I recently made this Air-Fryer Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe, and it quickly became one of my go-to dinners. The chicken comes out tender, juicy, and perfectly infused with the fragrant flavor of lemongrass.

I love how easy it is to make in the air fryer, which gives a crispy, caramelized exterior without deep frying. The balance of savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic spices makes every bite irresistible. After trying it, I realized how convenient and delicious Vietnamese flavors can be at home.

Ingredients

Each ingredient contributes to the vibrant, aromatic, and perfectly balanced flavor of this dish.

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Thighs stay juicy; you can use breasts for a leaner option.
3 stalks fresh lemongrass, finely minced – Essential for authentic aroma; discard tough outer layers.
4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds robust flavor.
1 tablespoon ginger, grated – Adds warmth and depth.
3 tablespoons soy sauce – Balances sweet and savory notes; low-sodium works well.
2 tablespoons fish sauce – Adds authentic Vietnamese umami.
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar – Caramelizes in the air fryer for a golden finish.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil – Helps coat chicken evenly and prevents sticking.
½ teaspoon black pepper – Freshly cracked for the best flavor.
1 teaspoon sesame oil – Adds a nutty, fragrant finish.
Optional garnish: sliced green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds – Brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Note: This recipe serves 4 people as a main course.

Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Sweetness adjustment: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
Protein swap: Chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu works with this marinade.
Spice lovers: Add red chili flakes or sriracha for heat.
Herb variation: Add fresh basil or mint for a fresh twist.

Cooking Time

The air fryer makes this dish fast and convenient.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including marination)

Equipment You Need

Using the right tools ensures even cooking and vibrant flavor.

Air fryer – Provides crisp, caramelized chicken without deep frying.
Mixing bowl – For combining chicken with the marinade.
Knife & cutting board – For mincing lemongrass, garlic, and ginger.
Small whisk or fork – To mix marinade ingredients evenly.
Tongs – For turning chicken in the air fryer.
Serving platter – For a visually appealing presentation.

How to Make Air-Fryer Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe?

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Combine minced lemongrass, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, oil, black pepper, and sesame oil in a bowl. Whisk until fully combined. The mixture should be fragrant and slightly sticky, ready to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add chicken thighs to the marinade and mix thoroughly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the chicken becomes.

Step 3: Preheat and Arrange Chicken

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes. Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. This allows for even cooking and maximum caramelization.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

Cook chicken for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. The exterior should be golden and slightly crisp, while the interior remains juicy. Adjust time slightly depending on your air fryer model.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds. Serve with rice, noodles, or a vegetable side. For a more Mediterranean twist, pair with Vegetable and Chickpea Tagine or Vegetarian Moussaka with Eggplant for a complete meal.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my experience, a few tweaks elevate this dish every time:

I always finely mince lemongrass to release maximum aroma.
I let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before air frying for even cooking.
I brush a little extra honey-sesame mixture during cooking for caramelized glaze.
I avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure crisp edges.
I garnish right before serving to keep herbs fresh and vibrant.

How to Serve Air-Fryer Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe?

Serve this chicken over jasmine rice or vermicelli noodles for a traditional experience. It also works well in lettuce wraps or Vietnamese-style banh mi sandwiches. Drizzle a little extra sesame oil or lime juice for a bright, finishing touch. Garnish with fresh herbs for both flavor and visual appeal.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per serving:

Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fat: 18 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.

Storing

Keep cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Store garnishes separately to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Marinated chicken can be frozen before cooking for up to 1 month. Cooked chicken also freezes well for 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes for best texture. Oven reheating works too; avoid microwaving directly as it can make chicken less crisp.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish stands out for multiple reasons:

Juicy and flavorful chicken – Perfectly infused with lemongrass and aromatic spices.
Crispy air-fryer finish – Achieves caramelization without deep frying.
Quick and easy – Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
Versatile – Serve with rice, noodles, wraps, or salads.
Authentic Vietnamese flavor – Brings restaurant-quality taste home with simple ingredients.

This Air-fryer Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers tender, juicy chicken with vibrant aromatics. It’s fast, convenient, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ash Tyrrell