Easy, moreish, and crowd-pleasing, air-fried prawn toast is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving a crunchy snack, it hits the spot without the guilt. It’s a perfect example of how a small kitchen tweak-like swapping oil for air frying-can turn a nostalgic treat into an everyday go-to.
Growing up, Chinese takeaway nights were always a special event in our home, and nothing sparked more excitement than seeing prawn toast in the box. Those golden, deep-fried triangles were tiny bites of indulgence we’d devour even before the mains arrived. Both a snack and a starter, prawn toast had that addictive crunch that made it the ultimate comfort food, though it wasn’t exactly the healthiest choice.
Now, things have changed in the best way possible with a homemade air-fried prawn toast recipe version that still delivers on crunch but skips the grease. Using an air fryer brings a lighter, crispier texture that makes every bite a joy. You still get that irresistible crunch, but without the heaviness of deep frying. The best part? You get to control the ingredients, avoiding all the mystery additives from typical takeout.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Prawn Toast
Before we get into the cooking process, let’s first gather what you need to make air-fried prawn toast recipe. Luckily, most of these ingredients are staples you’ll likely have in your kitchen. Here’s a simple list of everything you need:
Main Ingredients:
- Sliced white bread (4-6 slices, cut into halves or quarters)
- Raw prawns (200g, peeled and deveined)
- Crushed garlic cloves (2 cloves)
- Grated ginger or ginger paste (1 tablespoon)
- Egg white (1 large)
- Light soy sauce (1 tablespoon)
- Sesame seeds (2 tablespoons)
- Vegetable oil or spray oil (for greasing)
These ingredients will work together to create a crispy, golden, and juicy prawn-filled delight. Let’s break down the role of each ingredient:
- Sliced white bread – The base of the prawn toast. White bread is the most commonly used because it holds the prawn paste well and crisps up beautifully when air-fried.
- Raw prawns – These are the star of the dish! Raw, peeled prawns have the perfect texture for making the prawn paste that coats the bread.
- Garlic and ginger – These two ingredients bring aromatic, savory depth to the prawn mixture. Garlic adds a mild heat, while ginger provides a warm, spicy kick that pairs beautifully with seafood.
- Egg white – Used to bind the prawn mixture together, egg white helps create a smoother texture and adds to the crispiness when air-fried.
- Light soy sauce – Provides a subtle, umami flavor to balance out the richness of the prawns and the sweetness of the garlic and ginger.
- Sesame seeds – These seeds add both texture and a nutty flavor to the toast, which complements the seafood filling.
- Vegetable or spray oil – Lightly spraying oil onto the bread and the air fryer basket ensures the prawn toast crisps up perfectly without excess oil.
How to Prepare the Prawn Mixture
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the prawn mixture, which is the key to achieving that luscious, flavorful paste. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare your prawns: Start by peeling and deveining the prawns. If you’re using frozen prawns, make sure they’re fully thawed before starting. You want them to be fresh, so they blend properly into the paste.
- Process the prawns: Place the prawns in a food processor and pulse until they turn into a smooth paste. Be sure not to over-process, as you want a thick, chunky texture rather than a liquid.
- Add the seasoning: Add the crushed garlic, grated ginger, egg white, and soy sauce to the prawn mixture. Blend again until everything is well combined.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a bit of extra salt or a little more soy sauce, feel free to add it at this stage.
The prawn mixture should be thick enough to spread onto the bread but smooth enough to coat evenly. If it’s too thick, you can add a small amount of water to loosen it up.
How to Assemble the Prawn Toast
Assembling your air-fried prawn toast recipe is a fun and easy step. Here’s how you can do it:
- Cut the bread: Start by cutting the sliced white bread into halves or quarters. You want smaller pieces to make it easier to eat as a snack or appetizer.
- Spread the prawn mixture: Using a spoon or a knife, generously spread the prawn paste onto one side of each piece of bread. Be sure to cover the surface evenly so that each bite is packed with flavor.
- Coat with sesame seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the prawn mixture. This adds a nutty flavor and a beautiful visual touch, enhancing the dish’s appeal.
- Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil or use a non-stick spray to ensure the prawn toast doesn’t stick during cooking.
At this stage, your prawn toast pieces are ready to go into the air fryer. Now, let’s look at how to cook them to crispy perfection!
How to Cook Prawn Toast in the Air Fryer
Cooking prawn toast in the air fryer is the simplest part of the process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to air-frying your toast:
- Preheat the air fryer: Start by preheating the air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Preheating ensures that the toast cooks evenly and crisps up to perfection.
- Arrange the prawn toast: Place the prepared prawn toast pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they’re not overlapping to allow proper air circulation, which leads to an even crisp.
