Air Fryer Lumpia: Cooking Time And Tips

Lumpia is a popular Filipino dish, often served as a tasty appetizer or snack. It is a type of egg roll or spring roll, filled with savoury meats, vegetables, and seasonings. The shell is typically made with wheat or rice flour. Using an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and it gives lumpia a beautiful, golden coating. The cooking time is shorter, and there's no messy clean-up. But how long do you cook lumpia in an air fryer?

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for lumpia in an air fryer depend on the filling and the number of lumpia being cooked. For instance, a single layer of frozen lumpia will take longer to cook than a smaller batch of freshly made ones.

Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer. One recipe suggests preheating at 375° F for 2 minutes, while another recommends 390° F until the desired temperature is reached.

Once preheated, the temperature should be set to between 350° F and 400° F. The cooking time will vary depending on the temperature chosen, but it generally ranges from 8 to 15 minutes. For example, one recipe recommends cooking at 350° F for 5 minutes, flipping the lumpia, and then cooking for another 5 to 6 minutes. In contrast, another recipe suggests cooking at 400° F for 15 minutes, flipping the lumpia halfway through.

It is important to note that the lumpia should be flipped halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Additionally, brushing or spraying the lumpia with oil before cooking will help achieve the desired crispiness.

How to place lumpia in the air fryer

Lumpia, a popular Filipino dish, can be cooked in an air fryer in a few simple steps. The first step is to prepare the lumpia filling by mixing the ingredients of your choice, such as ground beef or pork, shrimp, garlic, carrots, onions, and seasonings. Once the filling is ready, you can start assembling the lumpia rolls.

Place a lumpia wrapper on a flat surface and add about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling to the center. Then, brush the edges of the wrapper with a mixture of egg and water or moisten them with water to help seal the wrapper. Next, fold the edges of the wrapper over the filling and roll it up tightly to enclose the filling completely. Repeat this process until all the filling and wrappers are used.

Before placing the lumpia in the air fryer, it is recommended to brush or spray them with a thin layer of cooking oil, such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, or cooking spray. This step ensures that the lumpia will achieve a crispy texture during cooking. It is important to note that the oil should be applied lightly and evenly to avoid excess oil pooling in the air fryer.

Now, you are ready to arrange the lumpia in the air fryer basket. Place the lumpia in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap and are spaced apart to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the lumpia in batches. Once the air fryer is preheated to the desired temperature, usually between 350°F to 400°F, you can place the basket inside and set the timer for the recommended cooking time.

Preparing the filling

Lumpia is a Filipino dish, derived from the Chinese spring roll. It is made of thin pastry skin and filled with a savoury mix of meats, vegetables, and seasonings. The shell of the lumpia is typically made of wheat or rice flour. The filling can vary from pork, chicken, beef, shrimp, and vegetables. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the filling for lumpia:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You can choose your preferred protein, such as ground beef, pork, or chicken, or even shrimp. You will also need vegetables like carrots, onions, green beans, celery, and cabbage. For seasoning, you can use garlic, salt, pepper, soy sauce, chicken bouillon, and ginger.

Next, prepare your vegetables by chopping them into small pieces. You want them to be finely chopped so they cook evenly and fit nicely into the lumpia wrapper. You can also grate the carrots if you prefer.

In a large skillet or pan, start by cooking the protein of your choice over medium heat until it is slightly browned. If you are using sausage, remove the casing first. Then, add your vegetables, starting with the ones that take longer to cook, such as carrots, onions, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fully cooked.

Once your protein and vegetables are cooked, add the garlic and cook for another minute or until fragrant. You can also add other seasonings like soy sauce, salt, pepper, and ginger at this stage. Stir everything together until well combined.

Finally, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. You can also prepare this filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble your lumpia.

Now you are ready to fill and roll your lumpia! Place a wrapper on a flat surface and spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling into the centre. Brush the edges of the wrapper with a mixture of egg and water to help seal it. Fold the edges up over the filling and roll it up tightly. Repeat this process until all your filling is used up!

Wrapping the filling

Lumpia, a popular Filipino dish, is a type of egg roll or spring roll with a thin pastry skin and a savoury filling. The filling typically includes meat, vegetables, and seasonings.

To wrap the filling for your lumpia, start by placing a wrapper on a flat surface. You can use either spring roll wrappers or egg roll wrappers, depending on your preference. If you want thinner lumpia, go for spring roll wrappers. For thicker lumpia, choose egg roll wrappers. Place the wrapper at an angle, with one corner facing you. This will make it easier to fold and roll.

Next, add the filling. For a standard-sized lumpia, you'll need about 1-2 tablespoons of filling. Place the filling in the centre of the wrapper, forming a rough cylinder shape. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make it difficult to seal and roll the wrapper neatly.

Now, it's time to seal the wrapper. You can do this in a few different ways:

• Use your finger to lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper with water. This will help the wrapper stick to itself and create a seal.
• Dip your fingers in an egg and water mixture and brush it onto the edges of the wrapper. This method will create a strong seal and give your lumpia a shiny, golden colour when fried.
• Brush the edges of the wrapper with oil. This method will also help create a seal and add a crispy texture to your lumpia.

Once the edges are moistened or brushed with your chosen liquid, fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling. Then, tuck in the sides and continue rolling until you've formed a neat cylinder. Ensure that the lumpia is tightly sealed to prevent it from unwrapping during cooking.

Repeat this process until you've used up all your filling and wrappers. You can place the finished lumpia on a tray or plate while you prepare the rest. Just make sure they don't overlap to avoid sticking.

Dipping sauces

Lumpia is a Filipino dish that is derived from the Chinese spring roll. It is made of thin pastry skin and filled with a savory mix of meat and vegetables. When cooked in an air fryer, lumpia offers a healthier alternative to deep-fried rolls without compromising on taste and texture.

Now, let's talk about dipping sauces to elevate your lumpia-eating experience. Here are some mouth-watering options:

Sweet and Sour Sauce

This is a classic choice for lumpia. You can either buy a ready-made sauce or make your own by combining cornstarch, water, brown sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Thicken the sauce by simmering it over medium heat, and you have yourself a delicious dip for your lumpia.

Soy Sauce, Vinegar, and Garlic Dip

For a simple yet tasty option, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and granulated garlic. If you like it spicy, add some garlic chili sauce to the mix. This dip is an excellent complement to the savory flavors of the lumpia filling.

Soy Sauce, Garlic, Ginger, and Brown Sugar

This dipping sauce adds a unique twist to your lumpia. Combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar, thinning the mixture with water. Then, cook it until it bubbles, and thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. This dip offers a balance of sweet and savory flavors that will enhance your lumpia-eating experience.

Sweet Chili Sauce

For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness with their lumpia, sweet chili sauce is an ideal choice. It pairs well with the savory fillings of the lumpia and adds a nice kick of spice. This sauce is a great option if you're looking for something different from the usual dips.

Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

For a more intense flavor, you can simply mix garlic with red pepper flakes. This dip will surely add a spicy kick to your lumpia, making it even more addictive.

So, there you have it! These dipping sauces will surely elevate your lumpia game and impress your family and friends. Enjoy experimenting with these flavors and find your favorite combinations.

Frequently asked questions