Seafood fans, this one’s for you! Air fryer prawns (or shrimp, depending on where you are in the world) are the perfect combination of crispy, tender, and downright irresistible. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and healthy recipe that brings out the best in your shrimp, this is it. The air fryer locks in all those savory juices while giving the prawns that golden, slightly caramelized finish we all love. Trust me—this dish will turn any meal into a mini celebration, no fancy occasion required.

I still remember the first time I tried this recipe. It was one of those hectic weekday evenings, and I was in no mood to spend hours in the kitchen. But I had a bag of prawns, my trusty air fryer, and a handful of spices. Ten minutes later, I was sitting down to the most succulent prawns I’d ever made at home. The aroma of garlic and paprika was so inviting, and the prawns? Perfectly cooked with just a little charred edge for flavor. I’ve been hooked ever since, and now I make these for everything from quick lunches to weekend dinner parties.

So, grab your apron and let’s get started with this simple yet delicious recipe that’ll have you wondering why you ever cooked prawns any other way.

A quick look at the history of shrimp dishes

Shrimp (or prawns) have long been a staple in coastal cuisines around the world, from the shrimp boils of the southern United States to the spicy prawn curries of India. Fun fact: shrimp is one of the most popular seafoods globally, thanks to its versatility and naturally sweet flavor. Over the years, we’ve moved from pan-frying and grilling to incorporating modern cooking methods, like air frying, to make dishes even more accessible. What’s great about air frying is that it offers that crispy, golden texture without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Let’s talk ingredients: small details, big impact

This recipe keeps things simple with a handful of pantry staples that let the prawns shine.

Shrimp or prawns (1 lb/450 g): These are the star of the show! Large prawns work best for air frying because they stay juicy inside while crisping up beautifully on the outside. If you’re out of fresh prawns, frozen ones work too—just thaw them properly beforehand.
Light olive oil (2 tbsp): This adds just the right amount of fat to help the prawns cook evenly and achieve that crispy, golden finish. You can substitute avocado oil if you like.
Paprika (1 tsp): For a subtle smokiness and that gorgeous reddish tint. If you’re feeling adventurous, smoked paprika adds an extra depth of flavor.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): A must for that savory, garlicky kick! Fresh minced garlic works too, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances the natural sweetness of the prawns. Use sea salt or kosher salt for the best results.
Black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds just a touch of heat. Freshly ground pepper is always a win!

Kitchen gear you’ll need (and alternatives!)

You don’t need much for this recipe, but here are the essentials:

Air fryer: The hero of this recipe! It creates that perfect crispiness without extra oil. If you don’t have one, a convection oven at a high temperature can be a decent substitute (just keep an eye on the cooking time).
Mixing bowl: For tossing the prawns with oil and seasoning. Any large bowl will do.
Tongs: These make flipping and serving the prawns so much easier. Don’t have tongs? A fork works in a pinch!
Paper towels: To pat the prawns dry before seasoning. This helps them crisp up properly in the air fryer.

Step-by-step: how to make air fryer prawns

Prep your prawns: Start by peeling and deveining your prawns if they aren’t already prepped. Then pat them completely dry with a paper towel—this step is crucial for getting that golden, crispy texture.
Season like a pro: In a mixing bowl, toss the prawns with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated in the seasoning. This is when the magic starts—don’t skip the tossing step!
Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures the prawns cook evenly and get that crispy finish.
Lay them out: Place the seasoned prawns in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding—this ensures they cook evenly. If you have a small air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches.
Cook to perfection: Air fry the prawns for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Keep an eye on them toward the end—they should be pink, slightly golden, and just cooked through. Overcooked prawns can get rubbery, so don’t walk away!
Serve and enjoy: Transfer the prawns to a plate, garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice if you like, and dig in while they’re hot!

Variations and twists you’ll love

Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for some heat.
Garlic butter prawns: Skip the olive oil and toss the prawns in melted butter and extra garlic before air frying. So indulgent!
Herbaceous upgrade: Add dried or fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley for extra flavor.
Lemon-pepper twist: Swap paprika for lemon zest and a bit of extra black pepper for a zesty punch.
Asian-inspired version: Toss the prawns with soy sauce, ginger powder, and a drizzle of sesame oil before air frying.

For dietary needs:

Low-sodium: Reduce the salt or use a salt substitute.
Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no worries there!
Keto-friendly: Use avocado oil for an even healthier fat option.

Serving ideas that impress

When serving, I love arranging the prawns on a large platter with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. For sides, they pair wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, a crisp green salad, or even some roasted vegetables. Want to turn this into a crowd-pleasing appetizer? Serve the prawns with a creamy garlic aioli or tangy cocktail sauce for dipping.

Beverages to pair with

Since prawns have a delicate yet savory flavor, go for beverages that complement their freshness. Here are a few favorites:

Citrus spritzer: Mix sparkling water with fresh lemon or lime juice for a zesty, refreshing drink.
Iced green tea: The subtle earthiness balances out the spices in the prawns.
Cucumber mint cooler: Blend cucumber, mint, and a touch of honey with ice water for a hydrating option.
Pineapple mocktail: Sweet, tropical flavors work beautifully with seafood dishes.

Storage and reheating tips

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the prawns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving—they’ll turn rubbery. If freezing, store cooked prawns in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months, but keep in mind that their texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Scaling up or down

This recipe is super easy to adjust. For smaller servings, halve the ingredients and reduce the cooking time slightly if needed. For larger portions, double the ingredients but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Just be patient—it’s worth it!

Troubleshooting: keeping things simple

Prawns not crispy? Make sure they’re dry before seasoning and don’t overcrowd the basket.
Overcooked prawns? Keep a close eye on them in the last few minutes of cooking. They cook faster than you think!
Seasoning uneven? Toss the prawns thoroughly with the oil and spices to coat them evenly.

Ready to air fry your way to shrimp heaven?

There’s something so satisfying about a recipe that’s quick, easy, and delivers incredible flavor every single time. These air fryer prawns check all the boxes, and once you try them, you’ll see why they’ve become a staple in my kitchen. Whether you’re making them for yourself or serving them to friends and family, this dish never disappoints. Go ahead, give it a try—and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite twists and flavors!

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen prawns?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and air frying.

2. How do I know when the prawns are done?
They’ll turn pink and opaque, with a slight golden tint. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.

3. Can I use other seasonings?
Of course! This recipe is super versatile. Try adding chili flakes, lemon zest, or even a bit of soy sauce for different flavor profiles.

4. Do I have to preheat the air fryer?
It’s highly recommended! Preheating helps the prawns cook evenly and get that crisp exterior.

5. Can I cook these in the oven instead?
Yes, but they won’t be as crispy. Use a convection oven at 400°F (200°C) and keep an eye on the cooking time.