- Air fry: Set the air fryer to cook for about 10-12 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your bread. Flip the prawn toast halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides become golden brown and crispy.
- Check for doneness: After the cooking time, check the toast for a golden color and crispy texture. If necessary, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Once done, remove the prawn toast from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving. The result will be a crispy, golden, and crunchy prawn toast with a flavorful filling.
What to Serve with Prawn Toast
Now that you’ve made your delicious air-fried prawn toast recipe, it’s time to think about side dishes or dips to serve with it. Here are some great options:
Sweet Chili Sauce
A classic dip for prawn toast, sweet chili sauce offers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Its tangy kick complements the prawn toast’s rich flavor.
Asian Slaw
A refreshing, crunchy side of Asian slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy sesame dressing can add a cool contrast to the crispy toast.
Cucumber Salad
A simple cucumber salad with a touch of vinegar and sesame oil is light and cooling, providing a perfect contrast to the warmth of the prawn toast.
Sautéed Vegetables
If you’re looking for a heartier option, serve the prawn toast with sautéed vegetables, like bok choy or snap peas. These add a bit of greens and flavor without overpowering the dish.
Can You Reheat Prawn Toast?
Yes, you can easily reheat prawn toast! Here are a few methods to consider:
Air Fryer Method
Simply pop the prawn toast back into the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes. This will bring back the crispy texture and warmth without overcooking.
Oven Method
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also reheat the prawn toast in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for around 5-7 minutes. This will help restore its crispness.
Tip: For best results, cover the prawn toast loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out while reheating.
Nutritional Benefits of Air-Fried Prawn Toast
One of the best parts about air-frying is that it helps retain the flavors while cutting down on unnecessary fats. Let’s take a deeper look at the nutritional benefits of the air-fried prawn toast recipe compared to traditional deep-fried prawn toast. This comparison will give you an idea of how making the switch can improve your health without sacrificing taste.
Here’s a table showing a nutritional comparison between air-fried and deep-fried prawn toast:
| Nutrient | Air-Fried Prawn Toast (per serving) | Deep-Fried Prawn Toast (per serving) |
| Calories | 150 kcal | 250 kcal |
| Total Fat | 5g | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg | 80mg |
| Sodium | 400mg | 600mg |
| Carbohydrates | 20g | 22g |
| Fiber | 1g | 1g |
| Protein | 12g | 10g |
| Vitamin A | 5% | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 8% | 6% |
| Calcium | 3% | 2% |
| Iron | 6% | 4% |
Key Nutritional Benefits:
- Lower Calories: The air-fried version is significantly lower in calories, making it a healthier option for those watching their calorie intake.
- Reduced Fat: Air frying uses less oil, which means you’re cutting down on unhealthy fats without sacrificing the crispy texture.
- Less Sodium: By avoiding deep-frying, you can control the amount of salt and soy sauce you add, helping to reduce sodium intake.
- Higher Protein: Air-frying retains more protein from the prawns, making it a great source of lean protein.
Switching to air-fried prawn toast recipe not only gives you a delicious dish, but it also brings a range of health benefits that make it a more mindful choice, especially if you’re looking to make healthier lifestyle changes without compromising on flavor.
Final Thoughts
Air-fried prawn toast recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the crispy, savory flavors of this popular dish but wants a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions. The air fryer allows you to achieve that perfect golden crunch without the excess oil and fat, making it a great choice for health-conscious foodies.
Not only does the air-fried prawn toast recipe retain all the delicious flavors of the classic dish, but it also gives you the flexibility to control ingredients and make a version that suits your dietary needs. By using fresh prawns, flavorful garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, you get to enjoy all the essence of this Thai-inspired treat with fewer calories and less fat.
Moreover, the air-fried prawn toast recipe is super easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, the recipe is quick, simple, and customizable. The minimal prep time makes it a convenient dish to whip up, especially when you’re craving a light snack or a tasty appetizer.
Overall, air-fried prawn toast is a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved dish without the added guilt. It’s simple, delicious, and nutritious, making it a must-try for anyone looking to upgrade their cooking game. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen.
FAQs
Can I make prawn toast in the oven?
Yes, you can bake prawn toast in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the prawn toast on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
How do I keep prawn toast crispy?
To keep prawn toast crispy, ensure it’s air-fried or baked at the correct temperature. If you’re storing leftovers, let them cool and reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to restore the crunch.
Can I use frozen prawns for prawn toast?
Yes, you can use frozen prawns. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before preparing the prawn mixture.
How long can I store leftover prawn toast?
You can store leftover prawn toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispness.
What dipping sauces go well with prawn toast?
Prawn toast pairs wonderfully with dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a tangy lemon-lime sauce. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite combo!
