Tempura prawns in the air fryer are a popular Japanese dish that is traditionally coated in tempura flour and deep-fried. But with an air fryer you can make crispy tempura prawns in just 11-15 minutes – and with far less oil. The recipe works with both fresh and frozen prawns, so you can enjoy this classic whenever you like. In this guide you’ll get everything about tempura prawns, the right temperature and time, plus suggestions for variation and serving. Also try our homemade spring rolls in the air fryer as a delicious Asian starter.
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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Table of Contents:
- Why make Tempura Prawns in the Air Fryer?
- What kind of dish are Tempura Prawns?
- I recommend this fresh Sauvignon Blanc with our crispy tempura prawns
- What is Tempura Flour?
- Where does the dish originate?
- Suggestions for different spices or herbs to vary the batter
- What do you serve with tempura prawns from the air fryer?
- Conclusion on Tempura Prawns in the Air Fryer
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why make Tempura Prawns in the Air Fryer?
Making tempura prawns in the air fryer has several benefits. First and foremost, it is a healthier method, as it uses considerably less oil than traditional deep-frying. This results in fewer calories and less fat, which makes the dish lighter and easier to digest. In addition, the air fryer is easy to use and reduces the risk of oil fires and the messy clean-up that comes with deep-frying. With an air fryer you can still achieve a crispy, golden surface on your tempura prawns without compromising on flavour.
What kind of dish are Tempura Prawns?
Tempura prawns are a type of tempura, which is a Japanese cooking technique where food is dipped in a light, airy batter of tempura flour and then deep-fried. Prawns are one of the most common ingredients in tempura, and the result is a crispy, delicate and tasty dish. Tempura prawns are often served as a starter or as part of a main course with various dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, tentsuyu (a mix of dashi, soy sauce and mirin) or a simple slice of lemon to add freshness.
I recommend this fresh Sauvignon Blanc with our crispy tempura prawns
Morten here. This wine is absolutely perfect with the light, crispy tempura prawns. I can warmly recommend Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (organic) – enjoy your meal.
What is Tempura Flour?
Tempura flour is a special type of flour used to make tempura, such as prawns or seafood. It is typically a blend of wheat flour, cornflour, baking powder and sometimes rice or potato starch. This mixture gives the batter its characteristic light, crispy texture. When tempura flour is mixed with ice-cold water and sometimes an egg, it creates a batter that does not cling too much to the ingredients but still gives a lovely, crispy surface after frying.
Make sure both the water and the flour for the batter are ice-cold. This prevents the gluten from developing too much, which results in a lighter, crispier batter. You can even place the bowl of batter over a larger bowl of ice water to keep it cold throughout the whole preparation process.
Tips and tricks from the author: Morten Jensen
Where does the dish originate?
Tempura is thought to have its origins in Japan, where Portuguese missionaries introduced a similar cooking technique in the 16th century. The name “tempura” comes from the Latin word “tempora”, which refers to the times when the Portuguese traditionally abstained from eating meat and ate fish and vegetables instead. The Japanese version evolved over time and became a staple of Japanese cuisine. Today, tempura is a much-loved delicacy in Japan and around the world.
Suggestions for different spices or herbs to vary the batter
While traditional tempura batter is quite simple, you can experiment with different spices and herbs to add extra flavour to your prawns. Here are some suggestions:
- Garlic powder:Add a pinch of garlic powder to the batter for a subtle but delicious flavour.
- Ginger:Grate a little fresh ginger into the batter for a fresh, spicy undertone.
- Cayenne pepper:For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Sesame seeds:Stir some sesame seeds into the batter for a nutty flavour and extra texture.
- Finely chopped coriander or parsley:Add fresh herbs for an extra dimension of flavour.
What do you serve with tempura prawns from the air fryer?
Tempura prawns can be served with a variety of side dishes and sauces. Here are some popular options:
- Soy sauce or tentsuyu:A classic dip that highlights the flavour of the prawns.
- Rice:Serve the prawns with steamed rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Vegetables:Tempura prawns can also be served with tempura vegetables such as aubergine, sweet potato or green beans.
- Salad:A fresh green salad with a light dressing can balance the crispy prawns.
- Miso soup:A warm bowl of miso soup rounds off the meal perfectly.
Conclusion on Tempura Prawns in the Air Fryer
Tempura prawns in the air fryer are a healthier and easier method than traditional deep-frying. You get crispy, golden prawns in just 15 minutes – whether you use fresh or frozen prawns. Experiment with spices and serving options, and adapt the dish to your own taste preferences. Once you have tried tempura prawns in the air fryer, it quickly becomes a regular part of your repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frozen tempura or torpedo prawns typically need 11-15 minutes at 200°C. Turn them halfway through for the best result.
Yes, but it requires baking paper in the bottom of the basket so the batter does not drip through before it sets in the heat.
They taste fantastic with sweet and sour sauce, sweet chilli sauce or a spicy chilli mayonnaise.
The trick is to use ice-cold water in the batter and spray the prawns with a little oil in the air fryer to activate the crispiness.
Recipe
Tempura Prawns in the Air Fryer
Cooking Guide
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Ingredients
- 400 g prawns (You can also use ready-made tempura prawns)
- 120 g tempura flour
- 180 ml cold water
- 1 pcs egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 1 tbsp oil
How to make it
Prepare the tempura batter:
- In a bowl, whisk together 120 g tempura flour, 1 tsp baking powder and 1 tsp salt to taste.
- Add 180 ml cold water and 1 pcs egg to the flour mixture, and stir gently until the batter is smooth but still slightly lumpy. Do not overmix.
Prepare the prawns:
- Pat 400 g prawns dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Coating:
- Dip the prawns in the tempura batter, making sure they are well coated.
Cooking:
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C. (Preprogram it, or let it run for a couple of minutes before cooking.)
- Place baking paper in the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent the batter from dripping down.
- Spray 1 tbsp oil onto the baking paper.
- Place the prawns in a single layer in the air fryer. Spray the tops of the prawns with cooking oil to ensure a crispy surface.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the prawns are golden and crispy. Turn them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.Start the online kitchen timer here
Serving:
- Serve the crispy tempura prawns with a sweet and sour dipping sauce or your favourite dipping sauce.
Our notes for the recipe
Your notes for the recipe
Nutrition per serving (Guideline)
Important about shelf life and nutrition
Nutrition per serving (guideline): Calculations are based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Shelf life (guideline): Shelf life data is provided, as far as possible, by public institutions, including national food authorities. Our information is therefore only indicative, and it is your responsibility to obtain and calculate accurate information about shelf life and nutrition for all recipes on airfryerkogebogen.dk
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