Save My neighbor showed up one Friday evening with a tray of crispy lumpia chips, and I watched her dip them into this impossibly creamy chicken mixture—it disappeared in minutes. I asked for the recipe, expecting something complicated, but she laughed and said the secret was using an air fryer and not overthinking the dip. Since then, these have become my go-to when I need something that looks intentional but barely requires effort.
I made this for a small game night last month, and it became the thing people reached for instead of the expensive charcuterie board I'd spent time arranging. One friend asked if I could make it every time, which tells you everything you need to know about how satisfying this combination really is.
Ingredients
- Lumpia wrappers (12 pieces): These thin Filipino spring roll skins crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and turn into the perfect vehicles for dipping—way more interesting than plain crackers.
- Neutral oil (2 tablespoons): Just enough to help them brown without making them heavy; I use whatever's handy in my pantry.
- Salt and garlic powder: Simple seasonings that make the chips taste intentional, though the garlic powder is totally optional if you prefer them plain.
- Cooked chicken breast (1 cup, shredded): Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here if you want to skip cooking entirely—the dip doesn't care as long as it's tender.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): This is the creamy base that holds everything together; let it sit out for a few minutes so it mixes without lumps.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup) and sour cream (2 tablespoons): Together they create a tangy richness that keeps the dip from tasting one-note.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A small squeeze that brightens everything and keeps the flavors from feeling heavy.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Fresh herbs make all the difference; they add a little bite and color that makes the dip look alive.
- Garlic and onion powder, black pepper, and salt: These seasonings do the real work, layering flavor so nothing tastes flat.
Instructions
- Get your air fryer ready:
- Preheat to 350°F while you get your wrappers ready. This takes about three minutes and makes sure your chips crisp up evenly from the moment they hit the basket.
- Cut and oil the wrappers:
- Slice each wrapper into four pieces—I usually do triangles because they look nicer on a plate—then brush them lightly with oil and sprinkle with salt and garlic powder. Don't drown them; a light coating is all they need.
- Air fry until golden:
- Spread the pieces in a single layer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so they brown evenly. You'll know they're done when they sound crispy when you tap them, and you might need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.
- Make the dip base:
- While the chips cool, whisk together the cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, and lemon juice in a bowl until it's smooth and there are no lumps. This takes just a minute or two of stirring.
- Fold in the chicken and seasoning:
- Add the shredded chicken, green onions, and all the seasonings, stirring until everything is evenly mixed and the green onions are distributed throughout. Taste it now and adjust the salt if it needs more.
- Serve right away or chill:
- Transfer to a serving bowl and eat immediately while the chips are still crispy, or refrigerate the dip until your guests arrive and the chips are ready.
Save What started as an easy appetizer turned into the thing that made my kitchen smell incredible—that warm, toasted wrapper aroma mixed with creamy dip and fresh green onions is its own kind of magic. Now I keep lumpia wrappers in my freezer just in case someone asks me to bring something.
Why This Works as an Appetizer
There's something about serving something homemade that took barely any time that makes you feel like you got away with something. These chips are sturdy enough to hold a good dip without breaking, and the dip is creamy enough that people keep coming back for more. It's the kind of appetizer that bridges casual and put-together.
Tweaks That Make It Your Own
The base recipe is solid, but this dip is really forgiving if you want to make it spicier, tangier, or more herby. I've added sriracha on nights when I wanted heat, and once I threw in some fresh cilantro instead of all green onions, and it was equally good. The chips stay the same, but the dip is your canvas.
Making This Ahead and Storage Tips
The dip tastes better if you make it an hour or two ahead so the flavors have time to get to know each other. The chips are best eaten the day you make them while they're still crispy, though they'll keep in an airtight container for a couple of days if you need them to. Just don't mix them together until you're ready to serve or the chips will soften up.
- Store the dip in a covered bowl in the fridge for up to three days.
- Keep chips in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat in the air fryer for 2 minutes if they've lost their crunch.
- You can prep and cut the wrappers in the morning, then air fry them closer to when you need them.
Save This recipe proves that the best appetizers aren't the ones that take hours—they're the ones that taste homemade and disappear in minutes. Keep this one handy.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use wonton wrappers instead of lumpia wrappers?
Yes, wonton wrappers can be substituted if lumpia wrappers are not available; they crisp up similarly in the air fryer.
- → How do I achieve extra crispiness for the chips?
Ensure the chips are arranged in a single layer and air fry without overcrowding. Brushing lightly with oil helps achieve a golden, crunchy texture.
- → What can I add to the dip for more heat?
A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes mixed into the dip adds a pleasant spicy kick without overpowering the creamy base.
- → Can leftover or rotisserie chicken be used in the dip?
Absolutely, shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken works well, saving time while maintaining flavor.
- → What drinks pair well with lumpia chips and chicken dip?
A crisp white wine or a light lager complements the savory and creamy textures providing a balanced taste experience.