If there’s one dish that’s consistently a hit in our household, it’s my air-fried lemongrass chicken wings. Over the years, I’ve tried countless ways to prepare chicken wings, but this recipe takes the crown. The fragrant lemongrass paired with the savoury, smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy marinade makes these wings utterly irresistible. Every time I make them, I have to prepare two big batches because they disappear faster than I cook them.
The air-fryer gives these wings a gorgeous caramelised colour while keeping them juicy and full of flavour. They might not win the award for the healthiest dish, but trust me, they’ll win over even pickiest eaters. Pair them with baked potato chips, a crisp salad, and a dollop of sweet chilli sauce, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Why lemongrass?
Lemongrass is the star ingredient here, bringing a fragrant, citrusy aroma that becomes even more pronounced during air-frying. Combined with the rest of the marinade, it elevates the dish to something truly special. The end result? Wings that are beautifully golden and full of flavour, with just the right balance of sweetness, savouriness, and heat.
Ingredients you’ll need
To make enough for six hungry people, I always start with 2 kilos of chicken wings. Trust me, you’ll want to have extras because these wings have a way of vanishing quickly.
For the marinade, you’ll need:
- Lemongrass: Chop it on an angle into thin, slightly long strips.
- Dark brown sugar: Adds depth and caramelisation.
- Dark soy sauce: For a rich umami flavour.
- Fish sauce: A touch of saltiness that complements the lemongrass.
- Paprika powder: Adds a smoky kick.
- Garlic powder: For that warm, savoury undertone.
Preparing the marinade
Start by prepping all your marinade ingredients. Once ready, toss everything into a large bowl with your chicken wings.
Using a food-grade gloves (trust me, it’s the easiest way), dive in with your hands to mix everything thoroughly. Ensure each wing is evenly coated with the marinade-it’s worth the effort.
Let the wings soak in all that deliciousness for at least 2 hours. If you’ve got time, marinate them longer, even overnight, for a more intense flavour.
Air-frying the wings to perfection
When you are ready to cook, arrange the marinated wings in a single layer in the air-fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this ensures even cooking. Air fry the wings at 200°C.
Cook the wings for 10 minutes on one side. They should develop a beautiful golden hue by this point.
Flip the wings over and cook for another 5-6 minutes, just enough to crisp up the second side.
By the end, the kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of lemongrass, and the wings will have that perfect golden-brown finish. My younger son always appear at this stage, ready to “taste-test” a wing or two.
Serving suggestions
Once cooked, transfer the wings to a serving plate. I like to pair them with baked potato chips and a fresh, crunchy salad for a more balanced meal. A side of sweet chilli sauce is non-negotiable in our household – it’s the perfect dipping partner for these wings.
Why you’ll love these wings
Not only are these wings delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. The air-fryer does most of the work, giving you perfectly cooked wings with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just treating your family, these air-fried lemongrass chicken wings will quickly become a favourite in your family.
So, the next time you’re wondering “What’s for dinner?”, give this recipe a go. Just be prepared to make a double batch – they’ll go faster than you think!
Looking for more air-frying inspiration? Explore my collection of delicious air-fryer recipes here.
Air-fried Lemongrass Chicken Wings: A Family Favourite
Description
Juicy and fragrant, these air-fried lemongrass chicken wings are marinated to perfection with a blend of lemongrass, soy sauce, and spices. Cooked to a golden caramelised finish, they're savoury, slightly sweet, and smoky, making them a hit for both kids and adults. Pair with baked potato chips, salad and sweet chilli sauce for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Air-fried Lemongrass Chicken Wings
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken wings and toss in lemongrass, dark brown sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, paprika and garlic powder.
- Use food-grade gloves, mix thoroughly to ensure the wings are evenly coated.
- Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavour.
-
Cook the Wings
- Arrange the marinated wings in a single layer in the air-fryer basket.
- Cook for 10 minutes at 200°C on one side, then flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked.
-
Serve
- Transfer the wings to a serving plate. Pair with baked potato chips, a fresh salad, and sweet chilli sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 677.42kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 42.81g66%
- Saturated Fat 11.82g60%
- Trans Fat 0.2g
- Cholesterol 370mg124%
- Sodium 1104.07mg47%
- Potassium 755.64mg22%
- Total Carbohydrate 9.2g4%
- Dietary Fiber 0.31g2%
- Sugars 6.07g
- Protein 59.7g120%
- Vitamin A 39.55 IU
- Vitamin C 0.2 mg
- Calcium 52.51 mg
- Iron 2.43 mg
- Vitamin D 0.33 IU
- Vitamin E 2.25 IU
- Vitamin K 0.31 mcg
- Thiamin 0.19 mg
- Riboflavin 0.37 mg
- Niacin 19.43 mg
- Vitamin B6 1.82 mg
- Folate 32.09 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.84 mcg
- Phosphorus 440.37 mg
- Magnesium 72.49 mg
- Zinc 4.33 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Marinating time: while 2 hours works well, marinating overnight takes the flavour to the next level.
- Air-fryer capacity: depending on the size of your air-fryer, you might need to cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Sweet chilli sauce: while it's our family favourite, you can switch it up with garlic mayo or a spicy siracha dip for a different flavour profile.
- Storage: leftovers (if any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air-fryer for a few minutes to regain the crisp texture.
User Reviews
This dish is great.
This is the best meal I have ever had. Whoever you are… Thankyou. I do t usually leave reviews but your grit and determination is inspiring. Who else is writing the vitamins and calories in their dishes. I love you on a human level!!! ❤️❤️❤️ Just became your biggest fan!
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am very pleased you liked the recipe 🙂