Pin it One lazy Saturday afternoon, I had leftover mac and cheese in the fridge and a craving for something crunchy. I spotted the lumpia wrappers my neighbor had given me weeks ago and thought, why not? The first batch came out golden and ridiculously crispy, oozing melted cheese when I bit in. My kids grabbed three each before I could even plate them properly, and I knew I'd stumbled onto something special.
I made these for a potluck at work once, and my coworker Jen ate five before admitting she thought they were pizza rolls. When I told her it was mac and cheese inside a lumpia wrapper, she looked at me like I'd invented fire. The tray was empty in under ten minutes, and I went home wishing I'd made a double batch.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: Cook it just to al dente so it doesn't turn mushy when you roll and fry, I learned that after my first soggy attempt.
- Unsalted butter: Forms the base of your roux and gives the sauce that silky richness without making it too salty.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce so it clings to every piece of pasta and doesn't leak out during frying.
- Whole milk: Creates a creamy, smooth sauce, low fat milk will work but it won't taste as luscious.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Brings bold, tangy flavor that stands up to the crispy wrapper and doesn't disappear.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds stretchiness and a mild sweetness that balances the sharpness of the cheddar beautifully.
- Salt, black pepper, smoked paprika: Season the sauce with just enough punch, the paprika adds a subtle smokiness that makes people wonder what your secret is.
- Lumpia wrappers: Thin, crispy, and perfect for rolling, spring roll wrappers work too but lumpia wrappers crisp up a little lighter.
- Egg: Acts like glue to seal the rolls tight so they don't burst open in the air fryer.
- Cooking spray or neutral oil: A light coat gives you that golden, crackly crust without drenching them in oil.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain it well. You want it firm enough to hold its shape when mixed with the sauce.
- Make the roux:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stir in the flour, and cook for about a minute until it smells toasty and turns pale gold.
- Build the cheese sauce:
- Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Add both cheeses and stir until they melt into a smooth, glossy sauce.
- Season and combine:
- Mix in the salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, then fold in the cooked macaroni until every piece is coated. Let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes so it thickens up and becomes easier to roll.
- Fill and roll:
- Lay a lumpia wrapper flat, spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of mac and cheese near the bottom edge, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly. Brush the top edge with beaten egg to seal it shut.
- Prepare for air frying:
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray or brush each roll with oil so they crisp up evenly.
- Air fry to golden perfection:
- Arrange the rolls in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden, crispy, and crackly when done.
- Serve hot:
- Let them cool for just a minute so you don't burn your tongue, then serve with ketchup, sriracha, or a warm cheese dipping sauce.
Pin it My daughter brought these to her school bake sale, except it was a snack sale, and she sold out in twenty minutes. She came home grinning with an empty container and a request to make them every week. That's when I knew this recipe had officially left my kitchen and entered the world.
How to Store and Reheat
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 4 minutes to bring back the crispiness, microwaving will make them soggy and sad. You can also freeze the uncooked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag and air fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.
Flavor Variations to Try
I've added crispy bacon bits and chopped scallions to the filling for a loaded mac and cheese vibe, and it was incredible. You can also swap the cheddar for pepper jack if you like a little heat, or stir in some cooked ground beef for a heartier version. One time I mixed in a spoonful of hot sauce and everyone at the party was sweating and smiling at the same time.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These rolls are perfect as a party appetizer, game day snack, or a fun side dish for burgers and fries. Serve them with a tangy ketchup, creamy ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo for dipping. I also love pairing them with a cold beer or a fizzy lemonade to cut through the richness.
- Set out multiple dipping sauces so everyone can find their favorite.
- Garnish the platter with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
- Make a double batch because they disappear faster than you think.
Pin it These little rolls have become my go-to whenever I need to impress someone without spending hours in the kitchen. They're proof that the best recipes happen when you stop overthinking and just play around with what you love.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of wrappers work best for these rolls?
Lumpia or spring roll wrappers provide the ideal thin, crispy texture when air-fried to golden perfection.
- → How can I make the filling more flavorful?
Adding crispy bacon bits or chopped scallions enhances the savory profile, while a dash of hot sauce adds a spicy kick.
- → What is the best method to ensure the rolls stay sealed while cooking?
Brushing the edges with beaten egg before rolling helps seal the wrappers tightly during air frying.
- → Can these rolls be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls in advance and refrigerate them; air-fry just before serving to maintain crispiness.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these lumpia rolls?
Options like ketchup, sriracha, or a smooth cheese sauce complement the creamy filling and crispy shell wonderfully.