Save The smell of garlic and sesame oil hitting a hot pan always brings me straight back to weekend mornings when I'd experiment with whatever was left in the fridge. One Saturday, I had ground chicken, a few scraggly green onions, and a pack of lumpia wrappers I'd been meaning to use. I rolled them smaller than usual, popped them in the air fryer, and waited. When they came out golden and crackling, I knew I'd stumbled onto something I'd make again and again.
I brought these to a potluck once, stacked in a basket lined with parchment paper. My friend's mom, who grew up in Manila, took one bite and nodded approvingly. She didn't say much, just grabbed three more and winked at me. That quiet approval felt better than any five-star review.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: It cooks quickly and stays tender, but turkey or pork work just as well if thats what you have on hand.
- Carrot, finely grated: Adds a hint of sweetness and a bit of moisture so the filling doesnt dry out in the air fryer.
- Green onions: They bring a mild sharpness that balances the soy and sesame without overpowering the bite.
- Garlic, minced: Two cloves might not sound like much, but they perfume the filling in a way that makes the kitchen smell like comfort.
- Soy sauce: The backbone of the flavor, salty and umami-rich, tying everything together.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon is enough to add that nutty, toasted aroma that makes you lean in closer.
- Black pepper and salt: Simple, but essential for bringing out the depth in the chicken and vegetables.
- Sugar: A small spoonful rounds out the savory notes and helps the filling caramelize slightly as it cooks.
- Lumpia wrappers: Thin, delicate, and they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer with just a light spray of oil.
- Egg, beaten: Acts like edible glue, sealing each roll so nothing escapes during cooking.
- Oil spray: A few quick spritzes are all you need to get that golden, crackling exterior.
- Dipping sauce ingredients: Soy, vinegar, sugar, and a little heat make a tangy, bright sauce that cuts through the richness of the filling.
Instructions
- Mix the filling:
- In a bowl, combine the ground chicken with carrot, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, salt, and sugar. Use your hands or a fork to mix until everything is evenly distributed and the mixture holds together slightly.
- Prep the wrappers:
- Cut each lumpia wrapper in half to create two rectangles. Keep them covered with a damp towel so they dont dry out while youre working.
- Fill and roll:
- Place a tablespoon of filling near one short edge of a wrapper half, shaping it into a small log. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll up tightly, brushing the end with beaten egg to seal it closed.
- Repeat:
- Continue filling and rolling until all the wrappers and filling are used up. You should end up with about 24 bites.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 190°C (375°F) and let it run for 3 minutes. This helps the lumpia start crisping as soon as they hit the basket.
- Arrange and spray:
- Place the lumpia bites in a single layer in the basket, making sure they dont touch. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
- First cook:
- Air fry for 8 minutes, then carefully flip each bite, spray again, and cook for another 7 minutes or until theyre golden and crackling.
- Make the dipping sauce:
- While the lumpia cook, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili sauce in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your liking.
- Serve hot:
- Transfer the lumpia to a plate, let them cool for a minute, then serve with the dipping sauce on the side.
Save There was a rainy evening when I made these just for myself, sitting at the kitchen counter with a small bowl of dipping sauce and a podcast playing in the background. I ate them slowly, one at a time, savoring the crunch and the way the filling stayed tender inside. It wasnt a special occasion, but it felt like one anyway.
Variations You Can Try
If you want a bit more texture, toss in some finely chopped water chestnuts or bell pepper. Theyll add a gentle crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for crumbled firm tofu, pressing out as much moisture as you can first so the filling doesnt get soggy.
Serving Suggestions
These lumpia bites disappear fast at parties, but theyre just as good as a quiet snack with a cold drink on a weeknight. I like to serve them with sweet chili sauce or banana ketchup for a nostalgic Filipino touch, but even a simple soy-vinegar dip does the job beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
If you somehow have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 4 minutes to bring back the crispness. Microwaving works in a pinch, but youll lose that crackling texture that makes them so good.
- You can freeze uncooked lumpia bites on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid.
- Cook them straight from frozen, adding an extra 3 to 4 minutes to the air fryer time.
- Dont thaw them first or the wrappers will get soggy and sticky.
Save These little bites have become my go-to when I want something that feels special without the fuss. Theyre crispy, flavorful, and gone before you know it, which is exactly how a good snack should be.