Lumpia is a Filipino version of spring rolls made with lumpia wrappers which are similar to a spring roll wrapper. They are typically filled with ground chicken or pork, carrots, onions, cabbage, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Serving lumpia is almost a requirement at Filipino family gatherings and celebrations like Christmas. At four months long, the Filipino Christmas season is the longest-celebrated holiday season in the Philippines. Lumpia comes in fresh and deep-fried versions, and now, How to Cook Frozen Lumpia in the Air Fryer is one of my easy air fryer recipes!
My love affair with lumpia began when I was working as the nurse administrator of a dialysis clinic. I had several Filipino nurses on staff, and they loved to cook and share their traditional foods. For holidays like Christmas, they brought in vast trays of fresh and deep-fried lumpia. It was so delicious. My favorite lumpia was the vegetarian lumpia. There were always different sauces, some spicy, others sweet. It's been 25 years, but I have not forgotten the lumpia and all the delicious dipping sauces.
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MARY'S TWO CENTS
Frozen lumpia are very affordable, and cooking them in the air fryer does not require other ingredients. You will probably want a sauce or two jarred or homemade, but this recipe is still cheap.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Lumpia is the perfect finger food.
- Lumpia is a tasty finger food that allows guests to carry their plates with them as they mingle and chat with family and friends.
- Partygoers can enjoy this appetizer whether they’re sitting or standing.
- Lumpia in the air fryer is convenient.
- If you’re hosting a large Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve party at your home this year, ease your workload by preparing lumpia in the air fryer.
- Make the sauces beforehand or use bottled sauces served in pretty dishes. Then, you can air fry the rolls as the guests arrive, giving you more time to work on the entrees and mingle.
- If dinner is running late, air fry another batch of lumpia!
- Air frying lumpia is the easy way.
- Deep frying is not needed for crispy spring rolls.
- The cooking time is shorter.
- Nothing is needed but the air fryer and tongs. No conventional oven, stovetop, deep fryer, or large skillet is required.
- This method works for frozen spring rolls and egg rolls.
- No messy cleanup. Just wipe the air fryer tray with paper towels!
- Lumpia is unique.
- Don't show up at a Christmas potluck with the same boring dish. Bring a unique dish, like lumpia, to the party.
- The best way to stand out is by bringing Filipino food as your contribution. Don't forget the tasty dipping sauces.
INGREDIENTS
The only ingredient you need for this recipe is frozen lumpia. I recommend brushing or spritzing the lumpia with vegetable oil before air frying. (Olive oil is too strong a flavor) That's it!
I have tried many different brands of frozen lumpia, and Philippine Style Egg Rolls by Family Loompya Company is my favorite. They do not dry out in the hot air of the air fryer. I am partial to the pork, but the chicken is also delicious. Disclaimer: I have not been compensated in any way for my endorsement of this brand of lumpia. I just love them, and I want to spread the word!
For the full recipe with quantities, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Lumpia is a Filipino version of crispy spring rolls. Lumpia wrappers are typically made from wheat flour, cornstarch, and water, thin and delicate but strong enough to hold fillings. They are not the same as an egg roll wrapper.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Turn on air fryer and set the temperature to 375 degrees F. Preheat for 2 minutes.
Place the lumpia in a single layer. Spritz with cooking spray or brush with oil.
Set the timer for 9 minutes. Push the basket in and begin air frying.
At 9 minutes check the lumpia. They should be lightly golden brown.
Use tongs to flip the lumpia to the opposite side.
Brush with oil and air fry for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove the lumpia from the air fryer when they are golden brown and the wrappers are crispy. If it is not crisp enough, you can cook for an additional 2 minutes max. Remove the lumpia from the air fryer basket and place it on a serving dish; for best results, serve while still warm.
DIPPING SAUCE IDEAS FOR LUMPIA
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
- Soy sauce with hot chili oil added
- Ponzu sauce
Looking for More Unique Appetizers?
EQUIPMENT
I use the 4-quart PowerXL air fryer because I cook for two. If you need more servings, use the Ninja Foodi or one of the larger air fryers.
FOOD STORAGE TIPS
Store leftover lumpia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Do not re-freeze.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 8 ounces frozen lumpia
- 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions
- Turn on the air fryer and set the temperature to 375 degrees F. Preheat for 2 minutes.
- Place the lumpia in a single layer on the air fryer tray. Spritz with cooking spray or brush with oil.
- Set the timer for 9 minutes. Push the basket in and begin air frying.
- At 9 minutes check the lumpia. They should be lightly golden brown.
- Use tongs to flip the lumpia to the opposite side.
- Brush with oil and air fry for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the lumpia from the air fryer when they are golden brown and the lumpia wrappers are crispy. If not crisp enough, you can cook for additional 2 minutes max.
- Remove the lumpia from the air fryer basket and place on a serving dish.
- For best results serve while still warm, with a dipping sauce or two per personal preferences. Garnish with slivered green onion if desired.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
It’s so easy and came out delicious! These are a great lunch.
Giangi Townsend says
So simple adn so good. Thank you for the easy instructions. Still learning how to use my air-frier
Nora says
What a great recipe! Nice to have learned something new again, because I did not know Lumpia before! Thank you for this treat!
Tina says
I loved Lumpia as a kid and am so excited to know that I can now make it in the air fryer. So Excited for your method!