Can I Cook Lumpia in Air Fryer Discover the Crispy Truth

Yes, you can cook lumpia in an air fryer for a crispy, golden finish with less oil and effort. The air fryer delivers perfectly crunchy lumpia in under 15 minutes by circulating hot air evenly, eliminating the need for deep frying. Just preheat, lightly spray, and flip halfway for restaurant-quality results every time.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook lumpia in an air fryer for a crispy, healthier alternative to deep frying.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for even cooking and optimal crispiness.
• Lightly spray lumpia with oil to enhance browning and texture without excess fat.
• Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure golden, crunchy results.
• Flip halfway through for uniform crispness on all sides in 10–12 minutes.
• Check internal temperature to ensure safe, fully cooked filling (165°F for meat).
• Reheat leftovers in air fryer to revive crispness in just 3–5 minutes.

Why Lumpia and Air Frying Are a Match Made in Kitchen Heaven

Let’s talk about lumpia—the golden, crispy, savory Filipino spring roll that’s as delicious as it is nostalgic. Whether it’s a holiday feast, a family potluck, or just a craving that hits at midnight, lumpia always delivers. But here’s the thing: traditionally, they’re deep-fried. And while deep frying gives that perfect crunch, it also brings oil splatters, lingering kitchen smells, and a not-so-healthy reputation. Enter the air fryer, the modern kitchen gadget that’s been saving us from greasy guilt since it first hit the scene.

So, can you cook lumpia in an air fryer? The short answer is absolutely. But the long answer? It’s a little more nuanced—and way more interesting. I’ve been experimenting with air-fried lumpia for over two years, testing everything from store-bought frozen rolls to my grandma’s secret recipe. Some turned out perfect. Others… well, let’s just say I learned a few things the hard way. In this post, we’re diving deep into the crispy truth: how to get that restaurant-quality crunch without a single drop of hot oil, plus the tricks, pitfalls, and little-known hacks that make all the difference.

The Science Behind Air-Fried Lumpia: Crisp Without the Grease

How Air Fryers Work (And Why They’re Great for Lumpia)

Air fryers don’t actually “fry” anything. Instead, they use rapid air circulation and a heating element to mimic the effects of deep frying. Think of it like a super-powered convection oven. The hot air (usually 350°F to 400°F) swirls around the food, creating a Maillard reaction—the same process that browns and crisps deep-fried foods. For lumpia, this is a game-changer. The wrapper, which is usually thin and delicate, crisps up beautifully without absorbing oil.

Here’s the best part: you can reduce oil by up to 75% compared to deep frying. A light spray or brush with oil (just 1–2 teaspoons per batch) is enough to get that golden, flaky texture. No more greasy fingers, no more oil stains on the counter, and no more “I need to deep fry” excuses.

Texture Matters: What to Expect vs. Deep-Fried

Let’s be real—air-fried lumpia won’t taste *exactly* like deep-fried. But it comes remarkably close. The wrapper is slightly less “puffy” and more uniformly crisp, almost like a delicate cracker. The filling? Still tender, juicy, and full of flavor. I tested both methods side-by-side with my family, and here’s what they said:

• “The air-fried ones are crispier on the outside but softer inside—like a perfect balance.”
• “Deep-fried feels richer, but air-fried is cleaner. I’d eat more of these.”
• “The smell is so much better. No oily kitchen for hours!”

The key is preheating the air fryer and not overcrowding the basket. More on that later.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Lumpia in Air Fryer (From Fresh to Frozen)

Prepping Your Lumpia: Fresh vs. Frozen

Whether you’re using homemade lumpia or store-bought frozen, the process is almost the same. But there are a few critical differences:

For Fresh Lumpia:
– Make sure the rolls are fully sealed. If the ends are open, they’ll burst in the air fryer (I learned this after a “lumpia explosion” that looked like a crime scene).

– Place them in a single layer in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before air frying. This helps the wrapper firm up and prevents sticking.

