Sticky Lemongrass Chili Air-Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe: Zesty Bliss

Craving a zesty wing experience that blends sticky lemongrass chili magic with crispy perfection?

Crisp-edged chicken wings emerge from the air fryer with an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Fragrant lemongrass and chili create a bold flavor profile that dances across your palate.

Southeast Asian-inspired seasonings promise a culinary adventure beyond ordinary wing recipes.

Marinating these wings infuses deep, complex notes into every succulent bite.

Each golden, caramelized wing delivers a spicy-sweet sensation that will make you swoon.

Sticky Lemongrass Chili Air-Fryer Chicken Wings: Sweet Heat Combo

• Quick Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold, zesty ingredients like lemongrass, chili, and soy sauce that create an incredible taste experience in every bite.
• Hassle-Free Cooking Method: Air fryer technique ensures crispy wings without excessive oil, making preparation simple and cleanup a breeze.
• Meal Prep Champion: Marinade can be prepared ahead of time, allowing flavors to intensify overnight, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious convenience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Versatile dish that works brilliantly for game days, casual gatherings, or weekend family meals with its irresistible sticky-spicy profile.

Ingredients For Lemongrass Chili Wings

• Chicken Wings: Crispy protein base that will absorb the delicious marinade and become perfectly caramelized in the air fryer.

• Soy Sauce: Adds rich umami flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a sticky caramelized exterior.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright acidity to balance the dish's flavors.
• Chili: Contributes spicy heat and depth to the overall taste profile.
• Lemongrass: Offers a citrusy, aromatic note typical in Southeast Asian cuisine.

• Garlic, Ginger: Classic flavor enhancers that add warmth and complexity to the marinade.
• Salt: Helps to season and balance the overall taste.

• Peanuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor to the finished dish.
• Spring Onion/Green Onion: Provides fresh, sharp flavor and visual appeal.
• Chilies: Offers additional heat and freshness as a final garnish.

• Oil: Helps to create a smooth marinade and prevent sticking during cooking.

Air-Fryer Chicken Wings Cooking Guide

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor Explosion

• Cooking oil
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Chili
• Lemongrass

Blitz everything until super smooth.

Give it a quick taste and sprinkle in some salt to make it pop.

Step 2: Marinate and Infuse

Dump chicken wings into a large bowl and pour the marinade all over them.

Make sure every wing gets coated.

Cover the bowl and let it hang out in the refrigerator.

Waiting 30 minutes works, but overnight is magical for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Prepare Air Fryer

Arrange chicken wings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.

No overcrowding allowed – each wing needs its personal space.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Set air fryer to 390°F.

Cook wings for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

You want gorgeous caramelized edges and fully cooked meat.

Step 5: Toast Nutty Topping

While wings sizzle, quickly toast peanuts in a hot pan or oven.

Roast for about 5 minutes until they turn a light golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle toasted peanuts, finely chopped chilies, and sliced spring onions over the wings.

Enjoy your crispy, sticky, flavor-packed creation!

Tips For Sticky And Flavorful Wings

• Allow wings to soak in the flavorful marinade overnight for maximum taste absorption and tender meat.
• Pat chicken wings dry before air frying to ensure crispy, caramelized exterior and prevent soggy texture.
• Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket to promote even cooking and perfect crispiness.
• Reduce or increase chili quantity based on personal heat tolerance without compromising the overall flavor profile.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption and perfectly cooked wings.

Different Spins On Lemongrass Chili Wings

• Low-Sodium Soy Alternative: Replace regular soy sauce with coconut aminos for a healthier, reduced-sodium version that maintains similar umami flavors.
• Vegetarian Wing Option: Swap chicken wings with cauliflower florets or plant-based chicken alternatives, keeping the same marinade and cooking method for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Reduce or increase chili quantities to customize heat intensity, using milder jalapeños or spicier habaneros based on personal preference.

Serving Lemongrass Chili Wings Creatively

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange wings on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of extra sauce, creating an eye-catching centerpiece for game nights or casual gatherings.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro or Thai basil over the wings for a vibrant burst of fresh flavor that complements the sticky, spicy marinade.
• Cool Companion Sides: Serve with a zesty cucumber salad or quick-pickled vegetables to balance the heat and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, caramelized chicken wings.
• Asian-Inspired Appetizer Spread: Pair with steamed rice, quick Asian slaw, and cold Thai beer for a complete and satisfying meal that showcases the wing's bold flavors.

How To Store Chicken Wings Properly

• Seal cooled chicken wings in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delicious flavor.
• Wrap wings individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months to preserve their texture and taste.
• Preheat oven to 375°F, arrange wings on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Reheat wings in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking basket midway to ensure even heating and crispy exterior.

FAQs

• Why marinate the chicken wings?

Marinating helps the chicken absorb the flavors of lemongrass, chili, and other seasonings, making the wings more delicious and tender.

• Can I use dried lemongrass instead of fresh?

Fresh lemongrass provides the best flavor, but if unavailable, you can use dried lemongrass. Just use less quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.

• How do I know the chicken wings are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is safe to eat and fully cooked.

• What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can bake the wings in a preheated oven at 425°F for 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Sticky Lemongrass Chili Air-Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling sticky lemongrass chili air-fryer chicken wings bring Southeast Asian flavors dancing across your plate with irresistible zest. Crispy exterior and tender meat promise a mouthwatering experience that will delight your taste buds and transport you to a spicy culinary adventure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken wings

Marinade Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
• 1 red chili
• 1 stalk lemongrass, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt to taste

Garnish and Serving:

• 1 cup (150 grams) peanuts, roughly chopped
• 1 red chili, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) spring onions, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by blending oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, chili, and lemongrass in a food processor until completely smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt to enhance flavor profile.
2. Transfer chicken wings to a spacious mixing bowl and thoroughly coat with the prepared marinade. Refrigerate, allowing flavors to penetrate for a minimum of 30 minutes, though overnight marination will yield optimal results.
3. Arrange marinated wings in a single, uncrowded layer within the air fryer basket, ensuring each piece has adequate space for crispy circulation.
4. Configure air fryer to 390°F and cook wings for 18-22 minutes. Midway through cooking, carefully flip wings to guarantee even caramelization and thorough cooking.
5. During wing preparation, activate a dry skillet or oven to toast peanuts. Roast for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until they develop a golden, fragrant exterior.
6. Plate cooked wings and generously garnish with toasted peanuts, finely sliced fresh chilies, and thinly chopped spring onions for a burst of texture and color.

Notes

• Marinate overnight for maximum flavor penetration, allowing the chicken wings to absorb the rich lemongrass and chili marinade completely.
• Pat wings dry before air frying to ensure crispy, caramelized exterior and prevent steaming inside the air fryer basket.
• Adjust chili quantity based on heat preference, using milder peppers for sensitive palates or adding extra for spice lovers.
• Toast peanuts carefully to prevent burning, watching closely and shaking pan frequently for even golden color and nutty flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg