Air Fryer Prawns/ Shrimp Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious meal that’s both fancy and fuss-free, this air fryer prawns recipe is your new best friend. These prawns cook up in minutes, with a golden, slightly crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful centers. They’re perfect for those days when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the seasoning mix of paprika, garlic, and a touch of salt and pepper strikes that perfect balance of smoky, garlicky, and savory. The best part? All you need is an air fryer, a handful of pantry staples, and less than 20 minutes to make it happen.

this RECIPE

A story of how I fell in love with air-fried prawns

I’ll never forget the first time I tried this recipe. It was one of those days when the fridge felt empty, and takeout was calling my name. But I remembered I had some frozen prawns stashed away. I tossed them in a quick marinade and popped them in the air fryer, not expecting much.

The moment I opened the air fryer basket, though, the smell hit me: a mix of warm paprika and garlic that made my tiny kitchen smell like a fancy seafood bistro. I took a bite, and wow—the prawns were tender and juicy, with just the right amount of crisp on the outside. I plated them with a quick salad and some rice, and suddenly, my random weeknight felt like a mini celebration.

Where prawns meet air fryer magic

Prawns (or shrimp, depending on what you call them) are beloved across the world for their versatility and quick cook time. From spicy curries to chilled shrimp cocktails, they adapt to almost any cuisine. Cooking them in an air fryer is a relatively modern twist, but it works wonders! The hot air circulates evenly, giving you that “grilled” texture without the need for extra oil or a hot grill.

While the traditional methods of grilling or sautéing prawns are great, air frying offers a hands-off approach that’s hard to beat. It’s also a fantastic way to keep the prawns moist and tender while developing a beautifully caramelized coating on the outside.

Let’s talk ingredients: fresh, flavorful, and flexible

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role, but don’t worry—they’re all easy to find and substitute if needed.

• Prawns (or shrimp): The star of the dish! Look for large prawns that are peeled and deveined to save yourself time. If fresh isn’t available, frozen works just as well—just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry.
• Light olive oil: This helps the seasoning stick and adds a mild richness. You could also use avocado oil or even melted butter if you’re feeling indulgent.
• Paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet depth of flavor. Smoked paprika works well here if you want an extra smoky punch.
• Garlic powder: Brings that warm, savory note we all love. Fresh minced garlic is another option, though it may brown a bit faster in the air fryer.
• Salt and black pepper: These are your basics for enhancing the natural sweetness of the prawns. Feel free to adjust the quantities to taste!

Kitchen gear: what you’ll need

If you’ve got an air fryer, you’re already halfway there! Here’s what else will make this recipe a breeze:

• Air fryer: Any model will do, as long as it has enough space for the prawns to sit in a single layer.
• Mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl works perfectly for tossing the prawns with oil and spices.
• Tongs: For flipping or transferring the prawns, though you might not even need them if your air fryer cooks evenly.
• Paper towels: These are key for patting the prawns dry before seasoning, which helps them cook up nice and crispy.

Step-by-step: my foolproof method

Here’s how to make the perfect air fryer prawns, step by step:

1. Preheat your air fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up while you prep the prawns. Preheating ensures they start cooking immediately, giving you that golden brown finish.
2. Pat the prawns dry: This step is crucial! Excess moisture can lead to steaming instead of crisping, so grab those paper towels and give them a quick pat.
3. Season generously: In a bowl, toss the prawns with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to make sure every prawn is evenly coated.
4. Arrange in the basket: Place the prawns in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so work in batches if needed.
5. Air fry to perfection: Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them toward the end—prawns cook quickly, and you want them juicy, not rubbery. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque, with a slight curl.

Variations and twists to try

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a fiery kick.
• Lemon herb: Toss the cooked prawns with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley or cilantro for a bright, zesty finish.
• Cajun-style: Swap the paprika for a Cajun spice blend, and serve with a side of creamy coleslaw.
• Asian-inspired: Replace the paprika with a teaspoon of soy sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds after cooking. Serve over jasmine rice.
• Gluten-free or keto: Great news—this recipe is naturally gluten-free and low-carb! Pair it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a light, keto-friendly meal.

Serving and presentation ideas

These air fryer prawns are delicious straight out of the basket, but here’s how to make them shine:

• Plate them on a bed of greens or alongside a vibrant salad for a light meal.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
• Serve with a dipping sauce, like garlic aioli, sweet chili sauce, or a squeeze of lemon.
• Pair with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up any juices.

Beverages to pair

Pairing drinks with prawns doesn’t have to be complicated! Here are some refreshing options:

• Sparkling water with citrus: Add a slice of lemon or lime for a bubbly, palate-cleansing drink.
• Iced green tea: Its subtle flavor complements the garlic and paprika beautifully.
• Cucumber lemonade: Light and refreshing, this pairs well with the smoky, savory notes of the prawns.

Storing and reheating leftovers

If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Storing: Place cooked prawns in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Use the air fryer to reheat them at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. They’ll regain their crispiness without overcooking. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery.
• Freezing: While best fresh, cooked prawns can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Scaling the recipe

Cooking for a crowd? You can easily double or triple this recipe, but remember to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. If making a smaller portion, you might need to reduce the cook time slightly—just keep an eye on them.

Wrapping it up

Air fryer prawns are the ultimate quick and easy meal for seafood lovers. They’re packed with flavor, require minimal prep, and can be adapted to suit any taste. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a main course, or even tossing them into pasta, this recipe will quickly become a go-to. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen prawns?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.

2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.

3. How do I know when the prawns are done?
Look for an opaque color and a slight curl. Overcooked prawns will curl tightly and become rubbery.

4. Can I make these prawns ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can cook them a few hours in advance and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.

5. What other spices can I use?
Feel free to experiment! Chili powder, Old Bay seasoning, or Italian herbs are all great options.

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