Crispy Cheesy Dynamite Lumpiang Shanghai Cooked in Air Fryer
Crispy Cheesy Dynamite Lumpiang Shanghai Cooked in Air Fryer is a medium Filipino recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by ApoLev on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 1 hr 2 min
Cost: $18.23 total, $4.56 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 medium Carrot (grated)
- 2 Serrano Pepper (seeds removed, finely chopped)
- ½ cup Pepper Jack Cheese (shredded; cheddar can be used as substitute)
- 250 g Ground Beef (or ground pork; ½ lb)
- 10 Lumpia Wrappers (store‑bought spring roll wrappers)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for sautéing; optional spray for air fryer)
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Egg (beaten; used as glue for sealing wrappers (optional))
Instructions
Prepare the aromatics and vegetables
On a cutting board, mince the garlic, finely chop the onion, grate the carrot, and finely chop the serrano peppers after removing the seeds with a spoon.
Time: PT5M
Sauté the filling
Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until medium‑brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in the grated carrot and cook for another 2‑3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper, then remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add cheese to the filling
Stir the shredded pepper jack cheese into the cooled meat mixture until evenly distributed.
Time: PT2M
Prepare the lumpia wrappers
Separate each lumpia wrapper and place it on a clean surface in a diamond orientation with the pointed corner facing you.
Time: PT2M
Fill and roll the lumpia
Place 2 teaspoons of the meat‑cheese mixture onto the lower edge of the wrapper. Add a pinch of chopped serrano pepper if you like extra heat. Brush the top corner with beaten egg (or flour‑water paste) to seal. Fold the bottom edge over the filling, then fold the left and right sides inward, and finally roll tightly toward the tip, sealing the end with more egg wash.
Time: PT10M
Preheat the air fryer
Set the air fryer to 390 °F and let it preheat for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 390°F
Air‑fry the lumpia
Arrange the rolled lumpia in a single layer in the air‑fryer basket, making sure they do not touch. Lightly spray the tops with oil for extra crispness. Air‑fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the wrappers are golden and crisp.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 390°F
Serve
Remove the lumpia from the air fryer, let them rest for a minute, then serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Can be made gluten‑free with rice paper wrappers, Can use ground turkey for a leaner option
Allergens: Dairy, Egg, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Serrano Pepper: jalapeño, Thai bird chilies
- Instead of Pepper Jack Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground pork, ground turkey
- Instead of Lumpia Wrappers: rice paper (for gluten‑free)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: canola oil, sunflower oil
- Instead of Egg: flour‑water paste
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Box Grater
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
- Wooden Spoon
- Small Bowl
- Spray Bottle (optional)
- Air Fryer
- Tongs
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté garlic and onion until golden to develop flavor
- Cook meat only to medium‑brown so it stays juicy after air‑frying
- Seal the lumpia tightly using egg wash to prevent opening
- Do not overcrowd the air‑fryer basket for even crisping
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use pepper jack cheese for the best melt and subtle heat
- Let the cooked filling cool completely before rolling to avoid steaming the wrapper
- Shake the air‑fryer basket halfway through for uniform browning
Troubleshooting
Wrapper tears while rolling
Moisten the edge with a little water or egg wash before sealing; work with one wrapper at a time.
Lumpia not crispy enough
Spray a light coat of oil before air‑frying and increase cooking time by 2‑3 minutes if needed.
Filling is too wet and makes the wrapper soggy
Drain excess liquid from the cooked meat before adding cheese, or add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to absorb moisture.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked lumpia in an airtight container for up to 3 days; re‑heat in air fryer for 3‑4 minutes to restore crispness
Freezer: Uncooked, sealed rolls can be frozen on a tray, then transferred to a zip‑lock bag for up to 1 month; air‑fry from frozen, adding 2‑3 minutes to cooking time
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the filling up to step 3 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours
- Roll the lumpia and freeze on a tray; transfer to a zip‑lock bag and air‑fry directly from frozen
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Lumpiang Shanghai in Filipino cuisine?
Lumpiang Shanghai is a beloved Filipino party snack, modeled after Chinese spring rolls but filled with seasoned ground meat and vegetables. It became popular in the Philippines during the early 20th century as a convenient finger food for celebrations and gatherings.
How does the traditional deep‑fried Lumpiang Shanghai differ from the air‑fryer version presented by YouTube channel ApoLev?
The traditional method submerges the rolls in hot oil, resulting in a very oily texture. ApoLev’s air‑fryer version uses a light spray of oil, producing similar crispness with far fewer calories and less mess, as the air fryer drains excess oil automatically.
What regional variations of Lumpiang Shanghai exist within the Philippines?
Some regions add shrimp or use pork instead of beef, while others incorporate local vegetables like green beans or use different dipping sauces such as sweet chili or vinegar with garlic. The “cheesy dynamite” twist adds pepper jack cheese and serrano peppers for extra heat and richness.
During which Filipino celebrations is Lumpiang Shanghai typically served?
Lumpiang Shanghai is a staple at birthdays, fiestas, Christmas gatherings, and New Year’s parties, often served alongside other finger foods like fried chicken, pancit, and lechon.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Lumpiang Shanghai, and what can be substituted?
Traditional Lumpiang Shanghai uses ground pork, carrots, onions, garlic, and lumpia wrappers. ApoLev substitutes beef or pork, adds pepper jack cheese, and uses serrano peppers for heat. You can replace pork with beef, turkey, or a plant‑based mince, and use cheddar instead of pepper jack.
What other Filipino dishes pair well with Cheesy Dynamite Lumpiang Shanghai?
Serve the rolls with sweet and sour sauce, vinegar‑garlic dip, or a spicy sarsa. They complement dishes like chicken adobo, pancit canton, and fried rice for a complete Filipino feast.
What makes Cheesy Dynamite Lumpiang Shanghai special compared to other Filipino appetizers?
The addition of melted cheese and serrano peppers gives the roll a creamy, spicy “dynamite” flavor, while the air‑fryer method keeps it healthier and less greasy than deep‑fried versions, making it stand out at gatherings.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cheesy Dynamite Lumpiang Shanghai?
Common errors include over‑filling the wrappers (causing leaks), not sealing the edge properly, overcrowding the air‑fryer basket, and using too much oil spray which can make the rolls soggy. Follow the sealing and spacing steps carefully.
Why does this recipe use an egg wash instead of flour‑water paste to seal the lumpia?
Egg wash provides a stronger adhesive that holds the wrapper together during the high‑heat air‑frying process, preventing the seam from opening. Flour‑water paste works but may become gummy if over‑applied.
Can I make Cheesy Dynamite Lumpiang Shanghai ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Prepare the filling up to step 3 and refrigerate, or roll the lumpia and freeze on a tray. Store uncooked rolls in the freezer for up to a month and air‑fry directly from frozen, adding 2‑3 minutes to the cooking time.
What does the YouTube channel ApoLev specialize in?
The YouTube channel ApoLev focuses on modern Filipino home cooking, offering quick, approachable recipes that often incorporate healthier techniques like air‑frying while preserving traditional flavors.
How does the YouTube channel ApoLev's approach to Filipino cooking differ from other Filipino cooking channels?
ApoLev emphasizes using contemporary kitchen appliances such as air fryers and instant pots to reduce oil and cooking time, whereas many other Filipino channels stick to classic deep‑frying and stovetop methods.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
