Frying Lumpia: Air Fryer Method Explored

Lumpia, the Filipino version of an egg roll or spring roll, is a popular appetiser at Filipino gatherings. It is typically deep-fried, but can also be cooked in an air fryer. This method is healthier, faster, and easier than deep-frying, and it gives lumpia a beautiful, golden coating. Air-fried lumpia also has less grease and fewer calories than its deep-fried counterpart, without sacrificing the satisfying crunch.

Lumpia recipe ingredients

Lumpia, the Filipino version of an egg roll, is a popular appetiser that can be made with any type of protein or vegetables. The recipe can be customised according to one's taste and preference. Here is a list of ingredients that can be used to make lumpia:

• Ground pork
• Chicken
• Shrimp
• Mushrooms
• Water chestnuts
• Green onions
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Celery
• Onions
• Garlic
• Parsley
• Salt
• Pepper
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Fish sauce
• Sesame oil
• Eggs
• Spring roll wrappers or lumpia wrappers
• Vegetable oil or avocado oil

The filling can be cooked or raw before placing it in the wrapper. The wrappers can be sealed with a dab of water or an egg and water mixture. The lumpia can be cooked in an air fryer, baked in the oven, or deep-fried.

Air fryer settings for frying lumpia

Lumpia, the Filipino version of an egg roll or spring roll, can be cooked in an air fryer. This is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires little to no oil, and can also be more convenient and less messy.

To fry lumpia in an air fryer, first prepare the filling. This can include ground pork, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables, such as carrots, onions, cabbage, and garlic. Season with soy sauce, salt, ginger, or other spices.

Next, prepare the lumpia wrappers. Place a scant 1/4 cup of filling in the centre of each wrapper, brush the edges with a little water or egg wash, and roll them up tightly.

Once the lumpia are prepared, preheat your air fryer to between 375-390°F (188-198°C). Place the lumpia in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches. Lightly brush or spray the lumpia with oil.

Set the timer for 9 minutes. After 9 minutes, flip the lumpia and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and golden brown.

Remove the lumpia from the air fryer and serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce, peanut sauce, or a mixture of vinegar and soy sauce with minced garlic.

Tips for Frying Lumpia in an Air Fryer

• Use parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
• Ensure the filling is cooled completely before rolling the lumpia.
• If using frozen lumpia, brush or spritz them with vegetable oil before air frying.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Flip the lumpia halfway through cooking for even browning.
• Serve the lumpia immediately for the best taste and texture.

Advantages of frying lumpia in an air fryer

Lumpia, the Filipino version of an egg roll or spring roll, is a popular appetizer or snack that is traditionally deep-fried. While deep-frying is a common method, using an air fryer offers several advantages, including:

Healthier Option

Air-frying requires little to no oil, resulting in a healthier version of lumpia with less fat and fewer calories. This is because the food is not submerged in oil as it is with traditional deep-frying.

Crispy Exterior

Even without the use of excessive oil, air-fried lumpia still achieves a satisfyingly crispy texture and a beautiful, golden-brown coating. The hot circulating air inside the air fryer ensures that the lumpia becomes crunchy.

Quick and Convenient

Air fryers heat up quickly and cook food faster than conventional ovens, making them a perfect option when you're short on time. They are also simple to use and maintain, and there is no messy cleanup afterward—just wipe the air fryer tray with a paper towel!

Authentic Taste

Despite using a different cooking method, air-fried lumpia retains its authentic taste. The filling remains flavorful, and the exterior stays nice and crispy, so you don't have to compromise on taste to enjoy a healthier version of this delicious dish.

Easy to Make

Air-frying lumpia is an easy, convenient way to enjoy this traditional Filipino dish. You can cook frozen lumpia in an air fryer with no additional ingredients, and the cooking time is shorter than with other methods.

How to assemble lumpia

Lumpia are Filipino egg rolls, often filled with a combination of meat and vegetables. The process of assembling lumpia is quite simple, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure they turn out well. Here is a detailed guide on how to assemble lumpia:

Prepare the filling:

Firstly, decide on your filling ingredients. Lumpia fillings typically include a combination of ground meat (such as pork, beef, or chicken) and vegetables (such as carrots, cabbage, green beans, onions, and garlic). You can also add seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and soy sauce to taste.

Cook your filling ingredients in a skillet until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are soft. For example, you can start by cooking the meat, then add the vegetables and seasonings, and stir until everything is cooked to your liking.

Assemble the lumpia:

Now it's time to assemble the lumpia. Set a lumpia wrapper on a clean, flat surface. Lumpia wrappers are typically thin and rectangular in shape. Place a scant amount of filling (about 1-3 tablespoons) in the center of the wrapper, depending on the size of your wrapper and how thin you can roll them.

Next, fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, and then tuck in the sides. Continue rolling the wrapper tightly until you reach the top. You can moisten the edges of the wrapper with a little water to help seal it shut.

Repeat this process until you have used up all your filling and wrappers. You can place the assembled lumpia on a plate, seam-side down, and cover them with plastic wrap to keep them moist while you finish rolling the rest.

Fry the lumpia:

At this point, you can fry your lumpia. Heat a skillet with about an inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking. Fry the lumpia in batches of 3-4 at a time, making sure they don't overlap in the pan. Fry them for a few minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.

Drain the fried lumpia on a paper towel-lined plate and serve immediately. Lumpia is often served with a sweet chili dipping sauce, but you can also serve them with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips and variations:

• You can also bake or air fry lumpia if you prefer a healthier option.
• Feel free to get creative with your filling ingredients. Some people like to add shrimp, mushrooms, or water chestnuts to their lumpia.
• Make sure your filling is cooled to room temperature before assembling the lumpia.
• You can freeze uncooked or cooked lumpia for future use. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Lumpia dipping sauces

Lumpia, the Filipino version of an egg roll, is a popular appetiser and can be made with any type of protein, such as ground pork, chicken, beef, shrimp, or just vegetables. It can be cooked in an air fryer, which is a healthier option than deep-frying, and gives the lumpia a beautiful golden coating.

Now, for the dipping sauces:

Sweet and Sour Sauce

This sauce is a standard condiment for lumpia, whether homemade or purchased from a restaurant. It is easy to make and perfect for dipping. The ingredients are:

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Combine all the ingredients in a 2-quart saucepan. Stir well until the cornstarch is incorporated and there are no lumps. Place the pan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils and thickens slightly. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

Smilejenna's Lumpia Sauce

This sauce is a perfect dip for lumpia and is easy to make. The ingredients are:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Water
• Brown sugar

Combine the water, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes.

Soy Sauce, Vinegar, and Garlic Dip

This easy dip is made with:

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Granulated garlic

Simply combine these ingredients and you have a delicious dip for your lumpia. If you like it spicy, add some garlic chilli sauce.

Spiced Vinegar

This is a great option if you are looking for something a little different. You can make your own spiced vinegar or use a readily available bottled sweet chilli sauce.

Other Options

There are dozens of variations of lumpia dips. You can also try garlic chilli sauce, or a sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar, thickened with a cornstarch slurry.

Frequently asked questions