If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes, you simply must try this Sticky Lemongrass Chili Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe. These wings are irresistibly sticky thanks to a luscious glaze made from lemongrass, fresh chili, and a hint of brown sugar, all crisped to perfection in the air fryer for that coveted crunch without the mess. Every bite sings with the brightness of citrus and the warmth of ginger, making this recipe a new favorite for game days, casual dinners, or anytime you want a snack with a serious flavor punch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sticky Lemongrass Chili Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe comes from simple, fresh ingredients that combine beautifully to create complex flavors. Each element brings something special—whether it’s the zingy freshness of lemongrass, the deep caramel sweetness of brown sugar, or the mild heat from chili—making this dish a total winner.
- 1 kg (2lb) chicken wings: The perfect base that crisps up nicely while soaking in all the flavors.
- 1 tbsp oil: Helps the marinade blend smoothly and keeps the wings moist.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami-rich depth that balances the sweetness.
- 3 tbsp brown sugar: Creates that sticky, caramelized glaze everyone loves.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice / lime juice: Brings a fresh, citrusy brightness to the marinade.
- 2 garlic cloves: Infuses bold aromatic flavors that complement the spice.
- 2 tsp fresh ginger grated: Adds a warm, slightly peppery kick that elevates the dish.
- 1 red chili: Introduces the perfect amount of heat without overpowering.
- 1 stalk lemongrass roughly chopped: The star ingredient that lends a fragrant, citrusy zing.
- Salt to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the marinade.
- 1 cup peanuts roughly chopped: Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast to the sticky wings.
- 1 red chili finely chopped (optional): For an extra spicy kick as a topping.
- ½ cup spring onion/green onion finely chopped: Adds color, freshness, and a mild oniony bite.
How to Make Sticky Lemongrass Chili Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining all your marinade ingredients. Pop the oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, red chili, and lemongrass into a food processor or blender. Blend everything until you get a smooth, fragrant sauce. Don’t forget to season it with salt—this little step will bring all those flavors together beautifully.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Wings
Grab a large bowl and place your chicken wings inside. Pour over the vibrant marinade, making sure every wing is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with cling wrap or a lid, then pop it in the fridge. For best results, let the wings soak up all that flavor for at least 30 minutes, but leaving them overnight is even better if you have the time.
Step 3: Cook the Wings
Once marinated, arrange the chicken wings in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them because you want each wing to get that delightful crisp. Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for about 15 to 20 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure they caramelize evenly and develop a gorgeous golden crust.
Step 4: Prepare Toppings
While the wings cook, toast the chopped peanuts in a dry pan or the oven until they turn golden and fragrant. This step releases their natural oils, giving an ultimate crunchy texture. Have your finely chopped chili and spring onions ready as well to add that final burst of flavor and color.
Step 5: Serve
Once your wings are perfectly cooked and sticky, transfer them to a serving plate. Sprinkle the toasted peanuts, chopped chili, and spring onions over the top. The combination of the crunchy nuts, fresh onions, and spicy chili elevates every bite into a flavor sensation you won’t forget.
How to Serve Sticky Lemongrass Chili Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you add that extra pop of color, texture, and flavor. Freshly chopped spring onions offer a crisp bite and vibrant green splash, while the roasted peanuts add a delightful crunch. For those who enjoy a little more heat, finely diced red chili makes a beautiful, spicy topping that complements the sticky glaze wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These wings are a true star and can shine alongside a variety of sides. Think cooling cucumber salad or a lightly dressed Asian slaw to balance the spice. Rice steamed with a hint of lime or coconut complements the wings beautifully, soaking up those irresistible sticky juices. Even simple garlic noodles would be incredible partners to this dish.
Creative Ways to Present
To turn the Sticky Lemongrass Chili Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe into an appetizer party platter, arrange the wings artfully on a large board or platter lined with banana leaves or fresh lettuce. Serve with small bowls of dipping sauces like sweet chili or peanut sauce on the side. Wrapping wings in lettuce cups for a hand-held treat is also a fun and fresh way to enjoy these flavor bombs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The wings might lose some crispness, but the flavors only get more developed as they sit. Reheating carefully can help bring back some of that original texture and taste.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months. First, let them cool completely, then lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents the wings from sticking together and helps maintain their texture when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the wings back in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes. This revives the crispiness without drying them out. Alternatively, use an oven on a baking sheet to gently warm them through while keeping that sticky finish intact. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. Pat the wings dry to ensure the marinade sticks well and your wings crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
How spicy is this Sticky Lemongrass Chili Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe?
The dish has a lively but balanced heat level. You get warmth from the fresh chili that complements the sweetness and citrus, but it’s not overwhelming. You can always adjust the chili quantity to make it milder or hotter according to your taste.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, baking in a hot oven works well. Spread the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 200°C (390°F) for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway for even caramelization.
What can I substitute for lemongrass if I don’t have it?
Lemongrass is pretty unique, but if you don’t have it, a mix of lemon zest and a little ginger can provide a similar citrusy, fresh element in the marinade, though the fragrance won’t be quite the same.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap if you’re avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Lemongrass Chili Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe is truly a game changer when you want something impressive but uncomplicated. The perfect harmony of sticky sweetness, zesty citrus, and gentle heat makes it irresistibly addictive. Once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for gatherings or even a cozy night in. So why wait? Grab your wings and make some magic happen in your air fryer tonight!
Print
Sticky Lemongrass Chili Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
These Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors with a fragrant hint of lemongrass. Air fried to crispy perfection, these wings are coated in a luscious soy and brown sugar marinade and topped with crunchy roasted peanuts and fresh spring onions for an irresistible appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 1 kg (2 lb) chicken wings
Marinade
- 1 tbsp oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice or lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red chili
- 1 stalk lemongrass, roughly chopped
- Salt to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1 red chili, finely chopped (optional)
- ½ cup spring onion (green onion), finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a food processor or blender, combine oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon or lime juice, garlic cloves, grated fresh ginger, red chili, and lemongrass. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined. Season with salt to taste.
- Marinate the Chicken Wings: Place the chicken wings into a large bowl. Pour the prepared marinade over the wings, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cook the Wings: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Arrange the marinated chicken wings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry the wings for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even caramelization and thorough cooking. The wings should be golden brown and crispy when done.
- Prepare Toppings: While the wings cook, toast or roast the chopped peanuts in a dry pan over medium heat until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Serve: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle the toasted peanuts, finely chopped red chili (if using), and chopped spring onions on top as garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy the combination of sticky, spicy, and crunchy textures.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken wings.
- If you prefer less heat, adjust the amount of chili used or omit the finely chopped chili topping.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Ensure the wings are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket for optimal crispiness.
- Leftover wings can be reheated in the air fryer to maintain their crisp texture.
