These egg rolls are everything you love about Tex-Mex flavors wrapped in a crunchy shell. They’re easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you serve them as appetizers or a light meal, the melty cheese and spicy filling make them irresistible. Plus, they’re a great way to use leftover chicken and pantry staples.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
Black beans, drained and rinsed
Corn (frozen, canned, or fresh)
Red bell pepper, diced
Green onions, sliced
Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
Fresh spinach, chopped
Garlic powder
Cumin
Chili powder
Salt
Egg roll wrappers
Oil (for frying or brushing if baking)
Optional: dipping sauces like avocado ranch, salsa, or chipotle mayo
Directions
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, green onions, spinach, cheese, and seasonings.
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you.
Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Seal the edge with a dab of water.
Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
To fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry egg rolls 2–3 at a time for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place egg rolls on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
To air-fry: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning once, until crispy and golden.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 egg rolls. Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add more beans or extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle peppers to the filling.
Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack for a spicier flavor or queso fresco for a milder option.
Tortilla Option: Wrap the filling in tortillas and pan-fry like quesadillas for a simpler version.
Saucy Center: Add a tablespoon of salsa or cream cheese to the filling for extra creaminess.
Dipping Duo: Serve with guacamole and sour cream, or make a spicy ranch dressing.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until crispy.
Air fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Microwave: Not recommended for crispiness, but can be used for a quick reheat (30–60 seconds).
To freeze: Freeze uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake or air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Are these egg rolls spicy?
The base recipe is mild, but you can easily make them spicy by adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds great flavor.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, baking or air frying works well and keeps the rolls crispy with less oil.
Do I need to cook the filling beforehand?
No, as long as the chicken is cooked, the rest of the filling ingredients will heat through during cooking.
What kind of dipping sauces go best with these?
Avocado ranch, chipotle mayo, salsa, sour cream, or spicy queso all pair wonderfully.
Can I freeze cooked egg rolls?
Yes, let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until heated through and crispy.
Can I use spring roll wrappers?
Egg roll wrappers are sturdier and work best, but spring roll wrappers can be used for a thinner, crispier result.
How do I prevent them from falling apart during frying?
Make sure they’re tightly rolled and sealed with water. Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Conclusion
Southwestern Egg Rolls are a delicious fusion of crispy texture and bold southwestern flavors. Whether baked, fried, or air-fried, these rolls make the perfect party appetizer or satisfying snack. Easy to customize, prep ahead, and dip into your favorite sauces, they’re guaranteed to be a hit every time you make them.
Southwestern Egg Rolls are crispy, golden appetizers filled with a zesty blend of chicken, black beans, corn, cheese, and Tex-Mex spices. Baked, fried, or air-fried, these rolls are perfect for parties, game days, or an easy dinner twist.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:12 egg rolls
Category:Appetizer
Method:Frying, Baking, or Air-Frying
Cuisine:Tex-Mex
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn (frozen, canned, or fresh)
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
12 egg roll wrappers
Oil for frying or brushing if baking
Optional: dipping sauces like avocado ranch, salsa, or chipotle mayo
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix together chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, green onions, spinach, cheese, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner facing you.
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling into the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll tightly. Seal with water.
Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
To fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry 2–3 egg rolls at a time for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place egg rolls on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
To air-fry: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping once until crispy and golden.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.Add jalapeños or chipotle for a spicy version.Freeze assembled, uncooked egg rolls for future meals—bake or air fry from frozen.Omit cheese or use dairy-free alternatives for a dairy-free version.Best served with dipping sauces like chipotle mayo or avocado ranch.
