🦐 Tasty Air Fryer Prawns – Juicy, Garlicky, and Ready in Minutes!

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer that wows without the fuss, these Air Fryer Prawns are the perfect catch! Lightly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned to perfection, they bring restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.

Plus, they’re ready in under 15 minutes with barely any cleanup—your air fryer does all the heavy lifting.

🛒 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this quick and tasty dish:

  • 500g (1 lb) raw prawns, peeled and deveined (tail-on or off)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the Prawns

In a bowl, toss the prawns with olive oil, garlic, paprika, chili flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate for 10 minutes if you have time—it really deepens the flavor.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and preheat for 3 minutes.

3. Cook

Place prawns in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway through. They’re done when they’re pink, curled, and lightly crisped at the edges.

4. Garnish & Serve

Squeeze over fresh lemon juice and top with chopped parsley or cilantro.

🔁 Serving Ideas

These prawns are endlessly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy them:

  • Over a bed of garlic butter pasta
  • Tucked into tacos with slaw and avocado
  • As a starter with spicy aioli or sweet chili sauce
  • Tossed on a fresh green salad or grain bowl

🧊 Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • To reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 2–3 minutes to re-crisp.

💡 Tips for the Best Air Fryer Prawns

  • Don’t overcrowd the basket – cook in batches for even crisping.
  • Use fresh or thawed prawns – frozen prawns can turn watery unless thawed properly.
  • Add a splash of white wine to the marinade for an extra boost of flavor.

These Tasty Air Fryer Prawns are the definition of fast food done right—clean, quick, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, they deliver maximum taste with minimum effort.