These Chicken Birria Air Fryer Spring Rolls are dangerously delicious! Traditionally, birria is made by using beef. Because the beef is swapped out for chicken, these spring rolls are comparatively a lighter and healthier version of the traditional birria, without compromising flavor.
Additionally, these rolls are a healthy alternative to a deep-fried spring roll. Particularly because they are air fried! Consequently, this method gives you all of the crispy deliciousness, without the added oil of deep frying. What's not to love?
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Ingredients
Birria chicken ingredients:
- chicken thighs, or breasts
- onion
- fire roasted diced tomatoes
- dried guajillo chili pepper
- dried arbol chiles
- bay leaf
- oregano
- paprika
- garlic powder
- ground cinnamon
- cumin
- salt
- chicken broth
Spring rolls:
- spring roll wrappers
- cheese
- red onion
- cilantro *optional
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- First, remove stems and seeds from dried peppers and place them into a 4-quart pot with a lid.
- Next, place the chicken and all remaining birria chicken ingredients into the same pot with the chiles. *If your chicken is not covered with about an inch of broth, add ¼ cup more until covered.
- Then, bring contents of the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the mixture is boiling, then reduce to medium and place the lid on top. Next, allow the pot to simmer for about 1 hour, or until chicken shreds easily with a fork.
- Afterwards, carefully remove chicken from pot with a slotted spoon and place aside.
- Meanwhile, remove and discard bay leaves.
- Next, once the sauce has cooled slightly, pour into a high-speed blender and pulse until liquefied. *Additionally, if sauce is too thick, slowly add a little more chicken broth to desired consistency.
- Meanwhile, place the sauce into a microwave-safe serving bowl and set aside while you assemble the rolls. Reheat dipping sauce in the microwave for a few minutes until hot, once the spring rolls are ready to serve.
- Then, shred the chicken using two forks.
Make the spring rolls:
- Firstly, dip your spring roll wrappers one at a time into cool water to moisten, then lay the wrapper flat onto a plate or even surface like a cutting board.
- Next, layer the spring roll wrappers. *Use 2 wrappers to keep them from breaking open. Layer one wrapper atop the other before layering ingredients.
- Then, layer chicken onion, and cheese, but DO NOT OVERFILL, the spring rolls will burst during cooking. Start by rolling the filled wrapper like a burrito: Bottom first, sides next, then repeat.
- After the rolls are assembled and rolled tightly, very lightly brush or mist the outside of the spring roll with olive oil.
- Lastly, air fry at 360°F for about 5-6 minutes, then flip the rolls and additionally cook for about 5 minutes until crispy.
- Finally, serve the rolls immediately with birria sauce and garnish with cilantro if desired.
Substitutions
You can certainly swap out the chicken for beef or pork in this recipe, to make beef birria or pork birria. Additionally, if you do not have a gluten allergy, then try using egg roll wrappers. If you are using egg roll wrappers, omit the steps that call for the wrappers to be dipped in water and there is no need to double the egg roll wrappers.
Equipment
An air fryer is recommended for this recipe.
Storage
Store the wet ingredients (lettuce, tomato, onion) separately from the dry ingredients (buns) in the fridge, and recombine when ready. Good for 2-3 days.
These ingredients do/don't stand up well to freezing for X days/weeks/months.
FAQ
Can I freeze the spring rolls?
Yes, you can freeze spring rolls. Freezing spring rolls is a great way to have them on hand for future meals or for easy appetizers.
Can I Air fry frozen spring rolls?
Yes, you can air fry frozen spring rolls to achieve a crispy texture. Here's how you can do it:
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to the recommended temperature for cooking spring rolls, usually around 350°F.
- Arrange the spring rolls: Place the frozen spring rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the spring rolls: Cook the spring rolls in the preheated air fryer for about 8 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the spring rolls and the power of your air fryer. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Winner winner, healthy dinner!
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📖 Recipe
Chicken Birria Air fryer Spring Rolls
Equipment
Ingredients
Birria chicken ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs, or breasts
- 2 tbs onion minced
- 1 14.5 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 whole dried guajillo chili pepper
- 2 whole dried arbol chiles
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chicken broth
Spring rolls:
- spring roll wrappers
- cheese chihuahua or cheddar is recommended
- red onion diced
Optional:
- cilantro chopped
Instructions
- First, remove stems and seeds from dried peppers and place into a 4 quart pot with a lid.
- Next, place chicken and all remaining birria chicken ingredients into the same pot with the chiles. *If your chicken is not covered with about an inch of broth, add ¼ cup more until covered.
- Then, bring contents of the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the mixture is boiling, then reduce to medium and place the lid on top. Next, allow the pot to simmer for about 1 hour, or until chicken shreds easily with a fork.
- Afterwards, carefully remove chicken from pot with a slotted spoon and place aside.
- Meanwhile, remove and discard bay leaves.
- Next, once the sauce has cooled slightly, pour into a high-speed blender and pulse until liquefied. *Additionally, if sauce is too thick, slowly add a little more chicken broth to desired consistency.
- Meanwhile, place sauce into microwave safe serving bowl and set aside while you assemble the rolls. Reheat dipping sauce in the microwave for a few minutes until hot, once the spring rolls are ready to serve.
- Then, shred the chicken by using two forks.
Make the spring rolls:
- Firstly, dip your spring roll wrappers one at a time into cool water to moisten, then lay the wrapper flat onto a plate or even surface like a cutting board.
- Next, layer the spring roll wrappers. *Use 2 wrappers to keep them from breaking open. Layer one wrapper atop the other before layering ingredients.
- Then, layer chicken onion, and cheese, but DO NOT OVERFILL, the spring rolls will burst during cooking. Start by rolling the filled wrapper like a burrito: Bottom first, sides next, then repeat.
- After rolls are assembled and rolled tightly, very lightly brush or mist the outside of the spring roll with olive oil.
- Lastly, air fry on 360°F for about 5-6 minutes, then flip rhe rolls, and additionally cook for about 5 minutes until crispy.
- Serve immediately with birria dipping sauce and garnish with cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Do not overstuff or they will explode.
- Do not use too much cheese or they will explode.
- Be sure to double wrap so they do not explode.
- You can easily use fresh tomatoes, fresh garlic, and fresh onions, I often do it that way as well.
- Do not skip out on the dried peppers!
- This recipe can also be made with egg roll wrappers and an egg wash if you do not have a gluten allergy.
- Dairy-free cheese can be used to make these dairy free.
- Omit the cheese together to make this a diet-friendly and healthy meal.
Emily says
These were a hit! The flavors were amazing and nobody was none the wiser that this was a healthier version! I loved the chiles in here!
NKendrick says
Emily, thank you for sharing! I am so happy to hear that you all enjoyed them!!!
Stephanie says
This recipe for spring rolls is a must-add to my recipe box! I am always on the lookout for new recipes for my air-fryer and this one didn't disappoint. Thanks for the helpful video.
NKendrick says
Thank you, Stephanie. I am glad you enjoyed the video!