How to Cook Lumpia in Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Lumpia, the Filipino version of spring rolls, is a popular snack or appetizer that can be cooked in various ways. One of the healthiest and most delicious ways to cook lumpia is by using an air fryer. In this article, we will show you how to cook lumpia in an air fryer, and provide you with some tips and tricks to achieve the perfect crispy and golden lumpia.
What is Lumpia?
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s first talk about what lumpia is. Lumpia is a Filipino dish that consists of thin wrappers filled with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, meat, or seafood. The fillings are usually mixed with seasonings and spices, and then wrapped in a thin dough wrapper. Lumpia can be deep-fried, baked, or cooked in an air fryer.
Why Choose Air Fryer for Cooking Lumpia?
There are several reasons why air fryer is the best way to cook lumpia. Here are some of the benefits:
- Healthier option: Air fryer uses little to no oil, making it a healthier option compared to deep-frying.
- Easy to cook: Cooking lumpia in an air fryer is easy and requires minimal effort.
- Crispy and golden: Air fryer can produce crispy and golden lumpia without the need for deep-frying.
- Less mess: Cooking lumpia in an air fryer is less messy compared to deep-frying.
How to Cook Lumpia in Air Fryer
Cooking lumpia in an air fryer is easy and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients:
- 1 package of lumpia wrappers (usually found in the frozen food section of most supermarkets)
- Filling ingredients of your choice (e.g. vegetables, meat, seafood)
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of vinegar or soy sauce for added flavor
Instructions:
- Prepare the filling: Mix the filling ingredients of your choice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Wrap the lumpia: Place a lumpia wrapper on a flat surface and place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the wrapper to form a tight cylinder. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lumpia: Place the lumpia in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook the lumpia for 5-7 minutes or until they are crispy and golden.
- Shake and cook again: After 5 minutes, shake the basket to redistribute the lumpia and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they are crispy and golden.
- Serve: Serve the lumpia hot with your favorite dipping sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect crispy and golden lumpia:
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook the lumpia in batches if necessary to ensure that they have enough room to cook evenly.
- Adjust the cooking time: Adjust the cooking time depending on the size and thickness of your lumpia. Thicker lumpia may require longer cooking time.
- Use the right oil: Use a small amount of oil to brush the lumpia before cooking to help them cook evenly and prevent sticking.
- Don’t overcook: Lumpia can quickly go from crispy and golden to burnt and hard. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Conclusion
Cooking lumpia in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy this popular Filipino snack or appetizer without the added oil and mess of deep-frying. With these simple steps and tips, you can achieve the perfect crispy and golden lumpia every time. So go ahead and give it a try!