Air Fryer Shanghai: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Shanghai, also known as Lumpiang Shanghai, is the Filipino version of an egg roll. It is a popular dish that can be made in an air fryer. The air fryer method is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it uses less oil and still achieves a crispy exterior. Lumpiang Shanghai is a versatile dish that can be made with various fillings, including meat, vegetables, or a combination of both. It is a great option for those who want to enjoy the taste of Shanghai without the extra calories and fat.

Lumpiang Shanghai is a Filipino version of an egg roll

Lumpiang Shanghai, also called lumpia Shanghai or lumpia for short, is a Filipino version of an egg roll. It is a popular type of spring roll with a moist, meaty filling, usually consisting of ground pork, garlic, onions, carrots, and soy sauce. Lumpiang Shanghai is typically fried, resulting in a crispy exterior, and served with a variety of dipping sauces.

Lumpiang Shanghai is derived from the Hokkien language, which originated in southeastern China. The name "lumpia" refers to a general category of pastry-wrapped foods, and the various types of lumpia differ primarily in their fillings. For example, lumpiang sariwa is filled with vegetables, lumpiang togue with bean sprouts, and lumpiang pancit with noodles. There is also a sweet variation called turon, which is stuffed with saba bananas, jackfruit, and brown sugar.

The process of making lumpiang Shanghai involves combining the filling ingredients in a bowl and mixing them well. The filling is then scooped and placed on a spring roll wrapper, formed into a log shape, and carefully rolled up. An egg wash is applied to seal the roll, and it is then fried until golden brown and crispy.

Lumpiang Shanghai can be cooked in an air fryer, providing a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. By preparing lumpiang Shanghai in an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy texture without using excessive amounts of oil. The recommended temperature for cooking lumpiang Shanghai in an air fryer is 375°F for about 10 minutes, and it is important to arrange the rolls in a single layer with adequate spacing to ensure even cooking.

Lumpiang Shanghai is a versatile dish, and each Filipino family may have its own special recipe. While the classic version features ground pork, some variations include shrimp, mushrooms, or vegetables. The dipping sauces can also be customized, with options such as banana ketchup, spiced coconut vinegar, or a combination of brown sugar, vinegar, banana ketchup, and chiles.

Lumpia is a spring roll

Lumpia, or Filipino spring rolls, are fried spring rolls filled with a savoury mixture of ground pork, vegetables, and other ingredients. Lumpia is a popular dish in the Philippines and is often served as an appetizer or side dish.

The process of making lumpia starts by gathering and preparing the ingredients, which typically include ground pork, vegetables such as carrots, garlic, and onions, and seasonings. The filling is then cooked and stirred until it is crumbly and no longer pink. The grease is drained from the pan, leaving just a thin coating. The cooked pork is then removed from the pan and set aside.

The next step is to assemble the lumpia. This involves placing the filling onto a lumpia wrapper and rolling it into a tight cylinder. The ends of the wrapper are tucked in, and the roll is sealed with a dab of water or an egg wash. The assembled lumpia can be frozen for future use or fried immediately.

When frying lumpia, oil is heated in a skillet or wok, and the lumpia are cooked in batches to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides. Once cooked, the lumpia are drained on a paper towel and served with a dipping sauce, such as sweet chilli or sweet and sour sauce.

Lumpia can also be cooked in an air fryer, a popular alternative that reduces the amount of oil used without sacrificing the crispy texture. To cook lumpia in an air fryer, the rolls are arranged in a single layer, lightly brushed with oil, and cooked at 375°F for 10 minutes. This method produces a healthier version of the traditional dish without compromising on taste and texture.

Preheat the air fryer at 375F for 5 minutes

Preheating your air fryer is an important step to ensure your food cooks evenly and efficiently. While some recipes may not specify whether to preheat your air fryer, it is generally recommended, especially if you want your food to have a crispy texture. Preheating your air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes is a good rule of thumb, but the specific preheating time and temperature may vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer, so be sure to consult your air fryer's instruction manual.

When preheating your air fryer, the first step is to set the desired temperature. In this case, you would set your air fryer to 375°F. Then, turn on your empty air fryer and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. The preheating time can range from 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the size and model of your air fryer. Smaller air fryers may only need 2-3 minutes, while larger models may require the full 5 minutes.

During preheating, it is important to leave the basket inside the air fryer. Some models may not even operate if the basket is removed. Additionally, do not use parchment paper during preheating, as it can burn if it is not weighed down by food. Once the preheating time has elapsed, you can place your food inside the air fryer and reset it to the desired cooking time and temperature.

Preheating your air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes is particularly useful if you are cooking fried foods like chicken, french fries, or potato chips, as it helps to create that signature crispiness. It is also beneficial if you are cooking thinly cut meats, as the preheating ensures that the edges crisp up while the inside cooks, creating a perfect sear.

Arrange the rolls in a single layer with each piece about 1/2 inch apart

When cooking Lumpiang Shanghai in an air fryer, it is important to arrange the rolls in a single layer, ensuring each piece is about half an inch apart. This step is crucial to achieving the desired crispiness of the rolls. By spacing them evenly and not stacking them, the hot air in the fryer can circulate effectively, ensuring each roll cooks evenly and becomes golden brown and crispy.

To start, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. While the fryer is preheating, carefully arrange your Lumpiang Shanghai on the air fryer rack or in the basket. Place each roll at least half an inch away from the next, forming a single layer. This spacing prevents the rolls from touching and sticking together during cooking, allowing them to cook evenly on all sides.

If your air fryer is small and you don't have enough space to fit all the rolls in a single layer, cook them in batches. This way, you can ensure consistent cooking results and avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy texture. Lumpiang Shanghai should have that signature crispy exterior, so it's worth taking the time to cook them in batches if needed.

After arranging the rolls in the air fryer, the next step is to lightly brush each one with oil. This step adds to the crispiness of the rolls and enhances their golden brown colour. You can use a pastry brush to gently coat each roll with oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Once this step is complete, your rolls are ready to be cooked in the air fryer at the pre-set temperature for about 10 minutes.

Mist each roll with avocado oil cooking spray

Lumpiang Shanghai, also known as the Filipino version of an egg roll, can be cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer method cuts down on the amount of oil needed without compromising the crispy exterior.

To make Lumpiang Shanghai, you will need to prepare a filling of your choice. A common filling includes ground pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and water chestnuts. You can also add vegetables like carrots, garlic, and onions. Once you have your filling ready, fill each spring roll wrapper with about 1 tablespoon of the mixture. Roll the wrappers and seal the edges with a dab of water.

Now, here is where the avocado oil cooking spray comes in. Mist each roll with avocado oil cooking spray. Avocado oil has a high smoke point, a neutral flavor, and is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. It is an excellent choice for high-heat cooking and will help you achieve that perfect crispiness. The spray ensures an even and light coating on your Lumpiang Shanghai rolls.

Arrange the rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving about 1/2 inch of space between each piece. Preheat the air fryer to 375F and cook the rolls for around 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn. Once they're done, serve them with your favorite sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or homemade spiced vinegar. Enjoy your healthier version of Lumpiang Shanghai!

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