Is crispy chile relleno the same as traditional chile relleno?

No, crispy chile rellenos are a modern twist on the traditional version. While the original chile relleno is usually battered with whipped eggs and pan-fried, crispy chile rellenos are wrapped in egg roll wrappers and deep-fried or air-fried for a golden, crunchy texture. The taste is just as satisfying—some say even better—and it’s easier for home cooks to make.

Can I make crispy chile rellenos ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble crispy chile rellenos in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. You can also freeze them (uncooked) for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, just fry them straight from frozen—no need to thaw. This makes them perfect for meal prep or party planning.

Are crispy chile rellenos spicy?

It depends on the peppers you use. Most crispy chile rellenos use roasted green chiles, which are mild and slightly smoky. If you like heat, you can use spicier peppers like jalapeños or hatch chiles, or even mix in spicy cheese like pepper jack for an extra kick.

Can I make crispy chile rellenos without frying?

Yes! You can bake or air-fry crispy chile rellenos to reduce oil and calories. In the oven, bake them at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp. In an air fryer, cook at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes. Both methods give a delicious crunch with much less mess.

What cheese is best for crispy chile rellenos?

The most popular choices are Monterey Jack, cheddar, and Mexican blend cheese. For a more authentic taste, try Oaxaca or asadero cheese. These melt beautifully and pair well with the roasted chile flavor in crispy chile rellenos . Feel free to mix cheeses for deeper flavor!

How do I keep crispy chile rellenos from getting soggy?

To keep crispy chile rellenos crunchy, make sure your chiles and cheese are dry before wrapping, seal the edges well, and fry at the right oil temperature (325°F–340°F). Once fried, drain on a paper towel-lined tray and avoid stacking them. For reheating, use an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave.

Make These Irresistibly Crispy Chile Rellenos with a Melty Center

Name: Make These Irresistibly Crispy Chile Rellenos with a Melty Center
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 12 egg roll wrappers; 12 whole green chiles, roasted and peeled; 3 cups (12oz / 339g) shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Mexican blend cheese; Vegetable oil (enough to fill a large pot with 2–3 inches of oil)

Description

Crispy Chile Rellenos are a fun and easy twist on the traditional dish, using egg roll wrappers to encase fire-roasted green chiles and gooey melted cheese. Fried until golden and crunchy, they’re the perfect handheld snack or appetizer with bold flavor and irresistible texture.

Ingredients

Units Scale

12 egg roll wrappers
12 whole green chiles, roasted and peeled
3 cups (12oz / 339g) shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Mexican blend cheese
Vegetable oil (enough to fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of oil)

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Instructions

Lay one egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with a corner pointing toward you (like a diamond shape).
Place one roasted chile in the center and top with about ¼ cup shredded cheese.
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly, sealing the edge with a dab of water.
Repeat with remaining wrappers, chiles, and cheese.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the rellenos in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes.
Drain on paper towels and serve hot with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Notes

To roast chiles: place under a broiler or over an open flame until charred, then place in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for 10 minutes. Peel skin and remove seeds if desired.
Use canned whole green chiles for convenience, but fresh-roasted provide deeper flavor.
To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate un-fried rellenos for up to 1 day before frying.
Air fryer option: spray with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chile relleno
Calories: 210
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 25mg