Air-Fryer Frozen Lumpia: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Lumpia is a Filipino dish that is similar to a spring roll. It is made with lumpia wrappers, which are comparable to spring roll wrappers, and filled with a savoury mix of ground chicken or pork, vegetables, and sauces. Frozen lumpia can be cooked in an air fryer, a convenient and healthier alternative to deep frying. The air fryer's hot air cooks the lumpia to a crispy, golden brown finish without the excess grease and oil of traditional deep frying.

Air fryer temperature settings

To cook frozen lumpia in an air fryer, the temperature should be set between 300°F and 390°F. The higher the temperature, the shorter the cooking time. For example, at 300°F, the lumpia should be cooked for 10 minutes, whereas at 390°F, they should be cooked for 8 minutes.

Some recipes recommend cooking lumpia at 375°F for 9 minutes, then flipping them over and cooking for an additional 5 minutes. This lower temperature and longer cooking time can help ensure the lumpia are cooked through and the wrappers are crispy.

If you are making the lumpia from scratch, one recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 370°F and setting the cooking time to 25 minutes. This lower temperature and longer cooking time is likely due to the fact that the lumpia are not frozen and will take longer to cook through.

It is important to note that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the settings slightly to achieve the desired level of doneness.

How to avoid lumpia bursting

To cook frozen lumpia in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to between 375 and 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Spritz the frozen lumpia with cooking spray or brush them with oil, then place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Air fry for around 9 to 10 minutes, checking and shaking the basket occasionally, until the lumpia are golden brown and crispy. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, such as sweet chilli sauce, vinegar and soy, or a combination of honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

Now, onto the important part: how to avoid your lumpia bursting. Firstly, avoid using an oil with a low smoking point, such as sesame or olive oil, as these will burn and affect the taste of your lumpia. Instead, opt for an oil with a high smoking point, like peanut, canola, or corn oil. You should also ensure that the oil is only slightly hot when you begin frying, gradually increasing the temperature as you cook.

The filling can also cause lumpia to burst. If the filling is too wet, it will turn to steam and try to escape, causing the lumpia to burst. Squeeze out any excess moisture by wrapping the filling in a paper kitchen towel and gently squeezing. On the other hand, if the wrappers are too dry, they can also burst, so keep them moist by lining your work surface with a wet paper kitchen towel during the filling process.

Finally, the type of wrapper you use can make a difference. Lumpia wrappers are typically made with corn starch, wheat flour, and water, and are light, flaky, and strong enough to hold fillings. If you find that your lumpia are still bursting, try switching to a different brand of wrapper.

How to prep lumpia before frying

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.

• Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, add your choice of protein (ground beef, chicken, or pork), vegetables (such as carrots, onions, cabbage, and water chestnuts), and seasonings (garlic, soy sauce, ginger, and salt). Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
• Assemble the lumpia: Lay out the lumpia wrappers, which are similar to spring roll wrappers, at an angle. Place a scant 1/4 cup of the filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling and tuck in the sides to form a roll. Use your finger to lightly moisten the edges with water to seal the roll. Ensure that the rolls are not too tight, as they may need room to expand during frying.
• Freeze or refrigerate: Once the lumpia are assembled, you can choose to freeze or refrigerate them until you are ready to cook. This step is optional but can be useful if you are preparing the lumpia in advance.
• Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 350°F to 390°F (198°C). Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent the lumpia from sticking.
• Cook the lumpia: Place the lumpia in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Brush or spritz the lumpia with vegetable oil or cooking spray. Set the timer for 9-10 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness and the air fryer model.

Note: It is important to ensure that frozen lumpia are properly thawed before frying, as soggy wrappers or fillings can cause them to burst. Additionally, avoid overfilling the lumpia, as this can also lead to bursting during frying.

How long to cook lumpia for

The cooking time for lumpia in an air fryer depends on the temperature you set the appliance to. At 375 degrees Fahrenheit, you should cook the lumpia for 9 minutes, then flip them over, brush with oil and cook for another 5 minutes. If they are not crispy enough, you can cook them for a further 2 minutes.

At 390 degrees Fahrenheit, you should cook the lumpia for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes until the skins are crispy.

At 300 degrees Fahrenheit, you should cook the lumpia for 10 minutes.

If you are making the lumpia from scratch, you should allow the meat and vegetable mixture to marinate for at least 30 minutes before placing it in the lumpia wrappers and cooking. You should then set the air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the lumpia for 25 minutes.

What to serve with lumpia

Lumpia, a Filipino version of spring rolls, is a tasty finger food that is perfect for parties and family gatherings. It is typically served with a variety of sauces for dipping.

When it comes to side dishes, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to serve with lumpia:

• Rice dishes: Try pancit canton, a classic Filipino dish that is often served as a "merienda" (afternoon snack). You can also serve egg fried rice, which is easy to make and can be customised with various ingredients such as carrots, green onions, peas, or corn. For a lighter option, go for Filipino steamed rice cakes, which are light and airy with a mild sweet flavour.
• Noodles: Filipino-style spaghetti is a popular choice, especially for special occasions. It is sweeter than traditional spaghetti due to the addition of banana ketchup and sugar, and it often includes cut-up hotdogs. For a one-pot dish, try pancit bihon, a stir-fried noodle dish with thin rice noodles, vegetables, and your choice of meat or shrimp.
• Meat and seafood: Chicken adobo, a popular Filipino dish, is a great option. The tender chicken pieces are marinated in a blend of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices. Other options include Mongolian beef, shrimp fried rice, or chicken wings.
• Salads and vegetables: For a refreshing side dish, try mango kani salad, which combines ripe mangoes and crab sticks in a creamy dressing. Asian-style chopped salad, pickled green papaya, and Filipino roasted eggplant salad are also great choices. If you're looking for a low-carb option, consider egg roll in a bowl, a deconstructed version of traditional egg rolls with cabbage, ground meat, and a delicious sauce.
• Other dishes: Chop suey, a stir-fried dish loaded with colourful vegetables and tender meat, is a fantastic choice. Lechon belly roll, sweet chili sauce, and Popeyes Sweet Heat Sauce are also great options to serve with lumpia.

Frequently asked questions