FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE CHICKEN WINGS

1. Prep the Wings: Begin by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy skin. Remove any excess moisture to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
2. Season the Wings: Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring that the wings are evenly coated.
3. Marinate the Wings: In a separate bowl, combine the lemongrass, garlic, ginger, red chilies, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, fish sauce (if using), and sugar. Stir the marinade until all ingredients are well incorporated. Pour the marinade over the chicken wings, making sure each wing is coated with the flavorful mixture.
4. Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time. The longer the wings marinate, the more flavorful they’ll be.

SECOND STEP: COOK THE CHICKEN WINGS IN THE AIR FRYER

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the wings cook evenly and get crispy on the outside.
2. Arrange the Wings: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a non-stick spray or brush it with a little olive oil. Place the marinated chicken wings in a single layer inside the basket. If needed, cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent them from becoming crispy.
3. Air Fry the Wings: Cook the wings in the air fryer for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your wings and the air fryer model, so be sure to check for crispness and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked wings.

THIRD STEP: MAKE THE STICKY GLAZE

1. Combine Glaze Ingredients: While the wings are cooking, make the sticky glaze by combining honey, soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if using) in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
2. Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the glaze simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. Be careful not to let it burn. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

FOURTH STEP: GLAZE AND SERVE

1. Glaze the Wings: When the wings are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sticky glaze over the wings and toss them until they are evenly coated in the sauce.
2. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the wings with fresh cilantro leaves, chopped peanuts, and lime wedges. Serve immediately, and enjoy your crispy, sticky, and flavorful lemongrass chili wings!