Prawns cook in minutes and the air fryer keeps them plump and juicy rather than rubbery. Tossed in garlic butter, they're a high-protein starter or a fast dinner over salad or rice. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long do prawns take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry raw king prawns at 200°C (400°F) for 5–7 minutes, until pink and opaque. Don't overcook or they turn rubbery.
Q: Can you cook frozen prawns?
A: Yes — cook from frozen at 200°C for 8–10 minutes, shaking once.
Times & temperatures
| Prawns | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Raw king prawns | 200°C / 400°F | 5–7 min |
| From frozen (raw) | 200°C / 400°F | 8–10 min |
| Pre-cooked (reheat) | 180°C / 360°F | 3–4 min |
The recipe
Garlic Butter Air Fryer Prawns
Ingredients
- 250g raw king prawns
- 15g butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- Squeeze of lemon, parsley
Method
- Toss prawns with garlic butter.
- Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 5–7 minutes.
- Shake once; cook until pink and opaque.
- Finish with lemon and parsley.
Tips
- Don't overcook — pull them the moment they turn pink and curl.
- Pat dry raw prawns first for the best texture.
- Serve with other quick seafood like salmon or cod.
Frequently asked questions
How do you know when prawns are cooked?
They turn from grey to pink, curl into a loose C-shape and look opaque. A tight O-shape means they're overcooked.
Can you air fry frozen prawns?
Yes — cook raw frozen prawns at 200°C for 8–10 minutes, shaking once. Pre-cooked frozen prawns just need a 3–4 minute reheat.
Are air fryer prawns healthy?
Very — they're high in protein and low in fat and calories, at around 180 calories per serving in garlic butter.