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Let’s be honest: buffalo chicken dip is the undisputed king of game day appetizers. But we all know the struggle. You have to hover over a communal bowl, dip one chip at a time, and worry about drips. I decided to solve that problem while keeping all the flavor we love.
Meet the Buffalo Chicken Dipper.
It’s everything you want in a buffalo dip….spicy, creamy, savory…but wrapped up in a crispy egg roll shell. Now, everyone gets their own individual serving. No hovering, no mess, just perfect, handheld crunch.
The 10-Year Perfected Recipe
I have been making this buffalo chicken filling for a decade, and it is hands-down the crowd favorite. While many people swear by blue cheese, I find this specific combination wins every time.
The filling is incredibly simple but relies on a few key players:
- 12-13 oz Canned Chicken (I grab the large cans from Costco)
- 1/2 Cup Hot Sauce
- 1/2 Block Cream Cheese
- 1/8 Cup Ranch Dressing
- Handful of Shredded Cheddar
The magic happens when you pan-fry the chicken first to get that nice tan color, then cook the hot sauce into the chicken before melting in the cheeses. It brings out a heat and depth of flavor that just mixing it cold can’t achieve.
Finally, a Non-Toxic Air Fryer!
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know my kitchen is strictly stainless steel and glass. I haven’t used/had a microwave since I was 12 years old, and I resisted the air fryer trend for years because I refused to buy appliances full of non-stick chemical coatings.
That changed when I found the Ninja Crispi Air Fryer. It features a glass and stainless steel air fry system that is totally non-toxic. I am so happy to finally join the air frying world! While it comes with non-stick coated crisper trays, I’m sharing a link to the stainless steel trays I use as a substitute.
These dippers cook at 400°F for just 7 minutes on the rack. The result is a bubbly, golden-brown exterior with a molten, spicy center.
Serving Suggestion
You need something cool to balance the heat. Instead of reaching for a store-bought ranch, try making this fresh and flavorful Ranch Dressing for dipping!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- 3/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
You can use these spices or substitute a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch spices if you prefer.
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream. Add in garlic powder, dried parsley, dried chives, black pepper, salt, and dried dill (or ranch packet). Stir until all ingredients are mixed well. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving for the best flavor and a perfectly chilled dip.
Check out the recipe card below for the full breakdown and printable instructions. Happy snacking!
Meta Title: Game Day Buffalo Chicken Dippers Recipe (Air Fryer Friendly)
Meta Description: Skip the messy dip bowl! Make these crispy, handheld Buffalo Chicken Dippers in your air fryer. The perfect non-toxic game day snack.
Game Day Buffalo Chicken Dippers
It’s everything you want in a buffalo dip…spicy, creamy, savory…but wrapped up in a crispy egg roll shell.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Fry
Ingredients
- 12-13 oz canned chicken (large can), drained
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/2 block cream cheese, cubed
- 1/8 cup ranch dressing
- 1 handful shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package egg roll wrappers (large squares)
- Optional Spices: Dash of cayenne pepper, black pepper, pinch of salt, garlic powder
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Drain the canned chicken thoroughly. Spray a frying pan with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes, chopping it up with a spatula as it cooks, until all moisture is gone and the meat turns a light tan color.
- Season (Optional): Once the chicken is browned, add your optional spices (cayenne, black pepper, salt, garlic powder) to taste.
- Simmer with Sauce: Pour the hot sauce into the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken, scraping the bottom of the pan to ensure nothing sticks. Let the mixture cook for 1-2 minutes; cooking the sauce into the meat helps bring out the heat.
- Melt the Cheese: Lower the heat (or turn it off completely if your pan retains heat well). Add the cubed cream cheese, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and combined into a creamy filling.
- Roll the Dippers: Lay out an egg roll wrapper. Place a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center diagonally. Fold in the two side corners, then roll from the bottom up to create a sealed roll. Repeat until filling is used up.
- Air Fry: Place the rolls on the rack of your air fryer. Air fry at 400°F for 7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Scale Up: This recipe is very forgiving! You can easily double or triple the ingredients for a larger crowd without changing the method.
- Serving Suggestion: These dippers are best served hot with a homemade celery ranch dip. Mix together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried chives, 3/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon dried dill. Stir well and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. For added convenience, you can use a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning in place of the listed spices. Serve chilled alongside your buffalo dippers for the perfect creamy, cooling dip.
