If you love the smoky, bold flavors of Portuguese chouriço but want the crunch of a classic egg roll, this recipe is your new favorite. These air fryer chouriço egg rolls are the ultimate game-day snack or party appetizer.
*This post was originally published on June 20, 2024 but was updated with helpful information.
Growing up Portuguese, there was never a shortage of Chouriço at any mealtime. In fact, my family seemingly made it with practically every meal. Along with bread, cheese, and an assortment of pickled vegetables, Chouriço was a mealtime staple.
These days, I eat Chouriço on occasion because I ate it way too much as a child. However, I still love to cook with it when I make Portuguese meals like Portuguese Chouriço Sandwiches, Stuffed Quahogs, Chouriço and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms, or even my Stuffed Shrimp recipe. Chouriço shines in these recipes and gives them the familiar taste of Fall River–where I grew up.
I was inspired to make these egg rolls when I saw local restaurants offering them. They were such a hit that I knew I had to recreate them. While my version is likely different from the local eateries, I still think it is absolutely delicious and a must-try! I opted to make mine creamier with cream cheese, but you could totally go the Chouriço and fries way and sauté yours with beer or wine. This Chouriço recipe would be delicious inside these egg roll wrappers as well.
Why You’ll Love This Chouriço Appetizer
- Smoky Flavor: Portuguese chouriço brings a depth that standard ground pork can’t match.
- Smarter Alternative: Using the air fryer cuts the oil by 80% compared to traditional deep frying.
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Egg roll wrappers – I used the larger size which I then doubled up. I prefer a thicker egg roll shell. If you prefer a thinner shell, then stick with using one egg roll wrapper.
- Chouriço – I used one pound of Michael’s Ground Chouriço which is our family’s favorite variety. IF you cannot find this brand, you can ground traditional links in your food processor.
- Butter – I like to sauté my veggies in real butter but you can use any oil of your choice.
- Onion – I love using sweet onions but you can use any variety you have on-hand.
- Garlic – You can use freshly minced cloves, or garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)/
- Spices – Salt, and paprika are all you need to enhance the flavor of these.
- Hot Sauce – Frank’s Red Hot, Texas Pete’s, or Tabasco are all excellent choices to add a small kick to the flavor.
- Cream cheese – I used one brick (8-ounces) for this recipe which melts easily in the warm skillet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the Chouriço
Add the ground chouriço, salt, and paprika to the skillet. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chouriço turns a deep red and the onions are translucent.
3. Create the Creamy Filling
Stir in the red pepper hot sauce. Remove the pan from the heat and add the cream cheese directly to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into a cohesive, creamy mixture. Transfer to a bowl to cool slightly.
4. Roll the Egg Rolls
- Place an egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape.
- Add 3 tablespoons of the mixture to the center.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck in the sides (burrito style), and roll tightly toward the top corner.
- Pro Tip: Use a dab of water on the final corner to create a perfect seal.
5. Air Fry to Perfection
- Storage: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To regain the crunch, air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the wrappers rubbery.
Place the rolls in a single layer on your air fryer tray. Lightly coat all sides with avocado oil spray. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, rotating the rolls halfway through to ensure an even, golden-brown crisp.
Top Tips for Success
- Avoid Soggy Bottoms: Ensure you flip the rolls at the 5-minute mark. This allows the air to circulate under the wrapper.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave at least half an inch between rolls in the air fryer basket to ensure the edges get crispy rather than chewy.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a milder snack, swap the red pepper hot sauce for a dash of Worcestershire sauce or mild piri-piri.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To regain the crunch, air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the wrappers rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why use Chouriço instead of Chorizo?
While often confused, Portuguese Chouriço is typically dry-cured and smoked with heavy garlic and paprika notes, making it firmer and more flavorful for egg roll fillings compared to the softer, raw Mexican Chorizo.
Can I use Mexican Chorizo instead of Portuguese Chouriço?
While the names are similar, they are very different. Portuguese Chouriço is cured and smoked, giving it a firm texture and deep garlic flavor. Mexican Chorizo is usually raw and crumbly. If you use Mexican chorizo, you must drain the grease thoroughly after browning, or the egg rolls will become soggy and oily.
How do I prevent egg rolls from exploding in the air fryer?
Egg rolls usually “explode” or burst because of trapped air or too much moisture in the filling. To prevent this:
- Cool the filling: Let your chouriço and cream cheese mixture cool slightly before rolling.
- Roll tightly: Squeeze out any air pockets as you fold.
- Seal well: Use a tiny bit of water or egg wash on the edges to ensure a tight seal.
Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the egg rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them on a tray lined with parchment paper, covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Do not spray them with oil until right before you put them in the air fryer.
Why aren’t my air fryer egg rolls getting brown?
The air fryer needs a tiny bit of fat to create that “fried” look. If they stay pale, you likely missed a spot with the avocado oil spray. For the most even browning, give them a light, even coating and rotate them halfway through the cooking time.
Can I freeze Chouriço Egg Rolls?
Absolutely. These are one of the best appetizers to meal prep.
- To Freeze: Place uncooked rolls on a baking sheet in the freezer for 1 hour (this prevents sticking). Once firm, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- To Cook from Frozen: Do not thaw! Place them directly in the air fryer at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking or rotating every 5 minutes.
The Perfect Pairing: Spicy Piri-Piri Aioli
While these egg rolls are delicious on their own, a zesty dipping sauce cuts through the richness of the cream cheese.
- Ingredients: ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp piri-piri sauce (or hot sauce), 1 tsp lemon juice, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Method: Whisk ingredients in a small bowl and chill for 10 minutes before serving.
More Portuguese Recipes to Try Today
Air Fryer Portuguese Chouriço Egg Rolls
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- large skillet
- cutting board & knife
- Stovetop
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 16 large egg roll wrappers
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup sweet onion diced
- 16 ounces ground Chouriço *I prefer Michael's brand
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon red pepper hot sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- Avocado oil spray *to coat egg rolls before air frying
Instructions
- Melt butter; sauté onion and garlic (1 min).
- Cook chouriço and spices until deep red (5 mins).
- Stir in hot sauce and cream cheese until melted.
- Roll 3 tbsp of filling into each wrapper; seal tightly.
- Spray with oil; cook at 400°F for 10 mins, rotating halfway.
- Serve warm with optional dipping sauce.
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