Air Fryer Lumpia Chips

One afternoon I was staring at a stack of lumpia wrappers I'd bought for spring rolls, but I wasn't in the mood to fill and roll. I cut a few into strips, tossed them in the air fryer with a bit of oil, and they came out golden and shatteringly crisp. I needed something to dip them in, so I mixed up leftover shredded chicken with cream cheese and whatever I had in the fridge. That improvised snack turned into something I now make on purpose, especially when friends come over and I want something that feels special without the fuss.

I brought this to a potluck once, worried it was too simple compared to the other dishes. Within ten minutes the bowl was empty and three people asked for the recipe. There's something about the combination of crispy, salty chips and that savory, slightly tangy dip that makes it hard to stop eating. I've made it for game nights, casual dinners, and even as a late-night snack when I'm the only one home.

Ingredients

• Lumpia wrappers: These thin, delicate wrappers crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and shatter when you bite into them, giving you that addictive crunch without any sogginess.
• Neutral oil: A light brush of canola or vegetable oil is all you need to help the wrappers turn golden and crisp without tasting heavy or greasy.
• Salt and garlic powder: A simple seasoning that clings to the oil and brings out a savory flavor that makes the chips taste intentional, not plain.
• Cooked chicken breast: Shredded finely so it blends into the dip smoothly, adding protein and a mild, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.
• Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature so it mixes easily and gives the dip that rich, velvety texture that coats each chip.
• Mayonnaise and sour cream: Together they add tang and creaminess, making the dip taste bright and balanced instead of heavy.
• Lemon juice: Just a tablespoon cuts through the richness and wakes up all the other flavors without tasting sour.
• Green onions: Chopped finely, they add a fresh, mild bite and little flecks of color that make the dip look homemade.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper: These pantry spices build savory depth quietly in the background, rounding out the dip without overpowering it.

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer:

Set it to 350 degrees so it's ready to go when you load the chips in. A preheated basket helps them crisp evenly from the first minute.

Prep the wrappers:

Cut each wrapper into four strips or triangles using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, then brush them lightly with oil and sprinkle with salt and optional garlic powder. You want just enough oil to coat them, not drench them.

Air fry in batches:

Lay the pieces in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don't overlap, then air fry for four to five minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They'll puff slightly and turn golden, and you'll smell that toasty, crispy aroma.

Cool the chips:

Transfer them to a plate or wire rack and let them cool for a few minutes. They'll firm up as they sit and become even crunchier.

Make the dip base:

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice, then mix with a spoon or spatula until it's completely smooth. If the cream cheese is too cold, it'll clump, so let it sit out for a bit first.

Fold in the chicken and seasonings:

Add the shredded chicken, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, then stir until everything is evenly distributed. Taste it and adjust the salt or lemon juice if needed.

Serve:

Scoop the dip into a serving bowl and set it out with the cooled chips. You can serve it right away or cover and refrigerate the dip until you're ready to eat.

Save

The first time I made this for my family, my mom asked if I'd bought the dip from a restaurant. When I told her it was just cream cheese and chicken, she didn't believe me until I showed her the empty containers in the sink. Now she asks me to bring it every time we get together, and I've stopped trying to introduce new appetizers because this one has become the expected favorite.

How to Store and Reheat

The chips lose their crunch pretty quickly once they're exposed to air, so I store them in an airtight container at room temperature and eat them within a day. If they soften, you can pop them back in the air fryer at 300 degrees for a minute or two to crisp them up again. The dip keeps well in the fridge for up to three days in a sealed container, and I actually think it tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

Variations and Swaps

If you don't have lumpia wrappers, wonton wrappers work just as well and crisp up the same way. I've used rotisserie chicken when I'm short on time, and leftover grilled or baked chicken works too as long as it's shredded finely. For a spicier version, stir in a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle chili flakes into the dip, or brush the chips with chili oil before air frying. You can also add a handful of shredded cheddar or a spoonful of ranch seasoning to the dip if you want to change the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve these chips with the dip in the center of a big platter, surrounded by fresh veggies like cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper strips for people who want something lighter. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, a light lager, or even iced tea if you're keeping it casual. If you're putting together a spread, this works well alongside other Filipino-inspired appetizers like pork skewers or garlic fried rice.

• Set out extra napkins because the chips can be a little oily and the dip is rich.
• Make a double batch of chips if you're feeding more than four people because they disappear faster than you'd think.
• Serve the dip cold or at room temperature, whichever you prefer.

Save

This recipe has become my go-to whenever I need something that feels thoughtful but doesn't require much effort. Every time I make it, I'm reminded that the best snacks are often the ones you stumble into by accident.

Kitchen Tips & Answers

→ How do I get lumpia chips crispy in the air fryer?

Cut the wrappers into triangles, lightly brush with oil and sprinkle salt, then air fry at 350°F for 4-5 minutes, shaking halfway for even crispiness.

→ Can I substitute lumpia wrappers with other types?

Yes, wonton wrappers are a great alternative and will crisp similarly in the air fryer.

→ What enhances the flavor of the chicken dip?

The combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and spices like garlic and onion powder balances richness with tang and depth.

→ Is it possible to prepare the dip ahead of time?

Absolutely, the dip can be refrigerated and served chilled or at room temperature when ready.

→ How can I add some heat to this dish?

Incorporate a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes into the dip to introduce a spicy kick.

→ What drinks pair well with the lumpia chips and dip?

Light lagers or crisp white wines complement the crispy texture and creamy dip flavors perfectly.