Pin it I stumbled on this recipe during a midnight snack experiment when I had leftover lumpia wrappers and half a block of cream cheese staring at me from the fridge. I brushed the wrappers with oil, tossed them in the air fryer, and watched them puff into golden shards. The dip came together in minutes, and suddenly I had something that tasted like a party platter I'd want to bring everywhere. It's become my go-to whenever I need something impressive without the fuss.
The first time I made this for friends, I set the bowl on the coffee table and turned around to grab drinks. When I came back, half the chips were gone and someone was scraping the bottom of the dip bowl with a broken chip. Nobody said a word, just kept eating. That's when I knew this recipe was a keeper.
Ingredients
- Lumpia wrappers: These thin spring roll wrappers crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and shatter like glass when you bite into them, look for them in the frozen section of Asian markets.
- Neutral oil: A light brush of canola or vegetable oil helps the wrappers turn golden without feeling greasy.
- Salt and garlic powder: Just enough seasoning to make the chips addictive on their own, even before the dip.
- Cooked chicken breast: Shredded finely so it blends into the dip instead of clumping, rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- Cream cheese: The creamy base that holds everything together, make sure it's softened or it won't mix smoothly.
- Mayonnaise and sour cream: These add tang and richness, balancing the heaviness of the cream cheese.
- Lemon juice: A splash brightens the whole dip and cuts through the richness.
- Green onions: Fresh, mild, and they add little bursts of color and flavor in every bite.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper: The quiet heroes that make the dip taste like it simmered for hours when it only took minutes.
Instructions
- Preheat and prep:
- Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it warm up while you cut the lumpia wrappers into strips or triangles with kitchen scissors. It's faster than a knife and you won't tear the delicate wrappers.
- Season the chips:
- Brush each piece lightly with oil and sprinkle with salt and garlic powder if you're using it. Don't skip the oil or they'll stay pale and chewy instead of crisp.
- Air fry in batches:
- Lay the wrappers in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 4 to 5 minutes, shaking halfway through so they brown evenly. They'll puff up and turn golden, let them cool completely so they stay crunchy.
- Make the dip base:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice until it's smooth and fluffy. If the cream cheese is cold, it'll clump and never blend right.
- Fold in the chicken and seasonings:
- Stir in the shredded chicken, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until everything is evenly distributed. Taste it and adjust the salt or lemon juice to your liking.
- Serve:
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and set it out with the cooled chips. You can serve it right away or refrigerate the dip until you're ready to eat.
Pin it I brought this to a potluck once and watched a friend who claimed she didn't like cream cheese eat half the bowl herself. She looked up, a little embarrassed, and said it didn't taste like cream cheese at all, just smooth and savory and perfect. I didn't tell her the secret, I just smiled and handed her more chips.
How to Store and Reheat
Keep the chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, though they're best eaten the same day. The dip stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days in a sealed container. If the chips lose their crunch, pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for a minute or two to crisp them up again.
Substitutions and Variations
Swap the chicken for shredded turkey or even canned tuna if that's what you have on hand. If you can't find lumpia wrappers, wonton wrappers work just as well and crisp up the same way. For a spicier kick, stir in a spoonful of sriracha or sprinkle chili flakes into the dip, it adds a nice heat without overwhelming the creamy base.
Serving Suggestions
This pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light lager, something refreshing that won't compete with the richness of the dip. You can also serve it alongside fresh veggie sticks like cucumber or bell pepper if you want to balance out the indulgence. It's perfect for game day, casual gatherings, or honestly just a quiet night in when you want to treat yourself.
- Garnish the dip with extra green onions or a drizzle of chili oil for a pop of color.
- Serve with a side of pickled vegetables to cut through the richness.
- Double the chip batch if you're feeding a crowd, they vanish faster than you'd think.
Pin it This recipe taught me that the best snacks don't need to be complicated, just crispy, creamy, and made with a little care. I hope it becomes one of those recipes you make without thinking, the kind that always gets people asking for the recipe.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make lumpia chips crispy in the air fryer?
Brush lumpia wrappers lightly with oil and season before air frying at 350°F for 4-5 minutes. Shake halfway for even crispness.
- → Can I prepare the chicken dip in advance?
Yes, the chicken cream cheese dip can be made ahead and chilled. Bring it to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- → What can I use instead of lumpia wrappers?
Wonton wrappers make a great substitute, offering a similar crispy texture when air fried.
- → How can I add heat to the dip?
Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes to the dip to give it a spicy kick.
- → What drinks pair well with lumpia chips and chicken dip?
A crisp white wine or a light lager complements the savory and crunchy flavors nicely.