Crispy Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls Recipe Perfect for Air Fryer

There’s something magical about the combination of crispy, golden egg roll wrappers and the creamy, cheesy, spicy goodness inside these jalapeno popper egg rolls. If you’ve ever wished for a snack that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible, this is it. The best part? These egg rolls are cooked in the air fryer, making them lighter, quicker, and still every bit as satisfying. Trust me, once you try one, you’ll be hooked!

This recipe came to life on a lazy Sunday when I was craving jalapeno poppers but wanted something less messy and more portable. Enter: the egg roll wrapper. The result? A crispy, cheesy, spicy snack that has quickly become a family favorite for game nights, parties, and even weeknight cravings. Let’s make some crispy jalapeno popper egg rolls together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of basic ingredients to create these egg rolls. Most of them are pantry or fridge staples!
• Quick and Easy: These egg rolls come together in just 30 minutes, making them the ultimate last-minute snack or appetizer.
• Air Fryer Magic: You get all the crunch of deep-fried egg rolls without the extra oil. They’re lighter, less greasy, and still incredibly crispy.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a game day, a party, or a fun family snack, these egg rolls are a crowd-pleaser every time.
• Customizable: Love bacon? Add more! Want less heat? Remove the seeds from the jalapenos. This recipe is easily tweaked to suit your taste buds.

What sets these jalapeno popper egg rolls apart is their balance. The creamy cheese filling, the kick of the jalapenos, and the satisfying crunch of the wrapper—it’s a flavor and texture explosion in every bite.

What Ingredients You Will Need

These crispy jalapeno popper egg rolls use simple, flavorful ingredients that you can find in almost any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Egg roll wrappers: Look for these in the refrigerated section near tofu or specialty Asian foods.
• Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos for that spicy kick. Remove seeds for a milder flavor.
• Cream cheese: Full fat or light, softened to make mixing easier.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar works best for a bold, cheesy flavor.
• Cooked bacon: Crumbled for a smoky, savory addition.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth to the filling.
• Green onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
• Egg wash: One beaten egg to seal the wrappers.
• Cooking spray: For a perfectly crisp, golden finish in the air fryer.

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! You can easily swap in other cheeses, add extra spices, or even skip the bacon to make them vegetarian.

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer: Any model will work, as long as it has enough space for your egg rolls to cook in a single layer.
• Mixing bowl: To combine the filling ingredients.
• Spoon or spatula: For mixing and scooping the filling.
• Basting brush: Optional, but helpful for applying the egg wash.
• Knife and cutting board: For prepping the jalapenos and green onions.

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these in the oven or deep fry them for the traditional crunch (more on that later).

How to Make Crispy Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls

1. Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, and green onions. Mix until well combined.
2. Prep the jalapenos: Slice the jalapenos in half, remove the seeds and membranes for less heat, and dice them finely. Stir them into the cheese mixture.
3. Assemble the egg rolls: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll tightly, sealing the edge with a little egg wash.
4. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes.
5. Cook the egg rolls: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the egg rolls in a single layer, seam side down, and spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
6. Cool and serve: Let the egg rolls cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. They’ll be hot inside!

And that’s it! You’ve got crispy, spicy, cheesy perfection ready to enjoy.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t overfill the wrappers: Too much filling can cause the egg rolls to burst open while cooking.
• Seal tightly: Make sure the edges are sealed well with egg wash to prevent leaks.
• Flip them halfway: This ensures even browning and crispiness on all sides.
• Serve immediately: These egg rolls are best enjoyed fresh and hot. The crispiness fades if they sit too long.

It might take a couple of tries to get the wrapping technique just right, but once you do, it’s smooth sailing!

Variations & Adaptations

• Vegetarian option: Skip the bacon and add diced bell peppers or corn for extra texture and flavor.
• Extra spicy: Leave the seeds in the jalapenos or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
• Cheese lovers: Mix in some mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a gooey, stretchy filling.
• Different cooking methods: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake these in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 15 minutes or deep fry them until golden brown.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These egg rolls are best served hot and crispy, straight out of the air fryer. Pair them with a dipping sauce like ranch, sour cream, or even sweet chili sauce for an extra layer of flavor. They’re perfect alongside a refreshing drink or as part of a party platter.

To store leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the wrappers soggy.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each egg roll (without dipping sauce) has approximately:

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbs: 15g

The jalapenos provide a boost of vitamin C, while the air fryer method keeps things lighter by reducing the need for excess oil. It’s a snack you can enjoy guilt-free!

Conclusion

Crispy jalapeno popper egg rolls are the snack you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or just treating yourself, these easy air fryer egg rolls are sure to impress. With their perfect crunch, creamy filling, and customizable flavor, they’re an instant hit.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment below if you have any questions or want to share your own creative variations. I’d love to hear from you!

FAQs

Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the egg rolls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying.

Can I freeze these egg rolls?

Absolutely. Freeze uncooked egg rolls in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen in the air fryer, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

What dipping sauces go well with these egg rolls?

Ranch, sour cream, sweet chili sauce, or even a creamy jalapeno dip pair beautifully with these egg rolls.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

How do I make them milder?

Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos, or use mini bell peppers instead for zero heat.

Print