If you’re craving juicy, crispy prawns without the hassle of deep frying, then Air Fryer Prawns are the perfect solution! This quick and easy recipe delivers perfectly cooked prawns in just 13 minutes, with minimal oil and maximum flavor. Paired with a spicy mayo sauce, these prawns are an irresistible snack or appetizer that can be enjoyed guilt-free.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the prawns:

  • 10-12 large tiger prawns

  • 3 tablespoons potato starch

  • 1 tablespoon turmeric

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon salt

• For the spicy mayo sauce (optional but recommended):

  • 1 tablespoon Kewpie mayo

  • 1 tablespoon sriracha

  • ½ tablespoon honey

Directions

1. Prep the prawns: Peel and devein the prawns.

2. Coat the prawns: In a large bowl, mix the potato starch, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Add the prawns to the bowl and toss them gently until they are evenly coated. Remove any excess coating.

3. Air fry the prawns: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil, then arrange the prawns in a single layer, making sure they are spaced out. Spray the top of the prawns with a bit more oil. Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness.

4. Make the spicy mayo sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Kewpie mayo, sriracha, and honey. Mix well.

5. Serve: Once the prawns are cooked and crispy, serve them immediately with rice, avocado, and a salad. Drizzle the spicy mayo sauce on top for added flavor.

Nutrients

The nutritional values for the Air Fryer Prawns are approximate and can vary based on the size and type of prawns. Here’s an estimate for one serving (without the spicy mayo):

• Calories: 120-150 kcal

• Total Fat: 4-6 grams

  • Saturated Fat: 0.5-1 gram

• Cholesterol: 140-160 mg

• Sodium: 400-500 mg

• Carbohydrates: 5-7 grams

  • Dietary Fiber: 0-1 gram

  • Sugars: 0-2 grams

• Protein: 15-20 grams

• Calcium: 30-40 mg

• Iron: 1-2 mg

Why Choose the Air Fryer for Prawns?

Cooking prawns in the air fryer is a game-changer. Unlike traditional deep-frying, which requires a lot of oil and can make your kitchen greasy, the air fryer cooks prawns to perfection with only a small amount of oil. The hot circulating air helps to crisp up the prawns evenly on all sides, delivering a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. This method also helps reduce fat content, making the prawns a healthier option compared to the usual deep-fried version.

Another advantage of using the air fryer is the reduced cooking time. Prawns cook very quickly, and with the air fryer, you can have them ready in just 8 minutes. This makes the recipe perfect for busy individuals who still want a flavorful and satisfying meal in a short amount of time. The air fryer’s efficiency not only saves you time but also minimizes the mess associated with traditional frying.

Preparing the Prawns for the Air Fryer

To start, you will need to peel and devein the prawns. This step ensures that your prawns are clean and ready for cooking. If you prefer, you can leave the shells on for added flavor and texture, but removing them is often the most convenient option for a quick meal.

Once the prawns are cleaned and prepped, the next step is coating them in a flavorful mix of potato starch, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. The potato starch helps create a crisp outer layer, while the turmeric adds a warm color and a hint of earthiness to the prawns. The black pepper and salt balance out the flavors, giving the prawns a simple yet delicious seasoning.

The key to achieving perfectly crispy prawns is to coat them evenly in the starch mixture and remove any excess. This ensures that the prawns don’t become too thickly coated and will cook evenly in the air fryer.

Air Frying the Prawns

Once the prawns are coated, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the prawns from sticking. Arrange the prawns in a single layer, making sure they are spaced out enough for air circulation. Overcrowding the basket can prevent the prawns from becoming crispy, so it’s important to avoid piling them on top of each other.

Lightly spray the prawns with a bit more oil to help them achieve that golden crispness during cooking. Air fry the prawns for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process to ensure they cook evenly. The result will be prawns that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a satisfying crunch in every bite.

For those who like their prawns extra crispy, you can cook them for a few additional minutes, but be careful not to overcook them, as prawns can become tough if left in the air fryer too long.

Making the Spicy Mayo Sauce

While the prawns are cooking, you can prepare the spicy mayo sauce to complement the dish. The spicy mayo is an optional but highly recommended addition that takes the prawns to the next level. To make the sauce, simply combine Kewpie mayo, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. The Kewpie mayo provides a rich and creamy base, while the sriracha adds a spicy kick. The honey balances the heat with a touch of sweetness, creating a perfectly well-rounded dipping sauce.

Feel free to adjust the amounts of sriracha and honey to suit your spice preferences. If you like it spicier, add more sriracha; if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the sriracha and add a little more honey.

Serving and Enjoying the Prawns

Once the prawns are cooked and crispy, it’s time to serve them! Air Fryer Prawns are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. You can enjoy them on their own as a snack or appetizer, or you can pair them with sides like rice, avocado, or a fresh salad for a more complete meal. The prawns are delicious when drizzled with the spicy mayo sauce, which adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess to each bite.

For a more elevated presentation, you can garnish the prawns with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or fresh herbs such as cilantro or green onions. The addition of these garnishes not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but also adds a fresh, vibrant touch that complements the savory prawns.

Why These Prawns Are So Popular

Air Fryer Prawns have become a favorite for many due to their delicious flavor, crisp texture, and ease of preparation. The air fryer method allows for a quicker, healthier way to cook prawns, making it a go-to choice for people who want a fast and flavorful dish. The simple yet effective seasoning of the prawns ensures that each bite is packed with flavor, while the spicy mayo sauce adds a creamy and tangy contrast that perfectly complements the prawns’ natural sweetness.

The recipe is also highly adaptable, allowing for various variations depending on personal preferences. You can experiment with different spices or add extra seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking. The dish can also be made gluten-free or dairy-free if needed by adjusting the ingredients.

Health Considerations

Air Fryer Prawns are a great option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful snack or meal while keeping things healthier. Prawns are an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. They also provide key nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and selenium, which are important for overall health.

By using the air fryer, you minimize the amount of oil needed for cooking, making the prawns lower in fat compared to traditional deep-frying. The use of potato starch in the coating helps create a crispy texture without the need for heavy breading, which also reduces the overall calorie content.

However, it’s important to be mindful of sodium levels, as soy sauce and the spicy mayo sauce can contribute to the overall sodium content. To reduce the sodium intake, you can opt for low-sodium soy sauce or adjust the amount of sauce used.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Prawns are a quick, delicious, and healthier alternative to deep-fried prawns. With just a few simple ingredients and 13 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy perfectly crispy prawns with minimal effort and mess. The spicy mayo sauce adds a flavorful kick, making this dish even more irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger meal, Air Fryer Prawns are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Thanks to the air fryer’s convenience and efficiency, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a flavorful seafood dish without the added hassle. With endless customization options and a flavor profile that’s sure to satisfy, Air Fryer Prawns are a must-try for anyone who loves seafood with a crispy crunch.