Air-Fryer Magic: Frozen Lumpia, Quick And Crispy!

Lumpia, the Filipino version of spring rolls, can be cooked in an air fryer from frozen in just 10 minutes. The air fryer method is healthier than deep-frying, as it uses hot air instead of oil to cook the food, resulting in a crispy, golden brown crust without the excess grease.

Air fryer frozen lumpia cooking time and temperature

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

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer frozen lumpia can vary slightly depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer being used. However, on average, it takes around 10 minutes to cook frozen lumpia in an air fryer at a temperature of about 350-390°F (177-198°C).

Step 1: Preparation

• Ensure your lumpia is frozen and has not been thawed.
• Place the desired number of frozen lumpia in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. This allows for even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
• Lightly coat the lumpia with cooking spray or brush them with a thin layer of vegetable oil, avocado oil, or canola oil. This helps to achieve a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Air Frying

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350-390°F (177-198°C).
• Place the prepared lumpia in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10 minutes.
• For some air fryers, you may need to flip the lumpia halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and color.
• Check the lumpia at the end of the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy. If they need a little longer, you can cook them for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Serving

• Remove the lumpia from the air fryer and place them on a serving dish.
• Serve the lumpia while they are still warm to ensure the best taste and texture.
• Lumpia goes well with various dipping sauces, such as sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or chili sauce.

Tips and Variations

• It is important not to bake or air fry vegetarian lumpia, as they may not hold up well in the air fryer.
• If you are making fresh lumpia instead of frozen, the cooking time remains the same.
• You can also air fry other frozen foods like spring rolls, egg rolls, or chicken wings alongside your lumpia to save time and offer a variety of appetizers.
• Leftover cooked lumpia can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days but are best enjoyed fresh.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy air fryer frozen lumpia as a quick snack or appetizer for your next gathering.

How to make frozen lumpia in an air fryer

Lumpia is a Filipino version of a spring roll. It is typically filled with ground chicken or pork, vegetables, and sauces. It is a popular dish at Filipino gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients:

• Frozen lumpia
• Oil (vegetable, avocado, or canola) or cooking spray
• Dipping sauce (optional)

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Tongs

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for two minutes.
• Place the frozen lumpia in a single layer on the air fryer tray. Ensure they are not touching, as they need room to breathe.
• Spritz the lumpia with cooking spray or brush with oil.
• Set the timer for nine minutes and push the basket in. Begin air frying.
• After nine minutes, check the lumpia. They should be a light golden brown.
• Use tongs to flip the lumpia.
• Brush with oil and air fry for an additional five minutes.
• If needed, cook for a further one to two minutes. The lumpia is ready when the wrappers are crispy and golden brown.
• Remove the lumpia from the air fryer basket and place on a serving dish.
• Serve while still warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• You can use any brand of frozen lumpia.
• The cooking time will be the same if you are making fresh lumpia.
• You can also cook frozen egg rolls and spring rolls in the air fryer.
• Lumpia wrappers are typically made from wheat flour, cornstarch, and water. They are not the same as egg roll wrappers.
• If you are making vegetarian lumpia, do not air fry.

Lumpia wrapper ingredients

Lumpia wrappers are the Filipino version of spring roll wrappers. They are thin, delicate, and crispy when fried, but strong enough to hold various fillings. Lumpia wrappers are usually made with corn starch, wheat flour, and water, and are not traditionally gluten-free. However, gluten-free alternatives are available.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup cooking oil or cooking oil spray

Instructions:

• Combine the flour and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
• Create a well in the centre of the bowl and pour in the water. Gently mix until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
• Add the oil and stir well until the mixture resembles a crepe batter.
• Heat a nonstick pan over low flame.
• Lightly coat the bottom of the pan with the batter using a basting brush or a small ladle.
• Cook until the edges start to peel away from the pan.
• Gently remove the wrapper from the pan and stack the cooked wrappers on a plate to cool.

Once cooled, the lumpia wrappers can be filled with your desired ingredients. Some popular options include ground pork or chicken with vegetables, or a vegetarian option with tofu, shrimp, and veggies.

Lumpia dipping sauces

Lumpia, a Filipino-style egg roll, is a delicious snack or appetiser that can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for lumpia dipping sauces to elevate your taste experience:

Sweet and Sour Sauce

A classic condiment for lumpia, this sauce strikes a perfect balance between sweet and sour flavours. It is typically made with a combination of apple cider vinegar, cornstarch, ketchup, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. The result is a tangy and mildly spicy sauce that pairs well with the fried delicacy.

Soy Sauce

A simple yet versatile option, soy sauce adds a savoury and umami touch to your lumpia. It can be used on its own or as a base for creating more complex sauces. For a basic soy sauce dip, you can enhance its flavour with garlic powder, red chilli flakes, and a touch of honey or maple syrup.

Peanut Sauce

For a creamy and nutty option, peanut sauce is an excellent choice. It offers a unique blend of flavours, including ginger and almond butter. This sauce is a perfect match for those who enjoy a creamy and slightly spicy dipping experience with their lumpia.

Avocado Crema

If you're looking for something unique and refreshing, avocado crema is a surprising yet delightful pairing. The cool and creamy avocado dip contrasts beautifully with the crispy and hot lumpia. It's an unexpected combination that will impress your taste buds.

Spicy Garlic Chili Sauce

For those who enjoy a kick of spice, a garlic chilli sauce is a fantastic choice. This sauce amplifies the flavours of the lumpia with its spicy and savoury notes. It's an ideal option if you're looking for something bold and memorable.

These suggestions offer a range of flavours to complement your lumpia, from sweet and sour to savoury and spicy. Feel free to experiment with different sauces and find your favourite combinations!

How to store leftover lumpia

Lumpia is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, there are ways to store them to enjoy later.

Storing Uncooked Lumpia

If you have uncooked lumpia, you can store it in the freezer in an airtight container. To prevent the lumpia from getting soggy, line the container with flour or cornstarch, which will absorb any excess moisture. Place the lumpia in a single layer, then sprinkle more flour or starch on top before sealing the container. This will prevent the lumpia from sticking together and help maintain crispness when fried. Stored this way, your uncooked lumpia will last for about a week in the freezer.

Storing Cooked Lumpia

Once cooked, lumpia will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator, although it's best eaten fresh. To restore crispness, reheat in the oven or air fryer. Avoid refreezing cooked lumpia, as this will affect the texture and make the outside harder.

Frequently asked questions