Air Fryer Lumpia Chips

My neighbor dropped off a batch of lumpia wrappers one afternoon, and I had half a dozen on my counter with no clear plan. That's when I remembered the satisfying crunch of fried lumpia from Filipino gatherings, and an idea struck: what if I turned the wrappers themselves into chips? Twenty minutes later, my air fryer was doing the work, and the smell filling my kitchen reminded me why I love shortcuts that don't feel like cheating. The creamy dip came together while the chips cooled, and suddenly I had an appetizer that tasted like someone spent hours on it.

I made these for a small gathering last summer, and watched my sister's face when she tasted the combination—she reached for another chip before even finishing the first one. That moment, when food stops being just food and becomes the reason people linger at your table, that's when I knew this recipe was worth keeping close.

Ingredients

• Lumpia wrappers: The star of the show here—they transform from delicate into shatteringly crisp with almost no effort, and they're forgiving enough that even if you leave them in an extra minute, they bounce back.
• Neutral oil: Use what you have; canola, vegetable, or even avocado oil all work beautifully to help those wrappers turn golden.
• Salt and garlic powder: These are your seasoning canvas—simple, but you can adjust or skip the garlic if you'd rather let the dip take the spotlight.
• Cooked chicken breast: Shred it fine so it disappears into the dip and gives you creamy texture instead of stringy bits.
• Cream cheese: Make sure it's soft before you start mixing—cold cream cheese fights you and creates lumps that won't smooth out.
• Mayonnaise and sour cream: These are the emulsifiers that make the dip silky and hold everything together without tasting heavy.
• Lemon juice: Just a tablespoon cuts through the richness and keeps the dip from feeling one-note.
• Green onions: Chop them fine so they scatter throughout instead of appearing as unexpected chunks.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper: Layer these in—they're understated but they build a flavor foundation that makes people ask what you put in it.

Instructions

Heat the air fryer:

Set it to 350°F and let it warm up while you prep the wrappers—this only takes a few minutes, but it makes a real difference in how evenly they crisp.

Prep the wrapper chips:

Cut each wrapper into 4 pieces (strips or triangles, whatever shape appeals to you), then brush them lightly with oil and dust with salt and garlic powder if you're using it. Don't oversaturate them—a light hand is better here.

Air fry until golden:

Lay them in a single layer in the basket, shake them halfway through, and watch for that moment when they go from pale to deep golden, about 4 to 5 minutes total. You might need two batches depending on your air fryer size.

Cool the chips:

Spread them on a plate or cutting board while you make the dip—they'll continue crisping as they cool, and that final texture is what you're after.

Build the dip base:

Combine cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, and lemon juice in a bowl and mix until the cream cheese surrenders and everything becomes smooth and pale. This is where patience pays off—keep stirring until there are no streaks.

Fold in the rest:

Add the shredded chicken, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt, then fold gently so the chicken stays shredded instead of turning into paste. Taste it before you say it's done, and adjust salt if needed.

Serve:

Transfer to a bowl and serve right away while the chips still have their snap, or refrigerate the dip until you're ready to dive in.

Save

The first time I made this, my kids actually stopped scrolling through their phones to eat. That silence, that focus on something I'd made, reminded me why cooking matters.

Why This Works as an Appetizer

There's something about a chip you can pick up and dip that feels more social and less formal than plating something complex. These lumpia chips do that work for you—they're light enough that people don't feel stuffed before the main course, but substantial enough that they feel like a real appetizer, not just something to hold you over. And the dip? It tastes like you spent time on it, even though it's mostly assembly.

Customizing the Dip

I've learned that this dip is a blank canvas waiting for your hand. Some nights I add sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes for heat, other times I've stirred in fresh cilantro or diced jalapeños for brightness. The base is stable enough that it won't fall apart if you improvise, which means you can make it your own without second-guessing.

Smart Shortcuts and Swaps

Rotisserie chicken from the grocery store works brilliantly here, which means you can have this ready even on a day when cooking from scratch feels impossible. Wonton wrappers are a solid stand-in for lumpia wrappers if that's what you can find, though the shape will be slightly different and the flavor a touch more delicate. I've also kept leftover dip in the fridge for three days and used it on crackers, veggie sticks, or even as a sandwich spread, so don't hesitate to make extra.

• Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to cut prep time in half.
• Wonton wrappers crisp up beautifully and offer a slightly different texture if lumpia wrappers aren't available.
• Leftover dip keeps for days and transforms ordinary snacks into something special.

Save

This recipe sits in the sweet spot between looking like you made an effort and actually requiring very little of you. That's the kind of cooking I return to again and again.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I ensure lumpia chips stay crispy?

Air frying the wrappers in a single layer and shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps achieve an even, crispy texture while preventing sogginess.

→ Can I use other wrappers besides lumpia?

Yes, wonton wrappers are a suitable alternative and can be prepared similarly for crisp results.

→ What adds tanginess to the chicken dip?

Lemon juice and sour cream provide a fresh, tangy note that balances the richness of cream cheese and chicken.

→ Can the dip be made ahead of time?

Absolutely, it can be refrigerated for several hours before serving to allow flavors to meld better.

→ How can I add a spicy kick to the dip?

Incorporate a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes into the dip mixture to enhance heat without overpowering flavors.