Air Fryer Prawns/ Shrimp Recipe

There’s something magical about perfectly cooked prawns with just the right amount of seasoning. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also produces juicy, flavorful prawns with a beautiful golden color. Using an air fryer means you get that irresistible crispness without drowning them in oil. Whether you’re new to air fryers or just looking for a way to level up your seafood game, these air fryer prawns are sure to impress.

this RECIPE

A personal memory of prawns that will hook you

I still remember the first time I truly fell in love with prawns. It was on a family trip to a coastal town, where a tiny seafood shack served the freshest, most mouthwatering prawns I’d ever tasted. They were cooked simply with just a hint of spice, letting the natural sweetness shine through. That first bite transported me right to the sea – salty air, waves crashing, and sunshine warming my face. Fast forward to today, and this air fryer recipe reminds me of that moment every time. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavor – just like those prawns from my seaside adventure.

The origin story of this easy recipe

Prawns and shrimp have been staples in coastal cuisines around the world for centuries. From spicy Indian curries to buttery New Orleans-style shrimp, these little crustaceans are incredibly versatile. This recipe draws inspiration from the Mediterranean, with paprika and garlic providing a bold yet simple flavor profile. Cooking prawns in an air fryer is a modern twist, letting you skip the heavy oils while still delivering incredible taste. Plus, it’s a great way to make this classic dish more accessible for busy weeknights.

Let’s talk ingredients: tips and swaps

Prawns or shrimp

The star of the show! Large prawns or shrimp work best for this recipe as they cook evenly and stay juicy. You can use fresh or frozen; just make sure frozen prawns are fully thawed before cooking. Not a fan of seafood markets? Most supermarkets carry pre-peeled, deveined prawns in the freezer section, which is a huge time-saver.

Light olive oil

Olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the prawns and adds a hint of richness. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil or a neutral cooking oil like canola will work just fine.

Paprika

Paprika brings a gentle smokiness to the dish, enhancing the prawns’ natural flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could swap it for smoked paprika or even chili powder for a spicy kick.

Garlic powder

This is a quick and convenient way to add depth. If you prefer fresh garlic, finely mince a clove or two and toss it in with the prawns.

Salt and pepper

Simple yet essential, these staples balance the flavors perfectly. For a gourmet touch, try flaky sea salt or freshly cracked black pepper.

Kitchen gear: what you need

To make these prawns, all you really need is an air fryer and a mixing bowl.

• Air fryer: The air fryer is key here, delivering crispy, perfectly cooked prawns with minimal effort. Don’t worry if you have a smaller model – just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Mixing bowl: A basic bowl is perfect for tossing the prawns with oil and seasoning. If you don’t want to wash extra dishes, you can even mix everything directly in the air fryer basket (though it’s a bit messier).
• Tongs: These are handy for flipping the prawns or removing them once they’re done. A fork will work in a pinch, but tongs make it so much easier to handle hot food.

Step-by-step: cooking air fryer prawns

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up. This step ensures the prawns cook evenly and get that perfect golden finish.
2. Prep the prawns: If your prawns are fresh, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture – this helps them crisp up. In a mixing bowl, combine the prawns with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat them evenly.
3. Arrange in the basket: Place the seasoned prawns in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding is the enemy here – if the prawns are too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisping up.
4. Cook to perfection: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them towards the end – prawns cook quickly, and you don’t want them to turn rubbery. Look for a golden color and an opaque appearance.
5. Serve and enjoy: Remove the prawns from the air fryer and serve immediately. They’re best enjoyed fresh and hot!

Delicious variations to try

1. Spicy prawns: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for some heat.
2. Herby twist: Toss the cooked prawns with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
3. Asian-inspired: Swap paprika for a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of ginger. Add sesame seeds as a garnish.
4. Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your spices to ensure no additives contain gluten.
5. Lemon-garlic prawns: Drizzle the cooked prawns with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with extra garlic powder for a zesty finish.
6. Vegan twist (if you’re not into prawns): Use marinated tofu cubes or large mushrooms as a plant-based alternative and follow the same seasoning and air-frying method.

How to serve and impress

For a simple presentation, pile the prawns on a serving platter with a garnish of fresh parsley or lemon wedges. If you’re serving them as an appetizer, arrange them neatly around a small bowl of dipping sauce, like garlic aioli or a tangy cocktail sauce. For a main dish, pair them with steamed rice, a crisp salad, or even pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs. They also make a fantastic taco filling – just add a dollop of sour cream, fresh salsa, and some shredded lettuce.

Drinks to pair with your prawns

Looking for the perfect drink to complement these prawns? Here are some refreshing ideas:

• Lemon mint iced tea: The citrusy, herbal notes of this drink pair beautifully with the paprika and garlic.
• Cucumber-infused water: Light and refreshing, it keeps the meal feeling clean and balanced.
• Coconut water: Its subtle sweetness complements the savory, smoky flavor of the prawns.
• Spiced ginger lemonade: The zing from ginger enhances the seasoning on the prawns while providing a cool contrast.

Storing and reheating leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, but hey, it happens), let the prawns cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) – this helps them regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the prawns rubbery.

Scaling the recipe for a crowd

This recipe is easy to double or halve, but keep in mind the air fryer’s basket size. If you’re cooking for a crowd, you’ll need to work in batches to ensure the prawns cook evenly. When scaling up, you can mix the seasoning in a larger batch to save time – just measure carefully to keep the balance of flavors.

Common issues and how to avoid them

1. Overcooked prawns: Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of cooking – prawns can go from perfect to rubbery quickly.
2. Too much seasoning: Start light with the seasoning mix; you can always sprinkle on more afterward.
3. Soggy prawns: Pat them dry before tossing with oil and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.

Ready to give it a try?

There’s no need to overthink this recipe – it’s all about simple, fresh ingredients and a foolproof cooking method. These air fryer prawns are quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for entertaining. Go ahead, grab some prawns, and let your air fryer do the magic. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

2. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating ensures even cooking, so it’s highly recommended.

3. What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the prawns in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for extra heat.

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