Air Fryer Recipe
Crispy Lemon Shrimp Skewers
These crispy lemon shrimp skewers come out with curled, juicy prawns and a fine golden crust that snaps slightly before the citrus hits. An air fryer is especially good here because the fast convection dries the coating quickly, while the small amount of oil conducts heat across the crumb rather than leaving it greasy or patchy.
Ingredients
- 450g raw king prawns or large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 1 unwaxed lemon, finely zested, plus 1 tbsp juice for finishing
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra oil spray for the basket and coating
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yoghurt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 75g panko breadcrumbs
- 20g fine semolina or polenta
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, plus a pinch for finishing
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 6–8 short wooden or metal skewers, about 14–16cm long
- Lemon wedges, to serve
Method
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in cold water for 15 minutes while you prepare the prawns, then trim to fit your basket if needed.
- Pat the prawns very dry with kitchen paper, especially along the belly where moisture collects.
- In a bowl, mix the lemon zest, olive oil, mayonnaise or yoghurt, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt and pepper until smooth. Do not add the lemon juice yet.
- Add the prawns to the bowl and toss gently until each one has a thin, even coating. If it looks wet, blot the prawns again and stir through 1 tsp semolina.
- In a shallow dish, combine the panko, semolina or polenta, smoked paprika and parsley. Rub the mixture lightly between your fingers.
- Thread 4–5 prawns onto each skewer, piercing near the head end and tail end so they sit in a loose C-shape. Leave a little space between each prawn.
- Press each skewer into the crumb mixture, turning and patting so the coating sticks all over.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket or the perforated parchment liner with oil.
- Lay the skewers in a single layer. Spray the tops with oil until the crumbs look lightly speckled.
- Air fry at 200°C for 3 minutes, then turn the skewers carefully with tongs and spray any dry-looking patches.
- Cook for a further 3–4 minutes, until the prawns are pink, opaque and firm but still springy.
- Transfer to a warm plate and rest for 1 minute. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and the reserved 1 tbsp lemon juice just before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
