Battered King Prawns

If you're yearning for a scrumptious yet simple dish that epitomizes gourmet cooking without burning a hole in your pocket, look no further than battered king prawns, perfect for air frying. The harmony of succulent prawns enveloped in a light, crisp batter is one to savour, and this recipe will guide you through preparing it effortlessly and efficiently in an air fryer. In the context of modern kitchens, air frying is a revelation, offering a healthier spin on traditional frying methods without compromising on flavour or texture—a true boon for health-conscious food enthusiasts.

Succulent battered king prawns on a serving dish

Ingredients

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

  • 500g of king prawns, peeled and deveined
  • 120g of plain flour
  • 60g of cornflour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 200ml of sparkling water (kept chilled)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika, for a subtle kick
  • A spray bottle of oil suitable for air fryers (light olive oil or avocado oil work wonderfully)

Method

  1. Prepare the Prawns: Start by cleaning your king prawns. Once peeled and deveined, pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they are ready to adhere to the batter effectively.
  2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F). Always preheat to ensure optimal cooking results and crisp textures.
  3. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, cornflour, and baking powder. Gradually whisk in the chilled sparkling water to form a smooth batter. The sparkling water is key here; it adds a lightness to the batter, ensuring it's airy and crisp once cooked.
  4. Add Flavour: Stir in the soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of salt and pepper. This will infuse a subtle depth of flavour into your batter, enhancing the prawns without overpowering their natural sweetness.
  5. Coat the Prawns: Dip each prawn into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off before laying them out on a tray ready for frying.
    6. Coating prawns in batter
  6. Air Fry the Prawns: Arrange the prawns in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to promote even cooking—this may mean frying in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Lightly spray with oil; this step ensures ultimate crispness.
  7. Cook: Air fry the prawns for 8-10 minutes or until they deliver a satisfyingly crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior. The prawns should turn a golden brown, indicating they are perfectly cooked.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful battered king prawns can be served as a luxurious starter, a party snack, or an exotic main course. Consider serving with a tangy dipping sauce such as sweet chilli or a refreshing citrus aioli to complement the rich flavours of the prawns.

Battered king prawns with dipping sauce

For a complete meal, pair these prawns with a zesty salad or a simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice. The contrast between the crispy prawns and the fresh, crunchy salad or soft rice provides a balanced culinary experience.

Tips for Success

  • Use the freshest prawns you can find; their flavour and texture are pivotal to the dish's success.
  • The batter should be made just before use to keep it aerated and effective at producing that desired crispiness.
  • For an extra flavour boost, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or five spice to the batter.
  • If you are cooking in batches, keep the cooked prawns warm in a preheated oven at a low temperature, ensuring they remain crispy.

Why Choose Air Frying?

Air frying is a revolutionary method that has gained immense popularity among health enthusiasts and busy cooks alike. By requiring significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, it reduces the fat content of foods while still retaining a crispy texture and delicious taste. Moreover, air fryers cook faster and distribute heat more evenly, making it a versatile and efficient appliance in the kitchen. In this recipe, utilizing an air fryer will make your battered king prawns a guilt-free delight.

Conclusion

With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can experience restaurant-quality battered king prawns in the comfort of your home without the fuss and mess of deep frying. Perfectly paired with an air fryer, these prawns offer a healthier alternative, satisfying your taste buds while offering comforting indulgence. Prepare to be impressed with the simplicity and crunch of this delicious dish, suitable for any dining occasion. Enjoy the experience of cooking these exquisite prawns and the joy they bring to your palate.