Save The first time I made lumpia chips in my air fryer, I wasn't even trying to create a recipe—I was just bored on a Tuesday afternoon and staring at a stack of lumpia wrappers in my freezer. Something clicked when I thought about crisping them up like chips instead of rolling them the traditional way. Twenty minutes later, my kitchen smelled like toasted garlic and fried goodness, and I was dipping them into a quick cream cheese mixture I'd thrown together. It felt like I'd accidentally discovered something my friends would actually ask me to make again.
I made this for a small gathering last month, and it became the thing everyone reached for first, before the main dishes even came out. One of my friends asked if I could make it my signature appetizer, which felt like the highest compliment. That's when I knew this wasn't just a happy accident—it was something special worth perfecting.
Ingredients
- Lumpia wrappers (12 sheets): These Filipino spring roll wrappers are thinner and crispier than regular egg roll wrappers, which is exactly why they turn into these shatteringly good chips; if you can't find them at your local Asian market, wonton wrappers work in a pinch but won't have quite the same delicate texture.
- Neutral oil (2 tablespoons): A light coating is all you need for the air fryer to work its magic and turn these into golden, crispy bites.
- Salt and garlic powder: These two seasonings are the unsung heroes that make people lean in closer and ask what you did to make them taste so good.
- Cooked chicken breast (1 cup, shredded): Using rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken saves time and actually tastes better than starting from scratch.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Make sure it's truly softened at room temperature, or your dip will be lumpy and frustrating instead of silky smooth.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup) and sour cream (2 tablespoons): These create the creamy base that makes the dip irresistible and keeps it from feeling too heavy.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): This bright note cuts through the richness and makes everything taste more alive.
- Green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt: Together these build layers of flavor that make you feel like you've been cooking all day even though you haven't.
Instructions
- Heat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it preheat for a minute or two. This ensures your chips crisp up evenly without burning at the edges.
- Slice and oil your wrappers:
- Cut each lumpia sheet into four strips or triangles, depending on what you're feeling, then lightly brush them with oil and sprinkle salt and garlic powder over everything. Don't oversaturate—just a whisper of oil is enough.
- Air fry in batches:
- Lay them flat in a single layer and fry for 4 to 5 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through so they cook evenly. They'll go from pale to golden, and the moment you hear them crackling, you know they're done.
- Cool and prepare the dip base:
- While the chips cool, blend your softened cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, and lemon juice in a bowl until it's completely smooth and creamy. If you rush this or use cold cream cheese, you'll end up with a bumpy mess.
- Add the chicken and seasonings:
- Gently fold in the shredded chicken, green onions, and all your powders and salt, mixing until everything is evenly distributed. Taste it and adjust the salt if you need to.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Transfer the dip to a nice bowl and serve it right away while the chips are still warm and crispy, or refrigerate it until you're ready. Both ways work, but warm is unforgettable.
Save There's something magical about serving food that comes together this easily but looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. My guests always seem genuinely surprised when I tell them the whole thing took 30 minutes from start to finish.
Why This Combo Works
The contrast between the shatteringly crispy chips and the cool, creamy dip is the whole point. The crunch against the smoothness, the savory chicken against the bright lemon—it's simple food that feels sophisticated. Filipino lumpia wrappers have this delicate flavor that doesn't need much to shine, and a good cream cheese dip is basically the perfect foil for anything crunchy.
Playing with Flavors
Once you've made this basic version a few times, you'll start seeing all the ways you can twist it. I've added a dash of hot sauce for a kick, mixed in fresh herbs like cilantro or dill, and even stirred in crispy bacon bits for friends who wanted something heartier. The base is so forgiving that you can really make it your own without losing what makes it special.
When to Make This
This appetizer is perfect for casual get-togethers, game nights, or when you want something that feels special but doesn't tie you to the kitchen all evening. I always make extra chips because people eat them before the dip runs out. If you're feeding a bigger crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe without any real extra effort—just work in more batches in the air fryer.
- Pair these with a crisp white wine or a light lager for a simple but memorable pairing.
- You can prep the dip the morning before and just whip up the chips right before guests arrive.
- Leftover chips stay crispy in an airtight container for a day or two, making them perfect for stealing snacks from.
Save This recipe has quietly become my go-to when I want to look like I've put in real effort without the stress. It's the kind of food that brings people together without demanding much from you.