Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Lumpia in Minutes — No Oil, No Hassle
Lumpia, the crispy Filipino spring roll, makes for a delicious snack or quick party appetizer.
If you’ve got frozen lumpia in the freezer, there’s no need to defrost—your air fryer turns them golden and crunchy in just minutes with little cleanup and no splattering oil.
For best results, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the lumpia for 10–13 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Thinner lumpia cook faster, while thicker ones may need an extra couple of minutes.
Just be sure to arrange them in a single layer and spray lightly with oil for that deep-fried texture—without actually deep-frying.
At a Glance: Cooking Summary
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 minutes | 10–13 minutes | 12–15 minutes | Appetizer / Snack | Filipino | 2–4 |
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | 2 Servings | 4 Servings | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen lumpia | 6–8 pieces | 12–16 pieces | Vegetable or chicken lumpia |
| Oil spray (optional) | Light mist | Light mist | Avocado oil spray |
Cooking Tools Needed
| Tool | Purpose | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Air fryer (basket or tray) | Cooking the lumpia evenly | Oven with convection |
| Tongs | Turning lumpia halfway | Silicone spatula |
| Oil spray bottle | Extra crisp finish | Pastry brush with oil |
How Long to Cook Frozen Lumpia in Air Fryer
Cooking time depends on the air fryer model and lumpia thickness:
- Standard frozen lumpia (meat-filled):
- Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
- Time: 12–13 minutes
- Flip: Yes, at 6 minutes
- Thin vegetable lumpia:
- Temperature: 370°F (188°C)
- Time: 8–10 minutes
- Air fryer oven models:
- Use the center rack and rotate trays halfway
- May need an extra 2 minutes for large batches
- Important Tip:
- Light oil spray helps the wrapper turn golden and crispy
- Overcrowding leads to soggy texture—always space them out
How to Cook Frozen Lumpia in Air Fryer
Here’s the step-by-step breakdown to ensure crispy, evenly cooked lumpia every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3–4 minutes.
Step 2: Prep the Lumpia
Remove lumpia from the package. Do not thaw. Lightly spray all sides with oil for an extra crispy texture (especially if they aren’t pre-fried).
Step 3: Arrange in Basket
Place lumpia in a single layer, leaving space between each piece to allow hot air to circulate.
Step 4: Air Fry
Cook for 10–13 minutes, flipping halfway through. Thinner rolls may finish at 9–10 minutes; thicker ones may need the full 13 minutes.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove carefully with tongs and let sit for 1–2 minutes before serving. This helps lock in crispness and keeps the filling from burning your mouth.
Serving and Garnishing Ideas
- Serve with sweet chili sauce, garlic vinegar dip, or banana ketchup
- Pair with fried rice or noodles for a fuller meal
- Sprinkle with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for visual appeal
- Add a side of shredded cabbage or cucumber salad to cool the heat
Variations You Can Try
- Cheese-stuffed lumpia: Add a cheese stick inside before wrapping and freezing
- Dessert lumpia: Try banana and jackfruit with brown sugar
- Spicy version: Sprinkle chili flakes or hot sauce before air frying
- Vegetarian twist: Use tofu, mushrooms, and cabbage filling
Storing & Reheating Tips
- ✅ Let leftover lumpia cool completely before storing
- ✅ Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- ✅ Reheat in air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for 3–5 minutes
- ❌ Do not microwave—they lose crispiness
- ❌ Avoid refreezing cooked lumpia
Extra Tips for Best Results
- ✅ Always preheat the air fryer
- ✅ Spray a light coat of oil for maximum crunch
- ✅ Flip halfway to avoid soggy bottoms
- ✅ Cook in single layer batches
- ✅ Use parchment liner for easier cleanup if needed
Common Mistakes & Solutions
| Issue | Why It Happens | Fix | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft wrappers | Not enough oil or overcrowded | Spray with oil and space out | Avoid stacking, use one layer |
| Cold center | Cooked too quickly | Add 2–3 minutes more | Use medium heat like 375°F |
| Too brown, not crisp | Temp too high, no turning | Reduce temp and flip halfway | Monitor after 8 minutes |
FAQs
Q1: Can I cook lumpia from frozen without any oil?
Yes, but spraying a bit of oil helps achieve a better crunch. Oil-free versions tend to come out drier and lighter.
Q2: Can I reheat leftover lumpia in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Reheat at 360°F for 3–5 minutes. They’ll regain most of their crunch.
Q3: Do I need to defrost the lumpia before air frying?
No need. Cook them straight from frozen. Just add 1–2 minutes if they’re extra thick.
Q4: What’s the best dipping sauce for lumpia?
Traditional sweet chili sauce is most popular, but garlic vinegar and banana ketchup are also fantastic choices.
Try Crispy Air Fryer Lumpia Tonight!
Lumpia straight from the freezer to your air fryer saves time and keeps the crunch alive—without the oil splatter.
Once you try this fast method, you might never go back to deep-frying. Give it a go and let us know how yours turned out!
