Air Fryer Prawns/ Shrimp Recipe

There’s something magical about seafood cooked just right. These air fryer prawns (or shrimp, depending on where you’re from!) are the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but is so easy you could whip them up on a busy Tuesday night. They’re golden, tender, and packed with flavor—and the best part? They cook in under 10 minutes. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a quick recipe to impress, these prawns might just become your new favorite.

I first fell in love with this recipe after a family beach trip. We’d spent the day soaking up the sun, and when evening came, we craved something light but delicious to eat. One of my cousins had an air fryer, and with a bag of fresh-caught prawns from a nearby market, we decided to experiment. The result? Prawns that were perfectly crispy on the outside yet juicy on the inside. Paired with a simple salad and a squeeze of lemon, they were a hit. Every bite brought me back to that breezy, ocean-kissed evening, and now, every time I make this dish, it feels like a mini-vacation.

this RECIPE

A quick dive into the story behind air fryer prawns

Prawns (or shrimp) have been a culinary favorite for centuries, featuring prominently in cuisines worldwide, from spicy South Asian curries to garlicky Mediterranean dishes. The air fryer, on the other hand, is a relatively modern kitchen invention that has revolutionized how we cook. It’s the perfect tool for this recipe—it gives the prawns that coveted crispy texture without drowning them in oil. Traditionally, prawns were often pan-fried or grilled, but air-frying is a game-changer, especially for busy home cooks looking for healthier, fuss-free options.

Let’s talk ingredients: keeping it simple but flavorful

This recipe shines with its simplicity, but each ingredient plays an important role:

• Prawns or shrimp: The star of the show! Large prawns are ideal because they stay juicy and tender in the air fryer. If you can, opt for fresh prawns for the best flavor. Frozen prawns work too—just make sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking. Substitution tip: No prawns? Scallops or chunks of firm fish (like cod) can work in a pinch.
• Light olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and gives the prawns a slight sheen. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil or even melted butter works beautifully. Pro tip: Avoid extra virgin olive oil for this recipe—it has a lower smoke point and might burn in the air fryer.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and vibrant color. Smoked paprika will give a deeper flavor, while sweet paprika keeps it mild.
• Garlic powder: For that irresistible savory kick. You can also use fresh minced garlic if you prefer, but keep an eye on it as it can burn easily.
• Salt and black pepper: The seasoning essentials. Adjust to taste, and feel free to add a dash of cayenne if you like a bit of heat.

Kitchen gear: What you need (and what you can skip)

The only must-have for this recipe is an air fryer. If you don’t own one yet, trust me—it’s worth the investment. I recommend using an air fryer with a larger basket so you can cook more prawns in one go. Don’t overcrowd the basket; you want the hot air to circulate evenly.

Other handy tools:

• A mixing bowl for tossing the prawns in seasoning.
• Tongs for placing and flipping the prawns (though you won’t need to flip them unless you want extra crispiness on both sides).
• A paper towel for patting the prawns dry before seasoning (a small step that makes a big difference in achieving that perfect crisp).

Step-by-step: How to make perfect air fryer prawns

Here’s how you can make these beauties:

1. Preheat your air fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures the prawns cook evenly and develop that nice golden color.
2. Prepare the prawns: Start by patting the prawns dry with a paper towel. This step helps the seasoning stick better and prevents them from steaming instead of crisping up.
3. Season them up: In a mixing bowl, combine the prawns, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat each prawn evenly. It’s okay if your hands get a little messy here—it’s part of the fun!
4. Arrange in the air fryer basket: Place the prawns in a single layer, ensuring there’s space around each one. Overcrowding will prevent them from crisping properly.
5. Cook to perfection: Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. Check them at the 8-minute mark—they should be pink, golden, and slightly curled. Overcooking will make them rubbery, so keep a close eye on them!
6. Serve immediately: Transfer the prawns to a plate and serve while they’re hot and crispy. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice takes them to the next level.

Want to switch things up? Here are some variations

• Spicy prawns: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a fiery kick.
• Herb-infused prawns: Toss the prawns with dried oregano, thyme, or parsley for an herby twist.
• Citrus flair: Zest a lime or lemon and mix it into the seasoning for a refreshing, zesty flavor.
• Breaded prawns: For extra crunch, dip the prawns in beaten egg, then coat them with panko breadcrumbs before air-frying. They’ll turn out like crispy fried shrimp—but healthier!
• Vegan alternative: Swap the prawns for cauliflower florets or firm tofu cubes, seasoned the same way. The results are just as satisfying!

Serving and presentation ideas: make it shine

For a simple yet stunning presentation, serve these prawns on a bed of mixed greens or fluffy white rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and add lemon wedges on the side for a pop of color. If you’re hosting a party, thread the prawns onto skewers for a fun, shareable appetizer. Want to make it a full meal? Pair them with garlic butter noodles or roasted vegetables.

Pair it with the perfect drink

These air fryer prawns pair beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy beer. If you’re feeling fancy, a sparkling wine or Prosecco complements their delicate flavor wonderfully. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with a slice of lime or a refreshing iced tea.

Storing and reheating tips

If you have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F. This keeps them crispy, unlike microwaving, which can make them rubbery. Just make sure they’re reheated thoroughly before eating.

Scaling the recipe for a crowd

Cooking for a larger group? Double or triple the recipe, but remember to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. If you’re only cooking for one or two, simply halve the ingredients. Either way, the cooking time stays the same.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Prawns are rubbery: They’ve been overcooked. Next time, check them a minute or two earlier.
• Not crispy enough: Ensure the prawns are dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the basket.
• Seasoning feels uneven: Mix the oil and seasoning first, then toss with the prawns for better distribution.

Give these air fryer prawns a try!

These air fryer prawns are everything a busy home cook dreams of: quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. They’re versatile enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for guests. Plus, they’re so customizable, you’ll never get bored of them. So, grab your air fryer and give this recipe a go—I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes, but thaw them first and pat them dry to ensure they cook evenly.

2. Do I need to flip the prawns while air frying?
No, but flipping them halfway through gives an even crispiness.

3. What’s the difference between prawns and shrimp?
They’re very similar, but prawns are slightly larger and have a different shell structure. Either works for this recipe!

4. Can I skip the oil?
Oil helps with crisping, but you can use a cooking spray if you’re cutting back on oil.

5. How do I know when the prawns are cooked?
They’ll be pink, opaque, and slightly curled. If they’ve curled into tight little circles, they’re overcooked!

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