Crispy Lemongrass Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

Name: Crispy Lemongrass Air Fryer Drumsticks
Prep time: PT-970039H56M56S
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 chicken drumsticks; 1 finely minced shallot; 3 minced garlic cloves; 3 tbsp finely minced lemongrass (1 stalk); 3 tbsp grapeseed oil; 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp fish sauce; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp black pepper

This is one of my favorite air fryer recipes. These Lemongrass Air Fryer Drumsticks are juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor. It is a delicious recipe that uses simple ingredients. These air fryer chicken legs are butterflied to make it easier to eat and better for the marinade to stick, which means extra flavor and less marinating time.

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This air fryer chicken drumstick recipe is from my bestie Amy and her mom. They make the best Vietnamese food. I am honored to share her family recipe.

If you are looking for a quick weeknight meal, you must give this delicious air fryer chicken legs recipe a try. Grilled Lemongrass Chicken is my favorite item to order in Vietnamese restaurants. I love it more now that I can make it in my own home whenever I want. My Nuoc Cham Dipping sauce comes hand in hand with this classic dish.

Reasons you will love this recipe

Cooking crispy chicken drumsticks in the air fryer is foolproof. It always comes out juicy on the inside and crispy chicken skin on the outside.
You can marinate these air fryer chicken legs for 30 minutes or cook them immediately. Because it is butterflied, the marinade gets right into the chicken drumsticks.
This easy recipe is great for meal prep. Double the batch and freeze the rest until you are ready to cook it. You can have an easy meal any day of the week.
Kid-approved. This recipe is loved by my whole family. They call this "chicken lollipop."

Ingredients

CHICKEN - You can use different chicken parts. I have used thighs, wings, and drumsticks. I prefer dark meat in the air fryer, but I am sure air fryer chicken breast would work as well.

SHALLOT AND GARLIC - Aromatics are a crucial part of this recipe. If you don't have a shallot, yellow onion is fine too. Garlic powder and onion powder could work, but it is not recommended. Fresh is always best.

SUGAR - I tried substituting other sugars, but the flavors are different. Coconut or Brown sugar might work. I haven't tried it yet. Substitute at your own risk. White granulated sugar is by far the most authentic flavor.

SOY SAUCE - Both regular, low-sodium, and Tamari work.

GRAPESEED OIL - I used grapeseed oil for this recipe, but any neutral oil such as canola, vegetable, avocado oil, or peanut oil should work. Do not use olive oil.

FISH SAUCE - I have tried the Red Boat brand and the 3 Crabs brand. Both work great. Red Boat is significantly more expensive, and for a marinade, I will use the cheaper alternative.

If you have a seafood allergy, use VEGAN fish sauce.

LEMONGRASS - Fresh lemongrass stalks have the best flavor. However, lemongrass can still be very difficult to find in most grocery stores.

Where to find lemongrass

It will always be available in any Asian market.
You can find frozen minced lemongrass in most Asian grocery stores.
Double the recipe and freeze it for later use. You can have this fantastic recipe all year round.

The lemongrass needs to be finely chopped, almost like powder.
Lemongrass can be fibrous, so it needs to be broken down.

How to prep your lemongrass

Remove the outer layers until you see a soft white part of the stalk.
Wash and cut into smaller pieces.
You will only use the white part.
Use a food processor or a mini chopper to pulverize it.
If you don't have a mini chopper or food processor, use a sharp knife.

Cooking equipment

Knife
Cutting board
Mini chopper (optional)
Container with lid
Small bowl

You can cook this 3 different ways. My preference is my air fryer.

BBQ
Grill Pan
Air Fryer - I used my Instant Pot Vortex Pro

How to make this crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks

MARINADE: Using a mini chopper, pulverize the white part of the lemongrass. Use a knife and a cutting board if you don't have a mini chopper.
Add the shallot and garlic. Pulse until fine.
Add the lemongrass, garlic, shallot, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and oil in a bowl. Mix well.
CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS: Butterfly the chicken legs. Gently make one vertical cut down the leg, in the center, touching the bone. This cut will help open up the chicken leg.
Make a couple more cuts if needed. The chicken leg should be flat.
In a large bowl, combine the marinade with the chicken drumsticks and massage the marinade well.
Marinade for 30 minutes.
AIR FRY: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees.
Line your air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper for easy clean up.
Arrange the chicken drumstick skin side down in a single layer. Spoon the rest of the marinade on top of the chicken.
Air fry the chicken at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Flipping halfway for crispy drumsticks.
Serve with nuoc cham dipping sauce and rice.

This versatile marinade can be used for other types of protein.

Pork Chops
Chicken Thighs
Chicken Breasts
Chicken Wings
Tofu

I have tried them all. All were super tasty.

Different Cooking Methods

GRILL PAN or BARBECUE

Make sure your marinated air fryer chicken legs are at room temperature.
In medium-high heat, sear your meat until you get those grill marks. Lower heat to medium heat, so it doesn't burn. Low and slow is the name of the game. 10-15 minutes on each side. The internal temperature should be at 165 degrees.

AIR FRYER

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees f.
Cook your chicken for 20 minutes on each side. Flipping once or twice until you get your desired consistency.
The internal temperature should be at 165 degrees. Just like ovens and BBQs, air fryers vary. My cooking time will not be the same. Watch that your chicken doesn’t burn.

What to serve with your Lemongrass Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Personally, my kids and I love this with plain white rice and my Sesame Cucumber Salad and Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce.
We like the squirt of lime juice on the finished product. It brightens up all the flavors.

Traditional Options:

Vermicelli Noodle with Nuoc Cham Sauce
White Jasmine rice

Lemongrass Chicken Drumsticks - FAQs

How long do drumsticks take in the air fryer?

Cook times depend on the preparation of the drumsticks and your air fryer. This recipe is butterflied, which makes it quicker to cook. Air fried at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees or more. Use an instant meat thermometer.

How do you know when drumsticks are done in the air fryer?

The skin should be crispy, and the internal temperature should be 165 degrees or more. Use an instant meat thermometer. Add 2 minutes more if you want your chicken to be more crispy.