Frozen prawns cook straight from the freezer in the air fryer — no defrosting needed, and they stay juicy if you don't overdo them. A fast protein hit. Here's how long.
Key takeaways
Q: How long do frozen prawns take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry frozen prawns at 200°C (400°F) for 6–8 minutes, until pink and hot through.
Q: Do you defrost them first?
A: No — they cook well straight from frozen; just pat off ice crystals.
Times & temperatures
| Type | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Raw (grey), frozen | 200°C / 400°F | 7–8 min |
| Cooked (pink), frozen | 200°C / 400°F | 5–6 min |
| Breaded prawns | 200°C / 400°F | 8–10 min |
Method
- Pat off ice; toss with a little oil and seasoning.
- Single layer in the basket.
- Air fry at 200°C until pink and hot.
Make a meal of them with Mediterranean prawns, or check the full cooking times chart.
Frequently asked questions
How long do frozen prawns take in an air fryer?
Raw frozen prawns take 7–8 minutes at 200°C; pre-cooked frozen prawns just 5–6, until pink and hot through. Breaded prawns take 8–10.
Do you need to defrost prawns first?
No — they cook well straight from frozen. Pat off any ice crystals, toss with a little oil, and air fry.
How do you stop prawns going rubbery?
Don't overcook them — pull them as soon as they're pink and hot, as prawns toughen quickly past that point.