Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings are my go-to for those nights when I’m craving big, bold flavor but want an easy, hands-off prep. These wings are juicy with a touch of crunch, gloriously coated in a tangy-sweet lemongrass and chilli glaze, and finished with a sprinkle of roasted peanuts for irresistible texture. If you love wings that explode with Southeast Asian flair, this recipe is a must-try!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about these Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings is how each ingredient pulls its weight—fresh, bold flavors come together with pantry staples for wing perfection. Here’s how each plays its part.

• Chicken Wings (1 kg/2 lbs): The star of the show! Use fresh or thawed wings for the juiciest, crispiest results.
• Oil (1 tbsp): Helps the marinade cling and ensures a golden finish in the air fryer.
• Soy Sauce (3 tbsp): Brings that deep umami base and richness that creates addictive savoriness.
• Brown Sugar (3 tbsp): Adds caramel sweetness and helps create the sticky, glossy glaze.
• Lemon Juice or Lime Juice (2 tbsp): Adds a zesty citrus bite that balances the sweetness and freshens things up.
• Garlic (2 cloves): Essential for depth and aroma—don’t skip it!
• Fresh Ginger, grated (2 tsp): Gives the wings a subtle spicy warmth and beautiful aroma.
• Red Chilli (1): Provides the perfect level of heat—adjust up or down based on your tolerance.
• Lemongrass, roughly chopped (1 stalk): Brings an unmistakable, citrusy-fresh Southeast Asian note.
• Salt, to taste: A little seasoning to let all the flavors shine.
• Peanuts, roughly chopped (1 cup): For serving—add crunch with toasted or roasted peanuts.
• Extra Red Chilli, finely chopped (optional): For an extra punch and a pop of color.
• Spring Onion/Green Onion, finely chopped (½ cup): For freshness and a finishing flourish.

Variations

One of the joys of cooking at home is making a dish truly your own. The beauty of Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings is how adaptable they are—whether you’re swapping for dietary needs or using what you have on hand, tweaking the recipe is a breeze.

• Boneless Bites: Try this marinade on boneless chicken thighs or breast pieces for sticky lemongrass chilli “nuggets”.
• Nut-Free Topping: Swap peanuts for crispy fried shallots or sesame seeds if you need a nut-free option but still want crunch.
• Vegetarian Version: Toss air-fried cauliflower florets or tofu cubes in the same marinade for a plant-forward treat.
• Milder or Hotter: Adjust the amount or type of chilli to your spice preference—try milder red peppers or sliced jalapeños for a twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

How to Make Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Step 1: Blend the Marinade

Add the oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon or lime juice, garlic, ginger, red chilli, and roughly chopped lemongrass into your food processor or blender. Blitz until everything is smooth—this way you’ll get the flavors really infused in every bite. Taste and add a little salt if needed. Your kitchen will instantly smell incredible!

Step 2: Marinate the Wings

Place the chicken wings in a large mixing bowl, then pour the vibrant marinade all over. Toss the wings until they’re all thoroughly coated—get in there with your hands for the best coverage. Cover and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (the longer, the better—overnight gives the most flavor punch!).

Step 3: Air Fry to Sticky Perfection

Arrange the marinated chicken wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 200°C/390°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping once halfway, until they’re sizzling, caramelized, and cooked through. The wings should have sticky edges and a glossy glaze. (If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding!)

Step 4: Toast the Peanuts and Assemble

While the wings cook, quickly toast or roast your peanuts in a hot dry pan or oven for about 5 minutes until golden and fragrant. When the wings are ready, pile them onto your serving platter, then scatter with the toasted peanuts, extra finely chopped red chilli, and the spring onions for that final fresh, zesty hit.

How to Serve Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Garnishes

Layer on the toppings for a wings platter that looks as good as it tastes! Scatter toasted peanuts for crunch, finely chopped fresh red chilli for a pop of color and fiery freshness, and a generous sprinkle of sliced spring onions—these bright notes balance the sticky, savory wings beautifully.

Side Dishes

These Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings are the life of any party, but they’re also wonderful alongside steamed jasmine rice, crisp cucumber salad, or a vibrant Vietnamese-style slaw. For game-day or finger food spreads, try pairing with crunchy veggie sticks and a tangy lime dipping sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your platter pop by serving the wings on a banana leaf or lined up on a wooden board, flanked by piles of garnishes and little bowls of extra peanuts and chilli. For cocktail parties, serve the wings “lollipop style” (bone scraped for easy grabbing) or thread each on a bamboo skewer for a fun, hands-on experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings keep beautifully! Let the wings cool totally, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen, and those late-night cravings are sorted.

Freezing

These wings freeze surprisingly well. Place cooled wings (without garnishes) in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to one month. To maintain the best texture, freeze in a single layer and separate with parchment if needed—just defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For that just-cooked goodness, reheat the wings in your air fryer at 180°C/350°F for 4–5 minutes until piping hot and edges are crisp again. A quick stint in the oven works too. Add fresh garnishes after reheating to revive their crunch and zing.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

You’ll be amazed how vibrant, sticky, and satisfying these Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings turn out—with hardly any effort and just a handful of fresh ingredients. Gather your friends, set out plenty of napkins, and dive in—this is one flavor party you don’t want to miss!

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