Air Fryer Lumpia Chips

My coworker brought these to our Friday potluck, and I watched three people reach for seconds before I'd even taken my first bite. The golden, shattered chips caught the light as they passed around the creamy dip, and I realized right then that this was the kind of appetizer that disappears in minutes. Now whenever I need something that looks fancier than it actually is, this is what I make—air fryer magic meets Filipino tradition in the easiest possible way.

I made this for my sister's book club last month, and it became the conversation starter—everyone wanted to know what was in the dip and why the chips tasted like they came from a restaurant. That's when I realized this recipe hits that perfect spot where restaurant-quality food meets home kitchen simplicity, and honestly, that's the sweet spot every cook is chasing.

Ingredients

• Lumpia wrappers: These delicate Filipino spring roll skins fry up faster than you'd expect, turning thin and crackling in minutes—don't skip brushing them with oil or they'll stay chewy.
• Neutral oil: Canola or vegetable works perfectly; avoid anything with a strong flavor that'll compete with the subtle wrapper taste.
• Salt and garlic powder: Simple seasonings that let the wrapper's natural flavor shine without overpowering it.
• Cream cheese: Softening this first makes mixing effortless, and it becomes the dip's creamy anchor that holds everything together.
• Mayonnaise and sour cream: Mayo gives richness while sour cream adds tang and keeps the texture light—this balance is non-negotiable.
• Shredded chicken breast: Use cooked rotisserie chicken if you want to skip a step; it adds substance and makes the dip feel more like a complete bite.
• Green onions: These wake up the whole dip with freshness and a subtle bite that makes you reach for another chip.
• Lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder: These three create a layered savory profile that feels intentional and seasoned, not flat.

Instructions

Heat your air fryer:

Set it to 350°F (175°C) while you prep the wrappers—this gives you that sweet spot where they crisp up without browning too fast.

Cut and coat the wrappers:

Slice each wrapper into four pieces, brush them lightly with oil, and scatter salt and garlic powder over them. You want just enough oil to make them golden, not greasy.

Air fry in batches:

Lay the pieces flat in a single layer, air fry for 4 to 5 minutes, and shake the basket halfway through so they cook evenly. They should sound crispy when you tap them and look golden brown.

Cool before serving:

Let them rest on the counter for a minute or two—they'll crisp up even more as they cool, and they're safer to handle that way.

Build the dip base:

In a bowl, whisk cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, and lemon juice until completely smooth. This foundation should feel light and creamy, not lumpy.

Fold in the chicken and seasonings:

Add shredded chicken, green onions, and all the powders and salt, stirring gently so the texture stays smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt to your preference.

Serve or chill:

Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate until you're ready—cold dip is actually even better because the flavors settle and deepen.

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There's something deeply satisfying about watching someone's face light up when they realize they can make restaurant-quality appetizers at home. This dish has a way of doing that—it's unpretentious, it's delicious, and it proves that good cooking doesn't require hours of fussing around.

The Magic of the Air Fryer for This Dish

Air fryers have a way of making thin, delicate things crispy that would be impossible in a traditional oven. The wrapper pieces go from flexible to shattered in just a few minutes, with a fraction of the oil you'd normally need. I've tried baking them, and they never achieve that same shattering crispness—there's something about the circulating hot air that just gets it right.

Customizing Your Dip

The beauty of this dip is that it's a blank canvas for whatever you're craving. Jalapeños for heat, fresh dill for brightness, or a splash of hot sauce if you want people to feel the burn—all of it works beautifully. I once added crispy bacon bits because I had some on hand, and it became the version people actually ask me to make now. The chicken provides a neutral base that lets you steer the flavor in whatever direction sounds good.

Pairing Ideas and Serving

These chips are perfect on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cold beer or a crisp white wine if you're in the mood for something more refined. I've served them at casual movie nights, dressed-up gatherings, and everything in between—they adapt to whatever vibe you're creating. They also pair well with other Filipino-inspired snacks if you want to build a whole spread.

• Serve the dip cold or at room temperature, depending on when you made it—both work equally well.
• Leftover chips can be stored in an airtight container and stay crispy for a couple of days.
• If the dip gets a little thick from the fridge, a splash of milk or cream will loosen it back up.

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This is the kind of recipe that makes entertaining feel effortless, which is exactly when you actually enjoy the people you're cooking for. Keep it in your back pocket for those moments when you want something that tastes like you tried hard but didn't.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes lumpia chips crispy in the air fryer?

The air fryer uses hot circulating air to quickly crisp the lumpia wrappers with little oil, resulting in a light and crunchy texture.

→ Can I substitute lumpia wrappers with other wrappers?

Yes, wonton wrappers make a suitable substitute and produce a similar crispy result when air fried.

→ How can I adjust the dip’s flavor for more heat?

Adding hot sauce or chili flakes to the dip introduces a pleasant spicy kick without overpowering the creamy base.

→ Is it necessary to shred the chicken finely?

Finely shredded chicken blends smoothly into the dip, ensuring a consistent texture and even flavor distribution.

→ Can the dip be prepared in advance?

Yes, the dip can be refrigerated until ready to serve and tastes great chilled alongside the crispy chips.