Air Fryer Popcorn Prawns (Shrimp)

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.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 7

Total Time 17

Servings

Calories 448kcal

Author Kim

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

1 kilogram /2 pounds uncooked prawns/shrimp peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup all purpose flour
2 medium eggs whisked
3 garlic cloves minced
1 cup panko bread crumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon chopped 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.

Nutrition