Save My roommate's grandmother taught me that lumpia wrappers don't have to become spring rolls—they can become something even better. One lazy weekend when she was teaching me Filipino cooking basics, she showed me how to cut them into strips, crisp them in her air fryer, and serve them alongside a chicken cream cheese dip that tasted like comfort wrapped in nostalgia. I've made this appetizer dozens of times since, and it's become my go-to when I need something that feels fancy but takes almost no effort.
I brought these to a potluck once thinking they'd be overshadowed by the main dishes, but I watched three people go back for seconds while barely touching the pasta salad. One friend asked if I'd bought them from a Filipino bakery, and that's when I knew this recipe had staying power. Now whenever someone asks what to bring to a gathering, I suggest this—it's the kind of appetizer that makes people remember you as the one with good taste.
Ingredients
- Lumpia wrappers: These thin, delicate sheets are your canvas—they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and become golden on all edges if you shake them halfway through cooking.
- Neutral oil: Just enough to coat the wrappers so they turn crispy rather than chewy; canola or vegetable oil won't compete with the dip's flavors.
- Salt and garlic powder: These simple seasonings for the chips let the creamy dip be the real star without any flavor fighting.
- Cream cheese: Softened at room temperature is key—it blends smoothly into the dip and creates that luxurious, creamy base.
- Mayonnaise and sour cream: Together they add tang and richness that keeps the dip from feeling heavy or one-dimensional.
- Lemon juice: A small squeeze brightens everything and cuts through the richness so the dip doesn't taste overly heavy.
- Cooked chicken breast: Shredding it finely means every bite of dip has little pieces of chicken texture, so it feels substantial.
- Green onions and aromatics: Chopped fresh green onions add a pop of color and mild onion flavor, while the garlic and onion powders deepen the savory profile without making it sharp.
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare:
- Get your air fryer warming to 350°F (175°C) while you cut each lumpia wrapper into 4 strips or triangles—it doesn't have to be perfect, just roughly even so they cook at the same speed. This is the kind of task that's oddly meditative once you get into rhythm.
- Oil and season:
- Brush each piece lightly with oil—you want them to shimmer but not drip—then dust with salt and garlic powder if you're using it. A light hand here prevents them from becoming greasy and keeps the wrapper delicate.
- Air fry until golden:
- Lay the pieces in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 4 to 5 minutes, shaking halfway through so every edge gets exposure to the heat. You'll know they're ready when they're golden and crisp enough to shatter slightly when you bite one—work in batches if your basket is small.
- Build the dip base:
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice, mixing until the texture is smooth and creamy. This is your foundation, so take a moment to make sure everything is fully blended.
- Fold in the filling:
- Add the shredded chicken, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, folding gently until everything is evenly mixed. The gentle fold keeps the chicken from breaking down further and maintains a pleasant texture.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and bring it out with the cooled lumpia chips, or refrigerate until your guests arrive if you want everything ice-cold. The dip actually tastes better after sitting for a little while—the flavors meld and deepen.
Save There's something magical about the moment when someone crunches into a lumpia chip and discovers the creamy dip underneath—their eyes widen like they didn't expect something that looked so simple to taste so good. That's when I remember why this recipe has become my favorite go-to, again and again.
Why This Works as an Appetizer
Appetizers live or die by the balance of texture and flavor, and this one gets both right. The chips are light and crispy—they won't leave your guests feeling full before the main event—while the dip is rich and savory enough to feel like a complete bite. You can prep everything ahead, which means you're actually relaxing while people eat instead of scrambling in the kitchen.
The Air Fryer Advantage
I used to make lumpia chips by baking them, and they'd come out uneven—some golden, some pale, some still a little soft in the middle. The air fryer changed everything because the circulating hot air means every piece crisps evenly and quickly, and you're not standing there worried about burning them. Plus, your kitchen stays cool, and you don't have to deal with the splatter and smell of hot oil.
Making It Your Own
This recipe is flexible enough to bend to your preferences without losing its soul. I've added everything from a splash of sriracha to a handful of fresh cilantro, and each version was delicious in its own way. The beauty is that once you nail the proportions and technique, you can play with flavors and the outcome stays impressive.
- A pinch of hot sauce or chili flakes in the dip brings heat that makes every chip more interesting.
- Rotisserie chicken works just as well as home-cooked and saves you cooking time.
- If you can't find lumpia wrappers, wonton wrappers crisp up beautifully too—just watch them carefully because they're slightly thinner and cook a bit faster.
Save This is the kind of recipe that whispers rather than shouts—no fancy techniques, no unusual ingredients, just something honest and delicious that brings people together. Make it once and it becomes part of your regular rotation.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make lumpia chips crispy without deep frying?
Air frying the lumpia wrappers at 350°F for 4–5 minutes results in a crisp texture using minimal oil, avoiding traditional deep frying.
- → Can I prepare the chicken dip in advance?
Yes, the chicken and cream cheese dip can be made ahead and refrigerated. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
- → What alternatives can be used for lumpia wrappers?
Wonton wrappers can substitute lumpia wrappers if unavailable, providing a similar crispiness when air fried.
- → How to add a spicy kick to the dip?
Incorporate a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes into the dip mixture to introduce extra heat.
- → What beverage pairs well with these chips and dip?
A crisp white wine or a light lager complements the savory and creamy flavors nicely.