Pin It I was rummaging through the pantry one afternoon, hungry and restless, when I found a half-used pack of lumpia wrappers shoved behind the rice. Instead of waiting to make proper spring rolls, I grabbed the kitchen scissors and started cutting them into strips. A quick toss in garlic oil, a few minutes in the air fryer, and suddenly I had the crispiest, most addictive chips I'd ever made. My sister walked in, grabbed a handful, and we finished the entire batch standing at the counter.
I started making these on weekends when friends came over, and they became the thing everyone asked for before I even served dinner. There's something about pulling a tray of golden, crackling chips out of the air fryer that makes people gather around the kitchen. One time I made a double batch and they were gone before the movie even started.
Ingredients
- Lumpia wrappers: These thin, delicate wrappers turn impossibly crispy in the air fryer, much lighter than tortilla chips, and they shatter beautifully when you bite into them.
- Neutral oil: Canola or vegetable oil works best because it lets the garlic flavor shine without adding any competing taste.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is everything here; when you sauté it gently, it becomes sweet and toasty instead of bitter.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Just enough to bring out the garlic and give each chip a savory punch.
- Fresh parsley or chives: A quick sprinkle at the end adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 180°C and let it warm up for three minutes so the chips start crisping the moment they hit the basket.
- Slice the wrappers:
- Stack them up and cut into thin strips or triangles, about three centimeters wide; kitchen scissors make this so much easier than a knife.
- Infuse the oil:
- Heat the oil gently in a small pan, add the minced garlic, and stir until it turns golden and the kitchen smells incredible. Let it cool just a bit before tossing.
- Coat the wrappers:
- Drizzle the garlic oil over the sliced wrappers in a big bowl, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently so every piece gets coated without tearing.
- Air-fry in batches:
- Lay them out in a single layer, shake the basket halfway through, and watch them turn golden and crispy in five to seven minutes. Don't overcrowd or they'll steam instead of crisp.
- Cool and serve:
- Transfer the chips to a wire rack to keep them crunchy, then garnish with herbs and serve immediately while they're still warm and crackling.
Pin It The first time I served these at a family gathering, my aunt asked if I'd ordered them from a restaurant. When I told her I made them in ten minutes with leftover wrappers, she didn't believe me until I showed her the empty pack. Now she texts me every few weeks asking for the recipe again, even though I've sent it twice.
Flavor Variations You Can Try
Once you get the basic technique down, you can play with the seasonings endlessly. I've stirred chili flakes into the garlic oil for a spicy kick, dusted the finished chips with smoked paprika for a smoky edge, and even added a tiny drizzle of sesame oil for an extra layer of aroma. Sometimes I'll toss in a pinch of onion powder or garlic powder along with the fresh garlic, just to deepen the flavor even more.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
These chips are amazing on their own, but they're even better with a dip. Sweet chili sauce is my go-to because the sweetness cuts through the garlic beautifully, but I've also served them with spiced vinegar, creamy aioli, or even a tangy yogurt dip. They're perfect for parties, movie nights, or just when you need something crunchy and satisfying in the middle of the afternoon.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you somehow manage not to eat them all in one sitting, store the chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay crispy for up to two days, though they're honestly best within the first few hours. You can prep the sliced wrappers ahead of time and keep them in a sealed bag, then toss them in the garlic oil and fry whenever you're ready.
- Re-crisp any softened chips by popping them back in the air fryer for a minute or two.
- Double the batch if you're serving a crowd, because people will keep reaching for more.
- Experiment with different wrapper shapes; triangles look fancy, but thin strips are easier to grab and dip.
Pin It There's something ridiculously satisfying about turning a few humble wrappers into something this crunchy and flavorful. Keep a pack in your pantry, and you'll always be twenty minutes away from the best snack you didn't plan to make.