Crispy Garlic Lumpia Chips

There's something about the smell of garlic hitting hot oil that makes you pause mid-kitchen moment and just breathe it in. I discovered these crispy lumpia chips by accident one Sunday afternoon when I had leftover wrappers and a craving for something crunchy. Instead of tossing them, I grabbed whatever was in the pantry—garlic, oil, salt—and threw them into the air fryer out of pure curiosity. Ten minutes later, I was standing in my kitchen with a bowl of impossibly golden, shatteringly crispy chips that tasted nothing like the humble ingredients suggested they could.

The first time I served these to friends, I put them in a little bowl with sweet chili sauce almost apologetically, thinking they'd be a casual appetizer. Instead, I watched them disappear faster than the main course, with people asking if I'd bought them from somewhere special. That's when I realized simple and crispy beats fussy every single time.

Ingredients

• Lumpia Wrappers: These thin, delicate sheets are what create the magic here—they fry up paper-thin and golden, almost like a better version of a potato chip in texture.
• Neutral Oil: Canola or vegetable oil lets the garlic shine without competing flavors, and three tablespoons is just enough to coat without making them greasy.
• Garlic Cloves: Four large cloves minced fine will infuse the oil with flavor as they gently toast; don't skip the mincing step or you'll get chunks instead of that seamless garlic taste throughout.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper: These simple seasonings let the garlic and crispy wrapper texture speak for themselves without muddying the flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley or Chives: A garnish that adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a little visual pop, though totally skippable if you're in a hurry.

Instructions

Get Your Air Fryer Ready:

Preheat to 180°C (350°F) for three minutes so the basket is hot and ready to crisp those wrappers the moment they hit it.

Cut Your Wrappers:

Stack all ten lumpia wrappers and slice them into thin strips or triangles about 3 centimeters wide using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. Don't stress about perfection—some thinner, some thicker is actually nice for texture variation.

Infuse the Oil with Garlic:

Heat the oil gently over low heat in a small saucepan, add your minced garlic, and let it sizzle until golden and fragrant, about two minutes—this is the moment the kitchen smells absolutely incredible. Tip it off the heat and let it cool slightly before using.

Coat the Wrapper Strips:

Toss the sliced wrappers in a large mixing bowl with the garlic oil, salt, and pepper, turning everything gently to make sure every piece gets that golden coating without tearing.

Air-Fry Until Golden:

Lay the coated strips in a single layer in your air fryer basket—they should have a little room to breathe, so work in batches if needed. Fry for five to seven minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they're deep golden brown and completely crispy.

Cool and Crisp:

Transfer the chips to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes; they'll crunch up even more as they cool down. Repeat with any remaining wrappers.

Finish and Serve:

If you're using fresh herbs, sprinkle them over now while the chips are still warm so the heat releases their fragrance. Serve immediately while they're at peak crispness, or store in an airtight container.

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There was this one time I made a double batch and my partner caught me eating them straight from the cooling rack before they'd even made it to a serving bowl. I think that's when I knew these weren't just a snack—they were officially a favorite.

Why Garlic Oil Makes Everything Better

Garlic oil is one of those simple techniques that changes the game in the kitchen. When you slowly toast minced garlic in oil over low heat, the starches in the garlic break down and the natural sugars caramelize slightly, creating a deep, mellow garlic flavor that's almost creamy without being heavy. It's nothing like raw garlic, which can be harsh, and it's so much easier than trying to coat crispy things with minced pieces that won't stick. The oil itself becomes this gorgeous golden carrier that distributes flavor evenly across every wrapper strip.

Dipping Sauces That Make Sense

These chips are hungry for a dip because they're so crispy and absorb flavor like little golden sponges. Sweet chili sauce is the obvious move—the heat and sweetness balance the savory garlic perfectly. But vinegar dips work equally well if you want something more assertive, especially if you add a hit of lime juice and a pinch of sugar to the vinegar. I've also done a simple soy-honey situation that no one expected but everyone asked for the recipe on.

Storage, Substitutions, and Flexibility

Crispy things are best eaten immediately, but life isn't always immediate, so store these in an airtight container at room temperature and they'll stay good for up to three days—though they'll gradually soften because humidity is real. You can refresh them in the air fryer at 150°C for just two minutes if they've lost their crunch. If you can't find lumpia wrappers, wonton wrappers work beautifully and actually fry up even thinner and more delicate. For extra depth, add a tiny pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the oil before you add the garlic, and suddenly you've got something with more character.

• Make these vegan by using any neutral plant-based oil, which they already are if you're not adding any animal products to your dipping sauce.
• Double the batch and freeze the coated strips unbaked in a single layer, then air-fry straight from frozen—they might need an extra minute but will be just as crispy.
• These are naturally gluten-free if you can find gluten-free lumpia wrappers, which some specialty markets carry.

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These lumpia chips have become my answer to the question of what to bring to things when someone says just bring something easy. They feel thoughtful but take almost no effort, and they taste like you spent way more time on them than you actually did.

Your Questions Answered

→ What wrappers are used for the chips?

Thin lumpia wrappers, similar to spring roll skins, are sliced and fried to create a light, crispy texture.

→ How is the garlic flavor infused into the chips?

Garlic cloves are gently sautéed in oil until golden, then this aromatic oil coats the wrapper strips before frying.

→ Can these chips be made without an air fryer?

Yes, the chips can be shallow-fried or baked, though the air fryer helps achieve even crispiness with less oil.

→ What are some suggested garnishes or seasonings?

Fresh parsley or chives add a bright finish, while chili flakes or smoked paprika can provide extra flavor.

→ How should the chips be stored after cooking?

Store in an airtight container once cooled to maintain crispiness, ideally consuming within a few days.