Air Fryer Southwest Egg Rolls

Crispy egg roll wrappers filled with veggies, Mexican flavors and cheese, with a delicious cilantro lime ranch dipping sauce on the side.

A fan favorite at the Chili’s franchise restaurants, Southwest Egg Rolls are irresistible. They are packed with big flavors, deep fried to crispy perfection, and are served with the perfect dipping sauce.

Surprisingly, these can also be made at home using egg roll wrappers from the grocery store. A simple combination of frozen vegetables, pantry spices and shredded cheese makes up the filling and an easy variation to ranch dressing makes a great dipping sauce.

Deep fry or cook in the air fryer and enjoy a home version that is just as delicious as the restaurant!

What you’ll need to make Southwest Egg Rolls at home

• Frozen Vegetables – Frozen spinach and a 12 ounce bag of a frozen corn, beans & peppers mixture as pictured above or use a small bag (10 oz) of frozen corn with peppers and add one cup of canned rinsed black beans.

• Diced Green Chilis – Small can, 4 ounces, typically found in the Mexican food section of the grocery store.

• Fresh Vegetables & Herbs – 4 Green onions (scallions), one small avocado and fresh cilantro.

• Shredded Cheese – We like a Mexican cheese blend for these Southwest Egg Rolls but any variety may be used. We prefer Sharp Cheddar or Cheddar Jack as a substitution.

• Pantry Spices – Cumin, chili powder, salt & pepper, and powdered ranch dressing mix.

• Lime Juice – Adds a tangy brightness and acidity. You can use the juice from a small lime or 4 teaspoons of bottled. One teaspoon is used in the filling, the rest in the dipping sauce.

• Refrigerator Staples – Sour cream, milk and mayonnaise.

• Egg Roll Wrappers – Typically found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store, these thin, square wrappers cook up crispy.

• Oil for Cooking – Canola or Vegetable oil (deep fryer) or Olive oil for spritzing (air fryer).

The secret to Cooking Southwest Egg Rolls at home

We love Southwest Egg Rolls but we found that recipes that call for assembling them and then baking them in the oven just do not turn out the same. While the filling tastes right, the egg rolls themselves just don’t crisp up properly. Southwest Egg Rolls are not meant to be baked!

The good news is that Southwest Egg Rolls cooked in the air fryer or the deep fryer turn out crispy and delicious and It is possible to make Southwest Egg Rolls at home that taste just like the restaurant!

We deep fried half of this batch and air fried the other half and shared the comparisons in the instructions below. Both turned out great!

How to Make Air Fryer Southwest Egg Rolls

A delicious combination of veggies, spices and cheese wrapped up in an egg roll wrapper, Southwest Egg Rolls are absolutely bursting with flavor.

Cooked in the air fryer or deep fryer, they come out crispy and the homemade dipping sauce is the perfect cool accompaniment.

In a large bowl, combine corn mixture, green chilies, spinach, green onions, shredded cheese, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.

In a small bowl, peel and mash a small avocado with a teaspoon of lime juice. Add this mixture to the large bowl and stir until combined.

Lay out an egg roll wrapper and place 1/4 cup of the filling into the center. Spread filling from corner to corner.

Fold the corner closest to you up over the filling and do the same to the opposite corner. Fold one of the remaining sides up.

Continue rolling into an egg roll shape, but do not roll all the way. Leave a small portion unrolled for now.

Dip a pastry brush (or your finger) into a small bowl of water and moisten the unrolled corner.

Finish rolling and press to seal closed.

Repeat with remaining egg roll wrappers and filling. Set aside until ready to cook.

Make the Cilantro Lime Ranch dipping sauce by combining all ingredients in a small bowl.

Stir until well combined and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

To cook in the Air Fryer: Spritz each egg roll with olive oil generously on both sides. Make sure they are well covered with olive oil. This will give them a crispy fried texture.

Cook in batches at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes, flipping the egg rolls halfway through.

To cook in the Deep Fryer: Heat oil to 350 degrees, working in batches, cook 2-3 minutes per side until browned.

Remove to paper towels.

Serve immediately with Cilantro Lime Ranch Dipping Sauce. Enjoy!

Other Great Shareable Recipes

Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip – uses Deli chicken salad to add a delicious twist to a potluck favorite!

Easy Homemade Ranch Dip – just seven simple pantry ingredients to create a delicious and easy Homemade Ranch Dip!

Party Pretzel Bites – delectable buttery bites. Light, fluffy and dusted with kosher salt.

Quick and Easy Bruschetta – restaurant quality Bruschetta is hiding in the ingredients in your refrigerator!

Bite Sized Sausage Rolls – The perfect holiday or game day appetizer!