This simple air fryer spicy prawns recipe delivers juicy prawns with a spicy marinade that will satisfy your taste buds. I like to marinate prawns overnight to let the flavours infuse. But even just an hour of marinating will do the trick. The prawns are coated in a rich mixture of paprika, garlic, and chilli. Creating a spicy kick that’s perfectly balanced with a splash of zesty lime juice. The result is a dish that’s quick to prepare and full of flavour. Making it a great option for any meal, from a light lunch to a delightful dinner.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it cooks the prawns to perfection. The air-fryer ensures the prawns stay juicy on the inside with a crisp, slightly charred exterior, giving them a satisfying texture. The addition of lime juice adds a refreshing tang that complements the heat from the spices. Creating a well-rounded dish that will impress even the most discerning palates.
Prawns are often overlooked as a protein source, but they offer several nutritional benefits. They are a low-calorie option packed with high-quality protein, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to build muscle. Additionally, prawns are rich in astaxanthin, an antioxidant responsible for their pink colour, which offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. Prawns also provide essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium, which are important for metabolism, thyroid function, and immune health.
These air fryer spicy prawns are a delicious and flavourful meal but also a healthy choice that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. It’s a dish that combines taste and nutrition, making it a fantastic addition to your diet.
PREP 10 minutes excluding marinating
COOK 10 minutes
KIT you will need an air fryer and wooden skewers
Ingredients for Air Fryer Spicy Prawns
165g of fresh prawns
1 teaspoon of Paprika
A clove of Garlic, peeled and finely chopped
1 red chilli, sliced
The juice of half a lime, (save the rest for the garnish)
Salt and pepper
Mini tortilla wraps to serve
Method
I like to marinate my prawns the night before for maximum flavour, but if you’re short on time, even an hour before cooking works just fine. In a mixing bowl, I simply combine all the marinade ingredients – prawns, a touch of chilli, and a few spices. If you prefer your prawns with an extra kick, just add a little more chilli. Always feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your own tastes; that’s the beauty of homemade marinades!
When you’re ready to cook, thread the marinated prawns onto mini wooden skewers. Beforehand, make sure to soak your skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning in the air fryer. Once the prawns are skewered, give them a light spray of oil to help them cook beautifully and get a lovely finish.
Then place the skewers into your air fryer drawer, leaving the crisper plates in. And then set the temperature to 180°C. Then cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Always remember that air fryers can vary slightly in their cooking times, so it is a good idea to keep an eye on them towards the end.
I love serving these spicy prawns on mini tortilla wraps, paired with fresh watercress and sliced red peppers for a crisp and colourful touch. A final squeeze of lime over the top adds a bright, zesty kick that really brings the whole dish together.
Prawns are a fantastic source of high-quality protein, low in calories but packed with essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Incorporating prawns into your meals can support a healthy immune system, maintain nerve and thyroid function, and promote heart health. All this while being absolutely delicious!
Tips for Air Fryer Spicy Prawns
1. Choose fresh or thawed prawns
Use fresh or fully thawed prawns for the best texture. If using frozen, defrost them completely and pat dry to avoid sogginess.
2. Peel and devein
For a cleaner bite, peel and devein your prawns before marinating. You can leave the tails on for a nicer presentation.
3. Marinate for flavour
Create a spicy marinade with ingredients like chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, lime juice, and a splash of olive oil. Marinate the prawns for at least 15 to 30 minutes to soak up all the delicious flavours.
4. Don’t overcrowd the basket
Arrange prawns in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of crisping. And leave the crisper plates in to help the hot air circulate all around the prawns.
5. Preheat your air fryer
If you have time then pre heat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for at least a couple of minutes. This ensures that your prawns start cooking immediately, locking in juiciness and getting that nice char.
6. Cook quickly and watch closely
Prawns cook fast, usually in about 6 to 8 minutes. So flip them halfway for even cooking and crispy edges. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them.
7. Add fresh herbs after cooking
Once cooked, toss the prawns with fresh cilantro or parsley for brightness and extra aroma.
8. Serve with dips and sides
Pair spicy prawns with cooling yogurt dip, garlic mayo, or a squeeze of fresh lime. They go great with rice, salad, or as a tapas-style snack.
These air fryer spicy prawns are a fast, tasty way to enjoy seafood with minimal mess and maximum flavour!
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If you love these air fryer spicy prawns, you might like my air fryer scampi.
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