Save The first time I made crispy lumpia chips at home, I wasn't trying to recreate anything fancy—I just had a stack of wrappers in my freezer and wanted something quick to crunch on while watching a movie. I brushed them with oil, tossed them in the air fryer, and ten minutes later, my kitchen smelled like something between a Filipino street market and a snack aisle. That's when I realized these weren't just a side dish; they were an invitation to make something special. The dip came next, almost by accident, when I found cream cheese and leftover rotisserie chicken in my fridge and decided to get creative.
I served this to my family during a lazy Sunday afternoon, and my mom immediately asked if I'd bought the dip from the grocery store because she couldn't believe how smooth it was. When I told her it was just cream cheese and a few pantry staples, she went quiet for a moment—that specific quiet that means she's mentally calculating how many times she could have made this instead of buying expensive appetizers. My nephew, who barely touches anything with texture, ended up eating more chips than the dip, which felt like its own kind of victory.
Ingredients
- Lumpia wrappers: These thin, delicate sheets are the foundation of your chips—thinner than egg roll wrappers, so they crisp up beautifully without becoming tough.
- Neutral oil: Canola or vegetable oil lets the seasoning shine without adding competing flavors; I use a light hand because even a little goes a long way.
- Cooked chicken breast: Shredding it finely ensures it distributes evenly throughout the dip, creating a creamy texture rather than chunky pockets.
- Cream cheese: Make sure it's softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly without lumps or requiring extra stirring.
- Mayonnaise and sour cream: Together, they add richness and tang without being heavy—the balance keeps the dip feeling light and craveable.
- Green onions: These add a fresh bite that cuts through the richness and gives visual appeal when sprinkled on top.
- Lemon juice: Just enough to brighten everything and prevent the dip from tasting flat or one-dimensional.
Instructions
- Heat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it warm up while you prep—this ensures even cooking from the moment the chips hit the basket.
- Cut and oil the wrappers:
- Slice each wrapper into four strips or triangles, brush lightly with oil, and sprinkle with salt and garlic powder if you like. The light coating is key—too much oil and they become greasy, too little and they won't crisp properly.
- Air fry until golden:
- Lay them flat in a single layer and fry for four to five minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so they cook evenly on both sides. You'll hear them rattle—that's the sound of them crisping up beautifully.
- Build the dip base:
- In a bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice until completely smooth and no lumps remain.
- Fold in the chicken and seasonings:
- Gently combine the shredded chicken, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt, stirring just until everything is evenly distributed and the color is consistent throughout.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and pair it with the cooled chips right away, or refrigerate the dip until you're ready—both work beautifully.
Save There was a moment when my partner took a chip, dipped it into the dip, and just stopped talking for a few seconds—the kind of moment that reminds you why cooking for people matters. It wasn't about impressing anyone; it was just about creating something that tasted like care tasted like invitation.
Making Them Your Own
Once you've made this combination once, you'll start seeing variations everywhere. I've added a teaspoon of sriracha to the dip on nights when I wanted heat, and it transformed the whole thing into something spicy and alive. I've also used rotisserie chicken straight from the grocery store, which honestly saves time and produces nearly identical results—no shame in that shortcut. The beautiful part about this recipe is how forgiving it is; it bends to what you have and what you're craving.
Timing and Batch Strategy
If you're feeding a crowd, don't try to fit everything in the air fryer at once—it's tempting, but you'll end up with some chips that are golden and others that are barely cooked. I learned this the hard way at a potluck where I got ambitious and crammed too many in one go. Now I cook in two batches and let them cool on a clean kitchen towel while the second batch crisps up. Your guests won't notice the slight delay between batches, but they'll absolutely notice the difference in texture when everything is cooked properly.
Serving and Storage Ideas
These chips are best eaten fresh and still warm, but they'll keep in an airtight container for three days if you want to make them ahead. The dip is also make-ahead friendly—in fact, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have mingled overnight. Here's what makes this pairing work at any time of day: it's casual enough for snacking but elegant enough to serve when people drop by.
- Store chips in an airtight container separate from the dip to keep them crisp.
- If chips soften, you can re-crisp them in the air fryer for two minutes at 325°F.
- The dip keeps refrigerated for up to four days, making this perfect for meal prep or advance entertaining.
Save This recipe has become one of those things I make when I want to feel capable in the kitchen without stress, and that's its real magic. It transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes thoughtful and tastes like home.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of oil is best for air frying lumpia chips?
Neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil work best to ensure crispiness without overpowering flavors.
- → Can lumpia wrappers be substituted?
Yes, wonton wrappers can be used as an alternative with similar crisp results.
- → How do I achieve the perfect crispiness in air fryer chips?
Cut wrappers into uniform pieces, lightly brush with oil, and air fry at 350°F, shaking halfway for even crisping.
- → What ingredients create the creamy dip base?
The dip combines cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice for a smooth and tangy texture.
- → Are there ways to add heat to the dip?
Adding hot sauce or chili flakes can introduce a spicy kick to the creamy dip.
- → How long can the dip be refrigerated before serving?
The dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, maintaining its flavor and texture.