Prawns are so versatile, perfect for a variety of dishes. But if you want to elevate them, this recipe for air fryer breaded prawns is a must-try. Not only will this dish make you look like a professional in the kitchen, but it’s also simple to make. These prawns are crispy, golden, and packed with flavour. Making them the ideal appetizer for any occasion.
I cooked these air-fried breaded prawns with a parsley, garlic, and lemon dip on the Channel 5 TV show AIR FRYERS: ENTERTAINING MADE EASY, which first aired on April 4th, 2024. What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a fine dining restaurant, all thanks to the air fryer. The beauty of air frying is that it gives you that perfect crispy coating without the need for deep frying. Making it a much healthier option, yet without sacrificing any flavour or texture.
The prawns are breaded in a crunchy coating and then air fried to perfection. Achieving a golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The addition of the parsley, garlic, and lemon dip enhances the flavour and brings everything together with a refreshing zing. It’s a quick and delicious recipe that’s perfect for serving as a starter, and because they cook in just 8 minutes, it’s ideal for a quick date night or a gathering with friends.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting, these air fried breaded prawns will impress your guests and have them coming back for more. They’re simple, flavourful, and healthy – everything you want in a great appetizer!
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 8 minutes
SERVES 2 people as an appetiser
KIT you will need an air fryer and mixing bowls.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Breaded Prawns
160g of fresh prawns (not frozen)
3 tablespoons of plain flour
2 eggs, beaten
5 tablespoons of stale bread crumbs
Vegetable oil spray
Salt and pepper to season
For the dressing:
A sprig of fresh parsley, finely chopped
A clove of garlic, peeled and finely chopped
1 fresh red chilli, thinly sliced
1 lemon, squeezed
Method
These crispy air fryer breaded prawns are the perfect light bite – golden, crunchy, and topped with a zesty, garlicky dressing that packs a punch. They’re quick to make and guaranteed to impress!
Start by preparing your prawns. Dip each one into plain flour, making sure it’s evenly coated. Next, dunk the floured prawns into a beaten egg wash, and finally roll them through stale breadcrumbs until fully covered. Using slightly stale breadcrumbs gives you an even crispier finish – so don’t throw out that old bread! Then once the prawns are breaded, give them a light spray of vegetable oil to help them crisp up in the air fryer.
So place your prawns directly into the air fryer drawer, leaving the crisper plate in the basket to help them cook evenly and achieve that golden crunch. Cook at 180°C for around 4 minutes, then flip the prawns over and cook for another 4 minutes. Keep an eye on them – they should be crispy and golden on both sides.
While the prawns are cooking, whip up a simple but delicious dressing. Roughly chop a small handful of fresh parsley and add it to a mixing bowl. Finely chop one or two cloves of garlic and add that in too. Then slice a red chilli (adjust to your preferred spice level) and mix it in. Squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon over the top, season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, and stir everything together.
Once the prawns are done, place them on top of a bed of fresh salad leaves. Then spoon over the spicy garlic and herb dressing, letting it drizzle through the crunchy coating.
Serve immediately and enjoy every crisp, flavour-packed bite.
Watch the full video clip from the TV show on my YouTube channel.
Tips for Air Fryer Breaded Prawns
Crispy, golden, and seriously moreish, breaded prawns are an easy win in the air fryer. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, starter, or part of a seafood platter, here’s how to get them spot on every time:
1. Use raw, peeled prawns
Go for raw king or jumbo prawns that are peeled and deveined, with tails on or off depending on your preference. Avoid precooked prawns as they can go rubbery.
2. Pat them dry
Use kitchen paper to blot excess moisture from the prawns before breading. This helps the coating stick and crisp up nicely.
3. Set up a 3-step breading station
Dip the prawns in flour (seasoned with salt and pepper), then beaten egg, then breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are best for that light, crunchy texture.
4. Press the coating on
Gently press the breadcrumbs onto each prawn to ensure a good, even coating that stays put during cooking.
5. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat to 200°C (390°F) for 2–3 minutes. A hot air fryer gives the prawns that crisp, golden exterior right from the start.
6. Don’t overcrowd
Lay prawns in a single layer in the basket with space between each one. Cook in batches if needed to avoid sogginess.
7. Spray lightly with oil
A light mist of oil over the breaded prawns before air frying helps them turn beautifully golden without deep frying.
8. Cook for 6–8 minutes
Air fry at 200°C, flipping halfway through. They’re done when the coating is crisp and the prawns are pink and opaque inside.
9. Serve with dips
Perfect with sweet chilli sauce, garlic mayo, or a zesty squeeze of lemon for a deliciously crunchy treat!
Similar recipes
If you love this breaded prawns then you might also like my air fryer spicy prawns or the air fryer scampi recipe.
So if you are still looking for more air fryer inspiration, then click here to see more of my TV recipes.
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