Chicken Birria Air Fryer Spring Rolls

If you’re craving a crispy, savory snack with a kick, these Chicken Birria Air Fryer Spring Rolls are the perfect choice! Featuring tender shredded birria chicken wrapped in crispy spring rolls and cooked in the air fryer, this recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried spring rolls without compromising on flavor. Made with juicy chicken thighs, Mexican spices, and the signature birria dipping sauce, these spring rolls are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.

The birria filling includes a blend of aromatic chiles, garlic, onions, and tomato, simmered to perfection, and combined with melted cheese and onion in the spring rolls for a rich, comforting bite. Whether you enjoy them on their own or with a tangy dipping sauce, these air fryer spring rolls are the ultimate fusion of Mexican and Asian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

For the Birria Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tablespoons minced onion
• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 dried guajillo chili pepper, stemmed and seeded
• 2 dried arbol chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chicken broth

For the Spring Rolls:

• Spring roll wrappers
• Cheese (Chihuahua or cheddar recommended)
• 1 small red onion, diced

Optional:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Birria Chicken:
   Remove the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo and arbol chiles, and place them in a 4-quart pot. Add the chicken and all remaining birria ingredients to the pot, ensuring the chicken is covered with at least an inch of broth. Add more broth if necessary.
   Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
   Remove the chicken from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside. Discard the bay leaves.
2. Make the Sauce:
   Once the sauce has cooled slightly, pour it into a high-speed blender and pulse until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add additional chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency. Pour the sauce into a microwave-safe bowl and set it aside for serving.
3. Shred the Chicken:
   Shred the chicken using two forks, discarding any bones or skin.
4. Assemble the Spring Rolls:
   Dip one spring roll wrapper at a time in cool water to moisten it. Lay it flat on a clean surface such as a cutting board. For added durability, layer two wrappers on top of each other.
   Place a small amount of shredded chicken, red onion, and cheese in the center, ensuring not to overfill. Carefully roll the wrapper from the bottom up, folding in the sides as you go, similar to rolling a burrito. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
5. Air Fry the Spring Rolls:
   Lightly brush or spray the spring rolls with olive oil. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Arrange the spring rolls in a single layer and cook for about 5-6 minutes. Flip them and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve:
   Serve the crispy spring rolls immediately with the warm birria dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chicken Birria Air Fryer Spring Rolls are the perfect blend of savory, spicy, and cheesy goodness. The tender, flavorful birria chicken combined with crispy spring rolls creates a mouthwatering appetizer or snack that’s a hit at any gathering. The air fryer makes these spring rolls healthier than traditional deep-frying, while still keeping them delightfully crispy.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

• For a spicier kick: Add more arbol chiles or include a few fresh jalapeño slices to the chicken mixture.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms or jackfruit for a vegetarian birria option.
• Cheese Substitution: If you don’t have Chihuahua cheese, you can use mozzarella or another melty cheese.
• Spring Roll Wrappers: Make sure to use rice paper or traditional spring roll wrappers, and consider using two wrappers for added strength to prevent tearing during air frying.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts work just as well. However, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful in this dish.

Can I make the birria chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the birria chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

What can I serve these spring rolls with?
Serve these spring rolls with a side of salsa, guacamole, or even a simple salad for a complete meal.

Serving

These Chicken Birria Air Fryer Spring Rolls are perfect as an appetizer or snack for your next party or family dinner. Pair them with a cold beverage like agua fresca or a refreshing margarita for the ultimate meal.

Suggestions

• Make it a meal: Serve the spring rolls alongside a fresh Mexican street corn (elote) salad or a light green salad.
• For a party platter: Arrange the spring rolls on a platter with dipping sauces for guests to enjoy during gatherings.