Air-Fried Prawn Crackers: A Healthy Crunchy Delight

Prawn crackers are a popular snack, often served with Southeast Asian dishes, but they can be unhealthy due to the amount of oil used in their preparation. However, air fryers offer a healthier alternative to deep frying, reducing the amount of oil needed and, therefore, the calories. So, can you cook prawn crackers in an air fryer?

How to prepare prawn crackers for the air fryer

Prawn crackers are a popular snack in Southeast Asian cuisine, often served alongside meals or as a garnish. They are made from starch (typically tapioca or potato) and ground shrimp or prawn meat, which gives them their seafood flavor. The good news is that you can make prawn crackers in an air fryer! This method is healthier than traditional deep frying, as it uses significantly less oil but still achieves the desired crispiness and puffiness.

Ingredients:

• Prawn crackers (uncooked)
• Oil (vegetable, olive, or avocado oil)
• Sweet chili sauce or vinegar dipping sauce (optional)

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390-400 degrees F (200°C). This is an important step as it ensures that the prawn crackers start cooking and puffing up as soon as they are placed in the basket.

Step 2: Prepare the Prawn Crackers

While the air fryer is preheating, take your uncooked prawn crackers and lay them out on a flat surface. If you have a large quantity, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Lightly Coat with Oil

Using a pastry brush or spray bottle, lightly coat each prawn cracker with oil. You can use olive, avocado, or vegetable oil. Ensure a very light coating to avoid making the crackers greasy; you just want enough oil to help them crisp up.

Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Place the oiled prawn crackers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. This allows for even cooking and puffing. If your air fryer does not have a lid, you can use aluminum foil to cover the basket and prevent the light crackers from flying around.

Step 5: Cook the Prawn Crackers

Cook the prawn crackers for about 2-5 minutes at 390-400 degrees F (200°C). Keep a close eye on them, as they will puff up and cook quickly. Depending on the size of your crackers and your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the cooking time.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Remove the crackers from the air fryer once they have puffed up and turned light golden brown. They should be crispy and airy.

Step 7: Serve

Allow the prawn crackers to cool for a minute or two before serving. They can be enjoyed as a snack on their own or as a side dish. You can also serve them with dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce or a vinegar-based dip.

Tips:

• Choose the right oil: Opt for high-heat oils like olive, avocado, or vegetable oil to coat the prawn crackers. These oils can withstand the air fryer's high temperatures without smoking or altering the taste.
• Even coating: Ensure that the oil is evenly distributed on the crackers to avoid greasiness.
• Avoid overcrowding: Cook the prawn crackers in a single layer with space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation.
• Monitor closely: Prawn crackers cook quickly and can burn easily, so stay close and keep an eye on them.
• Shake or turn: If your air fryer doesn't distribute heat evenly, you may need to shake the basket or use tongs to flip the crackers halfway through cooking for even results.
• Batch cooking: If you have a large quantity of crackers, cook them in batches to maintain the quality and consistency of the snack.
• Adjust time for different sizes: Prawn crackers come in various sizes and thicknesses, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Cool before serving: Let the prawn crackers cool for a few minutes after cooking. They will continue to crisp up as they cool, achieving the perfect texture.
• Experiment with flavors: Season your prawn crackers before or after cooking to add extra flavor. A light sprinkle of chili powder, pepper, or other spices can enhance your snack.

The cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature for prawn crackers in an air fryer varies depending on the source. Some sources recommend a temperature of 370°F, 375°F, or 390°F, while others suggest 400°F or 450°F. It is important to note that the cooking temperature may depend on the model of the air fryer being used.

Regarding cooking time, most sources agree that prawn crackers should be cooked in an air fryer for 2-3 minutes, with some sources specifying a range of 2.5 to 5 minutes. It is worth noting that the cooking time may depend on the size of the crackers, with smaller crackers taking less time to cook than larger ones. For example, one source recommends cooking small crackers for 3 minutes and bigger crackers for 4 to 5 minutes.

To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to cook the prawn crackers in batches of a few pieces at a time, depending on the size of the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket should be avoided as it can prevent hot air from circulating freely, leading to uneven cooking. Additionally, it is important to keep a close eye on the crackers as they cook, as they can go from perfect to overdone in a matter of seconds.

Some sources recommend shaking the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time or using tongs to flip the crackers to ensure even puffing and crisping. This is especially important if the air fryer does not distribute heat evenly.

How to store prawn crackers

Prawn crackers are a delicious snack, but how do you keep them fresh and crispy? Here are some tips on how to store prawn crackers to ensure they stay crunchy and tasty.

Firstly, if you have bought uncooked prawn crackers, they can be stored at room temperature in your kitchen pantry. Keep them in a dry and dark place, and check the best-by date before consuming. Even after the best-by date, they may still be edible, but it is recommended to prepare them within three months of opening the package.

Now, if you have cooked your prawn crackers in an air fryer, they are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing. You can keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. Alternatively, you can store them in the freezer for a longer duration.

If you have leftover prawn crackers from a takeaway, consider storing them in the microwave. It might sound unusual, but it works! The microwave is fairly airtight and helps keep the crackers crisp. Just make sure not to turn on the microwave with the crackers inside!

Additionally, some people suggest reheating leftover prawn crackers in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispness. Place them in an oven at a warm temperature for a few minutes, or follow the air fryer cooking instructions mentioned earlier.

Remember, prawn crackers are prone to becoming stale if left in the air for too long, so it's best to store them in airtight containers or bags to maintain their freshness and texture.

The health benefits of using an air fryer

Yes, you can cook prawn crackers in an air fryer. They puff up just as they do in oil but without the excess oil and calories.

A Lower-Fat Cooking Method

Air fryers use far less oil than deep fat fryers, resulting in food with significantly lower fat content. This is achieved by heating the food in hot air containing fine oil droplets, which creates a crunchy, crispy exterior.

Weight Management

Deep-fried foods are high in fat and calories, so swapping them for air-fried alternatives may help lower your calorie intake and promote weight loss.

Lower Levels of Acrylamide

Air fryers can reduce a compound called acrylamide by up to 90% compared to deep-fat frying. Acrylamide is a chemical formed when starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures, and it has been linked to various types of cancer.

Safer Cooking

Deep-fat frying can be dangerous due to the risk of hot oil spilling, splashing, or catching fire. Air fryers, when used correctly, do not pose these same hazards and are therefore a safer option.

Nutrient Preservation

Convection heat, such as that used in an air fryer, may help preserve certain nutrients during the cooking process, including vitamin C and protective plant compounds called polyphenols.

How to stop prawn crackers from flying around the air fryer

Prawn crackers can be made in an air fryer, but they do have a tendency to fly around the appliance. To stop this from happening, there are a few steps you can take:

Firstly, ensure you have a lid for your air fryer. If your air fryer doesn't come with a lid, you can wrap the top of the basket with aluminium foil to prevent the prawn crackers from flying around and touching the heating element.

Secondly, it is recommended to only air fry a few prawn crackers at a time. One source suggests frying just three pieces at once to prevent overcrowding, which can cause the crackers to fly around.

Finally, some sources suggest coating the prawn crackers with a small amount of oil before placing them in the air fryer. This can be done by drizzling the oil on the crackers and stirring it through, or by spraying the crackers with oil once they are in the air fryer. This may help to weigh the crackers down and prevent them from flying around.

By following these steps, you can help to prevent your prawn crackers from flying around in the air fryer and ensure a more even cook.

Frequently asked questions