Air Fryer Chicken Lumpia Bites

I discovered lumpia bites by accident at a friend's kitchen party where she was frantically assembling spring rolls while I sat at her counter. She handed me one fresh from her air fryer, and the contrast of that shattering exterior against the warm, savory chicken filling inside made me realize I'd been missing out on a brilliant snack my whole life. Now I make them constantly, and they've become my go-to when I need something that looks fancy but takes barely any fuss.

I brought these to a potluck last spring, nervous they'd disappear before anyone else even got to the table. By the time I'd set down the platter, three people had already grabbed a handful, and someone asked for the recipe before I'd even sat down. That's when I knew they were keeper.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken: This is your foundation, and using chicken thighs instead of breast gives you more flavor and keeps things juicy even after air frying.
• Carrot, finely grated: Not just flavor—this adds natural sweetness and moisture to the filling, which keeps everything tender inside.
• Green onions, finely sliced: They bring a sharp, fresh note that cuts through the richness and keeps the bite from feeling heavy.
• Garlic, minced: Don't skip this or use powder; fresh garlic builds flavor as it cooks down into the chicken.
• Soy sauce and sesame oil: This combination is the backbone of the savory depth; together they make the whole thing taste intentional.
• Lumpia wrappers: Spring roll wrappers work perfectly, and buying them frozen saves a ton of time.
• Egg wash: This tiny detail seals everything shut and gives you that golden finish you're after.

Instructions

Mix your filling with intention:

Combine the chicken, carrot, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper, salt, and sugar in a bowl and mix until everything is evenly distributed. You want each bite to have that balanced hit of flavors.

Cut and prep your wrappers:

Halve each lumpia wrapper into rectangles; this makes them the right size for small bites instead of full-length rolls.

Build each bite:

Scoop about a tablespoon of filling near one short edge of a wrapper half and shape it into a small log. The size matters because too much filling and they won't seal properly, too little and they'll be all wrapper.

Fold, roll, and seal:

Fold the sides over your filling log and roll it up tightly, then brush the end with beaten egg to seal it completely. Think of it like wrapping a small present—neat edges matter.

Preheat your air fryer:

Get it to 190°C (375°F) for 3 minutes so everything cooks evenly when your bites go in.

Arrange and spray:

Place the lumpia bites in a single layer in the basket (don't overcrowd), then spray lightly with oil. This is your key to crispiness without deep frying.

Cook with a flip:

Air fry for 8 minutes, flip everything gently with tongs, spray again, then air fry for 7 more minutes until they're golden and shattering when you bite them.

Make your dipping sauce:

Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili sauce in a small bowl while your bites finish cooking. Let it sit for a minute so the flavors marry.

Serve immediately:

Hot lumpia bites with cool, tangy sauce is the combination that makes people reach for more.

Save It

I made a batch of these for my sister's book club, and they were gone before the opening discussion even started. She texted me later saying her friends had asked her to make them again, and I realized these little bites had somehow become the reason people actually wanted to come to the next gathering.

The Secret to Crispy Bites

The air fryer temperature is your friend here, and 190°C hits that sweet spot where the pastry crisps up without browning so fast that the filling stays cold. I learned this the hard way by experimenting with higher temps, which gave me burnt exteriors and lukewarm centers. Once I dialed in that temperature, every batch came out perfect, and that's become my non-negotiable starting point.

Making Them Ahead

You can assemble these the night before and keep them in the fridge covered, which means most of your work is done when guests are arriving. When you're ready to cook, just add a minute or two to the air fry time since they're going in cold, and you'll still get that shatter and crispness everyone comes back for.

Flavor Variations and Accompaniments

I've swapped in ground pork when chicken wasn't on hand, and honestly, it's richer and just as good. Adding finely chopped water chestnuts or bell pepper gives you little pockets of texture that make each bite interesting, and if you want to go vegetarian, firm tofu crumbled into the mix creates something surprisingly satisfying. The beauty of this recipe is that it's flexible enough to work with what you have in your kitchen.

• Serve with sweet chili sauce, banana ketchup, or the simple vinegar dipping sauce for variety depending on your mood.
• A squeeze of fresh calamansi lime or regular lime juice on the side brightens everything if you want something lighter.
• These reheat beautifully in a 160°C oven for about 5 minutes if you've made them ahead and guests are running late.

Save It

These bites have become my confidence builder for entertaining—they look impressive but require no special skills, and somehow they always make an occasion feel intentional. Now when friends ask what to bring to a gathering, I suggest these, knowing they'll land.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the ground chicken with other proteins?

Yes, ground turkey or pork can be used instead for a slightly different flavor and texture. Firm tofu also works well for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I keep the lumpia wrappers from tearing during assembly?

Handle the wrappers gently and avoid overfilling. Slightly dampening edges with water or using beaten egg helps seal them securely.

→ What temperature and duration are best for air frying lumpia bites?

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Cook the bites for about 15 minutes total, flipping halfway for even crispiness.

→ Is it necessary to use oil spray when air frying?

Lightly spraying oil helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist without deep frying.

→ What dipping sauce pairs well with these chicken lumpia bites?

A tangy mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and optional chili sauce makes a perfect complement, balancing savory and spicy notes.