For Frozen Lumpia:
– Do not thaw. Cooking from frozen actually gives better results—the wrapper stays intact, and the filling stays cold until the outside crisps.

– If the frozen lumpia are stuck together, gently separate them and lay them out on a tray. A quick 10-minute freeze in the fridge helps.

Air Frying Like a Pro: The 4-Step Process

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. This is non-negotiable. A cold basket = soggy lumpia.
2. Lightly oil the lumpia. Use a spray bottle or brush with neutral oil (avocado, canola, or vegetable). Too much oil = greasy rolls. Too little = uneven browning.
3. Arrange in a single layer, leaving at least ½ inch between each roll. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents crispiness.
4. Cook in batches:
   • Fresh lumpia: 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
   • Frozen lumpia: 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway (or using the “shake” function if your air fryer has one).

Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, spray a second light coating of oil after flipping. It makes the second side brown faster and evenly.

Signs Your Lumpia Are Perfectly Cooked

How do you know when they’re done? Look for:

• A deep golden-brown color (not pale yellow).
• A crisp, “crackly” sound when you gently press the wrapper.
• Filling that’s piping hot (check with a thermometer—it should reach 165°F/74°C).

If they’re browning too fast, reduce the temperature to 360°F and cook 1–2 minutes longer. If they’re not browning enough, increase to 390°F for the last 2 minutes.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

“My Lumpia Are Soggy!” — The Overcrowding Trap

This is the #1 mistake I see. Air fryers need airflow to crisp food. When you pack the basket too tight, steam builds up, and the wrapper turns soft. I once tried to cook 12 lumpia in my 5-quart air fryer. Big mistake. Half were soggy, half were perfect—just not the ones I wanted.

Solution: Cook in smaller batches. For a 5-quart air fryer, 6–8 lumpia max. If you’re feeding a crowd, use a wire rack or silicone liner to stack them (but flip every 3–4 minutes). Or, invest in a larger air fryer (8+ quarts) if you cook frequently.

“The Wrappers Are Bursting!” — Sealing 101

Bursting happens when the filling expands too quickly, or the wrapper isn’t sealed tight. I’ve had rolls explode like popcorn—fun to watch, not fun to clean.

Solution:

• Use a slightly thicker filling (not too watery). Squeeze excess liquid from veggies like cabbage or tofu.
• Seal the ends with a dab of water or egg wash. Press firmly with a fork.
• If using frozen lumpia, make sure they’re fully frozen before cooking. Partially thawed = more likely to burst.

“They’re Not Crispy Enough!” — The Oil and Temperature Fix

Air fryers need a little oil to crisp, but too much = greasy. Too little = dry and brittle. I once used olive oil (which burns at high heat) and ended up with bitter, blackened rolls.

Solution:

• Use high-smoke-point oils: avocado, canola, or grapeseed. Spray or brush lightly—1 tsp per 6 rolls is plenty.
• Preheat the air fryer! A cold basket won’t crisp anything.
• If the wrapper is still soft after cooking, cook 1–2 more minutes at 400°F (200°C) to “crisp up.”

Beyond the Basics: Creative Air-Fried Lumpia Hacks

Reheating Leftovers (Yes, It Works!)

Got leftover lumpia? Don’t microwave them—they’ll turn soggy. Instead, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes. They’ll be just as crispy as when they were fresh. I’ve even reheated 2-day-old lumpia, and my husband couldn’t tell the difference.

Air-Fried Lumpia Variations: Sweet, Spicy, and Beyond

Why stop at traditional pork or veggie filling? The air fryer is perfect for experimenting. Try these:

• Spicy Tuna Lumpia: Mix canned tuna with sriracha, green onions, and a splash of lime. Air fry at 375°F for 9 minutes.
• Cheesy Lumpia: Stuff with shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, and diced ham. Cook at 360°F for 10 minutes (cheese melts faster).
• Sweet Lumpia: Fill with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Brush with melted butter and air fry at 350°F for 7 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream. (Yes, it’s amazing.)

