If you’re looking for a quick, crispy, and family-approved recipe, air fryer prawns are your answer. With minimal oil and maximum crunch, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality prawns right from your kitchen. Perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or when you’re craving something delightful without the guilt of deep frying. Plus, it’s so versatile you can customize it to your taste or switch it up depending on what you have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Healthy Option: Uses less oil than traditional frying.
- Customizable: Swap seasonings or breadcrumbs to match your preferences.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether for dinner, game day, or meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb jumbo prawns (21-25 count): Peeled, deveined, tails on or off.
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small lemon: Zest and juice.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (whole wheat preferred)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or chives.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Prawns
- Prepare the Prawns: Pat the prawns dry with paper towels. Toss them in olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour.
- Set Up Breading Stations: In one dish, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan. In another, beat the egg.
- Bread the Prawns: Dip each prawn into the egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off excess breading and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Spray the basket lightly with nonstick spray.
- Air Fry: Arrange the prawns in a single layer without overlapping. Spray the tops lightly with nonstick spray. Cook for 4 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and a squeeze of lemon.
Variations and Serving Ideas
- Air Fryer Prawns Tacos: Add to tortillas with slaw and your favorite sauce.
- Prawn Salad: Toss with greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette.
- Shrimp Po’Boy: Serve in a baguette with lettuce, tomato, and a tangy remoulade.
- Air Fryer Shrimp Pasta: Use these crispy prawns as a topping for pasta dishes.
- Side Pairings: Roasted broccoli, garlic mashed potatoes, or butternut squash mac and cheese.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Prawns
Crispy air fryer prawns are versatile and pair beautifully with various dishes. Here are some serving ideas to inspire your next meal:
1. Classic Pairings
- Lemon Wedges: A simple squeeze of fresh lemon enhances the crispy coating.
- Cocktail Sauce: A tangy, zesty dip that complements the prawns’ natural sweetness.
- Tartar Sauce: Creamy and flavorful, this classic is always a winner.
2. Healthy Sides
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair with broccoli, zucchini, or carrots for a nutritious balance.
- Quinoa or Brown Rice: Adds a wholesome, hearty base for the prawns.
- Fresh Salad: Try a Caesar salad or a refreshing cucumber and tomato mix.
3. Comfort Food Combos
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy and indulgent, this is a crowd-pleaser.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Perfect for a satisfying and hearty meal.
- French Fries: A nod to classic seafood meals with a crispy side.
4. International Inspirations
- Tacos: Use the prawns as a filling for soft tortillas with slaw and avocado.
- Mediterranean Bowl: Combine with hummus, olives, feta, and pita bread.
- Asian Fusion: Pair with sesame noodles or fried rice and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.
5. Light and Fresh
- Avocado Toast: Top toasted bread with mashed avocado and air fryer prawns.
- Zucchini Noodles: A low-carb option that’s fresh and flavorful.
- Gazpacho: Serve alongside this chilled soup for a summery feel.
FAQs About Air Fryer Prawns
Prawns take about 8-10 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C). Always monitor during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking.
Yes! You can air fry frozen prawns by adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C).
Shrimp and prawns cook similarly, needing 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Always flip halfway for even cooking.
Air frying is a quick, healthy, and mess-free option. Coat prawns in a light seasoning, and air fry at 400°F for golden perfection.
To keep prawns tender, avoid overcooking. Air fry at 400°F for no more than 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
For this recipe, peeled prawns are ideal for even cooking and easy eating. However, shells can add flavor and moisture if you prefer.
Absolutely! Just ensure vegetables are cut into small pieces and cooked at the same temperature for even doneness.
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Crispy Air Fryer Prawns
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Quick, crispy, and guilt-free prawns made in an air fryer. Perfect for weeknights or gatherings with customizable seasonings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo prawns (21–25 count), peeled, deveined, tails on or off
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small lemon, zest and juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (whole wheat preferred)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
- Pat the prawns dry with paper towels. Toss them in olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 1 hour.
- In one dish, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan. In another, beat the egg.
- Dip each prawn into the egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off excess breading and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Spray the basket lightly with nonstick spray.
- Arrange the prawns in a single layer without overlapping. Spray the tops lightly with nonstick spray. Cook for 4 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Notes
To air fry frozen prawns, add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time. Monitor during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg