Air Fryer King Prawns In A Delicious Lemon Pepper Crumb
This site uses affiliate links. If you buy through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you do buy, then thank you! It really does help run this free resource.
Can I Cook Breaded Prawns In The Air Fryer?
Breaded king prawns are delicious, seasoned with lemon pepper seasoning (or any seasoning ) and air-fried to crispy perfection.
With the air fryer, achieving these breaded prawns is not only easy but also healthier than traditional frying methods.
Use fresh king prawns from your fishmonger if available but this recipe can be easily made with defrosted frozen cooked king prawns.
I will be making this recipe with cooked frozen king prawns that have been defrosted.
This recipe can be made in any air fryer.
Preparing The King Prawns
Fresh Raw King Prawns: Peel and devein the prawns leaving the tail in place.
Frozen Cooked King Prawns: Readily prepared for you. Leave the prawns in a closed container in the refrigerator overnight to defrost. If you are short of time run the prawns under a cold water tap until defrosted.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh Raw or Frozen Cooked Prawns (defrosted): Large enough to make a statement on your plate.
Breadcrumbs: Choose your breadcrumbs wisely. Whether you opt for the classic seasoned breadcrumbs or use Panko for an extra crunch. I prefer Panko breadcrumbs for this recipe.
Eggs: Crack two eggs into a bowl and whisk them together. This will serve as the binding agent, ensuring that the breadcrumbs stick perfectly to each prawn.
Flour: Dust your prawns in flour before the egg dip. The flour layer helps to create the crunchiness.
Seasonings: Add a blend of your favourite seasonings or the seasonings listed. Paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a kick to your prawns.
Ingredient Quantities
- 30g plain flour
- 454g (1lb) cooked king prawns (the amount will depend on the size of the prawns)
- 2 large eggs beaten
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 50g Panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
Adjust quantities of flour and breadcrumbs as required.
How Long To Air Fry Breaded King Prawns?
The prawns take approximately 7-8 minutes depending on the amount cooked. Adjust the time accordingly.
How To Cook Breaded King Prawns In The Air Fryer
First, clean, devein, and pat dry your prawns if using fresh uncooked prawns.
Drying the prawns is an important step to ensure your prawns are crisp.
Create a workstation with three bowls – for the flour, whisked eggs, and breadcrumbs.
Add the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic, salt and pepper to the flour or use any seasoning you prefer.
Gently coat each prawn in flour, shaking off any excess.
Dip the floured prawn into the whisked eggs and give them a thorough coating.
Then roll the prawn in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. If using fresh prawns breadcrumb the whole prawn except for the tail.
Repeat the process until all the prawns are covered in breadcrumbs.
Preheat your air fryer to 200C / 400F for 5 minutes.
Place each breaded prawn into the air fryer basket, allowing them space to crisp up without overcrowding. Optional: spraying with olive oil will enhance the crispness.
Cook for 7-8 minutes (20-25 prawns) or 5-6 minutes (25 or more prawns). No need to turn the prawns but keep a close eye on them.
Once cooked garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and serve with your chosen dipping sauce.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Irresistibly Moist Air Fryer Cod Dishes Made Easy
Gourmet Garlic Parmesan Scallops Made in the Air Fryer
The Best Comfort Food: Easy Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins
Air Fryer King Prawns
You can air fry prawns without breading for a deliciously simple dish.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
Begin with peeled and fresh prawns or use defrosted frozen prawns.
Season generously with your favourite seasonings.
Preheat your air fryer to 200C / 400F for 5 minutes.
Let them air fry for 6-8 minutes, if cooking 25 or more prawns decrease the time. No need to turn. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.
When cooked, plate the prawns, and add a sprinkle of herbs or a squeeze of lemon for that final touch.
Can I Cook Frozen Prawns In The Air Fryer?
I would recommend defrosting the prawns before air frying.
Defrost overnight in the refrigerator or run them under a cold tap until defrosted.
Air-frying frozen prawns will cook the outside quicker than the inside leading to food poisoning.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Breaded Prawns
- Allow the breaded prawns to rest for a few minutes after breading. This helps the coating adhere better and prevents it from falling off during cooking.
- Always preheat your air fryer before cooking. This ensures a hot environment right from the start, leading to a crispier exterior.
- Panko breadcrumbs are perfect for this recipe but if you don’t have any use ordinary breadcrumbs.
- Get an even coating by pressing the breadcrumbs gently onto the prawns. This step is important to achieve that lovely crunch.
- If spraying your prawns with olive oil, do not drench them they will turn soggy.
- Do not overcrowd. Arrange the breaded prawns in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to make them your own.
- Overcooking can result in dry prawns. Adjust the cooking time and temperature based on your air fryer model.
- Air-fried prawns are at their best when served right away. The longer they sit, the soggier they become.
Air Fryer Breaded Prawns Q & A
How do I prevent the breading from falling off during cooking?
Be sure to pat the prawns dry before coating, press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the prawns during the breading process, and allow them to rest for a few minutes after breading. This helps the coating stick better and reduces the risk of it falling off during cooking.
Can I use frozen prawns for air fryer breaded prawns?
While it’s best to use fresh prawns, you can use frozen prawns. Thaw them thoroughly, pat them dry, and follow the breading and cooking steps as usual. Keep in mind that frozen prawns may release more moisture during cooking, so adjust accordingly.
How do I prevent the prawns from becoming dry in the air fryer?
To prevent dryness, be mindful of the cooking time and temperature. Overcooking can lead to dry prawns. Adjust the cooking settings based on your air fryer model, and consider checking for doneness a bit earlier than the recommended time.
What’s the ideal size of prawns for air frying?
Opt for large prawns for a satisfying bite. Using prawns of similar size ensures even cooking. Small prawns may cook too quickly and be overdone.
Can I make air fryer breaded prawns in advance?
Air-fried prawns are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare them in advance by completing the breading process and refrigerating them for a short time.
Can I reheat leftover air fryer breaded prawns?
Reheating can compromise the crispiness, but if needed, preheat the air fryer and reheat the prawns briefly. Be cautious not to overheat, as this may dry them out.
Ninja Air Fryer Breaded King Prawns
Ingredients
- 30g plain flour
- 454g (1lb) cooked king prawns (the amount will depend on the size of the prawns)
- 2 large eggs beaten
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 50g Panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- First, clean, devein, and pat dry your prawns. Drying the prawns is an important step to ensure your prawns are crisp.
- Create a workstation with three bowls – for the flour, whisked eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Add the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic, salt and pepper to the flour. (use any seasoning you prefer)
- Gently coat each prawn in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured prawn into the whisked eggs and give them a thorough coating.
- Then roll the prawn in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. If using fresh prawns breadcrumb the whole prawn except for the tail.
- Repeat the process until all the prawns are covered in breadcrumbs.
- Preheat your air fryer to 200C / 400F for 5 minutes.
- Place each breaded prawn into the air fryer basket, allowing them space to crisp up without overcrowding. Optional: spraying with olive oil will enhance the crispness.
- Cook for 7-8 minutes (20-25 prawns) or 5-6 minutes (25 or more prawns). No need to turn the prawns but keep a close eye on them.
- Once cooked garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and serve with your chosen dipping sauce.
Notes
Cooking time will depend on the amount of prawns you are air frying.
Nutritional information is approximate.
