Save I stumbled onto these garlic chips by accident one afternoon when I had a torn lumpia wrapper I couldn't use for rolling. Instead of tossing it, I brushed it with garlic oil and tossed it in the air fryer. The result was so addictive I made an entire batch on purpose the next day. Now they're my go-to when I need something crunchy and satisfying without much effort.
I brought a bowl of these to a potluck once, thinking they'd be a simple filler snack. They disappeared faster than anything else on the table. People kept asking if I'd fried them in something special, but it was just good garlic and a hot air fryer doing the work.
Ingredients
- Lumpia wrappers: These thin spring roll wrappers crisp up beautifully and shatter with every bite. Keep them covered with a damp towel while you work so they don't dry out and crack.
- Neutral oil: Canola or vegetable oil lets the garlic shine without adding competing flavors. Don't use olive oil here, it can taste bitter when heated this way.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is everything in this recipe. The gentle sauté turns it sweet and aromatic, coating every strip with flavor.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Just enough to enhance the garlic without masking it. You can adjust after tasting the first batch.
- Fresh parsley or chives: A small handful of green adds color and a tiny pop of freshness that balances the richness.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 180°C and let it warm up for three minutes. This ensures even crisping from the moment the chips go in.
- Slice the wrappers:
- Stack them neatly and cut into thin strips or small triangles with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. Aim for about 3 cm wide so they cook evenly and stay manageable.
- Make the garlic oil:
- Heat the oil gently in a small saucepan over low heat, then add the minced garlic. Stir slowly until it turns golden and smells incredible, about two minutes. Pull it off the heat and let it cool just a bit so it doesn't steam the wrappers.
- Coat the wrappers:
- Toss the sliced wrappers in a large bowl with the warm garlic oil, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or tongs to coat every piece without tearing them.
- Arrange in the basket:
- Lay the coated strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If they overlap too much, they won't crisp properly, so work in batches if needed.
- Air-fry until golden:
- Cook for five to seven minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Watch closely near the end, they go from perfect to too dark fast.
- Cool and repeat:
- Transfer the finished chips to a wire rack to keep them crispy. Fry the remaining batches the same way.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives if you like. Serve them warm or at room temperature with your favorite dip.
Save There's something quietly satisfying about pulling a batch of these out of the air fryer and hearing that crackle as they cool. They're simple, but they feel special every single time, especially when you share them and watch people reach for more without saying a word.
Flavor Variations
If you want a little heat, toss in a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika with the garlic oil. For a sweeter twist, drizzle a tiny bit of honey over the finished chips and sprinkle with sesame seeds. I've also tried adding a squeeze of lime juice right before serving, and it brightened everything up in the best way.
Serving Suggestions
These chips are perfect on their own, but they're even better with a side of sweet chili sauce, spiced vinegar, or a creamy garlic aioli. I've served them alongside soups, on top of salads for crunch, or just in a bowl on the counter for grazing. They work as a snack, an appetizer, or even a crispy garnish for noodle dishes.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Once they're completely cool, store the chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay crispy for up to two days, though they rarely last that long in my house. If they do soften a bit, pop them back in the air fryer for a minute or two to revive the crunch.
- You can prep the garlic oil a day ahead and keep it in the fridge, just warm it gently before tossing.
- Slice the wrappers in advance and store them covered with a damp towel until you're ready to cook.
- Don't season the chips until right before air-frying or the salt will draw out moisture and make them limp.
Save These garlic lumpia chips prove that the best snacks don't need to be complicated. Just a few good ingredients, a hot air fryer, and a little bit of time will get you something you'll want to make again and again.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of oil works best for garlic infusion?
Neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil are ideal for highlighting garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- → Can I use a different wrapper instead of lumpia?
Yes, wonton wrappers are a suitable alternative that yield similar crispiness and texture.
- → How do I get the garlic evenly distributed on the chips?
Gently tossing the sliced wrappers in the garlic-infused oil ensures every piece is well coated before cooking.
- → What temperature is best for air frying these chips?
Air frying at 180°C (350°F) crisps the chips evenly without burning the garlic flavor.
- → Are there suggested garnishes for extra freshness?
Chopped fresh parsley or chives add a fresh aroma and a pop of color as garnish.