Pin it The first time I made garlic lumpia chips, I wasn't actually trying to make a snack—I had leftover wrappers from a failed spring roll attempt and didn't want to waste them. My roommate was coming home after a brutal day at work, and I thought crispy, garlicky something might cheer her up. I sliced those wrappers into strips, tossed them with oil infused with golden garlic, and threw them in the air fryer out of pure improvisation. When she walked through the door, the smell hit her before anything else, and she actually paused. "What is that?" she asked, not moving from the doorway. That's when I knew I'd stumbled onto something good.
I made these for a small dinner party last spring, and they vanished before the main course. A friend who's usually skeptical about "healthy snacks" reached for a third handful and admitted they tasted better than anything she'd expected from lumpia wrappers. That moment made me realize this wasn't just a way to use scraps—it was its own thing, worthy of attention and intention.
Ingredients
- Lumpia wrappers: These thin, delicate sheets are the backbone of the whole snack, and they transform into something completely different when air-fried—crispy without ever being greasy if you get the temperature right.
- Neutral oil: Choose canola or vegetable oil so the garlic stays the star; olive oil will taste heavy here, trust me on that.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fine and gently heated until golden, not browned—this is where the magic lives, and rushing this step costs you everything.
- Sea salt and black pepper: These aren't background players; they unlock the garlic's sweetness and bring balance to each bite.
- Fresh parsley or chives: Optional but honestly worth it—they add a whisper of freshness that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is.
Instructions
- Warm your air fryer and prep your wrappers:
- Set your air fryer to 180°C and let it preheat for three minutes while you stack your lumpia wrappers and slice them into thin strips or triangles about 3 cm wide. A sharp knife or kitchen scissors make this easy—don't fight it.
- Create your garlic oil:
- Heat the neutral oil over low heat in a small saucepan, then add your minced garlic and sauté gently for about two minutes until it turns golden and fragrant. The moment it smells irresistible, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly—overcooked garlic tastes bitter and ruins the whole thing.
- Coat everything evenly:
- Toss your sliced wrappers in a large bowl with the cooled garlic oil, sea salt, and black pepper, making sure each piece gets coated without breaking. This is a gentle toss, not aggressive—these sheets are delicate.
- Arrange and fry in batches:
- Lay the coated wrappers in a single layer in your air fryer basket, working in batches if needed and never overcrowding the space. Air-fry for five to seven minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until everything is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve:
- Remove the chips to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes while they crisp up even more, then repeat with any remaining wrappers. Serve immediately with your favorite dip, or store them in an airtight container.
Pin it There's something almost meditative about sitting down with a bowl of these while doing nothing in particular—no phone, no distraction, just the small satisfactions of a crispy snack that tastes like someone cared enough to infuse oil with garlic. My partner now requests them specifically, which is its own kind of compliment.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you've mastered the basic recipe, the wrappers become a canvas for experimentation. A pinch of chili flakes adds gentle heat that builds with each bite, while smoked paprika brings a subtle depth that makes people pause and ask what you did differently. I've also added a tiny amount of garlic powder (just 1/4 teaspoon) along with the fresh garlic for a more concentrated flavor, and it changes everything. The key is restraint—each addition should complement the garlic, not compete with it.
What to Serve Them With
These chips shine brightest alongside a dipping sauce that contrasts with their savory intensity. Sweet chili sauce is the classic pairing, offering heat and sweetness that balances the garlic; a simple vinegar-based dip works beautifully too. I've also served them with sriracha mixed into mayo, and with a ginger-soy dip when I'm feeling adventurous. The wrappers themselves are neutral enough to work with almost any condiment you already have in your kitchen.
Storage and Reheating
These chips are best eaten the day you make them, but they store reasonably well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If they've lost their crispness by day two, a quick three-minute reheat in the air fryer at 160°C brings them back to life almost completely. I learned this the hard way when I made a batch for snacking throughout the week and ended up with sad, limp chips by Wednesday; now I either make smaller batches or accept that reheating is part of the plan.
- Keep them sealed in an airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent them from absorbing moisture from the air.
- Don't refrigerate them—cold temperatures draw out moisture and make them chewy faster than room temperature storage.
- If you're meal prepping, make the garlic oil and slice the wrappers ahead, then fry them fresh on the day you want to serve.
Pin it What started as a way to use scraps has become one of my most-requested snacks, and I think that's because it proves that the simplest recipes, made with intention, often taste the best. Make these when you want to feel like a thoughtful home cook without actually trying very hard.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of wrappers are used for these chips?
Thin lumpia or spring roll wrappers are used, providing a light and crispy texture once cooked.
- → Can I substitute lumpia wrappers with something else?
Yes, wonton wrappers are a good alternative if lumpia wrappers aren't available.
- → How do you achieve the garlic flavor in the chips?
Garlic cloves are minced and gently sautéed in neutral oil to infuse aroma before coating the wrappers.
- → What cooking method is recommended?
Air-frying at 180°C (350°F) ensures a crispy and evenly browned result in 5-7 minutes.
- → Are these chips suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, they are vegan and dairy-free, using only plant-based ingredients.
- → How should the chips be stored after cooking?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.