Description

These Southwest Egg Rolls are a delicious, crispy appetizer packed with a flavorful filling of black beans, corn, bell peppers, chicken, and spices, paired perfectly with a creamy cilantro dipping sauce. You can choose to pan-fry, deep-fry, air-fry, or bake them for a lighter option, making them versatile and crowd-pleasing for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Egg Roll Filling

20 egg roll wrappers
15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cooked corn (canned or frozen)
1 red or green bell pepper, finely diced
1/4 cup onion, finely diced
2 cups cooked chicken, chopped (about 1 breast)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
Oil for pan frying or deep frying (optional)

Dipping Sauce

6 ounces cream cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1 bunch fresh cilantro
1/3 cup salsa

Instructions

Prepare the Dipping Sauce: Add all pressing sauce ingredients—cream cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and salsa—into a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If needed, add more salsa to thin the sauce or adjust to your taste. Refrigerate to chill and thicken slightly.
Make the Egg Roll Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed black beans, cooked corn, diced bell pepper, diced onion, chopped cooked chicken, shredded cheese, garlic powder, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary for your preferred flavor.
Assemble the Egg Rolls: Lay one egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface, positioning it with one corner pointing toward you. Spoon approximately 1/3 cup of the filling mixture onto the wrapper, near the corner closest to you. Fold this corner over the filling, then fold in the sides tightly around the filling, and continue rolling firmly toward the opposite corner. To seal, dip your fingers in water and moisten the final edge of the wrapper before pressing it down. Repeat this process for all wrappers to make 15-20 egg rolls.
Choose Your Cooking Method: Select from pan-frying, air frying, deep-frying, or baking based on your preference and equipment.
Pan Frying: Heat 2 tablespoons of canola or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a few egg rolls at a time, turning often to ensure even toasting on all sides. Cook until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with the prepared dipping sauce.
Air Frying: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place egg rolls seam-side down in a single layer and spray tops lightly with olive oil spray. Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve warm with dipping sauce.
Deep Frying: Heat about 1 quart of vegetable oil in a deep stock pot to 350°F. Carefully add the egg rolls, turning occasionally for even cooking. Fry for about 90 seconds or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with dipping sauce.
Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange egg rolls seam-side down on a baking sheet, spaced at least 1 inch apart. Spray or brush tops lightly with oil. Bake for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy. Serve warm with dipping sauce.

Notes

You can substitute cooked chicken with cooked ground turkey or keep it vegetarian by omitting the meat.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free egg roll wrappers.
Adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin to control the heat and spice level.
Make sure to tightly seal the egg rolls to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
Leftover egg rolls can be refrigerated and reheated in an air fryer or oven for best crispness.
Use a thermometer to maintain proper oil temperature for deep frying to avoid greasy egg rolls.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (pan fry), 11-12 minutes (air fry), 2 minutes (deep fry), 15 minutes (bake)
Category: Appetizer
Method: Pan Fry, Air Fry, Deep Fry, Bake
Cuisine: Southwestern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 egg roll
Calories: 180
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 390mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Southwest egg rolls, chicken egg rolls, black bean egg rolls, appetizer recipe, easy party food, crispy egg rolls, southwestern cuisine