These golden and crispy Air Fryer Popcorn Prawns are perfect for adding to Tacos, Salad Bowls, Grazing Platter, Skewers, or for dipping into your favourite cocktail sauce.
1kilogram/2 pounds uncooked prawns/shrimppeeled and deveined
1teaspoonsalt
1teaspoongarlic powder
1cupall purpose flour
2medium eggswhisked
3garlic clovesminced
1cuppanko bread crumbs
½cupgrated Parmesan
1teaspoongarlic salt
1tablespoonchopped basil
Instructions
Prepare Dredging Station: Bowl one - combine the all purpose flour and garlic powder. Bowl Two - whisk the eggs and minced garlic. Bowl three - combine panko with parmesan, garlic salt, and chopped basil.
Preheat Air Fryer: 200 degrees C or 385 degrees F for 5 minutes
Coat Prawns: Dredge the prawns in the flour, then the eggs, then the bread crumbs. Gently press bread crumbs into the shrimp to help it to adhere.
Cook Prawns: Add prawns to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray lightly with canola oil and cook for 7 minutes, stopping once halfway through to shake the basket to redistribute them and evenly cook.
Notes
Prawns: Remove heads and tails, patting dry with paper or kitchen towel to eliminate moisture.
Eggs: Serve as a binder to help panko crumbs adhere and provide an even coating.
Flour: Use all-purpose/plain flour to "dry" the prawns' exterior, ensuring the egg wash adheres. Almond or self-raising flour can be alternative options.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Opt for rough-textured panko breadcrumbs for a crispy and crunchy coating. Wholemeal breadcrumbs can be substituted for a smoother texture.
Seasonings: Utilize garlic powder, crushed garlic, salt, and basil to create the base savory flavor profile. Substitute garlic powder with onion powder or other herbs as desired.
Parmesan Cheese: Choose finely grated parmesan for richness, with variations available from mild to more robust.
Cooking Oil Spray: Essential for a crunchy, golden coating in air frying. Options include Extra Light Virgin Olive Oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil, avoiding low smoke point oils like peanut and sesame oil.