Crispy Air Fryer Prawns Recipe: Fast, Tasty Seafood Delight

Succulent air fryer prawns sizzle with tantalizing flavor, promising a quick and delectable seafood experience.

These golden-kissed crustaceans deliver restaurant-quality results in minutes.

The crispy exterior gives way to tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth.

Marinades and seasonings transform ordinary shrimp into an extraordinary meal.

Minimal oil and maximum taste make this recipe a game-changer for seafood enthusiasts.

Cooking becomes effortless with this foolproof method that guarantees perfectly cooked prawns every single time.

Prepare to savor a mouthwatering dish that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Why Air Fryer Prawns Are a Quick Win

• Minimal ingredients and straightforward seasoning mean anyone can master this recipe, from kitchen newbies to seasoned home cooks.
• Air frying delivers that satisfying crunch with significantly less oil compared to traditional deep-frying, offering a guilt-free seafood treat that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• These golden prawns work brilliantly as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, effortlessly impressing guests with their restaurant-quality taste and texture.

Ingredients for Crispy Air Fried Shrimp

Main Ingredients:

Prawns/Shrimp: Fresh seafood protein that delivers a sweet and delicate flavor perfect for quick cooking.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute seasonings and provides a smooth, rich coating for the prawns.
• Paprika: Adds a warm, slightly sweet color and mild peppery flavor to the prawns.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a savory and aromatic depth to the seafood.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the prawns and other seasonings.
• Black Pepper: Introduces a mild heat and subtle spiciness to the dish.

• Paper Towel: Used for drying the prawns to ensure a crisp exterior during air frying.

Instructions for Perfect Air Fryer Prawns

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Gadget

Fire up your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Let it heat up completely before adding the prawns to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Get Prawns Ready for Magic

Grab your fresh prawns and gently pat them dry with paper towels.

• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss the prawns lovingly so each one gets a perfect coating of seasonings.

Step 3: Arrange for Maximum Crispiness

Spread the seasoned prawns in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.

Give each prawn some breathing room – crowding means steaming instead of that gorgeous crispy finish you’re after.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Air fry for 8-10 minutes, giving the basket a gentle shake halfway through.

Watch closely in the final minutes – prawns cook lightning-fast and can turn rubbery if overdone.

You’re looking for a stunning golden color and completely opaque flesh.

Step 5: Plate and Devour

Carefully remove the prawns from the air fryer.

Serve immediately while they’re hot and at their most delicious.

These prawns are best enjoyed straight from the basket, with all their crispy, flavorful glory.

Tips to Keep Shrimp Juicy and Crisp

• Pat prawns completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy results.
• Arrange prawns in a single layer without touching to guarantee perfect golden browning and prevent steaming.
• Gently shake the air fryer basket midway through cooking to ensure uniform heat distribution and prevent uneven cooking.
• Watch prawns closely during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun, Mediterranean, or Asian-inspired seasonings to customize flavor profiles without compromising texture.

Reheat and Storage Tips for Fried Shrimp

• Store cooked prawns in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum, ensuring they stay fresh and safe to eat.
• Wrap cooled prawns tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm prawns at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking basket halfway through. This method helps restore crispiness and prevents overcooking.
• Heat prawns in short 15-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid rubbery texture. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Sides That Work with Air Fried Prawns

• Elevate Seafood Flavor Companions: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the prawns' delicate sweetness with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Zesty Dipping Delight: Whip up a quick garlic aioli using mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs to enhance the prawns' seasoned profile.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Side: Pair with a light Israeli couscous salad featuring cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley to balance the prawns' rich texture.
• Refresh with Citrus: Serve alongside a quick cucumber and lime salsa that cuts through the prawns' richness and adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to the dish.

Tasty Ideas to Change Up Air Fryer Shrimp

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace olive oil with avocado oil, and add extra herbs like dried thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor while keeping carbohydrates low.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free and swap garlic powder with fresh minced garlic to maintain authentic taste and texture.
• Spicy Caribbean Style: Mix in cayenne pepper, ground allspice, and a splash of lime juice to transform the prawns into a zesty Caribbean-inspired dish with bold heat.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use salt-free herb blend, fresh lemon zest, and black pepper to reduce sodium while maintaining robust flavor profile for health-conscious individuals.

FAQs

• Are air fryer prawns healthier than deep-fried prawns?

Air fryer prawns use significantly less oil, reducing overall calorie and fat content while still achieving a crispy texture, making them a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying.

• How do I know when the prawns are perfectly cooked?

Prawns are done when they turn opaque and form a slight C-shape. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery, so watch for a golden color and about 8-10 minutes of cooking time.

• Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely first and pat dry with paper towels. Frozen prawns with excess moisture won’t crisp up properly in the air fryer.

• What seasonings work best with prawns?

Classic combinations include garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with cajun seasoning, lemon zest, or herb blends to enhance the natural seafood flavor.

Air Fryer Prawns/ Shrimp Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Air Fryer Prawns promise a crispy, golden seafood delight that brings Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to your kitchen. Delicate prawns emerge perfectly seasoned and charred, offering you a quick, elegant meal with minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp or prawns, large, peeled and deveined

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon (2 g) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (3 g) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) black pepper

Cooking Oil:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) light olive oil

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Instructions

1. Calibrate the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking temperature, allowing it to fully preheat for crisp and evenly cooked prawns.
2. Thoroughly dry fresh prawns using paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, which prevents proper crisping during cooking.
3. Transfer prawns to a mixing bowl and gently coat with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring each prawn is uniformly seasoned.
4. Strategically arrange prawns in a single, uncrowded layer within the air fryer basket to promote direct heat circulation and prevent steaming.
5. Position basket in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes, pausing midway to gently shake and redistribute prawns for consistent browning.
6. Monitor prawns closely during final cooking minutes, watching for a golden exterior and translucent center indicating perfect doneness.
7. Immediately remove prawns from air fryer to prevent overcooking, which can result in tough, rubbery texture.
8. Plate and serve hot, capturing the prawns’ peak flavor and crisp exterior for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Pat prawns completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent steaming in the air fryer.
• Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun, Mediterranean, or Asian-inspired mixes to transform the flavor profile instantly.
• Substitute olive oil with coconut oil for a paleo-friendly version or use gluten-free spices for those with dietary restrictions.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure each prawn gets direct heat, resulting in perfectly golden and crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 245
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg