Air fried Vietnamese chicken drumsticks (from frozen)

 

00:00 – Start Defrosting

• Place 1kg frozen drumsticks in air fryer at 80–100°C for 10–15 minutes to gently defrost.

• Turn halfway through.

00:10 – 00:15 – Prepare for Marinating

• Check drumsticks: they should be thawed but still cool (not cooked).

• Pat dry well with kitchen paper.

00:15 – Make Marinade

• Bruise and slice lemongrass (white parts only).

• In a bowl, combine lemongrass powder, garlic powder, 1/8 cup lime juice, 1/8 cup fish sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 2tbsp vegetable oil.

• Warm the marinade slightly (about 30 seconds in microwave or gently on stove) — just lukewarm.

00:20 – Quick Marinate

• Prick drumsticks all over with a fork.

• Toss drumsticks in warm marinade, massage for 1 minute.

• Let sit in marinade at room temperature for 30 minutes.

00:50 – Preheat Air Fryer

• Preheat air fryer to 180°C.

00:55 – Start Cooking

• Lightly oil the air fryer basket.

• Arrange marinated drumsticks in a single layer.

• Air fry at 180°C for 15 minutes.

01:10 – Turn and Continue Cooking

• Turn drumsticks.

• Optionally brush with leftover marinade.

• Air fry for another 10–15 minutes until golden and cooked through.

01:25 – Crisp Finish (Optional)

• Increase temperature to 200°C and air fry for 2–5 minutes for extra crispiness.

Photo: https://www.eatwithcarmen.com/air-fryer-drumsticks/