Save My neighbor Maria brought over a batch of lumpia one Sunday afternoon, and the way they disappeared from the plate faster than I could count taught me something important: the best appetizers are the ones people can't stop reaching for. When she mentioned how her air fryer made them crispier and less greasy than the traditional deep-fried version, I was intrigued. I've since made these countless times, and there's something almost meditative about the assembly line—wrapping, sealing, arranging them in the basket like little golden promises.
I'll never forget the office potluck where I brought these, slightly nervous about how they'd compete with the usual store-bought appetizers. Within ten minutes, my container was empty and someone was asking for the recipe. That's when I realized these bites weren't just food—they were a conversation starter that somehow tasted like friendship.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: The base of your filling should be cold or room temperature so it holds together without getting spongy during cooking.
- Carrot and green onions: These add moisture and subtle sweetness, balancing the savory soy sauce beautifully.
- Garlic: Minced fine so it distributes evenly and won't overpower individual bites.
- Soy sauce and sesame oil: Together they create that unmistakable umami depth that makes people ask what the secret ingredient is.
- Lumpia wrappers: Spring roll wrappers work perfectly and create that shatteringly crisp exterior in the air fryer.
- Egg wash: This seals the seams so nothing leaks during cooking.
Instructions
- Make the filling:
- Combine the chicken, carrot, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper, salt, and sugar in a bowl, mixing gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed. Don't overmix or the chicken will become dense; you want the filling to feel light and integrated, almost like a finely textured paste.
- Prepare the wrappers:
- Cut each lumpia wrapper in half diagonally or straight across to create rectangles. Having your work surface clear and your beaten egg nearby will save you time and frustration during assembly.
- Fill and roll:
- Place about a tablespoon of filling near the short edge of each wrapper half, shaping it into a small log. Fold the sides over, then roll tightly toward the opposite edge, brushing that final seam with egg wash to seal it shut.
- Air fry to perfection:
- Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for three minutes, then arrange the lumpia bites in a single layer without crowding. A light spray of oil is all they need—I use my fingers to mist rather than spray directly so I have better control.
- Cook and flip:
- Air fry for eight minutes, shake or flip each bite, spray again lightly, then cook for another seven minutes until they're deeply golden and making that crispy sound when you press them. The exact timing depends on how full your basket is, so trust your eyes and ears.
- Make the dipping sauce:
- Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili sauce in a small bowl, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Taste it and adjust—I usually add a splash more vinegar because I like the tang.
Save There's a moment, just after they come out of the air fryer, when the kitchen fills with this toasted, savory aroma that instantly makes everyone appear in the kitchen asking if they're ready. That's when these bites transform from a recipe into the reason people gathered around the table.
The Art of the Perfect Seal
Sealing the edges properly is everything—a loose edge will unravel and leak filling during cooking, leaving you with a deflated, disappointing bite. I learned this the hard way after my first batch came out looking more like sad little bundles than the plump, golden morsels I'd imagined. The egg wash acts like an edible adhesive, so don't skimp on it. Run your brush along that final seam with intention, making sure you cover the corner where the two folds meet.
Customizing Your Filling
While the chicken version is classic, I've experimented with variations that surprised me in the best way. Ground turkey gives you a leaner bite with a slightly different flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the sesame oil. A handful of finely chopped water chestnuts adds a pleasant crunch that keeps people coming back for another bite, and bell pepper brings brightness without overwhelming the savory base. I once made a batch with shredded cabbage instead of carrot, inspired by what I had in the crisper drawer, and it was equally delicious—sometimes the best discoveries come from improvisation.
Making Them Ahead and Storage
You can assemble the lumpia bites several hours ahead and refrigerate them on a covered tray before air frying, which takes stress out of entertaining. Cooked leftovers keep well in an airtight container for three days, and reheating them in the air fryer at 160°C for three minutes restores their crispness perfectly. I often make a double batch on a quiet Sunday and portion them into freezer containers, giving me an instant appetizer option for unexpected gatherings.
- Assemble and refrigerate for up to six hours before cooking for the best texture.
- Store cooked bites in an airtight container away from steam to keep them crisp.
- Frozen uncooked lumpia can go straight from freezer to air fryer with just a couple of minutes extra cooking time.
Save These little bites have taught me that the best recipes are the ones that bring people together and make them smile. Serve them hot with your chosen sauce, watch them disappear, and enjoy the small victory of knowing you made something genuinely delicious.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes lumpia wrappers suitable for air frying?
Lumpia wrappers are thin and crisp quickly, making them ideal for the air fryer's circulating heat, resulting in a crunchy texture without excess oil.
- → Can I use other meats instead of chicken for the filling?
Yes, ground turkey or pork can be substituted to vary flavors while maintaining the same cooking method and texture.
- → How do I ensure the lumpia bites stay sealed during cooking?
Brushing the edges with beaten egg before rolling helps seal the wrappers securely, preventing filling from spilling out during air frying.
- → Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of these bites?
Firm tofu can replace chicken for a vegetarian twist, combined with the same seasoning for flavor and texture balance.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these lumpia bites?
A mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar creates a tangy dip, while sweet chili or banana ketchup offer classic Filipino flavor complements.
- → How long should the lumpia bites be air fried for best results?
Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for about 15 minutes total, flipping halfway to achieve an even, golden crispness.