Pro Tip: For sweet lumpia, use egg roll wrappers (thicker than spring roll wrappers). They hold up better to sugary fillings.

Batch Cooking & Freezing for Later

Love lumpia but hate the prep? Make a big batch, air fry half, and freeze the rest. Here’s how:

1. Cook fresh lumpia as usual (but stop at 70% doneness—light golden).
2. Cool completely, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1 hour.
3. Transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, air fry from frozen at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.

This trick saves time and ensures you always have crispy lumpia on hand. I keep a bag in my freezer for “emergency cravings.”

Air-Fried Lumpia: The Data You Need to Know

Performance Comparison: Air Fryer vs. Deep Fryer

Factor	Air-Fried Lumpia	Deep-Fried Lumpia
Oil Used	1–2 tsp per batch	2–3 cups (for a small pot)
Cooking Time	8–12 minutes	3–5 minutes (but prep time longer)
Calories (per roll)	~80–100	~120–150
Cleanup	Basket wipes clean; no oil disposal	Greasy pans; oil must be cooled and stored
Crispiness	Uniform, flaky, less puffy	Deep, puffy, slightly greasy
Smell	Minimal (just food aroma)	Strong oily smell for hours

Note: Calorie estimates are based on a standard pork-and-veggie filling. Sweet or cheese-filled lumpia may vary.

Air Fryer Models Tested: What Works Best

Not all air fryers are created equal. I’ve tested lumpia in 5 models, and here’s what I found:

• Philips XXL (7.3 qt): Best for large batches. Even browning, but takes longer to preheat.
• Ninja Foodi Max XL (8 qt): Great for families. Has a “shake” function, which helps flip lumpia automatically.
• Cosori Smart (5.8 qt): Perfect for 1–2 people. Preheats fast, but basket is shallow—overcrowding is easy.
• Instant Vortex Plus (6 qt): Budget-friendly. Good results, but needs manual flipping.
• Dash Compact (2.6 qt): Only for 1–2 rolls. Not ideal for lumpia, but works in a pinch.

Bottom line: A 5–8 quart air fryer with a non-stick basket and temperature control is ideal. Avoid models with tiny baskets or no preheat option.

The Crispy Truth: Is Air-Fried Lumpia Worth It?

So, can you cook lumpia in an air fryer? Yes—and you should. It’s not just a “good alternative” to deep frying; in many ways, it’s better. The cleanup is faster, the kitchen stays clean, and the guilt is gone. You get 90% of the crispiness with 10% of the effort.

But let’s be honest: it’s not perfect. If you’re serving lumpia at a Filipino feast where authenticity is key, deep frying might still win. The texture is different—air-fried is more uniform, while deep-fried has that “puffed” look. And if you’re using a tiny air fryer, you’ll be cooking in batches. But for everyday meals, leftovers, or when you just don’t want to deal with oil? The air fryer is a lifesaver.

I’ve made air-fried lumpia for my parents, my kids, and even my oil-averse husband. They all agree: it’s the way to go. And now, with these tips, you can too. So grab your air fryer, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for crispy, golden, guilt-free lumpia. Your taste buds (and your kitchen) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook lumpia in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook lumpia in an air fryer! It’s a healthier alternative to deep frying and still delivers that signature crispy texture with less oil.

How do I air fry lumpia without them drying out?

Lightly brush or spray the lumpia with oil before air frying, and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. This keeps them moist inside while ensuring a golden, crispy exterior.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover lumpia in an air fryer?

Reheat lumpia in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes. This restores crispiness far better than a microwave and avoids sogginess.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for lumpia?

Preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness. Skipping this step may result in unevenly cooked lumpia.

Can I cook frozen lumpia in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen lumpia directly in the air fryer—no thawing needed. Add 2-3 minutes to the cook time (total 12-15 minutes) and spray with oil for best results.

How do I keep lumpia wrappers from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Use parchment paper liners or lightly coat the basket with non-stick spray. Arranging lumpia in a single layer with space between them also prevents sticking and promotes even airflow.