Crispy Vegan Air Fried Buffalo Chicken Eggrolls: A Spicy Plant-Based Delight

Prepare to be amazed by these incredibly delicious and vegan-friendly Air Fried Buffalo Chicken Eggrolls! They offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors: wonderfully crispy and golden on the outside, giving way to a warm, spicy, and cheesy plant-based filling on the inside. These eggrolls are not only a blast to make but even more fun to devour, especially when paired with a cool, creamy dollop of my all-time favorite vegan ranch dressing.

From Oven-Baked to Air-Fried Perfection: The Evolution of Our Vegan Eggrolls

My journey with homemade vegan eggrolls began with a fantastic oven-baked version, which many of you loved and can still find the original recipe here. After sharing that recipe, my inbox was flooded with questions: “Can these be made in an air fryer?” The answer, after much experimentation, is a resounding YES! Air frying brings an unmatched level of crispiness that’s hard to achieve otherwise, all while using significantly less oil than traditional deep frying.

This updated recipe not only embraces the magic of the air fryer but also introduces an exciting BBQ version for those who crave a sweet and smoky kick. We’ve fine-tuned every step to ensure you get perfect, crispy eggrolls every time.

Crafting Your Air Fried Buffalo Chicken Eggrolls: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Irresistible Filling

The heart of these eggrolls lies in their flavorful filling. In a large mixing bowl or food processor, combine finely chopped or shredded vegan chicken, creamy unsweetened almond milk yogurt (which adds a wonderful tang and helps bind the mixture), a generous amount of shredded vegan cheddar cheese, and your chosen buffalo sauce. For a classic fiery kick, I highly recommend a quality buffalo sauce (like this one) or the ever-popular Frank’s Red Hot. Add a touch of garlic granules for an extra layer of savory depth. Pulse or mix until the ingredients are well combined but still have some texture.

Step 2: Expert Eggroll Wrapping Techniques for Optimal Crispness

Proper wrapping is key to preventing leaks and achieving that perfect eggroll shape. Lay out one large square eggroll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing towards you, like a diamond. Distribute about two tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the lower center of the wrapper. Dip your finger in a small bowl of water and trace along all four outside edges of the wrapper – this creates a seal when pressed.

Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up and over the filling, pressing down firmly to seal it against the wrapper. Next, bring the left side corner into the center and press down to seal, ensuring a snug fit. Repeat this action with the right side corner. Finally, roll the entire “envelope” you’ve created upwards towards the top corner, gently shaping it with your hands to achieve that classic cylindrical eggroll form. Repeat this process for all remaining wrappers and filling.

Pro Tip for Wrapping: While you want a firm wrap to keep the filling secure, avoid wrapping too tightly. An overly taut wrapper can put pressure on the cheesy filling, making it more prone to oozing out during the air frying process. A firm, but not strained, wrap is ideal.

Step 3: Air Frying for Ultimate Crispness

Once your eggrolls are perfectly wrapped, lightly brush both sides of each eggroll with olive oil. Pay particular attention to the edges and sides, as this oil is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden-brown color and irresistible crispiness. Place 4-5 eggrolls in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Air circulation is vital for even cooking and crisping. Cook for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Then, carefully flip each eggroll over using tongs and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until they are deeply golden and crispy all over.

Step 4: Serve and Savor!

These hot and crispy eggrolls are best served immediately. For the ultimate flavor experience, dunk them into my easy and refreshing vegan ranch recipe, which you can find the full details for HERE. The cool, tangy ranch perfectly complements the spicy buffalo filling. Enjoy this delightful plant-based treat!

Switch It Up: How to Make a Tangy BBQ Eggroll Variation

While I adore the fiery kick of buffalo sauce, sometimes I crave a different flavor profile—something sweet, tangy, and smoky. For those moments, the BBQ eggroll variation is an absolute winner. Simply swap out the 1/3 cup of buffalo sauce in the filling for 1/2 cup of your favorite plant-based BBQ sauce. You might also want to add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, as BBQ sauces vary greatly in sweetness and spice. Keep all other ingredients and the cooking process the same. This slight change transforms the eggrolls into a completely different, yet equally satisfying, experience. Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping!

Elevate Your Eggroll Experience: Creative Customizations

• Fresh Herb Boost: Introduce thinly sliced green onions (scallions) into the filling for a fresh, aromatic crunch that brightens the flavors.
• BBQ Southwest Fusion: For the BBQ version, take it to the next level by mixing in a handful of black beans and sweet corn kernels. This combination evokes delicious BBQ chicken pizza vibes and adds extra texture and heartiness.
• The Ultimate Buffalo-Ranch Dip: Create a dynamic dipping sauce by stirring a little extra buffalo sauce directly into your vegan ranch dressing. This marries the flavors perfectly and adds an extra layer of zesty heat.
• Homemade BBQ Ranch: Similarly, for the BBQ eggrolls, mix a dollop of your favorite BBQ sauce into your vegan ranch for a custom, smoky-sweet dipping experience.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your preference. For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper. For milder eggrolls, use less buffalo sauce or dilute it slightly with more yogurt.
• Protein Variety: Experiment with different types of vegan chicken alternatives, such as seasoned seitan, crumbled tempeh, or rehydrated soy curls, to find your favorite texture.
• Cheese Choices: While cheddar is classic, try other vegan cheeses like mozzarella shreds for a different melt, or a pepper jack style for added spice.

Explore More Air Fryer Delights!

Love the convenience and delicious results of air frying? You’re in for a treat! Discover more quick, easy, and healthy recipes that can be whipped up in your air fryer. Check out my collection of favorite air fryer recipes for endless inspiration. Happy cooking!