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

Lumpia is a Filipino version of spring rolls, typically filled with ground chicken or pork, vegetables, and sauces. They are a popular snack or appetiser and can be cooked in an air fryer from frozen. This method is healthier than deep-frying, as it uses little to no oil, and it is also quicker and easier.

Characteristics of Making Frozen Lumpia in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your lumpia will cook evenly and efficiently. Here is a detailed guide on how to preheat your air fryer for the best results:

Firstly, turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature for cooking lumpia, as it will ensure a crispy exterior without drying out the filling. Different air fryers may vary slightly in terms of temperature settings, so you can adjust accordingly, but this temperature is a good starting point.

Next, allow your air fryer to preheat for 2-5 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the air fryer to reach the desired temperature and ensures that your lumpia will cook evenly. Insufficient preheating may result in uneven cooking, so it's important to be patient during this step.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your lumpia by laying them out in a single layer on a tray or plate. This will ensure that you can quickly and efficiently place them into the air fryer once it's preheated, minimising any loss of heat. You can also use this time to prepare any dipping sauces or side dishes that you plan to serve with your lumpia.

Once the preheating is complete, you can carefully place your lumpia into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with adequate spacing between each one. This spacing is important as it allows the hot air to circulate freely, cooking each lumpia evenly.

Finally, with your lumpia placed in the air fryer, you are now ready to proceed with the cooking process. The preheating step is complete, and you can continue following your chosen recipe's instructions for cooking times and any additional steps.

Remember, preheating your air fryer is an important step that should not be rushed. It ensures that your lumpia will cook evenly and efficiently, resulting in a delicious, crispy treat that your guests will love.

Air fry frozen lumpia

Lumpia is a Filipino version of a spring roll, typically made with ground chicken or pork, vegetables, and a variety of seasonings. It is a popular dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or part of a main course. The good news is that you can cook frozen lumpia at home in an air fryer, without the need for deep frying. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you achieve crispy, golden brown lumpia.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, you will need to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 300°F and 375°F, and preheat for 2 to 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Lumpia

Place the frozen lumpia in a single layer on the air fryer tray or basket. It is important to leave space around each one to allow for even cooking. At this stage, you can spritz or brush the lumpia with cooking spray or a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. Olive oil is not recommended as its flavour may be too strong.

Step 3: Air Fry the Lumpia

Close the air fryer and set the timer. Cooking time varies across sources, with recommendations ranging from 9 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on your lumpia, as you want them to be a light golden brown.

Step 4: Flip and Cook Again

Using tongs, carefully flip each lumpia to the opposite side. Brush or spritz with oil again, and air fry for an additional 5 to 12 minutes, checking regularly to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the lumpia from the air fryer when they are golden brown and the wrappers are crispy. They are ready to serve! Lumpia is often served with a dipping sauce, and there are many options to choose from. See below for some ideas.

Dipping Sauce Ideas:

• Sweet and sour sauce
• Soy sauce with hot chili oil
• Tabasco sauce
• A combination of soy sauce, garlic powder, red chili flakes, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil

Dipping sauces

Lumpia is a Filipino version of a spring roll and is often served with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to serve with your air-fried lumpia:

Sweet and Sour Sauce

A popular choice, this sauce adds a tangy and sweet flavour to the lumpia. It can be homemade or store-bought.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a simple yet classic dipping sauce for lumpia. It can be served on its own or with added ingredients such as hot chili oil or red pepper flakes.

Sweet Chili Sauce

This sauce adds a touch of sweetness and spice to the lumpia. It is a classic choice that pairs well with the flavours of Filipino cuisine.

Spicy Garlic Sauce

For a tangy and savoury kick, try a mixture of vinegar and soy sauce with minced garlic. This sauce will complement the flavours of the lumpia without overwhelming them.

Peanut Sauce

A popular option for those who want a creamy and nutty flavour, peanut sauce is a great way to add depth to the lumpia-dipping experience.

Tabasco Sauce

For those who like it hot, Tabasco sauce is a great choice. It will add a spicy kick to your lumpia.

Other Ideas

You can also experiment with other dipping sauces such as vinegar and soy sauce, garlic-peanut sauce, or a mixture of honey or maple syrup with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. For a spicier version, add garlic powder and red chili flakes.

Reheating lumpia

Lumpia is best enjoyed straight away, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes. This will bring them back to life, warming them through and making them crispy again.

If you don't have an air fryer, you can also reheat lumpia in the oven. Brush both sides of the lumpia with oil and bake for about 10 minutes on one side, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes.

If you're reheating frozen lumpia, it's important to note that you should always thaw them first before cooking.

Lumpia brands

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. While lumpia can be made from scratch, frozen lumpia is a convenient option that can be cooked in an air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep-frying.

There are several brands of frozen lumpia available in the market, and here are some of the notable ones:

• Tropics brand: This brand offers long lumpia that may need to be cut to size. They have a variety that includes pork, shrimp, and carrots, which is a popular choice for those looking for the "Shanghai" type of lumpia.
• Newton label: This brand offers the regular-sized lumpia with vegetables and is available in a large bag. It can be found at any Filipino market or Chinese supermarket.
• 99 Ranch Markets: These markets carry several varieties of frozen lumpia, including different mixes of meat and vegetables.
• Seafood City: This store offers a range of frozen lumpia options, including the Shanghai variety with pork, shrimp, and carrots.
• DJ Bibingkahan: They sell frozen, uncooked Shanghai egg rolls in bulk, which include pork, shrimp, and carrots.
• Philippine Style Egg Rolls by Family Loompya Company: This brand is recommended by a blogger for its ability to stay moist in the air fryer. They offer both pork and chicken options.
• Lumpiang Shanghai Pork: Available on Amazon, this brand offers cooked pork lumpia with 35-40 pieces in a pack, along with sweet chilli sauce.

These brands provide a range of options for those looking to buy frozen lumpia, whether it's for a quick snack or a large gathering. Each brand may have unique features, so it's worth trying a few to find your preferred choice.

Frequently asked questions