Lumpia In The Air Fryer: A Tasty, Quick Treat

Lumpia is a Filipino version of a spring roll, typically filled with ground chicken or pork, vegetables, and sauces. It is a popular dish at Filipino gatherings and celebrations. Traditionally, lumpia is deep-fried, but it can also be made in an air fryer for a healthier alternative. This method of cooking still results in the same crispiness without the need for deep-frying.

Lumpia recipe ingredients

Lumpia is a popular Filipino dish, similar to a spring roll or egg roll. They are longer and thinner than egg rolls, but the wrapper is very similar. The filling is typically made with ground pork, vegetables, and a few seasonings, but the filling can be played with depending on your taste. Here is a list of ingredients that you can use to make lumpia:

• Vegetable oil
• Ground pork
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Onion
• Carrot
• Green cabbage
• Water chestnuts
• Scallions
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Light soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Lumpia wrappers
• Sweet chili sauce, for dipping

For the vegetables, you can also include minced or chopped ingredients such as:

• Celery
• Chives
• Parsley

If you want to make a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground pork with chickpeas as the main filling ingredient. You can also switch up the filling by using ingredients such as raisins, cabbage, shredded daikon radish, zucchini, and more.

To assemble the lumpia, you will need:

• A spoon or scoop for the filling
• A brush or similar tool to spread egg white or oil
• A work surface or plate to roll the lumpia
• Plastic wrap to cover the assembled lumpia

Finally, if you are frying the lumpia, you will need a cooking pot or heavy skillet and enough cooking oil to heat to 350F or higher.

Air fryer settings

Lumpia, the Filipino version of a spring roll, can be cooked in an air fryer. This is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it uses less oil and produces the same crispiness.

When cooking lumpia in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the air fryer. The ideal temperature for cooking lumpia is between 360°F to 400°F (198°C-204°C). Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes, or until it reaches the desired temperature.

Once preheated, arrange the lumpia in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the lumpia in batches.

Brush the lumpia with a neutral oil or avocado oil cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. This will help to ensure an even, golden crispness.

Cook the lumpia for 9 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on the lumpia to ensure they do not burn. The total cooking time will be around 12-14 minutes.

Once the lumpia are golden brown and the wrappers are crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a serving dish. They are best served warm, with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your lumpia wrappers are thawed before using them.
• When preparing the filling, shred the vegetables finely to ensure they cook through in the short cooking time.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
• Be generous when coating the lumpia with oil to ensure even browning and crispness.
• Use tongs to flip and remove the lumpia from the air fryer to avoid tearing the wrappers.
• If your lumpia is not crispy enough, you can cook it for an additional 2 minutes maximum.
• Serve with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or fried onions and cilantro.

How to roll lumpia

Lumpia are crispy spring rolls that are thinner and smaller than Chinese egg rolls. They are made with paper-thin lumpia wrappers and are often stuffed with a savory mixture of ground pork, vegetables, and other ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roll lumpia:

• Prepare the filling: The filling for lumpia can vary but often includes ground pork, vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, onions, and garlic, as well as seasonings. Cook the meat and vegetables, and mix them together in a bowl. You can also add an egg to help bind the filling.
• Set up your wrapping station: Before you start rolling, prepare a plate or sheet pan for the finished lumpia, a clean work surface for wrapping, a brush for the egg wash, and a damp towel to keep the wrappers from drying out. You will also need a piping bag or a Ziploc bag for the filling.
• Separate the wrappers: Lumpia wrappers are very thin and delicate, so carefully separate each sheet before you start filling and rolling. This will save you time and frustration later.
• Fill and roll the lumpia: Transfer the filling into the piping bag and snip off the tip to make a small opening. Pipe the filling onto a sheet of the wrapper, about 1 inch from the bottom edge, and shape it into a long cylinder. Fold the bottom flap of the wrapper over the filling and tuck it tightly. Then, roll the wrapper up 1-2 times.
• Fold and seal: Fold the left and right sides of the wrapper towards the center, overlapping if needed. Brush the top edge of the wrapper with a light layer of egg wash and roll it up to seal the lumpia.
• Repeat: Continue filling and rolling the lumpia until you run out of filling or wrappers. Keep the finished lumpia covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.

Once you have rolled all your lumpia, you can cook them in an air fryer or fry them in oil. Enjoy your delicious, crispy lumpia!

Dipping sauces

Lumpia is a popular Filipino snack or appetiser, often served with rice and a dipping sauce. The most popular condiments for lumpia are sweet or spicy chilli sauce, banana ketchup, vinegar, spicy mayo, or a slice of citrus (such as calamansi, lemon, or lime).

If you're looking for something a little different, you could try one of these ideas:

• Soy sauce with hot chilli oil
• Sweet and sour sauce
• Vinegar with garlic
• Soy sauce-based dip

Health benefits of air-fried lumpia

Lumpia is a popular dish in the Philippines and Indonesia. It is a type of crispy spring roll that is thinner and smaller than Chinese egg rolls. The traditional way of cooking lumpia is deep-frying, but using an air fryer is a healthier alternative. Air-fried lumpia has less fat and fewer calories than its deep-fried counterpart because it uses much less oil.

Health Benefits of Air Frying

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying as they use a fraction of the oil required for deep frying. By most measures, air-fried foods are healthier than deep-fried foods as they have up to 80% less fat and calories. Air frying also reduces the risk of toxic acrylamide formation, a compound that may be linked to certain cancers. Additionally, air fryers can be safer to use than deep fryers as there is no risk of spilling or accidentally touching hot oil.

Health Benefits of Lumpia

The ingredients used for lumpia can vary, but it typically includes an assortment of vegetables such as string beans, carrots, cabbage, and garlic. Some people also add ground pork, chicken, or tokwa (bean curd). Due to the variety of ingredients used, the health benefits of lumpia can differ depending on its composition. However, lumpia is generally rich in fiber and vitamins A, B, and C, as well as other minerals. Lumpia is also a good source of protein, especially if it includes pork, tokwa, or peanuts.

Combining Air Frying and Lumpia

By air-frying lumpia, you can enjoy the taste and texture of traditional lumpia while benefiting from a reduction in fat and calories. This cooking method is especially advantageous for people who are conscious of their calorie and fat intake or are looking for healthier alternatives to deep-fried foods. Additionally, the convenience of using an air fryer means that you can save time and effort on cleanup as there is no splatter or oil to deal with afterward.

Frequently asked questions