Save I was standing in my kitchen on a rainy Saturday, craving something crispy but not wanting to deal with a pot of bubbling oil. I had a pack of lumpia wrappers in the freezer and some ground chicken thawing in the fridge. The air fryer was sitting on the counter, practically daring me to try something new. I rolled a few experimental bites, tossed them in, and fifteen minutes later I was hooked. These little golden parcels became my go-to whenever I needed something quick, impressive, and impossible to stop eating.
The first time I served these at a gathering, I watched my friend reach for her fifth bite and then pause, look at me, and ask if I had any more hidden in the kitchen. I did, and I brought them out to cheers. That moment taught me that good food doesnt need to be complicated. It just needs to be crunchy, flavorful, and served warm with a tangy dipping sauce on the side.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: The base of the filling, mild and lean, it soaks up all the seasonings beautifully and cooks fast in the air fryer.
- Carrot: Grated fine, it adds a whisper of sweetness and a pop of color without making the filling too wet.
- Green onions: They bring a fresh, sharp bite that cuts through the richness and makes every mouthful interesting.
- Garlic: Minced small so it melts into the meat, this is where the savory depth comes from.
- Soy sauce: The salty backbone of the filling, it also helps everything stick together and adds that umami punch.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon, but it fills the kitchen with a toasty aroma that makes the whole dish feel special.
- Black pepper: A little heat, a little warmth, it wakes up the other flavors.
- Salt and sugar: Balance is everything, these two work together to round out the soy and sesame.
- Lumpia wrappers: Thin, delicate, and they crisp up like magic in the air fryer, no oil bath required.
- Egg: Beaten and brushed on the edges, it acts like glue and keeps everything sealed tight.
- Oil spray: A light mist is all you need to coax out that golden, crackling exterior.
- Dipping sauce ingredients: Soy, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili sauce come together in seconds to make a tangy, slightly spicy companion for every bite.
Instructions
- Mix the filling:
- In a bowl, combine the 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 the mixture feels cohesive and slightly sticky.
- Prep the wrappers:
- Cut each lumpia wrapper in half to make two rectangles. Keep them covered with a damp towel so they dont dry out while you work.
- Assemble the bites:
- Place a tablespoon of filling near one short edge of a wrapper half and shape it into a small log. Fold the sides over, roll tightly, and brush the end with beaten egg to seal it shut.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 190°C (375°F) and let it warm up for about 3 minutes. This helps the bites start crisping the moment they hit the basket.
- Air fry the first batch:
- Arrange the lumpia bites in a single layer, spray lightly with oil, and air fry for 8 minutes. Flip them, spray again, and cook for another 7 minutes until theyre golden and crackling.
- Make the dipping sauce:
- 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:
- Pile the bites on a plate and set the dipping sauce alongside. Theyre best eaten within minutes of coming out of the air fryer, while theyre still crackling.
Save One evening, my neighbor knocked on the door just as I was pulling a batch out of the air fryer. I offered her one, and she ended up staying for an hour, dipping and chatting and helping me roll the next round. That night, these bites turned into more than a snack, they became an excuse to slow down and share something warm with someone I care about.
Swaps and Variations
If ground chicken isnt your thing, swap it for turkey or pork, both work beautifully and bring their own subtle flavor shifts. I once used crumbled firm tofu for a vegetarian version, pressing out the moisture first and adding a splash more soy sauce to compensate. A handful of finely chopped water chestnuts or bell pepper mixed into the filling gives you extra crunch and a little sweetness. Play around, these bites are forgiving and adapt easily to whatever you have on hand.
Storing and Reheating
Once cooled, stack the bites in an airtight container with parchment between layers and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes, theyll crisp right back up. You can also freeze uncooked bites on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, and theyll taste just as good as fresh.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these alongside a simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to cut through the richness. A cold beer or iced tea makes a perfect pairing, especially on warm days. For a Filipino touch, set out sweet chili sauce or banana ketchup, both are traditional and add a nostalgic sweetness that feels just right.
- Arrange them on a platter with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a bright, casual presentation.
- Serve them as part of a larger spread with rice, grilled skewers, and a tangy slaw.
- Pack a few in a lunchbox with the dipping sauce in a small container, theyre surprisingly good at room temperature.
Save These bites have earned a permanent spot in my kitchen rotation, and I hope they find their way into yours too. Theyre proof that a little creativity and an air fryer can turn simple ingredients into something youll crave again and again.
Recipe FAQs
- → What temperature is best for air frying chicken lumpia bites?
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for optimal crispiness and even cooking.
- → Can I use other meats besides chicken for the filling?
Yes, ground turkey or pork can be used as alternatives for a different flavor profile.
- → How do I prevent lumpia wrappers from tearing during assembly?
Handle wrappers gently and brush edges with beaten egg to seal tightly, reducing tearing risk.
- → Is it necessary to spray oil in the air fryer basket?
Lightly spraying oil helps achieve a golden, crispy texture on the lumpia bites.
- → What dipping sauces complement these lumpia bites?
A tangy sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and optional chili sauce pairs well with the savory filling.
- → Can I add vegetables to the filling for extra texture?
Yes, finely grated carrot and sliced green onions add freshness, and chopped water chestnuts or bell peppers provide crunch.