Sticky lemongrass chilli air fryer chicken wings

Introduction

There’s something magical about the combination of bold flavors and the crispy, golden crunch of chicken wings. If you’ve been craving a dish that combines heat, tang, and a bit of sweetness, then these Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings are about to become your new favorite recipe. Imagine tender chicken wings, perfectly seasoned with fresh lemongrass, a kick of chili, and a sweet sticky glaze that coats every bite—how can you resist?

I first discovered the magic of lemongrass and chili when I visited a street food market while traveling. The scent of lemongrass combined with the heat of the chili filled the air, and I couldn’t help but be drawn to the sizzling chicken wings being served fresh from the grill. That unforgettable flavor stayed with me, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. The air fryer made it possible to recreate crispy wings with a fraction of the oil, giving them that perfect crunch without all the extra fat.

These Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings are everything you want in a wing: crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and covered in a delicious, sticky glaze that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re preparing them for a weeknight dinner, game day, or a casual weekend gathering, these wings are sure to impress.

And the best part? You can make them without the hassle of deep frying or turning your kitchen into a grease-filled mess. The air fryer keeps things simple and easy, leaving you with more time to enjoy these flavorful wings with your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a chicken wing recipe that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, you’ve found it! Here’s why you’ll absolutely love these Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings:

• Easy to make: With the air fryer, you get that crispy skin without deep frying. Plus, the marinade is simple and quick to put together, leaving you more time to enjoy the flavors.
• Packed with flavor: The lemongrass, chili, and honey come together in a way that’s sweet, spicy, and just a little bit tangy. Each bite is a burst of flavor that will have you reaching for more.
• Family-friendly: The spice level is adjustable, so you can make these wings as mild or as hot as you want. The sweetness of the honey balances the heat of the chili, making them a hit with both kids and adults.
• Air fryer magic: The air fryer ensures the wings cook evenly, giving you crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s the perfect combination of convenience and deliciousness.

The sweet, sticky glaze is the star of this dish. The blend of lemongrass, chili, and honey creates a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. And let’s not forget how easy it is to make these wings in the air fryer—no mess, no fuss, just perfectly crispy and flavorful wings.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 40 minutes (10 minutes prep, 30 minutes cooking)
• Servings: This recipe serves 4, with each serving being about 4 wings.
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories (depending on the size of the wings and the specific ingredients used)

Ingredients

Before we dive into the step-by-step cooking process, here’s what you’ll need to make these Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings:

Chicken Wings:

• 12 chicken wings (or about 1 ½ pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)

Marinade:

• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional for a deeper umami flavor)
• 1 tablespoon honey (you can swap with maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1-2 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
• Zest of 1 lime
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sticky Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili paste or chili flakes (depending on your heat tolerance)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sesame seeds
• Lime wedges

The star of the show here is the lemongrass—it brings a fresh, citrusy flavor that’s like a burst of sunshine. The chili adds the perfect amount of heat, and the honey gives that rich sweetness. Together, they create a marinade and glaze that’s absolutely mouthwatering.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! These Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings are so simple to make, and they come together in no time. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have perfectly crispy, flavorful wings in under 40 minutes.

