diff --git a/plugins/modules/ec2_vpc_nacl.py b/plugins/modules/ec2_vpc_nacl.py
index 85f8d8baa92..e11df3de532 100644
--- a/plugins/modules/ec2_vpc_nacl.py
+++ b/plugins/modules/ec2_vpc_nacl.py
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@
     required: false
     type: list
     elements: str
+    default: []
   egress:
     description:
       - A list of rules for outgoing traffic. Each rule must be specified as a list.