Air Fryer Lemongrass Chicken

Lemongrass Chicken is a flavorful dish packed with aromatic ingredients like garlic, lemongrass, and shallots, enhanced by a savory marinade featuring soy sauce, oyster sauce, and five-spice powder. Cooking the chicken in an air fryer makes this dish not only healthier but also faster, while still delivering that delicious, slightly charred flavor that traditionally grilled chicken is known for. The addition of a sweet and savory glaze of honey and oyster sauce provides a perfect finishing touch.

This dish is perfect for a quick dinner, taking just about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It pairs wonderfully with rice, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile meal for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
  • Chicken thighs or breasts: 4 pieces, deboned if necessary
For the Marinade:
  • Garlic: 1 tablespoon, minced
  • Shallot: 1 tablespoon, minced
  • Lemongrass: 1 tablespoon, minced
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Pepper: 1 teaspoon
  • Five-spice powder: ½ teaspoon
  • Sugar: 2 tablespoons
  • Light soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
  • Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
  • Cooking wine: 1 tablespoon
  • Corn syrup or honey: 1 tablespoon
  • Cooking oil: 1 tablespoon
For the Glaze:
  • Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
  • Honey: 1 tablespoon
  • Oil: 1 tablespoon

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Debone the Chicken (if necessary)
  1. Debone the chicken: If your chicken thighs or breasts still have bones in them, carefully remove the bones using a sharp knife. This step helps the chicken cook evenly in the air fryer and makes it easier to serve and eat.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
  1. Mix the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of minced shallot, 1 tablespoon of minced lemongrass, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of five-spice powder. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of cooking wine, 1 tablespoon of corn syrup (or honey), and 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Stir well to form a uniform marinade.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the bowl, making sure to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade. Let the chicken sit and marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have extra time, marinating for up to 1 hour will give the chicken even more flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer
  1. Preheat the air fryer: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the chicken: Once the air fryer is heated, place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure it cooks evenly and gets a nice char on both sides.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
  1. Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of oil. Stir until the ingredients are fully mixed.
Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
  1. Apply the glaze: After the chicken has cooked for 18-20 minutes, open the air fryer and brush the glaze generously over the chicken pieces.
  2. Caramelize the glaze: Return the glazed chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step allows the glaze to caramelize, creating a sticky, flavorful coating on the chicken.
Step 6: Serve the Chicken
  1. Serve hot: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the glaze has caramelized, remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately. This lemongrass chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, salad, roasted vegetables, or even inside a sandwich or wrap.

Cooking Tips

  • Deboning chicken: If you are not comfortable deboning chicken thighs or breasts, you can ask your butcher to do it for you, or you can use boneless chicken straight away. Alternatively, bone-in chicken thighs can be used; just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
  • Marinating for longer: For the best flavor, try marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour, or even overnight in the refrigerator. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.
  • Lemongrass tip: If you find fresh lemongrass too fibrous, you can use lemongrass paste, which is often available in grocery stores. It offers the same flavor without the stringiness.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure each piece is cooked evenly. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can result in uneven cooking.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)

  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 920 mg
  • Potassium: 380 mg
  • Iron: 2 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can I make this dish in the oven instead of an air fryer?
    • Yes, you can cook this dish in an oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the marinated chicken on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Broil for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a charred finish.
  2. What side dishes pair well with lemongrass chicken?
    • This lemongrass chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with noodles or inside a wrap for a more casual meal.
  3. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
    • Yes, chicken breasts work well for this recipe. However, be mindful of cooking time, as chicken breasts can dry out faster than thighs. Check for doneness at around 16-18 minutes.
  4. Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
    • Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This can be a time-saver for busy nights.
  5. Can I use other types of protein for this recipe?
    • This marinade works well with other proteins like pork, tofu, or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on the type of protein you’re using.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Lemongrass Chicken is a fantastic blend of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors, making it an impressive yet simple dish to prepare. The air fryer allows for a healthier cooking method without compromising on the traditional charred texture and deep flavors that make this dish so special. The glaze provides a perfect finishing touch, adding a sticky sweetness that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.

Whether you’re making this dish for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, the balance of flavors and ease of preparation will make it a favorite in your household. With just a handful of ingredients and a short marination time, this dish offers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy this delicious lemongrass chicken with your favorite side dishes and savor the richness of its flavors!