These Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are everything you love about buffalo chicken dip—creamy, cheesy, and spicy—rolled up in soft tortillas and crisped to perfection in the air fryer. They’re the ultimate quick and easy appetizer for game day, parties, or even a protein-packed lunch. Ready in just 10 minutes, these pinwheels are sure to become a new favorite in your snack lineup!
Honestly, I’m a huge fan of buffalo chicken anything. Whether it’s my go-to Buffalo Chicken Sandwich for lunch or some cheesy Buffalo Chicken Bombs for snack time, I can’t get enough. And these air fryer pinwheels? Oh, they might be my easiest and most fun buffalo chicken recipe yet!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Just mix, roll, slice, and air fry. Done in 10 minutes!
- Perfect for Leftovers: Got leftover rotisserie chicken? This recipe is calling for it.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can make them ahead of time and air fry when ready.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a party, potluck, or a casual snack, these pinwheels disappear fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Shredded Chicken: I often use leftover air fryer whole chicken, but rotisserie or canned chicken works too. If you’re using canned, go for low sodium since buffalo sauce is already salty.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my favorite, but feel free to use your preferred sauce. Want it spicier? Kick it up with a hotter variety!
- Cream Cheese: Softened at room temperature for easy mixing. It makes the filling creamy and delicious.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds that cheesy goodness. Blue cheese crumbles are another tasty option if you love that bold flavor.
- Ranch Seasoning: Adds herby flavor. Just make sure you grab ranch seasoning, not the dip mix (too salty).
- Flour Tortillas: Large ones work best to hold all that filling. Go for low-carb tortillas if you prefer!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning. Mash it all together with a fork until it’s smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Pinwheels
Lay out your tortillas. Divide the buffalo chicken mixture between them and spread it evenly all the way to the edges. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar (or blue cheese) on top.
Step 3: Roll & Slice
Roll each tortilla up tightly like a log. Using a sharp serrated knife, trim the ends and slice each log into 5 pinwheels.
Step 4: Air Fry
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil spray (or use a parchment liner). Arrange the pinwheels in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 5 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Let them cool for a couple of minutes (the filling is hot!), then serve. They’re delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with ranch dressing or blue cheese dip.
Jenny’s Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Slice and air fry when ready.
- Serving Ideas: These are great with veggie sticks on the side for a fun, balanced appetizer platter.
- Spice Level: If you like it mild, stick with Frank’s Original. Want it hotter? Try Frank’s Xtra Hot or add a dash of cayenne to the mix!
Variations
- Low Carb: Use low-carb tortillas.
- Extra Crunch: Add some chopped celery to the filling for a little crunch.
- Different Cheese: Swap out cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor twist.
Storing & Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warm and crispy again.
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 10 pinwheels
Description
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are crispy on the outside and loaded with creamy, spicy buffalo chicken inside. Ready in just 10 minutes, they’re the perfect appetizer or snack!
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
– 4 oz (half block) cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
– 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or crumbled blue cheese)
– 2 large flour tortillas (low carb if preferred)
– Cooking spray or oil mister
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, and ranch seasoning until combined.
2. Divide the mixture evenly between two tortillas. Spread to cover the entire surface.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheddar or crumbled blue cheese over the filling.
4. Roll up each tortilla tightly. Slice off the ends, then cut each roll into 5 pinwheels.
5. Lightly spray your air fryer basket with oil or line with parchment paper.
6. Arrange pinwheels in a single layer. Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
7. Cool slightly, serve warm, and enjoy!
Notes
– Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate (unsliced) for up to 24 hours.
– Serving suggestion: Pair with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Snacks, Chicken
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
