Save I was standing in my kitchen on a rainy Saturday afternoon, staring at a pack of lumpia wrappers I'd bought on impulse at the Asian market. I had ground chicken in the fridge and a craving for something crispy, but I didn't want to deal with a pot of hot oil. That's when I remembered my air fryer sitting in the corner, and suddenly everything clicked. What started as a lazy experiment turned into these little golden parcels that disappeared faster than I could make them.
The first time I made these for a small gathering, I watched my friends reach for one, then two, then three without even realizing it. There was this quiet moment when everyone just stopped talking and kept eating, and I knew I'd stumbled onto something special. My cousin, who grew up eating her lola's lumpia, gave me a nod of approval, and that meant more than any compliment.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: It stays tender and juicy inside the wrapper, and it soaks up all the seasoning beautifully without getting greasy.
- Carrot: Finely grated carrot adds a subtle sweetness and a bit of moisture that keeps the filling from drying out.
- Green onions: They bring a fresh, mild bite that balances the richness of the chicken and sesame oil.
- Garlic: Minced garlic is the backbone of the flavor here, giving each bite a warm, savory depth.
- Soy sauce: It adds that umami punch and a touch of saltiness that ties everything together.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon is enough to infuse the filling with a nutty, toasty aroma that makes your kitchen smell incredible.
- Ground black pepper and salt: Simple but essential for bringing out all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Sugar: A hint of sweetness rounds out the savory notes and mimics the subtle balance in traditional Filipino cooking.
- Lumpia wrappers: These thin, delicate wrappers crisp up perfectly in the air fryer and hold the filling snugly.
- Egg: Beaten egg acts as the glue that seals each little parcel shut so nothing leaks out during cooking.
- Oil spray: A light mist is all you need to help the wrappers turn golden and crispy without any sogginess.
- Dipping sauce ingredients: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili sauce come together in seconds for a tangy, slightly sweet dip that cuts through the richness.
Instructions
- Mix the filling:
- In a bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated carrot, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, salt, and sugar. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until it feels uniform and slightly sticky.
- Prepare the wrappers:
- Cut each lumpia wrapper in half to make two rectangles. Keep them covered with a damp towel so they don't dry out while you work.
- Fill and shape:
- Place about a tablespoon of filling near one short edge of a wrapper half and shape it into a small log. Fold the sides in over the filling, then roll it up tightly like a tiny burrito.
- Seal the bites:
- Brush the end of the wrapper with beaten egg to seal it closed. Press gently to make sure it sticks.
- Repeat the process:
- Continue filling and rolling until you've used up all the filling and wrappers. You should end up with about 24 little bites.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 190 degrees Celsius (375 degrees Fahrenheit) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start.
- Arrange and spray:
- Place the lumpia bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not touching. Lightly spray them with oil.
- Air fry and flip:
- Cook for 8 minutes, then carefully flip each bite, spray again, and air fry for another 7 minutes until they're golden and crisp. The sound of that sizzle is your cue that they're ready.
- Make the dipping sauce:
- While the bites cook, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili sauce in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the heat to your liking.
- Serve hot:
- Transfer the bites to a plate and serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side. They're best enjoyed while still crackling hot.
Save One evening, I made a double batch and froze half of them. Weeks later, when a friend dropped by unexpectedly, I pulled them straight from the freezer into the air fryer, and within 20 minutes we were sitting on the couch with a plate of crispy bites and cold drinks. It felt like magic, and it reminded me that the best recipes are the ones that save you when you need them most.
How to Store and Reheat
Once cooled, you can keep these bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius for about 5 minutes, and they'll crisp right back up. If you freeze them before cooking, lay them on a tray in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you're ready, air fry from frozen at the same temperature, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Swaps and Variations
I've made these with ground turkey and ground pork, and both work beautifully. If you want a vegetarian version, crumbled firm tofu mixed with a bit of cornstarch holds together well and soaks up the seasonings just as nicely. You can also toss in finely chopped water chestnuts or bell pepper for extra crunch and a pop of color. Some nights I add a pinch of ginger or a splash of fish sauce for a deeper, more complex flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These bites are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a crisp cucumber salad or a bowl of steamed jasmine rice. I like to serve them at parties alongside other finger foods, and they always vanish first. For a more authentic Filipino experience, try dipping them in banana ketchup or sweet chili sauce.
- Serve with a side of pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast.
- Pair with a cold beer or iced tea for a casual, satisfying snack.
- Arrange on a platter with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a colorful presentation.
Save Every time I make these, I'm reminded that the best comfort food doesn't have to be complicated or heavy. These little bites bring together flavor, texture, and just enough nostalgia to make any moment feel a little more special.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I use other meats besides chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or pork can be substituted for chicken without altering the cooking method or texture significantly.
- → How do I ensure lumpia stays crispy after air frying?
Lightly spraying the lumpia bites with oil before air frying helps achieve a crisp and golden texture.
- → What can I use as a dipping sauce?
A simple blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and optional chili sauce complements these bites perfectly.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version?
Firm tofu finely chopped or crumbled can replace chicken for a vegetarian alternative, maintaining the flavors and texture.
- → Are lumpia wrappers gluten-free?
Most lumpia wrappers contain wheat, so they are not gluten-free. Check packaging for gluten-free options if needed.