Pin It I was halfway through prepping dinner when my neighbor knocked with a bag of lumpia wrappers she couldn't use. I had ground chicken thawing and a craving for something crispy, so I folded the two together without a plan. Twenty minutes later, I was pulling golden little bites from the air fryer, and they disappeared faster than I could plate them. That happy accident became my go-to party trick.
The first time I brought these to a potluck, I watched a friend's kid sneak three off the platter before I even set it down. Her mom apologized, but I just laughed and handed her the recipe. There's something about the crispy shell and the warm, garlicky filling that makes people forget their manners. I started doubling the batch after that.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: Lean and mild, it soaks up the soy and sesame beautifully without turning greasy.
- Carrot: Grate it fine so it melts into the filling and adds a touch of sweetness and color.
- Green onions: Slice them thin for little bursts of fresh, sharp flavor in every bite.
- Garlic: Mince it well so it distributes evenly and doesn't burn during cooking.
- Soy sauce: This is your salt and umami in one, use regular or low sodium depending on your taste.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon brings that toasty, nutty backbone that makes the filling sing.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is best, it adds a gentle heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Salt: Balances the soy and sugar, taste your mix before wrapping to adjust.
- Sugar: A small amount rounds out the savory notes and helps with browning.
- Lumpia wrappers: Thin and delicate, they shatter into crispy layers when air fried, look for them in the freezer aisle.
- Egg: Beaten and brushed on the edges, it acts like edible glue to seal each roll tight.
- Oil spray: A light mist is all you need to help the wrappers turn golden and crisp.
- Soy sauce (dipping sauce): The base of your tangy, salty dip.
- Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the filling.
- Sugar (dipping sauce): Just enough to balance the acid and soy.
- Chili sauce: Optional, but a little heat makes the dip unforgettable.
Instructions
- Mix the filling:
- In a bowl, combine ground chicken, grated carrot, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, salt, and sugar. Use your hands or a fork to blend everything until it looks like one cohesive, slightly sticky mixture.
- Prep the wrappers:
- Cut each lumpia wrapper in half to create 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. Don't overfill or it will burst during cooking.
- Roll and seal:
- Fold the sides over the filling, then roll up tightly like a little parcel. Brush the end with beaten egg to seal it closed.
- Repeat:
- Continue filling and rolling until you've used up all the filling and wrappers. Line them up on a plate as you go.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) and let it heat for about 3 minutes. This helps them crisp up evenly from the start.
- Arrange and spray:
- Place the lumpia bites in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between each one. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
- Air fry and flip:
- Cook for 8 minutes, then flip each bite, spray again, and air fry for another 7 minutes or until they're golden and crackling. Listen for that satisfying crunch when you tap one.
- Make the dipping sauce:
- While the bites cook, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili sauce in a small bowl. Taste and tweak the heat or sweetness to your liking.
- Serve hot:
- Transfer the crispy bites to a platter and serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side. They're best when still warm and crunchy.
Pin It 
One evening I made a double batch and froze half before air frying. A week later, my sister showed up unannounced and I pulled them straight from the freezer into the air fryer. They crisped up perfectly, and she had no idea they weren't freshly rolled. Now I always keep a stash in the freezer for those surprise moments.
Freezing and Reheating
After rolling and sealing, place the unbaked lumpia bites on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to two months. When ready to cook, air fry them straight from frozen at the same temperature, adding an extra 3 to 4 minutes to the cooking time. No thawing needed, and they come out just as crispy as fresh.
Swaps and Variations
Ground turkey or pork work beautifully in place of chicken, and finely chopped water chestnuts or bell pepper add a satisfying crunch. For a vegetarian spin, crumble firm tofu and season it the same way, pressing out excess moisture first. If you like it spicier, stir a pinch of red pepper flakes into the filling or drizzle sriracha over the finished bites.
Serving Suggestions
These bites shine on a party platter alongside fresh cucumber slices, pickled vegetables, or a simple cabbage slaw. Serve them with sweet chili sauce, banana ketchup, or even a creamy peanut dipping sauce for a fun twist. They also make a great side to fried rice or a light noodle soup when you want something extra on the table.
- Pair with iced calamansi juice or a cold beer for a casual gathering.
- Serve over a bed of shredded lettuce for a lighter presentation.
- Offer toothpicks for easy grabbing and less mess.
Pin It Every time I pull a tray of these from the air fryer, the kitchen fills with that garlicky, toasted smell, and someone always wanders in asking when they can eat. They're proof that the best snacks are the ones that disappear before you finish plating.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What is the best way to ensure lumpia wrappers stay sealed?
Use a beaten egg to brush the edges before folding and rolling; this acts as a natural glue during air frying.
- → Can I use other meats instead of chicken in these bites?
Yes, ground turkey or pork work well and offer subtle flavor variations.
- → How do I achieve a crispy texture without deep frying?
Air frying at 190°C ensures a crisp exterior by circulating hot air evenly around the bites with minimal oil.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives for these lumpia bites?
Firm tofu can replace ground chicken for a satisfying vegetarian option with similar texture.
- → What dipping sauces complement these chicken lumpia bites?
Tangy soy and rice vinegar dipping sauce enhances the savory bites; sweet chili or banana ketchup adds a classic Filipino touch.