Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a delicious combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. The crispy wings are coated in a fragrant marinade made with fresh lemongrass, red chili, garlic, and ginger, giving them a unique and addictive taste. Perfect for game day or as a flavorful snack, these wings are served with roasted peanuts for an added crunch.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2 lb) chicken wings

• 1 tbsp oil

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 3 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tbsp lemon juice or lime juice

• 2 garlic cloves

• 2 tsp fresh grated ginger

• 1 red chili (use Thai chili or any red pepper)

• 1 stalk lemongrass, roughly chopped

• Salt to taste

To Serve:

• 1 cup peanuts, roughly chopped

• 1 red chili, finely chopped (optional)

• ½ cup spring onion/green onion, finely chopped

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade: Combine oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, chili, and lemongrass in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and season with salt to taste.

2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Cover and let the wings marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.

3. Cook the Wings: Preheat the air fryer to 200°C/390°F. Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the wings are caramelized and cooked through.

4. Prepare the Toppings: While the wings are cooking, toast the peanuts in a hot pan for about 5 minutes until lightly golden.

5. Serve: Once the wings are cooked, top them with roasted peanuts, finely chopped chilies, and spring onions.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 262 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 9g

• Protein: 18g

• Fat: 17g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 69mg

• Sodium: 573mg

• Potassium: 264mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 7g

• Vitamin A: 358 IU

• Vitamin C: 24mg

The Appeal of Air Frying

Air frying has become a popular cooking method, particularly for dishes like chicken wings. This technique allows food to crisp up without the need for excessive amounts of oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying while still delivering that satisfying crunch. In the case of Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Chicken Wings, the air fryer helps create a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. This cooking method makes these wings both delicious and slightly lighter, without sacrificing the texture or flavor that makes chicken wings so addictive.

The Flavorful Marinade

The key to the distinctive flavor of these Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Chicken Wings lies in the marinade. Fresh lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and red chili are blended together with soy sauce, brown sugar, and lemon or lime juice to create a vibrant, aromatic coating for the chicken. Lemongrass brings a fragrant citrusy note, while garlic and ginger add depth and warmth to the flavor profile. The red chili provides the perfect amount of heat, which is balanced out by the sweetness from the brown sugar. The acidity from the lemon or lime juice rounds out the marinade, creating a well-balanced mixture that gives the wings their addictive taste.

Marinating the Chicken Wings

The marination process is essential to infusing the wings with the full depth of flavor. The wings should marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for optimal flavor, marinating them overnight in the fridge is recommended. This allows the marinade to penetrate the chicken, ensuring that every bite is packed with savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. Marinating the wings also helps tenderize the chicken, making them juicy and flavorful once cooked.

The Air Fryer Cooking Process

Once the wings are marinated, they are placed in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. The air fryer should be preheated to 200°C (390°F), and the wings need to be cooked for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. The result is a beautifully caramelized exterior that is slightly sticky, while the inside remains tender and juicy. The air fryer not only ensures a crispier texture but also helps the marinade form a flavorful glaze around the wings, giving them that irresistible sticky finish.

The Toppings: Roasted Peanuts and Fresh Garnishes

The final touch that makes these wings truly special is the addition of toppings. Roasted peanuts are lightly toasted in a pan and then sprinkled over the wings, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts perfectly with the juicy chicken. For added spice and freshness, finely chopped red chili and spring onions (green onions) are added to the wings. The chili enhances the heat, while the spring onions provide a refreshing, slightly sharp contrast that balances the richness of the wings.

These toppings not only add texture but also contribute a burst of color to the dish, making it even more appetizing. Whether you like a bit of extra heat from the chili or a more mellow flavor with the spring onions, these toppings allow you to customize the wings to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings are perfect as a standalone dish or served with sides. They pair wonderfully with potato wedges, a tangy slaw, or even a simple green salad. If you’re looking to elevate the dish further, you could serve it alongside dipping sauces like a sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, or even a simple lime wedge for added zest. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual weeknight meal or serving them at a party, these wings will undoubtedly be the star of the show.

Nutritional Benefits

These wings are not only flavorful but also provide a balanced nutritional profile. Each serving contains 262 calories, making it a relatively light option for a snack or appetizer. With 18 grams of protein per serving, the chicken wings are a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. The fat content (17 grams) primarily comes from the oil used in the marinade and the peanuts, offering a good mix of healthy fats.

The wings also provide a decent amount of potassium (264mg) and vitamin A (358 IU), both of which are important for maintaining healthy bodily functions. With 9 grams of carbohydrates, these wings are not high in carbs, making them suitable for a variety of diets, including low-carb and keto-friendly options. The 7 grams of sugar come from the brown sugar in the marinade, which adds the necessary sweetness to balance the heat from the chili.

The addition of peanuts provides a boost of healthy fats, while the spring onions add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish, further enhancing the nutritional value.

Customization Options

One of the most appealing aspects of Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings is their versatility. You can easily adjust the level of heat by using more or less chili or substituting the red chili with a milder pepper, such as a jalapeño or bell pepper, for a gentler flavor. If you prefer a less sweet marinade, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or swap it for a sugar substitute.

For those with dietary restrictions, you can make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. If you want a richer flavor, try adding a touch of fish sauce to the marinade for an added umami kick. You can also experiment with different herbs or spices in the marinade, such as cilantro, basil, or even a dash of cinnamon, to create your own unique twist on this already delicious dish.

Conclusion

Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that are sure to impress your taste buds. The crispy texture, tender chicken, and fragrant marinade make these wings a standout dish, whether served as an appetizer, a snack, or a main course. The air fryer ensures that the wings cook to perfection without excess oil, making them a lighter, healthier option compared to traditional deep-fried wings. With the added crunch of roasted peanuts and fresh garnishes, these wings are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a casual meal, or just craving a flavorful snack, these Sticky Lemongrass Chilli Air Fryer Chicken Wings will be a hit every time.