1. Prep the Chicken Wings:
   • Start by rinsing your chicken wings under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is key to achieving that crispy skin! The drier the wings, the better they’ll crisp up in the air fryer.
   • Place the wings in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated. You can also use a brush to apply the oil if you prefer a lighter coat.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a separate bowl, combine the finely chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, rice vinegar, chopped chili, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir everything together to create the marinade.
   • Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the soy sauce and fish sauce will already bring some saltiness, so taste as you go.
   • Pour the marinade over the chicken wings, making sure each wing is coated well. If you have time, marinate the wings for at least 15 minutes—this allows the flavors to really soak in. But if you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step and still get great results.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is important because it helps the wings cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispy exterior.
4. Air Fry the Chicken Wings:
   • Once your air fryer is preheated, arrange the chicken wings in a single layer in the basket or on the tray. Be sure not to overcrowd the wings—this allows the hot air to circulate around them, ensuring they cook evenly and become crispy.
   • Cook the wings for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Depending on the size of your wings and the model of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
   • You’ll know the wings are done when they are golden brown, crispy, and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Make the Sticky Glaze:
   • While the wings are cooking, prepare the glaze by combining the honey, soy sauce, chili paste (or chili flakes), and lime juice in a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the glaze thickens, about 3-5 minutes. The glaze should be sticky and slightly glossy.
6. Glaze the Wings:
   • Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the sticky glaze over the wings and toss them gently until they are well coated. Be sure to reserve a little glaze for drizzling over the wings when serving.
7. Serve the Wings:
   • Arrange the glazed wings on a serving platter, and if desired, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor and color.

How to Serve

These Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings are perfect for serving as a snack, appetizer, or main dish. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

• Over rice: Serve the wings over a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious glaze.
• With a side salad: A simple cucumber and mint salad would pair wonderfully with the spicy, sticky wings to balance the flavors.
• As part of a party platter: These wings are perfect for sharing! Serve them alongside other finger foods like spring rolls, crispy tofu, or dumplings for an Asian-inspired feast.

Additional Tips

To make sure your Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings turn out perfect, here are some additional tips:

1. Marinate for Flavor: If you have time, marinate the wings for longer (even up to 2 hours). The longer they marinate, the more flavor they’ll absorb.
2. Dry the Wings: Make sure the chicken wings are as dry as possible before air frying. This ensures that they’ll get crispy and won’t turn out soggy.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: If you overcrowd the basket, the wings won’t cook as evenly. It’s better to cook them in batches if necessary.
4. Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the wings have reached 165°F (74°C) internally. This ensures they’re cooked through without being dry.
5. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier wing, add more chili paste or chopped fresh chili to the glaze.

Recipe Variations

These Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings are easily customizable to suit your tastes. Here are some variations to consider:

• Vegetarian Option: You can make this recipe using cauliflower florets instead of chicken wings for a vegetarian alternative. Simply coat the cauliflower in the marinade and cook them in the air fryer until crispy.
• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the chili paste is also gluten-free.
• Vegan Option: Swap the honey with maple syrup or agave to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
• More Heat: If you’re a fan of extra heat, add some sriracha sauce to the glaze or incorporate more fresh chili into the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

To complete your meal, here are a few side dish ideas that pair beautifully with these Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings:

• Rice: Serve the wings over jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the sweet and spicy glaze.
• Salad: A light, crunchy salad with cucumbers, carrots, and cilantro will add freshness and balance the richness of the wings.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with a side of creamy dipping sauce, such as a yogurt-based dip or a spicy peanut sauce, for an extra layer of flavor.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Storage: Store leftover chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the cooked wings on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
• Reheating Tips: The air fryer is the best way to reheat the wings and maintain their crispy texture. Just make sure to reheat them in a single layer for even heating.

Special Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need an air fryer—this is what makes the wings crispy without needing to deep fry them. If you don’t have one, you can bake the wings in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.

A fine mesh strainer is also helpful for draining the lemongrass and any extra liquid from the marinade before coating the wings. This ensures the marinade sticks and gives the wings that amazing crispy texture.

FAQ Section

Here are some common questions about this recipe:

Can I use frozen chicken wings? Yes! You can use frozen wings, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and air frying for the best results.

Can I make these wings without the air fryer? Absolutely! You can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The glaze can still be added once they’re crispy.

How do I make the wings spicier? If you love heat, add more fresh chili to the marinade, or stir in some chili paste or sriracha to the glaze for an extra kick.

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Conclusion

These Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a total game-changer. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sweet, spicy glaze, they’re the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or as a party snack, they’re sure to become a favorite.

I’d love to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Leave a comment below to let me know what you think of the recipe or if you made any fun variations. Enjoy!