Save I was digging through the freezer one afternoon, looking for something quick to make, when I found a stack of lumpia wrappers I'd forgotten about. They were just sitting there, and I wasn't in the mood to roll anything elaborate. On a whim, I sliced them into strips, tossed them with garlic oil, and threw them in the air fryer. What came out was a pile of golden, crackling chips that disappeared faster than I could make them.
I made these for a friend who came over unexpectedly, and she kept reaching for more while we talked. She asked if I'd fried them, and when I said air fryer, she looked genuinely shocked. By the end of the night, we'd gone through two batches, and she left with the recipe scribbled on a napkin.
Ingredients
- Lumpia wrappers: These thin wrappers turn shatteringly crisp in the air fryer, and you can cut them into any shape you like.
- Neutral oil: Canola or vegetable oil works perfectly here, letting the garlic shine without competing flavors.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic blooms in warm oil and coats every strip with that deep, toasty aroma.
- Sea salt: Just enough to bring out the savory notes without overpowering the garlic.
- Black pepper: A little heat in the background that makes each bite more interesting.
- Fresh parsley or chives: Optional, but a handful of green at the end makes them look and taste brighter.
Instructions
- Get the air fryer ready:
- Preheat it to 180°C for about 3 minutes. This ensures the wrappers start crisping the moment they hit the basket.
- Slice the wrappers:
- Stack them up and cut into strips or triangles, whatever feels right. I usually go for 3 cm wide pieces, but you can adjust based on how you want them to look.
- Infuse the oil with garlic:
- Warm the oil gently in a small saucepan, then add the minced garlic. Let it turn golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes, then pull it off the heat before it burns.
- Coat the wrappers:
- Toss the sliced wrappers in a big bowl with the garlic oil, salt, and pepper. Use your hands if you need to, making sure every piece gets a little love.
- Arrange in the basket:
- Lay them out in a single layer, don't crowd them. If you have more than one batch, that's fine, just keep them separate.
- Air-fry until golden:
- Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so they crisp evenly. You'll know they're done when they're golden and smell incredible.
- Cool and repeat:
- Move the finished chips to a wire rack to cool and stay crispy. Fry the next batch while the first one cools.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives if you're using them. Serve right away or tuck them into an airtight container for later.
Save The first time I brought these to a gathering, someone asked if they were fancy restaurant chips. I just laughed and said they were leftovers I didn't want to waste. But honestly, that's when I realized how something so simple could feel special, just because it tasted good and made people happy.
Flavor Boosters
If you want a little kick, toss in some chili flakes with the garlic oil. I've also added a pinch of smoked paprika when I'm feeling it, and it gives the chips a subtle warmth that works beautifully with sweet chili dipping sauce. Sometimes I'll dust them with a tiny bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy edge, even though there's no dairy involved.
Serving and Dipping
These chips are perfect on their own, but they really come alive with a dip. I usually set out sweet chili sauce or a quick vinegar dip with soy and a little sugar. If you have spicy mayo or even hummus around, those work too. They're also great crumbled over salads or soups for texture, which I discovered by accident one day.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Once they're completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay crispy for a day or two, though they rarely last that long in my house. If they soften a bit, you can pop them back in the air fryer for a minute to refresh them.
- You can prep the garlic oil ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Cut the wrappers in advance and store them flat in a sealed bag until you're ready to cook.
- Don't season them until just before air-frying, or the salt can make them soggy.
Save These little chips have become my go-to when I need something quick that feels like a treat. They're proof that you don't need a long ingredient list or complicated steps to make something people remember.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of oil is best for infusing garlic flavor?
Neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil work best to highlight the garlic aroma without overpowering the flavor.
- → Can I use wonton wrappers instead of lumpia wrappers?
Yes, wonton wrappers can be substituted and will produce a similar crispy texture when air-fried.
- → How can I make the chips extra crispy?
Ensure the air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded and shake halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
- → Are the chips suitable for vegan and dairy-free diets?
Yes, these chips contain no dairy or animal products, making them suitable for vegan and dairy-free diets.
- → What garnish pairs well with the garlic lumpia chips?
Chopped fresh parsley or chives add a fresh, colorful touch that complements the garlic flavor well.