Frying Lumpia: Air Fryer Method Explored

Lumpia is a popular Filipino dish, often served at gatherings and celebrations. It is the Filipino version of a spring roll or egg roll, with a thin pastry skin and a savoury filling. Typically, lumpia is deep-fried, but it can also be cooked in an air fryer, which is a healthier option that still achieves the desired crispiness.

Lumpia recipe ingredients and fillings

Lumpia is a popular Filipino dish, similar to a spring roll or egg roll. They are typically made with ground chicken, pork, shrimp, or vegetables, and are often served as a side dish or appetiser. Here is a list of common ingredients and fillings used in lumpia:

• Meat: Ground chicken, pork, shrimp.
• Vegetables: Carrots, onions, cabbage, water chestnuts, green onions, mushrooms.
• Seasonings: Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, sesame oil, cilantro.
• Wrappers: Lumpia wrappers are thin and delicate, made from wheat flour, cornstarch, and water. They can be purchased from stores or made at home. Egg roll wrappers can also be used, but they are thicker and may need to be cut down to a rectangular size.

The filling for lumpia can be made by combining the meat, vegetables, and seasonings in a bowl and mixing them together. This filling can then be placed onto the wrapper, rolled, and sealed with a dab of water before frying. The amount of filling per lumpia varies depending on the recipe, but it typically ranges from 1 tablespoon to 3 heaping tablespoons.

Lumpia can be fried in oil, baked in the oven, or cooked in an air fryer. When frying, it is important to maintain an oil temperature of around 350°F to ensure the lumpia gets golden and crispy without over-browning. Baking and air frying are healthier alternatives that still yield delicious results.

Air fryer settings and timings

Lumpia, the Filipino version of an egg roll, is a popular appetiser at gatherings and celebrations. It can be made with any type of protein, such as ground pork, chicken, beef, shrimp, or vegetables, and is then deep-fried. However, using an air fryer is a healthier option that gives lumpia a beautiful golden coating.

The ideal temperature to set your air fryer to cook lumpia is between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time varies depending on the air fryer model and the number of lumpia being cooked, but it typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

For example, one recipe suggests preheating your air fryer to 375°F for 2 minutes. Then, place the lumpia in a single layer, spritz with cooking spray or brush with oil, and set the timer for 9 minutes. After 9 minutes, the lumpia should be lightly golden brown. Use tongs to flip them over and brush with oil again before air-frying for another 5 minutes. If they are not crispy enough, you can cook them for an additional 2 minutes.

Another recipe recommends preheating your air fryer to 390°F. Place the lumpia in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch, and cook in batches if necessary. Fry for 4 minutes, flip, and then cook for another 4 minutes or until the skins are crispy.

It is important to note that the lumpia should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and you may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Additionally, brushing or spraying the lumpia with oil before cooking is crucial to ensure a crispy texture.

How to roll lumpia

Lumpia is a Filipino version of a spring roll, typically made with ground chicken or pork, carrots, onions, cabbage, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. They are usually longer and skinnier than spring rolls and are often deep-fried. However, you can also cook them in an air fryer to achieve the same crispiness without the need for deep-frying.

Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to roll lumpia:

• Prepare your filling: This can vary depending on your preference, but a common mixture includes ground pork, onion, carrot, garlic, and seasonings. You can also add an egg to the mixture to help bind the filling. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
• Set up your wrapping station: Before you start rolling, it's a good idea to prepare your workspace. You will need a plate or sheet pan for the finished lumpia, a clean work surface for wrapping, a brush for the egg wash (if using), a damp towel, and a pipping bag or Ziploc bag for the filling.
• Separate the lumpia wrappers: Lumpia wrappers are thin and delicate, so handle them with care. Carefully separate each sheet before you start filling and rolling. This will save you time later.
• Fill and roll the lumpia: Transfer your filling into a pipping bag or Ziploc bag. Cut a small opening at the tip of the bag, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Pipe the filling onto a sheet of the wrapper, placing it about 1 inch from the bottom edge. Fold the bottom flap of the wrapper over the filling and roll it up tightly, making sure to seal in the filling. Fold in the sides and continue rolling until the lumpia is sealed.
• Seal the lumpia: You can use either water or an egg wash to seal the edges of the wrapper. Lightly moisten the edges with water or brush on a thin layer of egg wash before rolling and sealing the lumpia.
• Repeat the process: Continue filling and rolling the lumpia until you have used up all your filling or wrappers. Remember to keep the wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
• Cook the lumpia: If you are using an air fryer, preheat it to 375-390 degrees F. Place the lumpia in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Brush or spritz them with oil, and air fry for about 9-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. If you are deep-frying, heat about 1-2 inches of oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 350-375 degrees F. Fry the lumpia in batches, turning once, for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
• Serve: Remove the lumpia from the air fryer or oil and drain on paper towels. Serve while still warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or banana ketchup.

Lumpia dipping sauces

Lumpia, the Filipino version of an egg roll, is a popular appetizer at gatherings. It is typically served with a dipping sauce, with some spicy and others sweet. Here are some ideas for lumpia dipping sauces:

Sweet and Sour Sauce

This sauce is a standard condiment for lumpia and can also be used for wontons, fried rice, and dim sum. To make it, combine apple cider vinegar, cornstarch, ketchup, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Stir the ingredients until the cornstarch is incorporated, then cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils and thickens. Set aside to cool before serving.

Soy Sauce with Hot Chili Oil

This simple sauce is made by adding hot chili oil to soy sauce.

Spiced Vinegar

This sauce is a great option if you're looking for something with a bit of a kick.

Smilejenna's Lumpia Sauce

To make this sauce, combine water, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a small saucepan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is thickened. Then, stir in garlic and red pepper flakes.

Garlic Chili Sauce

A good option for those who like their sauce spicy.

Soy Sauce, Vinegar, and Garlic Dip

Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, and granulated garlic to make this easy dip.

Soy Sauce, Garlic, Ginger, and Brown Sugar Sauce

This sauce is made by combining soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar with water and thickening the mixture with a cornstarch slurry. Cook until bubbly.

Advantages of air-frying lumpia

Lumpia, the Filipino version of an egg roll, is a popular appetiser at Filipino gatherings. It is typically deep-fried, but using an air fryer offers several advantages. Firstly, air-fried lumpia is a healthier option than deep-fried lumpia. Air-frying uses significantly less oil, reducing the fat and calorie content of the dish without sacrificing the crispy exterior.

Another benefit of air-frying lumpia is the convenience and ease of the process. Air-frying requires less time and creates less mess than deep-frying. There is no need to heat up a large amount of oil, and the cleanup is minimal. Simply wipe down the air fryer tray with a paper towel when you're done.

Air-frying lumpia is also a great way to save time and effort when hosting a party or gathering. You can air-fry the lumpia in batches as your guests arrive, allowing you more time to work on other dishes and mingle. If dinner is running late, you can easily air-fry another batch of lumpia without the hassle of deep-frying.

Additionally, air-frying lumpia gives you a beautiful, golden coating that is difficult to achieve with deep-frying. The hot air in the air fryer creates an even, golden-brown colour on the lumpia wrappers, making them look and taste delicious.

Overall, air-frying lumpia is a convenient, healthy, and tasty alternative to traditional deep-frying. It reduces the mess, calories, and time associated with deep-frying while still delivering a crispy and flavourful dish.

Frequently asked questions