Description
Juicy, succulent prawns coated in a light, crispy batter and fried to golden perfection. These crispy fried prawns are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish served with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup ice-cold water
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Sweet chili sauce or tartar sauce
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prep prawns: Pat prawns dry with paper towels. Make shallow cuts along the belly of each prawn to prevent curling during frying.
- Make batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add egg and cold water, mix until just combined (lumps are okay).
- Heat oil: In a deep pot or fryer, heat 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat prawns: Dip each prawn into the batter, letting excess drip off.
- Fry: Carefully add prawns to hot oil in batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Drain: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- Serve hot: Garnish with parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges and dipping sauces.
Notes
- Extra crispy: Double-coat by dipping prawns in batter, then in panko breadcrumbs before frying.
- Spicy version: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to the batter.
- Air fryer option: Spray battered prawns with oil and air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Storage: Best eaten fresh, but can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5-6 prawns
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
