Golden brown tempura prawns freshly cooked in an air fryer, served on a white plate.
AirFryerRecipe.co.uk
Easy Japanese Dishes
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Emma Lawson | 
16.07.2025

Tempura Prawns in Air Fryer Recipe

Transform prawns into a crispy delight with our tempura prawns in air fryer recipe. Learn how to create a light batter using cornstarch and flour mix, and cook these prawns at 400°F for 8 minutes for a perfectly crunchy exterior. Ideal for those seeking to enjoy Japanese prawn tempura in air fryer without the hassle of deep frying.
Prep Time
15m
Cook
8m
Total Time
23m
Yield
serves 4
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Ingredients for Tempura Prawns in Air Fryer

Essential Ingredients for Tempura Prawns

  • 500g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
  • 100g plain flour
  • 50g cornstarch
  • 1 egg
  • 150ml cold water
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

Lemon Wedges

Add a squeeze of lemon just before serving to enhance the freshness and flavour of the crispy air fryer shrimp tempura. The citrusy zing also pairs well with the light soy dipping sauce, creating a balanced palate.

Why Use Cold Water in Batter?

Using cold water helps create a light and airy batter, ensuring your air fryer battered prawns achieve that ideal tempura texture. Make sure the water is icy cold to prevent the gluten from developing, which can make the batter chewy instead of crispy.

Steps to Cook Tempura Prawns in Air Fryer

Follow these steps to create delicious japanese prawn tempura in air fryer.

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the egg and cold water together.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring until smooth.
  5. Coat the prawns in the batter, ensuring they are fully covered.
  6. Lay the battered prawns on a non-stick air fryer tray.
  7. Cook in the air fryer for 8 minutes, turning halfway through.

Avoid Overcrowding

Cook the prawns in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Close-up of battered prawns cooking in the air fryer basket.

Nutrition for Air Fryer Tempura Prawns

Calories: 320 | Protein: 22g | Carbs: 27g | Fat: 13g

Serving Suggestions for Tempura Prawns in Air Fryer

Serve these air fryer tempura prawns with a light soy dipping sauce and a side of steamed rice. For a more traditional experience, accompany the dish with pickled ginger and a simple Japanese cucumber salad.

Why You’ll Love These Tempura Prawns

With the air fryer offering a healthier alternative to deep frying, these tempura prawns are easy to cook and enjoy. The crispy batter and tender prawns make for an irresistible dish that you'll be proud to share. Visit airfryerrecipe.co.uk for more creative ways to enjoy your favourite dishes without the extra calories. Perfect for a family meal or a special occasion, our homemade air fryer tempura will delight your taste buds.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Tempura Prawns

How do you make tempura prawns?

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You need to coat prawns in a batter made from cornstarch and flour, then air fry for 8 minutes for perfect crispiness.
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Can I use frozen prawns?

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Yes, but ensure they are fully defrosted and patted dry before battering.
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What dipping sauce goes best?

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A light soy dipping sauce compliments the flavours wonderfully.
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Is oil necessary for air frying?

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No, these prawns are deliciously crispy using just an air fryer, no oil needed.
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