Save The first time I made lumpia chips in my air fryer, I wasn't sure if cutting them into strips would actually work—but watching them puff up and turn golden in those first few minutes felt like a small kitchen magic trick. My Filipino friend had suggested the idea one afternoon, and I realized I'd been overlooking such a simple way to transform those crispy wrappers into something entirely new. Now they're the snack I reach for when I want something that tastes indulgent but comes together in barely half an hour.
I brought a batch of these to a small dinner party last spring, and what surprised me wasn't just how quickly people reached for them—it was how the combination felt both comforting and unexpected at the same time. Someone asked if they could have the dip recipe, and I loved explaining that the secret is not overworking it, letting the flavors blend naturally rather than fussing with it too much.
Ingredients
- Lumpia wrappers: These delicate wheat-based sheets are your foundation, and cutting them into strips before frying gives you maximum crispy surface area—way better than leaving them whole.
- Neutral oil: A light brush is all you need; the air fryer does the heavy lifting, so don't drown them.
- Salt and garlic powder: These simple seasonings on the raw wrapper make a huge difference before cooking, so don't skip this step.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is non-negotiable here—it needs to blend smoothly without lumps or cold spots.
- Mayonnaise and sour cream: Together they create that perfect creamy texture and keep the dip from being too thick or too thin.
- Lemon juice: Just a small amount brightens everything and prevents the dip from feeling heavy.
- Green onions: Fresh and finely chopped, they add a sharp bite that cuts through all the richness.
- Shredded chicken: Cooked, cooled, and pulled apart finely—this is what makes it a real dip and not just a flavored cream cheese situation.
Instructions
- Heat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while you prep the wrappers—this only takes a few minutes and makes sure everything cooks evenly.
- Cut and season the wrappers:
- Slice each lumpia wrapper into 4 strips or triangles, then brush them lightly with oil and sprinkle with salt and garlic powder if using. The oil doesn't need to be heavy here; you're just giving the wrapper enough to crisp up.
- Air fry until golden:
- Lay the pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook for 4–5 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through so they brown evenly. You'll know they're done when they're golden and making that satisfying crispy sound when you move them around; work in batches if needed and let them cool on a plate.
- Build the dip base:
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice, stirring until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps hiding in the corners. This becomes the creamy backbone that holds everything together.
- Fold in the chicken and seasonings:
- Add your finely shredded chicken, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, mixing gently until everything is distributed evenly. Don't overmix—you want the chicken to stay in soft pieces, not turn into a paste.
- Serve or chill:
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and pair it with the cooled lumpia chips right away, or cover and refrigerate until you're ready to serve. Cold dip is actually really nice here because it stays firm enough to grab.
Save There's something special about watching someone's face when they taste this dip for the first time—that moment of realizing it's creamy, it's got real chicken in it, and those chips are actually crispy and not greasy. It turned into the kind of appetizer I make when I want to impress people without looking like I'm trying too hard.
Why Air Frying Matters Here
Using an air fryer instead of deep frying changes everything about this dish. You get that same golden crispness and satisfying crunch with just a light brush of oil, which means no splattering, no lingering oil smell in your kitchen, and way less cleanup afterward. I actually prefer the texture now—the wrappers stay crispy longer and taste lighter, like they're all crunch with no greasy aftertaste.
Making It Your Own
This recipe is flexible enough to bend to your tastes without breaking. If you like heat, a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes stirred into the dip brings a nice kick, and if you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works beautifully. You can even swap wonton wrappers for lumpia if that's what you have on hand—the cooking time might shift by a minute or two, so just keep an eye on them.
Pairing and Storage
This appetizer pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a cold light lager if you're serving it at a gathering, and the contrast of the cool creamy dip against the warm crispy chips is really satisfying. Leftovers are something to celebrate—the chips stay crispy in an airtight container for a couple of days, and the dip keeps in the fridge for about three days, so you can make both ahead and assemble when guests arrive.
- Store chips and dip separately to keep the chips from getting soggy.
- If your chips have softened, you can pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for a minute to re-crisp them.
- Double the dip recipe if you're feeding a crowd—it disappears fast.
Save This recipe feels like the perfect bridge between comfort and something a little more special, and it's become one of those dishes I make whenever I want to feel like I'm doing something nice without the stress. It never fails to bring people to the table.
Your Questions Answered
- → Can I use wonton wrappers instead of lumpia wrappers?
Yes, wonton wrappers can be substituted for lumpia wrappers and will yield a similar crispy texture when air-fried.
- → What is the best cooking temperature for air frying the chips?
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the chips for 4–5 minutes until golden and crisp.
- → How can I add some heat to the chicken dip?
Incorporate a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes into the dip mixture to introduce a spicy kick.
- → Is it better to use fresh or leftover chicken for the dip?
Both work well; shredded cooked chicken breast is ideal, and leftover or rotisserie chicken provides convenience without sacrificing flavor.
- → What are good beverage pairings with these chips and dip?
A crisp white wine or a light lager complements the savory chips and creamy dip excellently.