These crispy Southwest Egg Rolls bring restaurant-quality appetizers right to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. Perfectly portioned at 134 calories each, they strike an ideal balance of protein and fiber while delivering authentic southwestern flavors.
A smart choice for party platters or family dinners, these egg rolls pack all the satisfaction of takeout favorites with better nutritional value. The quick 20-minute prep and 10-minute cooking time means you’ll have these golden-brown beauties ready before anyone can ask “what’s for dinner?”
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Egg Roll Wrappers (20): Keep covered while working to prevent drying out
- Black Beans (15 oz): Rinse and drain thoroughly for best results
- Corn (1 cup): Fresh, frozen, or canned – all work great
- Bell Pepper: Finely diced red or green for color and crunch
- Chicken (2 cups): Pre-cooked and chopped into small pieces
- Cheese (1/2 cup): Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend for optimal melting
- Seasonings: Perfect blend of garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin
For the Creamy Dipping Sauce
- Cream Cheese: Room temperature for smooth blending
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and smooth texture
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds bright, fresh flavor
- Salsa: Adjust amount to reach desired consistency
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Blend all sauce ingredients until smooth and chill
- Mix Filling: Combine beans, corn, vegetables, chicken, cheese, and seasonings in a bowl
- Assemble Rolls: Place filling on wrapper, fold corner over, tuck sides, and roll tightly
- Choose Your Cooking Method:
- Pan Fry: 2-3 minutes per side until golden
- Air Fry: 400°F for 11-12 minutes total
- Deep Fry: 90 seconds at 350°F
- Bake: 425°F for 12-15 minutes
- Serve: Enjoy warm with prepared dipping sauce
Cooking Methods Compared
These egg rolls can be cooked four different ways! Air frying gives you that perfect crispy outside while keeping things lighter. Pan frying is quick and uses less oil than deep frying. Deep frying creates that classic super-crispy texture you love from restaurants. Baking is perfect when you want to cook a big batch at once with minimal fuss. Pick the method that works best for you – they’ll taste amazing any way you make them!
Make It Your Own
Want to switch things up? Try these easy swaps:
- Skip the chicken for vegetarian egg rolls
- Use pepper jack cheese for extra kick
- Swap black beans for pinto beans
- Try different bell pepper colors
- Add some corn salsa instead of plain corn
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time The filling is super flexible – just keep the amounts about the same and you’re good to go!
Serving Tips
These Southwest egg rolls shine as an appetizer or main dish! Cut them in half diagonally to show off those beautiful layers inside.
The creamy cilantro dipping sauce is a must, but you could also add some guacamole or extra salsa on the side. Make it a meal by serving with a fresh green salad or Mexican rice. They’re perfect for game day snacking or a fun family dinner!
Storage and Reheating
Cool any leftover egg rolls completely, then pop them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes – this keeps them crispy! The dipping sauce stays fresh in the fridge for about 5 days. Give it a quick stir before serving again.
Southwest Egg Rolls
Equipment
- food processor
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet
Ingredients
Egg Rolls
- 20 egg roll wrappers
- 15 ounce black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cooked corn canned or frozen
Dipping Sauce
- 6 ounces cream cheese
Instructions
- Add all of the dipping sauce ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add more salsa, if needed, to thin the mixture, or to taste. Refrigerate.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine black beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, chicken, cheese, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and salt and pepper. Taste and add more seasonings if needed, to your liking.
