Unleash a burst of incredible flavor with these delightful Air Fryer Sweet Potato and Black Bean Egg Rolls! Packed with tender sweet potatoes, protein-rich black beans, and a medley of taco-spiced vegetables, these crispy parcels are designed to become your new favorite dinner. A generous drizzle of our homemade chili-lime sauce takes them to an unforgettable level of deliciousness. Get ready for a healthy, vibrant, and utterly satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
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Irresistible Sweet Potato and Black Bean Egg Rolls
It’s no secret that the combination of sweet potatoes and black beans holds a special place in my culinary heart. This dynamic duo frequently stars in my most cherished recipes, and for good reason! Their complementary flavors and textures create a wholesome base that’s both nutritious and incredibly versatile. If you’ve enjoyed other favorites like my Vegetarian Tacos, savory Sweet Potato Enchiladas, hearty Sweet Potato Burrito Bowls, or the comforting Mexican Quinoa, then you already know the magic these ingredients create.
Today, we’re bringing this power couple to the crispy world of Air Fryer Egg Rolls! We’ve meticulously crafted a filling loaded with an array of colorful vegetables and perfectly seasoned with a custom taco-inspired spice blend. But here’s the clever twist: a portion of this very same aromatic seasoning blend is reserved to infuse our luscious chili-lime sauce, creating a harmonious flavor profile that ties the entire dish together. This shared seasoning strategy ensures maximum flavor impact with minimal effort, making your cooking experience even smoother. Prepare to dunk these golden egg rolls into the most addictive sauce you’ll ever make!
Mastering the Spice Blend for Maximum Flavor
The secret to these incredibly flavorful egg rolls lies in our carefully balanced spice blend, which I’ve adapted from my popular Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe. This blend is designed to offer a robust and authentic taco-like flavor that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes and earthiness of the black beans. Here are a few important notes to help you perfect this essential seasoning:
- Chili Powder Varieties: It’s important to differentiate between “chili powder” (with one ‘l’) and “chilli powder” (with two ‘l’s). Standard “chili powder” typically refers to a blend of ground chili peppers with other spices like cumin, garlic, and oregano, commonly used in American chili recipes. This is the type we recommend. Brands like McCormick® offer a milder version, which is what I typically use, allowing other flavors to shine without overwhelming heat. If you opt for a spicier blend or pure “chilli powder” (ground chilies only, similar to cayenne), adjust the quantity to your preferred heat level.
- Paprika Power: While regular paprika adds a pleasant, mild warmth and color, consider using smoked paprika for an extra layer of complexity. Smoked paprika introduces a rich, earthy, and slightly smoky depth that beautifully enhances the overall taco flavor profile of the filling. It can truly elevate your egg rolls from great to exceptional.
- The Dual-Purpose Blend: Remember the brilliant trick of this recipe: the same spice blend seasons both the egg roll filling AND the chili-lime dipping sauce. After preparing your spice mix, be sure to set aside approximately 1-1/4 teaspoons of it for the sauce before incorporating the rest into your vegetable mixture. This ensures a cohesive flavor experience between the egg rolls and their accompanying dip.
Understanding your spices can truly transform your cooking. For example, the distinction between “chili powder” (a blend) and “chilli powder” (pure ground chilies) is crucial. The former is ready to add a savory depth to dishes like these egg rolls, while the latter is primarily for heat. Knowing this allows you to fine-tune the flavors in your kitchen with confidence!
Crafting the Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Potato and Black Bean Egg Roll Filling
The heart of these delectable Air Fryer Sweet Potato and Black Bean Egg Rolls lies in their robust and flavorful filling. Let’s dive into the two star ingredients and how to prepare them to perfection:
Sweet Potatoes, Simplified
Preparing sweet potatoes can sometimes be a time-consuming affair, especially when aiming for that perfect tender texture. Chopping them raw can also be a challenge. To streamline this process and ensure consistently tender results, we employ a fantastic shortcut: the microwave oven. This method not only saves time but also yields perfectly cooked sweet potatoes with a wonderfully soft flesh and skins that effortlessly peel away.
- Simple Preparation: Begin by washing and scrubbing your sweet potato(es) thoroughly. To prevent them from bursting and allow steam to escape during cooking, pierce the potato several times with a fork.
