Air Fryer Lumpia: A Tasty, Healthy Twist

Lumpia is a Filipino dish similar to spring rolls or egg rolls. They are made with lumpia wrappers, which are typically made from wheat flour, cornstarch, and water, and filled with a variety of savoury ingredients such as meat and vegetables. Lumpia is traditionally deep-fried, but can also be cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy, golden brown finish without the excess grease and oil of deep-frying.

How to make lumpia from scratch

Lumpia is a Filipino version of spring rolls, typically made with ground chicken or pork, carrots, onions, cabbage, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. You can also add shrimp and vegetables. Here is a detailed recipe for making lumpia from scratch:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork (or chicken)
• 2-4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup minced carrot
• 1/2 cup chopped green onion
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 30 lumpia wrappers (or egg roll wrappers)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced green cabbage
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Method:

• Mix all the ingredients (except the wrappers and oil) in a bowl.
• Place one tablespoon of the mixture in the center of each wrapper and roll into a cigar shape. Use your finger to wet the edge of the wrapper to seal it.
• Heat oil in a wok or deep skillet. Fry the lumpia in batches of 3-4 at a time, until golden brown.
• Serve with a sweet and sour sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Tips:

• You can also bake the lumpia at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, turning them once during cooking.
• If you want thinner lumpia, cut the wrappers in half to form rectangular strips or in quarters for bite-sized rolls.
• If you are using frozen lumpia, brush or spray them with vegetable oil before air frying.

Enjoy your homemade lumpia!

How to cook frozen lumpia in an air fryer

Lumpia is a Filipino version of a spring roll, typically made with ground chicken or pork, carrots, onions, cabbage, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. It is a popular dish at Filipino gatherings and celebrations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Lumpia in an Air Fryer:

Prepare the Air Fryer:

Turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to between 300°F and 390°F, depending on your air fryer model. Preheat for about 2 minutes.

Prepare the Lumpia:

Place the frozen lumpia in a single layer on the air fryer tray or basket. You can brush them with vegetable oil or cooking spray. Avoid using olive oil as its flavour may be too strong. Make sure the lumpia are well coated to avoid sticking and to achieve an even colour.

Air Fry the Lumpia:

Set the timer for 9-10 minutes and push the basket into the air fryer to begin cooking. Check on the lumpia after this time—they should be lightly golden brown. Use tongs to flip them over, brush with more oil, and air fry for an additional 4-5 minutes.

Serve the Lumpia:

Remove the lumpia from the air fryer when they are golden brown and the wrappers are crispy. This may take an additional 1-2 minutes if needed. Place the lumpia on a serving dish and serve warm. They are best enjoyed with a dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce with hot chili oil.

Tips:

• It is recommended to not thaw the lumpia before cooking.
• Vegetarian lumpia may not be suitable for air frying, so always check the package instructions.
• Leftover cooked lumpia can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days but are best enjoyed fresh.

Advantages of using an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying lumpia, offering several advantages. Firstly, they are a healthier option as the food is not submerged in oil, reducing fat and calorie content. Air fryers use significantly less oil, and still give lumpia a perfect, golden-crisp coating.

Secondly, air fryers reduce the mess and oils associated with traditional deep-frying. They are also faster, as they don't take long to heat up. The convenience of air fryers is further enhanced by their ease of use and maintenance.

Additionally, air fryers are versatile, allowing you to cook frozen lumpia, and even other types of spring rolls and egg rolls. The cleanup is also a breeze—simply wipe the air fryer tray with paper towels!

Using an air fryer to make lumpia is a convenient, healthier, and tasty alternative to deep-frying.

What to serve lumpia with

Lumpia, the Filipino version of spring rolls, is a tasty treat and a great snack for parties and gatherings. It is usually served with a variety of sauces, some spicy and others sweet. Here are some ideas for what to serve with lumpia:

Main Courses

You can serve lumpia as a side dish with a variety of main course options, such as:

• Mongolian Beef: Tender strips of beef marinated in a savoury sauce and stir-fried to perfection. The rich umami flavours of the beef pair well with the crispy texture of the lumpia.
• Chicken Wings: Crispy and flavourful, chicken wings add an extra element of deliciousness to your meal. They can be made spicy, tangy, or sweet to complement the lumpia.
• Chicken Adobo: A popular Filipino dish where tender chicken pieces are marinated in a blend of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices. The rich sauce of the adobo complements the crispy texture of the lumpia.
• Pancit Bihon: A Filipino noodle dish with thin rice noodles, vegetables, and your choice of meat or shrimp. It is a filling and delicious accompaniment to the crispy lumpia rolls.

Side Dishes

• Shrimp Fried Rice: A beloved Asian dish that pairs beautifully with lumpia. The combination of succulent shrimp, fluffy rice, and vegetables creates a satisfying and flavorful side dish.
• Mango Kani Salad: A refreshing and tangy side dish that combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the delicate flavour of crab sticks, all tossed in a creamy dressing. It provides a burst of freshness that complements the savoury lumpia rolls.
• Coconut Rice: A fragrant and creamy side dish that complements the flavours of lumpia. The subtle sweetness and tropical aroma of the coconut rice pair well with the crispy and savoury lumpia.
• Asian Slaw: A refreshing and crunchy side dish with cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and a tangy dressing made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. It provides a delightful contrast to the soft and crispy lumpia.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp: Large shrimp sautéed in garlic-infused butter, creating a rich and aromatic side dish that complements the crispy rolls perfectly.

Dipping Sauces

Lumpia is often served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as:

• Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Soy Sauce with Hot Chilli Oil
• Banana Ketchup or Sauce
• Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce
• Vinegar and Soy Sauce
• Black Pepper

How to store lumpia

Lumpia are Filipino fried spring rolls, typically filled with ground chicken or pork, vegetables, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. They can be stored in a variety of ways depending on whether they are cooked or uncooked, and whether they have been fried or not.

Storing Cooked Lumpia

If you have cooked your lumpia, allow them to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Storing Uncooked Lumpia

If you have uncooked lumpia, it is best to freeze them. Arrange the cooled rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with storage wrap. Freeze them for a few hours or overnight. Once they are frozen solid, transfer the rolls to a zip-top freezer bag or another freezer-safe container. Lumpia can be frozen for up to three months.

Storing Fried Lumpia

If you have already fried your lumpia, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Do not refreeze.

Tips for Storing Uncooked Lumpia

One source suggests that to prevent your uncooked lumpia from getting soggy, you should use a freezer container and dust the bottom with flour or cornstarch. This will help to keep the rolls moisture-free and prevent them from sticking together. Repeat the process as you add more layers of uncooked rolls. Seal the container and freeze.

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