Air Fryer Lemongrass Chicken Skewers

Enjoy this Lemongrass Chicken Skewers paired with your favorite side of rice, salad, or noodles. This recipe is easy and delicious because of the use of chicken thighs in a simple marinade of thinly sliced lemongrass stalks, soy sauce, fish oil, garlic, ginger, and the secret ingredient – brown sugar! Use an air fryer for a 15-minute cooking time!

Lemongrass is a very popular tropical herb with a strong citrus flavor and aroma. It’s mostly used in various curry dishes, especially in Southeast Asian cuisine. You can identify this herb easily with its distinct features. It has tall, thin, green stalks with a bulbous base, similar in appearance to green onions. To me, the flavor is very fresh. The citrus notes add a light aromatic quality to proteins which is why I have chosen it to enhance the flavor of these lemongrass chicken skewers.

Why You’ll Love This Lemongrass Chicken Skewers

1. It’s quick and easy: typical for the majority of my recipes, there’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen; these skewers come together in a snap.
2. Highly flavorful: lemongrass imparts a refreshing citrusy note, elevating the taste of simple chicken.
3. Healthier option: roasting these with an air fryer reduces the need for excessive oil, making it a guilt-free indulgence. It’s fine to use the oven too or a grill pan on the stove top, it’s totally up to you.
4. So simple: simple steps and minimal ingredients make this recipe perfect for anyone to make, even if you have never cooked a thing!

Ingredients for Lemongrass Chicken Skewers

• Chicken thighs: I used chicken thighs for their tenderness and juiciness because they take in flavors from the marinade so well and each bite is moist and flavorful.
• Lemongrass stalks: lemongrass is the main aromatic used in this recipe so make use you get fresh ones that aren’t dried out.
• Garlic cloves: using minced or garlic powder adds a savory depth to the marinade, enhancing the overall taste of the chicken.
• Dark soy sauce: this contributes to the sauce element for the marinade and acts as a savory and salty component, adding to the umami flavor of the chicken. Feel free to use low-sodium soy sauce or light soy sauce for your needs.
• Fish sauce: don’t skip the fish sauce because it adds a rich and slightly sweet flavor, complementing the lemongrass and soy sauce. It’s also an important part of the marinade.
• Lime juice: this helps to enhance the lemongrass essence.
• Brown sugar: the use of sugar adds a subtle sweetness, balancing the savory and citrusy notes in the marinade.
• Ginger powder: it adds more flavor.
• Turmeric powder: adds flavor and contributes to the vibrant color.
• Vegetable oil: add any vegetable oil of your preference to ensure the chicken remains moist.
• Sesame oil: this oil adds a nutty and aromatic element, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Salt and Black pepper: flavor enhancers.
• Skewers (wooden or metal skewers): these are essential for threading the marinated chicken and enabling even cooking in the air fryer or oven. If you are using bamboo skewers, make sure to soak them in warm water for at least 30 minutes before use.

Substitutions

• If you prefer leaner meat, you can substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This is great for those seeking a healthy option.
• For a soy-free alternative, coconut aminos can replace soy sauce.
• Instead of brown sugar, agave nectar or maple syrup can be used as a sweetener.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken: start by washing your chicken in white vinegar, rinsing off, and then pat dry to remove as much moisture as possible. Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes, put them in a large bowl, and set aside for now.

Prepare the lemongrass: trim the tough outer layers of the lemongrass to reveal the tender inner stalk, and set it aside. Slice thinly and set aside.

Prep the chicken marinade: in a bowl, combine the marinade ingredients: sliced lemongrass, minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, ginger, turmeric, vegetable oil, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Marinate the chicken: combine the chicken cubes with the marinade, and thoroughly mix everything but gently, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for a more intense flavor for up to 4 hours.

Preheat: for the air fryer set it to 375°F (190°C) and if you are using an oven set it to 350°F (180°C).

Thread the skewers: thread the marinated chicken pieces on the skewers by placing 5 – 6 of chicken per stick.

Airfry the skewers: place the skewers in the airfryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. If you have a cooking thermometer, check the internal temperature is about 165 to ensure it’s done.

Serve hot: once cooked, remove the skewers from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Extra Recipe Tips

1. Soak wooden skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent them from burning in the air fryer.
2. Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, increase the amount of brown sugar in the marinade.
3. If you prefer a more spicy kick, add a few shakes of red pepper flakes to the marinade.

How do you cut lemongrass for chicken?

To prepare lemongrass for chicken, start by trimming the tough outer layers of the stalks, leaving the tender inner part. Cut off the woody top and root end. Then, finely chop or mince the remaining lemongrass stalk, ensuring you get to the softer, more aromatic part. The finely chopped lemongrass is then typically used in marinades or added directly to dishes for flavor.

How do you cut chicken into skewers?

To cut chicken into skewers, start with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Ensure the chicken is well-chilled for easier handling. Cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches in width. This ensures even cooking. If using thighs, trim excess fat.

Serving options for the lemongrass chicken skewers

• Serve these lemongrass chicken skewers with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice, a simple salad, or even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a healthy dinner.

• Serve as appetizers that can be eaten with a dipping sauce. Since lemongrass is very popular in Southeast Asian cuisine cooking, make it a full experience by using a Vietnamese dipping sauce.

• Pair it with stir-fried vermicelli noodles. This is great for a simple lunch or a light dinner.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing and reheating these lemongrass chicken skewers is a breeze. To preserve their freshness, store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When it comes to reheating, you can use the air fryer or oven. Simply place the skewers inside for a few minutes until they are heated through. Otherwise, you can use a microwave for a quicker reheating process.

Just be careful not to overheat to maintain the juiciness of the chicken. Whether you’re enjoying them as leftovers or planning a make-ahead meal, the chicken skewers retain their flavors with minimal effort in the storage and reheating process.

FAQs

With this Lemongrass Chicken Skewers Recipe, you’re not just cooking; you’re creating an experience. Enjoy every bit of flavor in this dish!