The weight of the shrimps indicated below is the weight after they had been peeled and deveined.If you don't own a food processor, you may mince the ingredients for the shrimp paste by hand using a heavy knife on a sturdy chopping board. Note, however, that the prep time will naturally be longer.Lemongrass skewers are traditionally served as a snack or finger food. But they are also great when paired with rice and served as a main course.
Rinse the lemongrass stalks thoroughly and snip off the roots.
Measure six inches from the root ends of the lemongrass and cut. Discard the top portions or reserve for making soup.
Using the blunt side of a heavy knife, pound the lemongrass stalks lightly.
Place the shrimps, garlic, ginger, cilantro, onion, chili and fish sauce in a food processor.
Process until no large pieces remain and the mixture has acquired the texture of a coarse paste.
Mix the panko into the shrimp mixture.
Flatten two tablespoons of the shrimp mixture on one hand, place a lemongrass stalk at the middle, then fold your hand to completely wrap the lemongrass in the shrimp mixture.
Spray or brush the air fryer rack with oil.
Arrange the shrimp lemongrass skewers on the rack in a single layer at least an inch apart then spray or brush the tops with oil.
Set the air fryer temperature to 190C and the cooking time for 12 minutes.
Stir together all the ingredients for the dipping sauce.
Transfer the shrimp lemongrass skewers to a plate.
Serve with lime wedges and dipping sauce on the side.