Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken wings into a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Vietnam! These Air Fryer Lemongrass Chicken Wings are not just a meal, they're a culinary adventure that combines the perfect balance of crispy texture and aromatic lemongrass magic. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a weekend warrior in the kitchen, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress everyone at the table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken wings
- Lemongrass, minced
- Garlic, minced
- Fish sauce
- Sugar
- Black pepper
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken wings. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture, ensuring they become crispy in the air fryer.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced lemongrass, minced garlic, fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and vegetable oil. Use a whisk or a fork to mix the ingredients thoroughly until the sugar is dissolved and the marinade is well combined.
- Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the wings in the marinade until they are evenly coated. For best results, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for up to 2 hours will enhance the flavor even further.
- While the wings are marinating, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
- After marinating, remove the chicken wings from the refrigerator. Shake off any excess marinade and arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent proper air circulation and crisping.
- Cook the chicken wings in the air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, around the 12-minute mark, pause the air fryer and flip the wings to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.
- Once the cooking time is complete, check the wings for doneness. They should be golden brown and crispy. If you prefer them extra crispy, you can cook them for an additional 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- After cooking, carefully remove the wings from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy wings.
- Serve the lemongrass chicken wings hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. They pair wonderfully with a dipping sauce or a side of fresh vegetables.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. The longer the chicken wings sit in the lemongrass marinade (up to 2 hours), the more deeply the flavors will penetrate the meat.
- Moisture Matters: Always pat your chicken wings dry before marinating. This ensures a crispier exterior when air frying.
- Don't Overcrowd: Give your wings breathing room in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and can result in soggy wings.
- Flip for Evenness: Halfway through cooking, flip the wings to ensure uniform browning and crispy texture on all sides.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the wings rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
- Garnish and Serve: Fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil can add an extra layer of freshness to your wings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
