Save to Pinterest One lazy afternoon, I was rummaging through my pantry when I found a forgotten stack of lumpia wrappers shoved behind the flour. Instead of tossing them, I thought: what if I turned them into something I could actually snack on mindlessly while watching cooking shows? Ten minutes later, the kitchen smelled like golden garlic, and I had my answer. These crispy chips became the thing I reach for first at every gathering now.
I made these for my sister's book club last spring, and something magical happened: they disappeared before anyone sat down to talk about the book. Someone asked if I'd bought them from a Filipino market, which made me laugh because they cost about a dollar to make. That moment taught me that homemade doesn't have to mean complicated.
Ingredients
- Lumpia Wrappers: These thin, delicate sheets are your canvas; ten wrappers make enough for four people to feel satisfied without overdoing it.
- Neutral Oil: Canola or vegetable oil lets the garlic shine without competing flavors; save your fancy oils for dressing.
- Garlic Cloves: Four large ones might sound bold, but trust me—air frying mellows the harshness into pure golden umami.
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper: These two humble things are what transform oily strips into something worth craving; don't skip seasoning, and don't be shy with it.
- Fresh Parsley or Chives (Optional): A whisper of green at the end catches the light and makes these feel fancier than they are.
Instructions
- Heat your air fryer while you prep:
- Set it to 180°C (350°F) and let it preheat for the full three minutes. This matters more than you'd think—a properly heated air fryer is what gives you that shatter-crunch sound when you bite.
- Slice the wrappers into thin strips:
- Stack them and cut them into roughly 3 cm wide strips or small triangles; uneven sizes actually work in your favor because the thinner bits get extra crispy while the thicker ones stay chewy.
- Infuse the oil with garlic:
- Heat the oil gently over low heat and watch the garlic slowly turn golden and fragrant. This takes about two minutes, and you'll know it's right when the smell fills your whole kitchen but the garlic hasn't started browning.
- Coat the wrappers evenly:
- Toss the sliced wrappers with the garlic oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; the key is gentle tossing so nothing tears, but thorough enough that every piece gets some flavor.
- Arrange in a single layer:
- Spread them flat in your air fryer basket without crowding; if they overlap, they'll steam instead of crisping, so work in batches if you need to.
- Fry until golden brown:
- Air-fry for five to seven minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You're listening for a subtle crackling sound and watching for that deep golden color.
- Cool on a rack before serving:
- Let them sit for a minute or two on a wire rack so the steam escapes and they stay crispy; they'll keep crunching as they cool.
Save to Pinterest There's something deeply satisfying about watching someone bite into one of these and see their eyes light up with that mix of surprise and pleasure. It happened at a potluck once, and a friend asked for the recipe, assuming I'd learned it from someone's grandmother. I almost wanted to make up a story, but the truth felt better: I'd simply paid attention to what my pantry had and what my hands wanted to make.
Storing and Serving Ideas
These chips keep their crunch for about three days in an airtight container, though they're honestly best eaten fresh within a few hours. If you're making them for an event, fry them in the morning and store them in a truly airtight container so they don't absorb any moisture from the air. On lazy nights, I reheat a small batch in the air fryer at 160°C for two minutes to bring back the snap.
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
Once you master the basic garlic version, you'll want to start experimenting with the oil. A pinch of chili flakes turns these into something spicy and addictive, while smoked paprika makes them taste like they came from a fancy gastropub. I've also tried adding a tiny bit of sesame oil for an Asian fusion twist, and it changes everything without overwhelming the dish.
Perfect Dips and Pairings
These chips are naturally a blank canvas, which is part of their charm. Sweet chili sauce is the obvious choice and feels right every time, but I've also served them with a simple vinegar-based dip, a creamy garlic aioli, or even a tangy tamarind sauce. They're equally happy standing alone as an honest snack or dressed up as part of a larger spread.
- Sweet chili sauce is the safest bet and pairs perfectly with the garlic's warmth.
- A simple rice vinegar dip cuts through the richness and feels refreshingly light.
- Skip the dip entirely if you want to taste the pure, honest crunch of garlic and oil.
Save to Pinterest These chips prove that the most memorable food doesn't need a long ingredient list or complicated technique—it just needs attention and a little bit of garlic. Keep a stack of lumpia wrappers in your freezer, and you'll always have a reason to gather people around something warm and crunchy.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of oil is best for garlic infusion?
Neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil work best as they allow the garlic aroma to shine without overpowering flavors.
- → Can I use a different wrapper besides lumpia?
Yes, wonton wrappers can be used as an alternative, providing a similar crisp texture.
- → How can I ensure the chips stay crispy after cooking?
Let the chips cool on a wire rack to avoid moisture buildup and store in an airtight container once fully cooled.
- → Is air frying necessary for crispiness?
Air frying provides a quick, even crisp without excess oil, but baking until golden can also work.
- → What garnishes complement these chips?
Fresh parsley or chopped chives add a bright finish, enhancing both aroma and presentation.