- Microwave Magic: Place your pierced sweet potato on a microwave-safe plate. For an average 8-ounce (1/2 pound) sweet potato, microwave on 100% power for about 5 minutes, rotating halfway through. Larger potatoes or multiple potatoes will require more time. Continue microwaving in 1-minute bursts until the potato is fork-tender in the center.
- Easy Peeling and Dicing: Once cooked, remove the sweet potato from the microwave and let it cool slightly until it’s comfortable to handle. The skins should slip off with remarkable ease. Then, dice the cooked sweet potato into very small, uniform pieces. This is crucial for ensuring the filling is easy to roll and cooks evenly inside the egg roll wrappers, avoiding any overly large, dominant chunks.
Expert Tip for Sweet Potato Preparation: While the microwave is a fantastic time-saver, if you prefer an oven-baked sweet potato or don’t own a microwave, you can achieve a similar tender texture by following a classic Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe. Once baked and tender, peel the skins and finely dice the flesh. The goal is always small, consistent pieces for the best egg roll filling experience.
Black Beans: The Hearty Component
The other cornerstone of our savory filling is the humble yet mighty black bean. These legumes add a robust texture, earthy flavor, and a significant protein boost, making these egg rolls wonderfully satisfying.
For those who love to cook from scratch, any leftover homemade Black Beans would be an absolutely divine addition to this recipe, lending an even deeper flavor. However, high-quality canned black beans work perfectly and offer excellent convenience for a quick meal. The key is in their preparation: always ensure you thoroughly rinse and drain canned black beans to remove excess sodium and any starchy liquid. More importantly, after rinsing, make sure they are well-dried. Excess moisture can make your filling soggy and prevent your egg rolls from crisping up properly. A salad spinner is an incredibly handy tool here for quickly and efficiently drying the beans!
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Potato and Black Bean Egg Rolls
To ensure your Air Fryer Sweet Potato and Black Bean Egg Rolls turn out perfectly crispy, flavorful, and easy to handle, keep these essential tips in mind:
- Keep Wrappers Moist: Egg roll wrappers can dry out quickly, becoming brittle and prone to cracking. Always keep any unused wrappers tightly covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap while you’re working to maintain their flexibility. This makes them much easier to fold without tearing.
- Lighter Creaminess Option: For those looking to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor or texture, feel free to use low-fat or fat-free sour cream in the filling. It still provides that wonderful tang and creaminess that balances the savory and sweet elements. Regular sour cream, of course, works beautifully too for a richer result.
- Avoid Overcrowding Your Air Fryer: This is a golden rule for achieving ultimate crispiness. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. If you overcrowd the basket or trays, the air cannot circulate effectively, leading to uneven cooking and less crispy results. Arrange egg rolls in a single layer, ensuring there’s ample space between each one. Cook in batches if necessary – patience will be rewarded with perfectly golden, crunchy egg rolls.
- Prepare the Sauce Ahead: Our delicious chili-lime sauce benefits greatly from a little time to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Whisk it together in advance – ideally a few hours or even a day before serving – and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 5-7 days, making it an excellent meal-prep component.
- Seal the Egg Rolls Properly: When rolling, ensure the edges of the wrapper are moistened with water to create a tight seal. Any exposed filling can leak out during cooking, creating a mess and potentially causing the egg rolls to stick or not crisp up properly. A well-sealed egg roll cooks beautifully and holds its shape.
No Air Fryer? No Problem! Alternative Cooking Methods
While an air fryer offers unparalleled crispiness with less oil, you don’t need one to enjoy the delicious flavors of these Sweet Potato and Black Bean Egg Rolls. Here are some fantastic alternative cooking methods to get these savory treats on your table:
- Deep Fry for Classic Crispy: If you’re craving that traditional, deep-fried crisp, heat about an inch of canola or vegetable oil in a sturdy pan (like a cast-iron skillet) to 325°F (160°C). Carefully fry 3-4 egg rolls at a time, turning them frequently to ensure even browning on all sides. This usually takes about 2 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and irresistible. Transfer them to a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Bake for a Lighter Option: For a less indulgent yet still delicious approach, baking is a great alternative. Lightly spray all sides of your prepared egg rolls with cooking spray. Arrange them on a baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are lightly browned. Keep in mind that baked egg rolls will be less crispy than air-fried or deep-fried versions, offering a softer, chewier texture.
