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Juicy Air Fryer Prawns in Minutes: A Quick and Delicious Recipe

When it comes to quick, healthy meals, few things are as delightful as prawns. Not only are they packed with flavour, but they also cook in a matter of minutes, making them an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner or a spontaneous gathering. With the advent of the air fryer, you can achieve perfectly cooked, juicy prawns with minimal effort and in record time. This article will guide you through making succulent air fryer prawns that will tantalise your taste buds.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

The air fryer has become a kitchen staple due to its ability to create crispy, delicious food with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. For prawns, this means you can achieve a delightful crunch on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The air fryer ensures even cooking and greatly reduces preparation time—ideal for those bustling evenings!

Ingredients

To whip up a batch of air fryer prawns, you will need:

• 500g large prawns (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet, depending on your preference)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Prawns

Start by rinsing your prawns under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. Dry prawns ensure that they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

2. Make the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano (or thyme), salt, and black pepper. Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste. Add the prawns to the bowl and mix well until they are evenly coated in the marinade. For a more intense flavour, allow the prawns to marinate for about 15-30 minutes.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the prawns cook evenly and develop a beautiful, crispy texture.

4. Cook the Prawns

Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the marinated prawns in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket to allow for proper air circulation. You may need to cook them in batches.

Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the prawns are opaque and slightly charred. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the prawns, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

5. Serve

Once cooked, transfer the prawns to a serving platter. If desired, drizzle with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an added zing and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of colour. These prawns make an excellent appetiser, or they can be served over a bed of rice or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Prawns

• Quality of Prawns: Choose fresh, high-quality prawns for the best flavour. If using frozen prawns, make sure they are completely thawed and drained before marinating.
• Experiment with Flavours: Feel free to play around with various seasonings and marinades. Some tasty options include chilli flakes for heat, lime zest for a citrusy kick, or even a splash of soy sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
• Cooking Time: Keep a watch on the prawns as they cook; they go from perfectly tender to rubbery in a matter of moments.

Conclusion

Air fryer prawns are a simple yet elegant dish that can elevate any meal. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can enjoy a delicious seafood feast that is sure to please family and friends alike. Whether you serve them as a starter or as part of a larger spread, these juicy air fryer prawns are bound to become a favourite in your culinary repertoire. Dive into this delectable dish and savour the flavours of the sea without the fuss!

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