Save to Pinterest My friend texted me a photo of lumpia from her family gathering last summer, and I couldn't stop staring at them. They looked impossibly crispy, the kind of snack that disappears before you can grab a second one. I'd never made them before, but something about those golden bites made me want to try, so I hunted down lumpia wrappers at my local Asian market and started experimenting. The first batch in my air fryer was a minor revelation—no deep frying required, just that perfect crunch without the heavy oil. Now they're my go-to when I need something that feels special but comes together in under an hour.
I brought these to a potluck last month, and within minutes they were gone—people were genuinely upset there weren't more. Someone asked if I'd ordered them from a Filipino restaurant, which felt like the highest compliment. That's when I realized these little bites had become my secret weapon, the thing I make when I want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: The base that stays moist and flavorful—don't skip the sesame oil, it's what makes people ask what that subtle something is.
- Carrot and green onions: They add sweetness and brightness that keeps the filling from tasting one-dimensional.
- Garlic: Minced fine so it distributes evenly and doesn't burn in the air fryer.
- Soy sauce and sesame oil: These are the foundation of the flavor profile, so use what you have on hand rather than hunting for specialty versions.
- Lumpia wrappers: Spring roll wrappers work perfectly—they get impossibly golden in the air fryer and crisp up in a way that feels almost decadent.
- Beaten egg: Your glue, the thing that keeps everything from unrolling mid-cook.
Instructions
- Build the filling:
- Combine everything in a bowl and mix until it feels cohesive, like a paste with texture rather than raw ingredients. Taste it if you're not sure—it should be savory, slightly sweet, and smell like garlic and sesame.
- Prepare the wrappers:
- Cutting them in half gives you the perfect size for little bites, and they're easier to handle than full wrappers. Work on a clean, slightly damp surface so they don't tear.
- Fill and shape:
- One tablespoon might sound small, but it fills the wrapper without making them bulky. Shape it like a small log before you fold.
- Seal tight:
- Brush the far edge with beaten egg and roll firmly so nothing unravels in the air fryer. A loose lumpia bite becomes a disappointing lumpia disaster.
- Air fry to golden:
- Preheat matters because the basket needs heat to crisp them immediately. The first 8 minutes builds structure, the flip ensures even browning, and those final 7 minutes are what turn them golden and crunchy.
- Make the dipping sauce:
- It takes two minutes and transforms everything—the rice vinegar cuts through the richness, and a tiny bit of chili sauce adds complexity if you want it.
Save to Pinterest The moment I pulled the first batch from the air fryer and that savory sesame smell hit me, I knew I'd found something I'd be making over and over. My partner came into the kitchen for the unmistakable sound of that crunch, and we sat at the counter eating them straight from the basket, dipping each one into that tangy sauce. They felt fancy enough for guests but easy enough that I make them on a Tuesday night just because.
Why the Air Fryer Changes Everything
There's something almost magical about how an air fryer handles pastry. It circulates heat in a way that crisps the outside while the filling stays steamy and tender inside, and you're not standing over a pot of hot oil worried about splatters. I've made lumpia in traditional ways before, and while they were good, the air fryer version is cleaner, faster, and honestly tastes better because the oil is minimal and super-heated rather than soaking in. If you don't have an air fryer, you can shallow fry them in about an inch of oil, but timing and attention matter more.
Filling Variations That Work
The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is without losing its character. I've added finely chopped water chestnuts for extra crunch, which adds a pleasant texture contrast that people notice. Bell peppers work too, and they brighten the filling visually and with a subtle sweetness. For a vegetarian version, crumbled firm tofu mixed with mushrooms gives you body and umami in place of the chicken, though you might need to adjust the salt slightly. Some people use ground pork instead of chicken and swear it's more flavorful, which I can't argue with.
Dipping Sauce Wisdom and Final Touches
The dipping sauce matters more than you'd think—it's what elevates these from good to memorable. The rice vinegar is crucial because it cuts through the richness and makes you want to eat more, which is either a blessing or a problem depending on your willpower. Some people serve them with sweet chili sauce or banana ketchup, which is the traditional Filipino way, and that completely changes the vibe from savory-forward to sweet-and-spicy. If you make these ahead, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, and reheat them in the air fryer for two minutes to restore the crunch.
- The dipping sauce can be made hours ahead and tastes better if you let it sit so the flavors meld.
- If you're freezing them unbaked, the cooking time doesn't change much, so grab them straight from the freezer and air fry as directed.
- Always serve them hot—the crunch factor drops noticeably once they cool, so time your cooking so they hit the table warm.
Save to Pinterest These little bites have become my answer to so many kitchen moments—the unexpected guest, the party that needs finger foods, the night I want something crispy but not heavy. Every time I make them, someone asks for the recipe, and I know it's because they taste like more than just chicken and pastry.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes these bites crispy?
The lumpia wrappers become golden and crisp in the air fryer, offering a satisfying crunch without deep frying.
- → Can I substitute the chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or pork can be used as alternatives, with similar cooking results and flavor.
- → Is the dipping sauce necessary?
The dipping sauce adds a tangy contrast, but the bites are flavorful and enjoyable even on their own.
- → How long does air frying take?
Air frying takes about 15 minutes total, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispness.
- → Can vegetables be added to the filling?
Yes, additions like finely chopped bell peppers or water chestnuts enhance texture and flavor.