- Transform into Quesadillas or Burritos: The flavorful sweet potato and black bean filling is incredibly versatile and can easily be repurposed! Instead of egg roll wrappers, grab some large flour tortillas. Fill them generously with the mixture, add a sprinkle of cheese, and roll them tightly into burritos or fold them into quesadillas. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat, spray the wraps with cooking spray, and cook seam-side down until golden brown and the filling is hot and cheese is melted (2-4 minutes per side). Serve these hearty wraps with the chili-lime sauce and your favorite toppings for a completely different but equally delicious meal!
The Ultimate Chili-Lime Sauce
No Air Fryer Sweet Potato and Black Bean Egg Roll experience is complete without this vibrant and zesty Chili-Lime Sauce! What makes it truly fantastic is its simplicity and the clever use of our shared spice blend. There’s no fancy equipment needed – just a bowl and a whisk, and you’re moments away from a sauce that perfectly complements every bite. Here are a few quick tips to perfect your dipping sauce:
- Mayonnaise Matters: The base of this creamy sauce is mayonnaise, and the quality truly makes a difference. I highly recommend using Hellman’s/Best Foods® mayo. Its rich, robust flavor and balanced sweetness create the ideal foundation for this sauce, providing a smooth and luxurious texture.
- Adjusting the Spiciness: As written, the sauce offers a very mild hint of spice, designed to be palatable for most. If you prefer a milder sauce, simply reduce or omit the hot sauce entirely. Remember that McCormick® seasonings, which I use, tend to be on the milder side. Conversely, if you’re a fan of heat and want to kick things up a notch, consider adding an extra 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Just be mindful that reducing or omitting the hot sauce might slightly diminish the overall depth of flavor, so taste and adjust as you go!
- Fresh Citrus is Key: The bright, fresh tang of lime is non-negotiable for this sauce. We use both lime juice and lime zest to maximize that vibrant citrusy flavor. If you frequently cook or bake with citrus, investing in a good quality citrus juicer and a fine microplane zester will be invaluable additions to your kitchen toolkit. They make extracting every last drop of juice and aromatic zest effortless.
Serving Suggestions and More!
These Air Fryer Sweet Potato and Black Bean Egg Rolls are truly a versatile dish, perfect as a standalone appetizer, a light lunch, or a satisfying vegetarian main course. Garnish them with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese for an extra pop of color and flavor. And don’t forget the optional sliced avocado for a creamy, healthy fat that complements the spice perfectly!
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and delicious results of air frying, you’re in for a treat! Discover more fantastic air fryer recipes to expand your culinary repertoire:
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with a delectable honey-mustard sauce
- Crispy Air Fryer Falafel served alongside air-fried pita bread
- Flavorful Southwest Egg Rolls complemented by a refreshing cilantro-lime sauce
- A delightful Air Fryer Dutch Baby drizzled with a quick vanilla syrup
- Hearty Honey Mustard Chicken Sausage and Veggies featuring tender broccoli
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Air Fryer Sweet Potato and Black Bean Egg Rolls
Chelsea Lords
30 minutes
13 minutes
43 minutes
4
servings
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Medium pot
Ingredients
-
3
limes -
2
cups
diced sweet potatoes -
1
tablespoon
olive oil -
1/2
cup
diced red pepper -
1/2
cup
diced yellow onion -
1
tablespoon
diced jalapeño -
1
tablespoon
minced garlic -
1-1/4
teaspoons
ground cumin -
1-1/4
teaspoons
garlic powder -
1-1/4
teaspoons
onion powder -
2-1/4
teaspoons
paprika -
4
teaspoons
chili powder -
1/2
teaspoon
salt
-
1/4
teaspoon
pepper
-
1
(15-ounce) can
black beans
drained and rinsed, see note 1 -
2
cups
Cheddar cheese -
10
teaspoons
sour cream -
12
egg roll wrappers
-
Cooking spray
-
Avocado
for serving, optional -
1/2
cup
mayo
-
1
teaspoon
hot sauce
optional
Instructions
- First, prepare your limes: Zest one lime with a zester to yield about 1/4 teaspoon zest. Then, juice the limes using a citrus juicer to get approximately 4 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Set both aside. Next, wash and thoroughly scrub your sweet potato(es). Pierce them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave until they are fork-tender, which typically takes about 5–8 minutes, remembering to rotate them halfway through for even cooking. Carefully remove from the microwave, cut in half lengthwise, and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins (they should come off easily!) and dice the sweet potatoes into very small, uniform pieces. Set aside with the lime zest and juice.
