Save I stumbled on this recipe after a potluck where someone brought traditional lumpia and they vanished in minutes. I loved the idea but wanted something quicker, lighter, and bite-sized for weeknight snacking. The air fryer turned out to be the secret weapon. Now these little golden parcels show up at every gathering I host, and people always ask for the recipe before they even finish chewing.
The first time I made these for my neighbors, I doubled the batch thinking there would be leftovers. There were none. My friend who grew up eating lumpia every Sunday said these reminded her of her lola's cooking, just easier to manage on a busy evening. That compliment meant everything.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: The lean base that crisps beautifully without getting greasy, and it soaks up the soy and sesame flavors like a sponge.
- Carrot: Finely grated so it melts into the filling and adds a hint of natural sweetness that balances the savory notes.
- Green onions: They bring a fresh, mild bite that keeps the filling from feeling too heavy.
- Garlic: Minced fine so every bite has that warm, aromatic punch without overpowering the delicate wrapper.
- Soy sauce: The backbone of umami here, use low-sodium if you want more control over saltiness.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon transforms the filling with that toasty, nutty depth you cannot fake.
- Black pepper and salt: Season to taste, but do not skip the pepper, it wakes up the whole mix.
- Sugar: A tiny bit rounds out the flavors and helps the edges caramelize in the air fryer.
- Lumpia wrappers: Thin, delicate, and they crisp up like phyllo when air fried, look for them in the freezer section of Asian markets.
- Egg: Beaten and used as edible glue to seal each bite, no messy cornstarch paste needed.
- Oil spray: A light mist is all it takes to get that golden, crunchy shell without dunking them in oil.
- Dipping sauce ingredients: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and optional chili sauce come together in seconds for a tangy, slightly sweet dip that is dangerously good.
Instructions
- Mix the filling:
- Combine ground chicken, carrot, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Use your hands or a fork to mix until everything is evenly distributed and the mixture feels slightly sticky.
- Prep the wrappers:
- Cut each lumpia wrapper in half to form two rectangles. Keep them covered with a damp towel so they do not dry out while you work.
- Fill and roll:
- Place a tablespoon of filling near one short edge of a wrapper half and shape it into a small log. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll up tightly like a tiny burrito, brushing the end with beaten egg to seal it shut.
- Repeat:
- Continue until all the filling and wrappers are used up. You should get about 24 bites.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 190°C (375°F) and let it run empty for 3 minutes. This ensures even crisping from the first batch.
- Air fry:
- Arrange the lumpia bites in a single layer in the basket, making sure they do not touch. Lightly spray with oil, air fry for 8 minutes, flip them with tongs, spray again, and cook for another 7 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Make the dipping sauce:
- Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili sauce in a small bowl. Taste and adjust sweetness or heat to your liking.
- Serve:
- Transfer the hot bites to a plate and serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side. They are best enjoyed while still crackling.
Save One evening I made these while my kids were doing homework at the kitchen table. The smell pulled them away from their books and we ended up eating the whole batch standing around the counter, dipping and laughing. It reminded me that the best recipes are the ones that create those unplanned, happy pauses in the day.
Storage and Reheating
Cooked lumpia bites keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 180°C for 3 to 4 minutes to bring back the crunch. You can also freeze uncooked bites on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. Air fry from frozen, adding 2 to 3 extra minutes to the cook time.
Customization Ideas
Swap ground chicken for turkey, pork, or crumbled firm tofu if you want a vegetarian option. Add finely chopped water chestnuts or bell pepper for extra crunch and color. For a spicier kick, mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the filling. Serve with sweet chili sauce, banana ketchup, or even a creamy sriracha mayo for dipping variety.
Serving Suggestions
These bites shine as an appetizer at parties, game nights, or family movie marathons. Pair them with a simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to cut through the richness. They also make a great light lunch when served alongside steamed jasmine rice and a bowl of hot and sour soup.
- Arrange them on a platter with fresh herbs like cilantro and mint for a colorful presentation.
- Offer multiple dipping sauces in small bowls so guests can mix and match flavors.
- If you are feeding a crowd, double or triple the batch and keep them warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
Save These little bites have become my go-to when I want something impressive without the fuss. They prove that you do not need a deep fryer or hours in the kitchen to make food that brings people together.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ground chicken with other meats?
Yes, ground turkey or pork can be used to vary the flavor and texture while maintaining the bite-sized nature.
- → What is the best way to get lumpia bites crispy in an air fryer?
Lightly spraying lumpia bites with oil before air frying and flipping halfway through cooking helps achieve even crispiness.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives for this dish?
Firm tofu makes a great substitute for ground chicken, offering texture and protein while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- → How can I add extra crunch to the filling?
Incorporate finely chopped water chestnuts or bell peppers to introduce a pleasant crunch in each bite.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these lumpia bites?
A tangy mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar complements the flavors, while sweet chili sauce or banana ketchup offers a classic Filipino touch.