Crispy Garlic Lumpia Chips

My neighbor Maria showed up one afternoon with a container of homemade lumpia chips, still warm and impossibly crispy. I devoured them in minutes, and she laughed, saying the secret was infusing the oil with garlic before tossing the wrappers. That simple technique changed everything for me—suddenly I had a snack that felt both indulgent and somehow lighter than store-bought alternatives. Now whenever I make a batch, the smell of golden garlic fills my kitchen, and I find myself frying just a few extra wrappers because I know they won't last long.

I remember bringing a batch to a potluck and watching people's faces light up as they grabbed handful after handful—someone actually asked me if I'd bought them from a fancy shop. That moment made me realize how something so simple could feel like a gift, especially when served still warm with a little bowl of sweet chili sauce on the side.

Ingredients

• Lumpia wrappers: These paper-thin Filipino spring roll wrappers are what makes this magical—they shatter into the most satisfying crunch when fried, so don't skip quality here and always check that they're fresh, not dried out.
• Neutral oil: Canola or vegetable oil lets the garlic shine without competing flavors, and it reaches the right temperature quickly in the air fryer.
• Garlic cloves: Four large cloves is enough to perfume every chip without overwhelming, and mincing them finely ensures they cook evenly and toast to that golden, nutty sweetness.
• Sea salt and black pepper: These simple seasonings are honestly all you need because the garlic-infused oil is already doing most of the work.
• Fresh parsley or chives: A small handful as garnish adds a fresh, peppery note that cuts through the richness perfectly.

Instructions

Warm up your air fryer:

Set it to 180°C (350°F) and let it preheat for 3 minutes while you prep everything else. This temperature is the sweet spot for crisping without browning too fast.

Slice your wrappers:

Stack the lumpia wrappers neatly and cut them into thin strips or triangles about 3 cm wide using a sharp knife. Don't worry if they're slightly uneven—the variety in size actually creates different textures, some extra crispy edges and some tender centers.

Make the garlic oil:

Heat the neutral oil gently over low heat, then add your minced garlic and let it sizzle quietly for about 2 minutes until it turns pale golden and releases that intoxicating aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool for a minute so the garlic doesn't continue cooking.

Coat the chips:

Toss your sliced wrappers in a large bowl with the warm garlic oil, salt, and pepper, using gentle motions so you coat everything evenly without tearing the delicate pieces. Every wrapper should glisten slightly.

Air fry in batches:

Spread the coated strips in a single layer in your air fryer basket without overlapping—this is what makes them crispy instead of chewy. If your basket is small, work in two batches rather than stacking.

Shake and watch:

Air-fry for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so they brown evenly. They're done when they're golden and snap when you bend them.

Cool and crisp up:

Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which allows the steam to escape and locks in that shatter. They'll continue to crisp as they cool.

Finish and serve:

If using garnish, scatter the chopped parsley or chives over the cooled chips just before serving. Eat them warm, or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

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There was one evening when my partner came home stressed from work, and I had a warm batch of these waiting with cold drinks. Watching him relax after the first handful made me understand that sometimes the best recipes aren't about complexity—they're about the moment you share them in.

Flavor Variations Worth Trying

Once you nail the basic technique, the door opens wide. I've experimented with adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the oil for a subtle woodsmoke note, or a whisper of chili flakes if I want a gentle heat that builds slowly. One weekend I mixed in a small amount of grated parmesan cheese after frying, and it was almost addictive, though that shifts it away from vegan territory. The garlic is the anchor, so any additions should complement rather than compete with that golden, roasted character.

The Best Dips and Pairings

These chips are versatile enough to pair with almost anything, but a few combinations have become my go-to moves. Sweet chili sauce is the classic choice—that balance of heat, sweetness, and tang cuts through the richness perfectly. I've also discovered that a simple vinegar-based dip or even a lime-seasoned mayo turns them into something feel like bar food at a dinner party. For a lighter option, a ginger-scallion dip echoes the Asian flavors and feels fresh and alive.

Storage and Make-Ahead Strategy

The best part about this recipe is that you can fry them ahead and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days, though I'll be honest—they rarely last that long in my house. If you want to prep partially, you can slice and oil the wrappers a few hours ahead, then air-fry them fresh when guests arrive. For a longer game plan, keep extra lumpia wrappers in the freezer and defrost them just before slicing, which actually makes them easier to cut cleanly.

• Store cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature, never in the refrigerator where humidity makes them soft.
• If they do lose crispness after sitting, pop them back in the air fryer at 160°C for 2 to 3 minutes to restore that shatter.
• Double or triple the garlic oil mixture and keep it in a small jar—it's wonderful drizzled over salads or used as a dip for bread.

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This recipe has become my quiet victory in the kitchen—proof that sometimes the simplest ideas, executed with a little care, create something genuinely special. Every batch reminds me that the best food isn't always the most complicated.

Recipe Q&A

→ What makes lumpia wrappers ideal for chips?

Lumpia wrappers are thin and crisp easily when fried or air-fried, creating a light, crunchy texture perfect for chips.

→ How do I infuse garlic flavor into the chips?

Minced garlic is gently sautéed in oil to release aroma, then infused into the wrapper strips by tossing them in the flavored oil before frying.

→ Can these chips be made without an air fryer?

Yes, you can shallow fry or oven-bake the coated strips until golden and crisp, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

→ What garnishes complement these garlic lumpia chips?

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add color and a subtle fresh note that balances the rich garlic flavor.

→ Are there seasoning alternatives for different tastes?

Adding chili flakes or smoked paprika to the garlic oil can introduce a spicy or smoky element to enhance flavor depth.