Emilie Meyer
Prawns are a delicious and healthy meal option, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them. Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional frying methods, as they cut down on oil and calories without compromising on taste or texture. In fact, air fryers can give your prawns a crispy texture and juicy interior in just a few minutes. Plus, with an air fryer, you don't have to worry about the hassle of dealing with pans and stoves. In this discussion, we will explore the benefits of using an air fryer to cook prawns, including the convenience, speed, and versatility it offers. We will also provide step-by-step instructions on how to cook juicy and crispy prawns in an air fryer, along with tips on customising the recipe to your liking.
How to Cook Prawns in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, corn oil |
| Seasoning | Salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, lemon pepper |
| Sauce | Spicy mayo, honey mustard, sweet chili sauce, teriyaki sauce |
| Prawn Type | King prawns, jumbo shrimp, rock shrimp, white shrimp |
| Prawn Preparation | Deveined, pat dry, breaded |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Serving Suggestions | Rice, avocado, salad, chapati, flatbread, hot sauce |
| Calories | 541kcal |
| Storage | Well-wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer prawns: Cooking times and temperatures
Air-fried prawns are a quick and easy meal to prepare, and the cooking time is super-fast. The air fryer gives prawns a crispy texture and also cuts down on oil and calories.
Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time and temperature for air-fried prawns can vary depending on the size of the prawns and the power of your air fryer. As a guide, allow 8–10 minutes for large prawns or shrimp, and 4–6 minutes for baby prawns. Prawns are easy to overcook, so keep a close eye on them and check regularly during the last few minutes of cooking.
Some recipes suggest cooking prawns at 200°C/400°F for 8–10 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. Another guide suggests cooking king prawns at 200°C/390°F for 6 minutes. If you are cooking a breaded prawn, you may need to cook for 8–10 minutes at 200°C/400°F.
It is important to preheat your air fryer before cooking. This helps the prawns to cook evenly and ensures a crispy texture.
Oil and seasoning
Before cooking, pat the prawns dry and then drizzle or spray with oil. You can use light olive oil, or another liquid cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as corn oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil.
You can season the prawns before cooking, but it may be better to wait until after cooking to avoid the seasoning burning. You can use salt and pepper, or a spice mix such as paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper.
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How to season and marinate prawns
When it comes to seasoning and marinating prawns, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they turn out just right. Firstly, it is recommended to season the prawns just before cooking, as leaving them in the seasoning for too long can draw out moisture and affect their texture.
A simple and classic seasoning mix for prawns includes olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add garlic to the mix, but it is best to add it during cooking rather than marinating to avoid burning. For an extra kick of flavour, a splash of white wine is a secret ingredient that adds complexity to the dish. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different spices and seasonings. Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder are great options for a spicy kick, and lemon pepper seasoning adds a zesty twist.
If you're looking for a more well-rounded meal, you can marinate the prawns in a sauce. A tangy honey mustard sauce can be made with Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. For a more exotic flavour, a spicy Thai-style sauce can be created with Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, and lime juice.
For breaded prawns, the seasoning can be incorporated into the breading process. Start by dipping the prawns in seasoned flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and paprika. This will give your prawns a delicious, crispy coating.
Remember, the key to successful seasoning and marinating is to trust your taste buds and adjust the ingredients to your liking. Happy cooking!
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Prawn preparation: Deveining, breading and oiling
Deveining is an important step in prawn preparation, as it ensures the prawns are clean and ready for cooking. Some people may not mind the vein, but it is generally recommended to remove it, especially if you are serving the prawns butterflied or with the backs split open. To devein, use a small, sharp knife to make a shallow slit along the back of the prawn and lift out the vein with the tip of the knife.
Once the prawns are clean and dry, you can begin the breading process. The standard breading procedure involves three steps: flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Start by dipping the prawns in seasoned flour, then coat them in beaten eggs, and finally, dredge them in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and paprika. This breading process will give your prawns a crispy, golden coating when fried.
Oiling is another critical step in prawn preparation for the air fryer. Oil helps to ensure even cooking and adds to the crispiness of the final product. You can use a variety of oils, such as light olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil, depending on your preference and the desired flavour profile. Spray or brush the prawns with oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Additionally, you should also oil the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
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Prawn serving suggestions: Sauces, sides and salads
Air fryer prawns are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sauces, sides, and salads. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Sauces
- Spicy mayo: Combine mayonnaise with chilli flakes, hot sauce, or Sriracha. You can also add honey to balance out the spiciness.
- Sweet chilli sauce: For those who prefer a milder flavour, sweet chilli sauce is a great option.
- Teriyaki sauce: This sauce offers a balance of sweet and savoury flavours.
- Honey mustard: Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a sweet and tangy sauce.
- Thai red curry paste: Combine with coconut milk and lime juice for a spicy and creamy coconut shrimp sauce.
- Garlic butter: Melt butter with minced garlic for a savoury, flavourful coating.
Sides
- Rice: A simple and versatile side dish that pairs well with prawns.
- Avocado: Fresh avocado slices or cubes can add a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats.
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal flavour to your prawn dish.
- Lemon wedges: Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over your prawns for a tangy twist.
Salads
- Green salad: A classic side to pair with your prawns. You can add a variety of vegetables like lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
- Potato salad: A heartier option, potato salad can be a delicious side dish to your air fryer prawns.
- Pasta salad: Try a pasta salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing to complement the prawns.
- Fruit salad: For a sweeter option, a fruit salad can be a refreshing side. Include fruits like mango, pineapple, or a squeeze of orange juice to complement the prawns.
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Storing and reheating leftover prawns
Storing leftover prawns:
Prawns can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best to let them cool down to room temperature and then transfer them to an airtight container. You can also store them in the freezer to increase their shelf life.
Reheating leftover prawns:
Prawns can be reheated in an air fryer, oven, microwave, or stovetop. Reheating them in the air fryer is a convenient option, especially for small portions, as it helps restore their crispy texture. Here are the steps to reheat prawns in an air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 300-400°F (180°C).
- Place the prawns in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap.
- Optionally, drizzle some oil or melted butter on the prawns.
- Air fry for 2-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
If you're reheating a larger batch of prawns, using the oven is more suitable. Here's how to reheat prawns in the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350-400°F (180°C).
- Place the prawns on a baking sheet or a cooling rack over a baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. Flip the prawns halfway through to avoid sogginess and ensure even cooking.
You can also reheat prawns in the microwave, although this method may not yield the best results in terms of taste and texture. Place the prawns on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until heated through.
When reheating prawns, it is important to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to avoid any foodborne illnesses. Additionally, prawns should be consumed within 3-4 days of cooking to maintain their quality and safety.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the size of the prawns. Smaller prawns will take around 5-8 minutes, while larger prawns will take a little longer.
To get crispy prawns, pat them dry before cooking and ensure there is space around each prawn in the air fryer basket so that air can circulate. You can also brush or spray the prawns with oil before cooking.
Air-fried prawns go well with a variety of sauces, including spicy mayo, honey mustard, and hot sauce. They can be served with rice, avocado, salad, or flatbread.
