Pin It The smell of garlic hitting hot oil still pulls me into the kitchen every single time. I first made these on a rainy afternoon when I had a stack of lumpia wrappers leftover from a party and zero interest in rolling more filling. Now they are the thing people actually ask for when they come over.
I brought these to a small gathering last month and watched my friend Sarah hover near the bowl the entire evening. She kept saying just one more every time she walked past. By the end of the night I had to promise her the recipe before she would leave.
Ingredients
- Lumpia wrappers: These thin spring roll wrappers become impossibly crispy when air fried. Any brand works but avoid the thick ones meant for frying whole.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic matters here. The cloves are minced and bloomed in oil first so every strip carries that aromatic punch.
- Neutral oil: Canola or vegetable oil lets the garlic shine without competing flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that wakes up all the flavors.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley or chives add a bright finish but they are completely optional.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 180°C (350°F) and let it warm up for about 3 minutes while you prep everything else.
- Slice the wrappers:
- Stack all 10 lumpia wrappers and cut them into strips or triangles about 3 cm wide. The shape does not matter much but keep them similar sizes for even cooking.
- Make the garlic oil:
- Heat the 3 tablespoons of oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook slowly until it turns golden and smells incredible about 2 minutes then remove from heat.
- Coat the strips:
- Put all the cut wrappers in a large mixing bowl. Pour that garlic oil over them then sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Toss gently with your hands until every piece feels lightly coated.
- Arrange and air fry:
- Spread the coated wrappers in one single layer in your air fryer basket. Work in batches if you need to because crowding makes them soggy instead of crisp.
- Cook to golden perfection:
- Air fry for 5 to 7 minutes total but shake the basket halfway through so nothing burns. You want them golden brown all over.
- Cool and repeat:
- Transfer the finished chips to a wire rack so they stay crunchy as they cool. Repeat with any remaining wrapper strips.
- Finish and serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives if you want some color. Eat them right away for maximum crunch or store them airtight for later snacking.
Pin It These became my go to when I want something crunchy but do not want to heat up a pot of oil or buy processed snacks. My toddler calls them the crunchy ones and gets genuinely excited when she sees me cutting the wrappers.
Making Them Your Own
A pinch of chili flakes in the hot oil creates this gentle heat that lingers. Smoked paprika adds this savory depth that makes people pause and try to guess what you added. Sometimes I do both.
Dipping Sauces That Work
Sweet chili sauce is the classic pairing but a simple vinegar dip with crushed garlic and soy sauce hits differently. Ranch works surprisingly well too if you want something creamy and familiar.
Common Questions
Yes wonton wrappers work if you cannot find lumpia wrappers. No you do not need to brush them with more oil during cooking. The initial toss is enough. Make sure they cool completely before storing or they will lose their crunch.
- Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Recrisp them in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes if they soften
- Double the garlic if you really love that bold flavor
Pin It Hope these become your new favorite snack. They certainly earned a permanent spot in my kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of oil works best for garlic-infused lumpia chips?
Neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil are ideal for soaking the garlic and coating the lumpia chips to achieve a balanced flavor.
- → Can I use a different type of wrapper for the chips?
Yes, wonton wrappers can be substituted if lumpia wrappers are unavailable, maintaining the crisp texture when air fried.
- → How do I make the garlic flavor more pronounced?
Gently sauté minced garlic in oil until golden and fragrant, then let it cool before coating the wrappers for the best infusion.
- → What is the best way to store leftover chips?
Keep the chips in an airtight container at room temperature to retain crispness and prevent moisture absorption.
- → Are there any suggested garnishes or dips?
Fresh chopped parsley or chives add a bright finish, while sweet chili sauce or vinegar dips complement the savory garlic flavor nicely.