Pin this I discovered lumpia chips by accident during a late-night kitchen experiment when a friend mentioned she had leftover spring roll wrappers. We were chatting about Filipino food her grandmother used to make, and instead of just wrapping them traditionally, I grabbed a knife and started cutting them into strips. The air fryer was already warm from dinner prep, and something about seeing them turn golden and crispy in minutes felt like unlocking a secret. That casual evening led to this dip, and now it's become my go-to when people drop by unannounced.
I made this for my partner's work friends last month, and honestly, I was nervous about whether the lumpia chips would be crispy enough or if the dip would feel too heavy. But watching everyone grab handful after handful, asking what was in it—that moment when people go quiet because they're too busy eating—that's when I knew this recipe was a keeper. The combination of textures and that creamy chicken flavor just hits different.
Ingredients
- Lumpia wrappers: These thin, delicate sheets are what make the magic happen—they're way more forgiving than egg roll wrappers and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without absorbing too much oil.
- Neutral oil: A light brush of canola or vegetable oil is all you need; too much and they'll taste greasy, too little and you'll lose that golden crunch.
- Cream cheese: Softening it at room temperature first prevents lumps and makes the dip silky smooth without extra elbow grease.
- Mayonnaise and sour cream: Together these create richness and tang that balances the savory chicken—skip either one and something feels off.
- Green onions: Their fresh, mild bite cuts through the richness and adds a pop of color that makes the dip look alive.
- Lemon juice: Just enough to brighten everything without making it taste acidic or citrusy.
Instructions
- Heat your air fryer and prep the wrappers:
- Get the air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat while you cut each wrapper into 4 pieces—I prefer triangles because they look nicer and crisp more evenly. A light brush of oil on each piece matters; you want them kissed with it, not soaked.
- Fry until they're calling your name:
- Lay them flat in a single layer and air fry for 4–5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so they brown evenly. You'll smell when they're close to ready—that toasted, savory aroma is your signal. Work in batches if needed and let them cool completely so they stay crispy.
- Build the dip with purpose:
- Combine the cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, and lemon juice in a bowl and mix until there are no lumps—this base should feel luxurious and smooth. Once it's there, fold in the chicken, green onions, and all the seasonings gently, tasting as you go because salt varies wildly depending on your chicken and mayo brand.
- Bring it all together:
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and serve immediately with the cooled chips while they're still at peak crispiness. If you're making it ahead, cover and refrigerate—it actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to get cozy with each other.
Pin this What I love most about this recipe is how it blurs the line between homemade and effortless. There's something about serving food that's crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and tastes like it came from a proper kitchen—not because you spent hours on it, but because you were smart about your shortcuts. That's when food becomes more than fuel; it becomes a way of showing up for people.
Make It Your Own
This is the kind of recipe that begs for customization. Want heat? A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes transforms the dip into something with personality. Prefer a different bird? Rotisserie chicken from the store works just as well and honestly saves you a step. The beauty here is that once you understand how the textures and flavors work together, you can adjust freely. I've added fresh cilantro, swapped in Thai chili sauce, even used part cream cheese and part ricotta when I was out of mayo—and every version has been surprisingly good.
Time and Temperature Matter
Air fryer temperatures vary slightly between brands, so if your wrappers aren't crisping evenly in the first batch, you might need to bump it up to 360°F or check them at 3 minutes instead of 4. I learned this the hard way by burning a batch while chatting on the phone, but that mistake actually helped me dial in the exact timing for my machine. The dip, on the other hand, doesn't care about temperature—just make sure your cream cheese is soft enough to blend smoothly, or you'll spend longer mixing than cooking.
Storage and Serving Tips
The chips are best fresh, but they'll stay crispy in an airtight container for a couple of days—just reheat them in the air fryer for 2 minutes if they soften. The dip keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days and tastes fantastic cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.
- Serve the dip cold or at room temperature, never hot—reheating breaks down the creamy texture.
- Make the dip first and let it chill while you fry the chips so everything comes together seamlessly.
- If you're serving at a party, keep the chips and dip separate until the last moment to maintain maximum crispiness.
Pin this This recipe has become my quiet comfort in the kitchen—something I can make without thinking too hard but that always impresses. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just yourself with good snacks, these lumpia chips and dip remind you that the best food doesn't require a complicated story, just good ingredients and a little care.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What can I use instead of lumpia wrappers?
Wonton wrappers are a great substitute; they crisp up similarly when air-fried.
- → How do I ensure the lumpia chips stay crunchy?
Air fry the wrappers in a single layer at 350°F and cool them before serving to maintain their crispiness.
- → Can I prepare the dip ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the chicken cream cheese dip and serve chilled or bring to room temperature before enjoying.
- → What does the dip taste like?
The dip is creamy with a balanced savory flavor from shredded chicken, cream cheese, and a hint of lemon juice and spices.
- → How can I add some heat to the dip?
Incorporate a small amount of hot sauce or chili flakes to add a subtle spicy kick to the creamy dip.