- For quicker preparation, you can chop the red pepper, yellow onion, jalapeño, and garlic in a food processor until finely minced. Alternatively, you can finely chop all these ingredients by hand. Remember to drain and thoroughly rinse the black beans, ensuring they are well-dried before adding them to the filling mixture.
- In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create your unified spice blend.
- Carefully remove 1-1/4 teaspoons of the freshly prepared spice blend and transfer it to a separate bowl. This portion will be used for your chili-lime sauce. Add the reserved lime zest, 3 tablespoons of the lime juice, mayo, hot sauce (if using), and an extra pinch of salt and pepper to this bowl. Whisk all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over high heat. Add the diced red pepper and yellow onion, stirring occasionally until they soften, which should take about 5 minutes. Next, add the diced jalapeño and minced garlic, cooking and stirring frequently for 1 minute until fragrant. Now, add the *remaining* spice blend from step 3 (the larger portion). Stir constantly for another minute until the spices are aromatic. Reduce the heat to low.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes, drained and dried black beans, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of lime juice to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients and heat through, about 1–2 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and set the filling aside. Meanwhile, shred your Cheddar cheese if it’s not already pre-shredded.
- Prepare your egg roll wrappers on a clean surface, orienting each wrapper like a diamond with a corner facing you. Spread 1 heaping teaspoon of sour cream across the bottom third of the wrapper. Top this with about 3 packed tablespoons of the prepared sweet potato and black bean filling. Add 2 packed tablespoons of shredded Cheddar cheese over the filling. Dip your finger into a small bowl of water and moisten all four edges of the egg roll wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold the left and right corners inward towards the center (like an envelope). Tightly press down on the filling and carefully roll the egg roll up from the bottom to the top, creating a snug cylinder. Ensure there are no gaps where the filling could escape, as any exposed filling will leak out in the air fryer. Repeat this process with the remaining filling, sour cream, cheese, and egg wrappers until all are filled. (This recipe typically yields 13 total egg rolls, using all the filling and cheese.)
- Liberally spray all sides of each assembled egg roll with cooking spray. Gently rub the spray evenly to ensure full coverage. Arrange the egg rolls in your air fryer basket or on trays so that none are touching or overlapping. This ensures optimal air circulation for maximum crispiness. Air fry at 370°F (185°C) for 5 minutes. Flip the egg rolls and continue to air fry for another 5 minutes. Flip them one more time and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until the egg rolls are beautifully crispy and golden brown. (Keep a close eye on them during the final minutes, as air fryer cooking times can vary by model.) Carefully remove the egg rolls and let them cool slightly before serving. Present them with your chilled chili-lime dipping sauce and optional sliced avocados. Enjoy your perfectly crispy, flavorful vegetarian egg rolls!
Recipe Notes
Note 1: For an extra homemade touch, you can use delicious leftovers from these homemade
Black Beans!
Nutrition Note: Please be aware that the provided nutrition information does not include the optional avocado serving.
Storage: Allow any leftover egg rolls to cool completely to room temperature. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and restore their crispiness, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and crunchy.
Nutrition
Serving:
1
serving
|
Calories:
870
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
80
g
|
Protein:
31
g
|
Fat:
48
g
|
Saturated Fat:
17
g
|
Trans Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
80
mg
|
Sodium:
927
mg
|
Potassium:
1125
mg
|
Fiber:
17
g
|
Sugar:
9
g
|
Vitamin A:
19898
IU
|
Vitamin C:
53
mg
|
Calcium:
531
mg
|
Iron:
6
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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