Crispy Lemongrass Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken drumsticks are packed with flavor, thanks to a vibrant marinade of lemongrass, garlic, and seasonings. Cooking them in the air fryer gives you irresistibly crispy skin with a fraction of the oil and effort required for deep frying. It’s a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture, and it’s ready in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken drumsticks
• Fresh lemongrass stalks (white part finely minced or pounded)
• Garlic (minced)
• Fish sauce
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Ground black pepper
• Oil (vegetable or sesame, for crispiness)
• Lime wedges and fresh herbs for serving (optional)

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and a small amount of oil. Mix well to form the marinade.
2. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and coat thoroughly. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
4. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one.
5. Air fry for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lime wedges and herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 40–45 minutes (not including marinating)

Variations

• Extra Heat: Add chili flakes or a spoonful of sambal oelek to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• No Fish Sauce: Substitute with extra soy sauce and a splash of lime juice.
• Boneless Option: Use boneless skin-on chicken thighs and reduce the cook time to 15–18 minutes.
• Grilled Version: Grill the marinated drumsticks over medium heat, turning occasionally until cooked through.
• Sweet Glaze: Brush with a honey-lime glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a sweet-savory finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, return to the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes until warmed and crispy.
You can also reheat in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Freezing is possible for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What does lemongrass taste like?

Lemongrass has a bright, citrusy flavor with a slightly floral aroma, similar to lemon zest but more herbaceous.

Can I use dried lemongrass instead of fresh?

Fresh lemongrass is best for flavor and texture, but dried can work in a pinch. Soak it in hot water and finely chop before using.

Do I need to remove the skin from the drumsticks?

No, keeping the skin helps achieve that delicious crispy texture in the air fryer.

Can I marinate the chicken too long?

Up to 24 hours is ideal. Over-marinating may affect the texture slightly but won’t harm the flavor.

Why is my chicken not crispy?

Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and pat the chicken dry before cooking if needed. A light brush of oil helps crisp the skin.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes, thighs or wings work well. Adjust cooking times based on size and cut.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s flavorful but not spicy. You can easily add spice if desired.

Can I cook this in the oven instead?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and fully cooked.

How do I know the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the drumstick has reached 165°F (74°C).

What can I serve with lemongrass chicken?

It pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, pickled veggies, or a simple slaw.

Conclusion

Crispy lemongrass chicken drumsticks in the air fryer are a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With minimal ingredients and no frying mess, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality results with a refreshing Southeast Asian twist. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy the perfect balance of crispiness, juiciness, and bold flavor.

Crispy Lemongrass Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

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Crispy lemongrass chicken drumsticks made in the air fryer are golden, juicy, and bursting with bold Southeast Asian flavors. Infused with lemongrass, garlic, and savory seasonings, this healthier twist on fried chicken delivers crispy skin and tender meat in under an hour.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: Southeast Asian
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 2 stalks fresh lemongrass (white part only, finely minced or pounded)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable or sesame oil
• Lime wedges and fresh herbs (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and oil. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. Add the chicken drumsticks and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
4. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
5. Air fry for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lime wedges and herbs if desired.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, pat drumsticks dry before marinating and brush lightly with oil before cooking.
• Add chili flakes or sambal oelek for a spicy variation.
• Substitute fish sauce with more soy sauce and lime juice if needed.
• Drumsticks can be swapped for thighs or wings; adjust cook time accordingly.
• To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F for 5–8 minutes until hot and crispy.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 135mg