ensure you’re cooking them in a single layer, without touching, allowing the hot air to circulate effectively. A generous spray of cooking oil all over each egg roll is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden-brown, crispy exterior. If air frying, make sure your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature (400°F or 200°C).
How long can I store leftover cooked egg rolls in the refrigerator?
Cooked egg rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While they might lose some of their initial crispiness, they are still absolutely delicious, especially when reheated properly.
What’s the best method for reheating cooked egg rolls to regain crispiness?
My go-to method for reheating is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the day-old egg rolls on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and wonderfully crispy again. This method is far superior to the microwave, which can make them sadly soggy.
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls: Game Day Fave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gently combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, cheddar, mozzarella, and ranch seasoning in a bowl. Stir until mixed and creamy.
- Spoon about 1/3 cup of filling onto an egg roll wrapper. Moisten edges with water, fold the bottom up, tuck in sides, and roll tightly to seal.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange egg rolls seam-side down, spray them well, and air fry for 6-8 minutes total, flipping halfway.
- Let the egg rolls cool slightly before serving warm with your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing.