Best Air Fryer Prawns Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s both impressively flavorful and lightning-fast to whip up, look no further than these Best Air Fryer Prawns. With a mouthwatering blend of savory seasonings, a hint of smoky paprika, and that irresistible tender-crisp bite, these prawns are pure perfection—whether you’re dressing up a weeknight dinner or sharing appetizers with friends. In under fifteen minutes, you’ll have a plateful of restaurant-worthy seafood right in your own kitchen. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a staple for anyone craving big flavor with minimal fuss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Best Air Fryer Prawns lies in just a handful of powerhouse ingredients. Each one plays a unique role, from adding depth and color to keeping the prawns juicy and bright. Gather these basics and you’re all set for delicious success!
- Large prawns (1 pound, peeled and deveined with tails on): The star of the show—fresh, meaty prawns deliver wonderful texture and sweet flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the seasonings stick and gives the prawns a gorgeous golden finish.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds mellow depth and makes the prawns deeply aromatic.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the final dish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the other bold flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat that balances perfectly with the smokiness.
- Chili flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a little extra kick—totally customizable!
- Lemon wedges and chopped parsley (for garnish): A pop of freshness and color to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Best Air Fryer Prawns
Step 1: Prep the Prawns and Seasonings
Start by patting your prawns dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine the prawns with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if you like a bit of heat. Use your hands or tongs to toss everything together so the seasoning coats every curve. This tiny step ensures each prawn gets the full flavor treatment and will crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
While your prawns soak up the seasonings, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating is a little chef’s trick that helps the prawns cook evenly from the get-go—and gives you that beautiful, slightly crispy edge that makes these Best Air Fryer Prawns so irresistible.
Step 3: Arrange and Cook
Carefully arrange the seasoned prawns in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. This allows the hot air to circulate fully, ensuring a perfect result with every batch. Pop the basket in and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking halfway through to make sure all sides get that golden touch. The prawns will turn pink, opaque, and ever-so-slightly crisp at the edges when ready.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
As soon as the prawns are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate. Squeeze over plenty of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle generously with chopped parsley. The lemon brightens everything up, while the parsley adds a splash of color and freshness—all the better for making your Best Air Fryer Prawns look and taste chef-made!
How to Serve Best Air Fryer Prawns
Garnishes
No prawn dish is complete without a flourish! A scatter of chopped parsley adds herbaceous color, while fresh lemon wedges let each person squeeze on as much brightness as they like. For an extra-special touch, consider a pinch of flaky sea salt or a sprinkle of lemon zest to heighten the citrusy aroma.
Side Dishes
Best Air Fryer Prawns are super versatile and pair up beautifully with all sorts of sides. Serve them over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, toss them into your favorite pasta, or pile atop crisp salads for a satisfying meal. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up those extra juices, and for a heartier spread, try roasted potatoes or grilled veggies on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling inventive, thread the prawns onto skewers for a party-friendly twist or serve them in lettuce cups for a vibrant, crunchy bite. You can also arrange the prawns over a platter of citrus slices for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress at any gathering—these Best Air Fryer Prawns are every bit as stunning as they are scrumptious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have a few Best Air Fryer Prawns left over (which is rare!), let them cool completely before tucking them into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, making for a perfect quick snack or an easy protein addition to salads and grain bowls.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze cooked prawns! Lay them out on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to a month. Just defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and taste—these Best Air Fryer Prawns freeze beautifully, so you can always have some ready for last-minute cravings.
Reheating
If reheating, the air fryer is your friend: a couple of minutes at 350°F will revive the prawns’ crispness without overcooking them. Be careful not to heat for too long or they could become rubbery. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but the air fryer really keeps that delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning, so the prawns cook evenly and get nicely crisp in the air fryer. Using frozen prawns is a great way to enjoy Best Air Fryer Prawns year-round.
How do I know when the prawns are done?
The prawns will turn pink and opaque, with a gentle curl and slight golden edges. Overcooking can make them tough, so start with 6 minutes and check. Cooking times for Best Air Fryer Prawns can vary slightly based on size and your air fryer model.
Can I double the recipe?
You can certainly double (or even triple) this recipe! Just make sure to cook the prawns in batches so they’re all in a single layer—this is key for getting that lovely crispiness that makes Best Air Fryer Prawns shine.
Which other seasonings pair well with this dish?
Feel free to experiment! Cajun seasoning adds a Southern kick, a pinch of cumin brings warmth, or try Italian herb blends for a Mediterranean vibe. The beauty of Best Air Fryer Prawns is how easily they adapt to your favorite flavors.
Can I use shrimp instead of prawns?
Yes! This recipe is delicious with large shrimp as well, and all instructions remain the same. The classic flavor profile will work beautifully whether you use prawns or shrimp for your Best Air Fryer Prawns adventure.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to shake up your seafood routine, Best Air Fryer Prawns are truly a must-try. They’re quick, they’re bursting with flavor, and they look absolutely stunning on any table. Give them a go, and you’ll see just how easy and rewarding homemade seafood can be—even on your busiest days!
Print
Best Air Fryer Prawns Recipe
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Air Fryer Prawns are a quick and flavorful seafood appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With a zesty seasoning and a crispy texture, these prawns are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound large prawns, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- lemon wedges
- chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Prawns: In a large bowl, toss the prawns with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Cook the Prawns: Arrange the prawns in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the prawns are pink, opaque, and slightly crisp on the edges.
- Serve: Serve immediately with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a citrusy twist, add lemon zest to the seasoning.
- These prawns are great with rice, pasta, or as a salad topping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
