Air Fryer Kerala-Style Prawn Fry

Ingredients

• 400 g prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1½ tsp red chilli powder
• ¼ tsp turmeric (optional)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste (optional)
• A sprig of curry leaves (optional)
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
• Salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp oil (coconut oil is best)

Steps

1. Marinate the prawns with the red chilli powder, turmeric, pepper, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice and salt for 15 minutes — not much longer, since prawns can turn rubbery if the acid sits on them too long.
2. Toss the marinated prawns with the curry leaves and oil so the leaves get an even coating.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
4. Arrange the prawns in a single layer in the basket.
5. Air fry for 4 minutes.
6. Shake the basket to turn the prawns and redistribute the curry leaves.
7. Air fry for a final 4 minutes, until the prawns turn opaque pink and curl slightly, with the leaves visibly crisp.
8. Serve immediately with rice and a simple dal, or on its own as a starter.

Tip: Serve with rice and a simple dal, or on its own as a starter.

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Nutrition (per serving)

Estimated from standard ingredient data — actual values vary by brand and exact quantities used.

Serving & Storage