If you’re looking for a flavorful twist on your usual wings, these Lemongrass Chicken Wings are a must-try! Packed with bold, fragrant flavors and cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer, this easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or game day.
The combination of fragrant lemongrass, savory fish sauce, and a tangy Vietnamese dipping sauce makes these wings absolutely irresistible.
What are Lemongrass Chicken Wings?
Lemongrass chicken wings are a popular Vietnamese-inspired dish featuring chicken wings marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and lime juice. The marinade creates wings that are savory, tangy, and packed with umami flavor.
Cooking them in the air fryer makes them extra crispy while keeping them tender and juicy inside. This lemongrass chicken wings recipe pairs perfectly with nuoc cham, a classic Vietnamese dipping sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and a little spicy.
Why You’ll Love This Lemongrass Chicken Wings Recipe
- Big, bold flavors: The lemongrass marinade infuses the chicken with zesty, savory goodness, while the dipping sauce adds a perfect tangy kick.
- Crispy and juicy: The air fryer creates beautifully crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and moist.
- Quick and easy: With just 30 minutes of marinating and less than 15 minutes of cooking time, these chicken wings come together fast.
- Authentic yet simple: Delivers the taste of traditional Vietnamese lemongrass chicken wings with minimal effort.
If you like this recipe, try my Air Fryer Soy Rosemary Chicken Wings or Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken!
Ingredients
For the Lemongrass Chicken Wings:
- Chicken wings: Perfect for soaking up all the flavorful marinade.
- Lemongrass: Adds a bright, citrusy aroma that’s key to the dish.
- Garlic: Enhances the savory depth of the marinade.
- Fish sauce: Brings rich umami flavor to both the marinade and dipping sauce.
- Soy sauce: Adds a salty, savory balance to the marinade.
- Dark soy sauce: Deepens the color and flavor of the chicken.
- Sugar: Balances the salty and tangy flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- Lime juice: Adds brightness and enhances the marinade’s flavor.
- Salt: Helps season the wings for a well-rounded taste.
- Neutral oil: Ensures the wings crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Chopped scallions: A fresh garnish that adds color and flavor.
For the Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham):
- Fish sauce: Provides the essential savory base.
- Water: Helps balance the flavors.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to mellow the strong flavors.
- Lime juice: Brings tanginess for a well-balanced sauce.
- Rice wine vinegar: Adds a gentle acidity to enhance the dipping sauce.
- Thai chili: Provides a touch of heat; adjust to your spice preference.
- Garlic: Infuses the dipping sauce with extra flavor.
How to Make Lemongrass Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings, minced lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, lime juice, salt, and neutral oil.
Mix well to ensure every piece is coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
Cook the Chicken Wings
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd (cook in batches if needed). Air fry for 13-15 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through for even cooking.
Prepare the Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, water, sugar, lime juice, rice wine vinegar, minced garlic, and sliced Thai chili.
Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
Serve and Enjoy
Garnish the wings with chopped scallions and extra chili slices if you like some heat. Serve hot with the prepared nuoc cham dipping sauce on the side.
Storage
These lemongrass chicken wings are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Tips
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor: Letting the lemongrass chicken wings marinate overnight enhances the lemongrass and garlic flavors even more.
- Don’t skip flipping: Flipping the wings halfway through ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture.
- Adjust the spice level: For a milder dipping sauce, reduce or omit the Thai chili.
Lemongrass Chicken Wings (Cooked in the Air Fryer)
Equipment
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken wings
- 3 tablespoon lemongrass minced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- Chopped Scallion garnish
Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham)
- ¼ cup fish sauce
- ⅓ cup water
- 3 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 small thai chili seed removed
- 1 clove garlic
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chicken wings, lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, lime juice, salt, and oil. Mix well ensuring every piece is coated. Cover and marinate for 30 mins, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer at 400F for a few mins. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding (cook in batches as needed). Air fry for 13-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Garnish with fresh scallions and sliced chilis. Serve with dipping sauce (nuoc cham).
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