Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels are the ultimate appetizer. Crispy air fried tortilla pinwheels are stuffed with a creamy ranch seasoned filling with chicken, crispy bacon, Monterey Jack cheese, and green onions. They come together in 20 minutes and are perfect for game days, potlucks and after school snacks.
Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels Recipe
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Chicken, bacon and ranch is one of those flavor combos that everyone loves. Our chicken bacon ranch pasta went viral so we knew we had to make a handheld appetizer! We roll up all those great flavors into the easiest party snack and gave it a crispy twist in the air fryer! The tortillas get golden and crunchy on the outside while the cheesy filling gets warm and melty inside.
They only take 7-8 minutes in the air fryer and they can be rolled up the day before. This makes them perfect for game days, holiday parties and potlucks. The kids love them as an after school snack too!
What are Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels?
Pinwheels are a classic party appetizer made by spreading a creamy filling over a large tortilla, rolling it up tightly and slicing it into rounds that look like little pinwheels. For this version, cream cheese is mixed with ranch seasoning, shredded chicken, bacon, Monterey Jack and green onions. Then the pinwheels are sprayed with cooking spray and air fried until golden and crispy. They're served warm with ranch for dipping.
More Fun Finger Foods
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Fried Pickle Dip
- Cold Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Carbonara Deviled Eggs
Ingredients
- Flour Tortillas - large or burrito sized flour tortillas are easiest to roll. You can also try spinach or sun-dried tomato wraps for a pop of color.
- Chicken - shredded rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver. Leftover cooked chicken or canned chicken also works.
- Cream Cheese - softened at room temperature so it mixes smoothly with the ranch seasoning and holds the filling together.
- Green Onions - add freshness and color.
- Bacon - cooked until crispy and chopped. Every bite gets smoky, salty bacon! What's not to love about that?!
- Monterey Jack Cheese - you can swap for mozzarella, cheddar or pepper jack for a little heat.
- Ranch Seasoning - dry ranch dressing mix gives the filling that classic tangy, herby ranch flavor.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
Full Printable Recipe at Bottom of page
- To a large bowl, add the cream cheese, chicken, bacon, shredded cheese, green onion, and ranch seasoning. Mix until evenly combined.
- Divide the filling evenly between the tortillas. Use the back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer across each tortilla. Make sure the filling is spread all the way to the edges of the tortilla.
- Roll each tortilla up tightly. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 10 pieces for large tortillas, or 14 pieces for burrito-sized tortillas.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Spray the tops and sides of the pinwheels with cooking spray, or brush with oil.
- Working in batches depending on the size of air fryer, arrange the pinwheels cut side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between them. Air fry at 400°F for 7-8 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with ranch for dipping. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Crispy Pinwheels
- Flavor Variations - for a spicy version try adding in some finely chopped jalapenos, Buffalo Hot Sauce or Sriracha Sauce. You can also use a spicy jalapeno Havarti or Monterrey jack! You can also use a flavored tortilla such as sun dried tomato or spinach for added flavor and a fun pop of color!
- Air Frying - Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave a little space between the pinwheels so they crisp up evenly.
- Serving Options - we also like to serve these topped with shredded lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and/or dipping sauces (salsa, ranch dressing, etc.).
FAQ
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warm and crispy. You can also use the oven or toaster oven at 350°F, or the microwave, but they won't be as crispy.
Store in the refrigerator in Ziplock bags or airtight container up to 3 days.
You can freeze them cooked or uncooked in a Ziplock bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Air fry from frozen at 400°F, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Yes! You can fully prepare and slice the pinwheels up to 2 days in advance. Remove them from the fridge, spray with cooking spray and air fry just before serving.
Skip the chicken and bacon and fill them with chopped roasted mushrooms, red peppers, spinach, black beans, and/or corn instead.
Use gluten free tortillas and double check that your ranch seasoning and bacon are gluten free.
The filling is thick and creamy so it does stay sealed when rolled, but to be extra safe or if you start to see the ends unrolling you can secure the ends with a toothpick.
The cold version is a no-bake party appetizer served chilled. The air fryer version has golden, crispy tortillas and a warm, melty filling in just 7-8 minutes.
More Fun Pinwheels
Enjoy!
- Sab
Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese (8 ounces, 1 brick, at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 4 cups chicken (cooked and shredded, about ½ rotisserie chicken)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded, or mozzarella, marble, or cheddar)
- 3 green onions (chopped)
- 4 large flour tortillas (or burrito sized tortillas)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- To a large bowl, add the cream cheese, chicken, bacon, shredded cheese, green onion, and ranch seasoning. Mix until evenly combined.
- Divide the filling evenly between the tortillas. Use the back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer across each tortilla. Make sure the filling is spread all the way to the edges of the tortilla.
- Roll each tortilla up tightly. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 10 pieces for large tortillas, or 14 pieces for burrito-sized tortillas.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Spray the tops and sides of the pinwheels with cooking spray, or brush with oil.
- Working in batches depending on the size of air fryer, arrange the pinwheels cut side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between them. Air fry at 400°F for 7-8 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with ranch for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Ana says
Amazing and so simple to make.