Making lumpia using an air fryer
Making lumpia using an air fryer is a easy Vietnamese recipe that serves 4. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Goodlife Cookin on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: 14 min | Total: 59 min
Cost: $49.44 total, $12.36 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Carrots (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup Water Chestnuts (diced, canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup Shiitake Mushrooms (sliced; fresh or dried rehydrated)
- 2 tablespoons Green Onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup Plant‑Based Ground (e.g., soy crumble or lentil‑based crumble)
- 2 tablespoons Silver Swan Soy Sauce (light soy sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper
- 1 Egg (beaten with 1 tbsp water for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons Light Cooking Oil (e.g., canola or vegetable oil, for brushing)
- 12 Lomia Spring Roll Wrappers (thin sheets, keep covered with a damp cloth)
Instructions
Prepare Vegetables
Shred the carrots, finely dice the onion, mince the garlic, dice the water chestnuts, slice the shiitake mushrooms, and thinly slice the green onions.
Time: PT10M
Combine Filling Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared vegetables, plant‑based ground, Silver Swan soy sauce, sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Make Egg Wash (or Vegan Substitute)
Beat one egg with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. For a vegan version, whisk 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and let sit 5 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Separate Lomia Wrappers
Lay out the lomia wrappers on a clean surface and cover them with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying.
Time: PT5M
Roll the Lomia
Place about 2 tablespoons of filling near the edge of a wrapper, roll tightly, and seal the edge with a brush of egg wash (or flaxseed wash).
Time: PT10M
Cut and Oil the Rolls
Cut each rolled lomia into thirds with a sharp knife. Lightly brush each piece with the cooking oil.
Time: PT3M
Air Fry
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Arrange the lomia pieces in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 14 minutes, turning halfway through for even crisping.
Time: PT14M
Temperature: 350°F
Serve
Remove the lomia from the air fryer, let cool for 2 minutes, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 8g
- Carbohydrates
- 25g
- Fat
- 8g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made Vegan, Gluten‑Free if using rice paper wrappers
Allergens: Egg, Soy, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Carrots: Jicama, Daikon radish
- Instead of Onion: Shallots, Leeks
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Water Chestnuts: Jicama, Celery
- Instead of Shiitake Mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms, Button mushrooms
- Instead of Green Onions: Chives, Leeks
- Instead of Plant‑Based Ground: Ground turkey, Ground pork, Tofu crumbles
- Instead of Silver Swan Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce, Tamari
- Instead of Sea Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Cracked Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Egg: Flaxseed (1 tbsp) + water (3 tbsp) for vegan version
- Instead of Light Cooking Oil: Olive oil (light), Sesame oil (light)
- Instead of Lomia Spring Roll Wrappers: Rice paper (will need steaming)
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Pastry Brush
- Air Fryer
- Tongs
- Plate
- Paper Towels (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Roll the lomia tightly and seal with egg (or flaxseed) wash.
- Brush each piece lightly with oil before air frying.
- Air fry at 350°F for 14 minutes, turning halfway through.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a splash of mushroom soy sauce to the filling for extra umami.
- Turn the rolls halfway through cooking for uniform browning.
- If you prefer a deeper golden color, increase the temperature to 375°F for the last 2 minutes.
Troubleshooting
Rolls are soggy after air frying.
Make sure each roll is brushed with only a thin layer of oil and that the air fryer basket is not overcrowded; cook in a single layer.
Filling is too wet and the wrapper tears.
Pat the vegetables dry with paper towels before mixing and add a small amount of breadcrumbs or cornstarch to absorb excess moisture.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store un‑fried rolled lomia in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze un‑cooked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; keep for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the vegetable filling a day ahead and refrigerate.
- Keep wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.
- Egg wash can be made in bulk and stored in the fridge for 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of lomia in Vietnamese cuisine?
Lomia, also known as Vietnamese spring rolls, originated as a street‑food snack in northern Vietnam. Traditionally they are deep‑fried, crisp, and served with nuoc cham. They represent a balance of textures and flavors that is central to Vietnamese culinary philosophy.
What are the traditional regional variations of lomia in Vietnam?
In northern Vietnam, lomia are usually smaller and very crispy, while central regions add herbs like cilantro. Southern versions often incorporate shrimp or pork and may be served with a sweeter dipping sauce. The air‑fried method is a modern twist on these classic styles.
How is lomia traditionally served in Vietnamese households?
Traditionally, lomia are served hot, freshly fried, alongside a tangy fish‑sauce dip called nuoc cham. They are often presented on a platter with fresh lettuce and herbs for wrapping, making a communal, hands‑on eating experience.
During which Vietnamese celebrations or occasions are lomia commonly prepared?
Lomia are popular at family gatherings, Lunar New Year (Tết), and street‑food festivals. Their bite‑size nature makes them ideal for sharing during celebrations and casual get‑togethers.
What other Vietnamese dishes pair well with air fried lomia?
Air fried lomia pair beautifully with fresh spring salad (gỏi), Vietnamese pork meatballs (bò viên), and a light broth such as phở or a simple clear vegetable soup.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for lomia versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic lomia use wheat‑based spring‑roll wrappers, ground pork or shrimp, carrots, wood ear mushrooms, and fish sauce. Acceptable modern substitutes include plant‑based ground, shiitake mushrooms for umami, and soy sauce or Silver Swan soy sauce for seasoning.
How has lomia evolved over time in Vietnamese cuisine?
While the classic version is deep‑fried, health‑conscious cooks have introduced baking and air‑frying to reduce oil usage. Ingredient swaps like plant‑based proteins and gluten‑free wrappers reflect contemporary dietary trends while preserving the roll’s signature crunch.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making air fried lomia?
Common mistakes include over‑filling the rolls, which causes tearing, and using too much oil, which prevents crisping. Also, failing to turn the rolls halfway through air frying can lead to uneven browning.
How do I know when the air fried lomia is done cooking?
The lomia should be golden‑brown and emit a crisp sound when tapped. The exterior will feel firm to the touch, and the internal filling should be hot (about 165°F).
What does the YouTube channel Goodlife Cookin specialize in?
The YouTube channel Goodlife Cookin specializes in approachable, health‑focused home cooking tutorials, often featuring modern twists on classic Asian dishes and practical tips for using everyday kitchen appliances like air fryers.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Goodlife Cookin?
Goodlife Cookin emphasizes simple, ingredient‑driven recipes that balance flavor and nutrition. The channel’s style is friendly and instructional, showing step‑by‑step visuals and offering variations for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten‑free diets.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
