Your air fryer might seem like a simple addition to your kitchen, something you pull out occasionally, but it’s so much more than just a handy tool for crispy fries. In fact, your air fryer can deliver a whole array of recipes that pack a punch in flavour and convenience. This air fryer prawn skewers recipe, in particular, takes full advantage of the air fryer’s speed and efficiency. Delivering plump prawns marinated in a fresh, gently spiced sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Prawns are the perfect protein for the air fryer. The air fryer crisps them up beautifully on the outside while keeping them juicy and tender inside. This recipe for air fryer prawn skewers has quickly become one of my favourite seafood dishes to make. The prawns soak up the marinade beautifully, and when they come out of the air fryer, they are perfectly cooked. Golden on the outside and bursting with flavour on the inside.
What I love about this dish is its versatility and how it brings a delicious taco night feast together with minimal effort. The best part is that this recipe is incredibly quick to make. With just ten minutes of prep time and another ten minutes in the air fryer, you’ve got a meal that’s both speedy and satisfying. This air fryer prawn taco dish is a fun, fresh, and flavourful choice for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
So you can find this spicy paprika prawn skewers recipe on page 64 of The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook.
PREP 10 minutes excluding marinating time
COOK 8 to 10 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer, mixing bowl and wooden skewers (pre-soak them in water for at least 30 minutes).
Ingredients for air fryer prawn skewers
165g of raw king prawns
1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped into squares
1 garlic clove, peeled and grated
A red chilli, finely diced, plus extra to taste
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 lime, juiced
olive oil spray
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
To serve:
Tortilla wraps
Watercress salad
Method
These spicy and zesty prawn skewers are a flavour-packed option for a quick and healthy meal, especially when made in the air fryer. Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add in your raw king prawns, followed by freshly chopped red pepper for sweetness, grated garlic for a bold kick, and finely diced red chilli for heat. Then sprinkle in a generous pinch of paprika for a warm, smoky flavour.
Cut a lime in half and squeeze the juice from one half directly into the bowl. This will add brightness and tang to the marinade. Season everything with salt and black pepper. Now, mix everything together thoroughly, making sure each prawn and pepper piece is coated well in the spicy, garlicky marinade.
If you enjoy your food with an extra punch, feel free to add more chilli. This recipe is easy to adjust to suit your personal heat preference. Once everything is combined, cover the bowl and let the prawns marinate in the fridge for at least an hour to soak up all the flavours. For the best results, leave them overnight.
When you’re ready to cook, take wooden skewers and thread on the prawns and pepper pieces, alternating between the two for a colourful presentation. Lightly spray the assembled skewers with olive oil, and place them into your air fryer basket, leaving the crisper trays in.
Set the air fryer to 180ºC and cook the skewers for 8-10 minutes, or until the prawns are cooked through and lightly browned. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them.
Serve your prawn skewers on warm mini tortilla wraps, topped with fresh watercress salad. Finish with a squeeze of the remaining lime for a final zesty touch. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner!
Tips for Air Fryer Prawn Skewers
Air fryer prawn skewers are quick, flavorful, and make a fantastic appetizer or main course. Here’s how to get juicy, perfectly cooked prawns every time:
1. Choose fresh or properly thawed prawns
Use fresh prawns or fully thaw frozen ones before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the marinade stick and prevents sogginess.
2. Peel and devein if needed
For the best eating experience, peel and devein your prawns before skewering. Leaving tails on adds a nice presentation and handle for eating, but it’s optional.
3. Marinate for flavour
Marinate your prawns for at least 15-30 minutes in your favourite mix. Whether it’s garlic and lemon, spicy chili, or a tandoori blend. Avoid overly acidic marinades that can “cook” the prawns prematurely.
4. Use sturdy skewers
Metal skewers are ideal as they won’t burn, but if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning in the air fryer.
5. Don’t overcrowd the basket
Arrange the skewers in a single layer with space between to allow hot air to circulate for even cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
6. Preheat your air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to around 180°C (350°F) for 2-3 minutes before adding the skewers. This helps to sear the prawns quickly and lock in juices.
7. Cook quickly and flip halfway
Prawns cook fast! Air fry for 6-8 minutes total, flipping halfway through to get even char and colour on both sides.
8. Check for doneness
Prawns turn pink and opaque when cooked. Avoid overcooking, or they’ll become tough and rubbery.
9. Serve immediately
Serve your prawn skewers hot with a squeeze of lemon and a side of dipping sauce or fresh salad for a fresh, delicious meal.
Similar recipes
If you love these air fryer prawn skewers, you might also like my easy air fryer jerk chicken recipe.
Or if you are looking for more air fryer inspiration, check out my new Club App, with exclusive calorie-counted recipes added weekly, customisable meal plans and printable shopping lists.
Or check out my brand new Club App, with exclusive calorie-counted recipes added weekly, customisable meal plans, printable shopping lists and many many more useful features to make all your meal prepping so much easier!