Prawn toast is a classic dish that blends crispy, golden bread with flavorful prawn filling. Traditionally fried in oil, this dish can be a bit heavy and greasy. Enter the air fryer a game-changer for anyone looking to cut down on oil but still enjoy the crispiness and crunch of deep-fried dishes. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making a delicious air fryer prawn toast recipe that is not only healthier but also just as crispy and flavorful as the original.
If you’re a fan of prawn toast, you’ll love how easy it is to recreate this dish at home using the air fryer. Whether you’re new to air frying or already an expert, this recipe is perfect for you. So, let’s dive in and discover how to make the best delicious air fryer prawn toast recipe you’ve ever tasted!
What’s Needed for Air Fryer Prawn Toast?
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious air fryer prawn toast recipe. Having everything prepared and ready to go will ensure that your cooking process is smooth and hassle-free.
Ingredients List:
Ingredient | Purpose |
Sliced White Bread | Acts as the base for the prawn topping. Fresh bread works best. |
Raw Prawns | The star of the dish gives it that seafood flavor and texture. |
Crushed Garlic Cloves | Adds a fragrant, savory depth to the prawn mixture. |
Grated Ginger or Ginger Paste | Gives a fresh, spicy kick that complements the prawns. |
Egg White | Binds the prawn mixture together and helps it stick to the bread. |
Light Soy Sauce | Adds umami and a salty depth to the prawn mixture. |
Sesame Seeds | Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. |
Vegetable Oil or Spray Oil | For crisping up the toast and ensuring a golden-brown finish. |
These ingredients are simple yet essential for achieving the right balance of flavor and texture. The prawns are the star of the show, but the garlic, ginger, and soy sauce will elevate the taste to a whole new level. Let’s now look at how to prepare the prawn mixture for the air fryer prawn toast.
How to Prepare the Prawn Mixture
The key to the perfect air fryer prawn toast recipe is in the preparation of the prawn mixture. You’ll want it to be flavorful and smooth, but not too runny. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare it:
Step 1: Peel and Chop the Prawns
Start by peeling your prawns. Remove the shells and the vein, which is usually located along the back of the prawn. After peeling, chop the prawns into small pieces. You can use a knife to finely chop the prawns or pulse them in a food processor to get a smoother texture. If you prefer a chunkier texture, a knife is the way to go. Make sure not to over-process them, as this can make the mixture too mushy.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped prawns, crushed garlic, grated ginger or ginger paste, and a few drops of light soy sauce. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to ensure the prawns are evenly coated with the seasonings.
Step 3: Add the Egg White
Next, add the egg white to the prawn mixture. The egg white will act as a binder, helping the prawn mixture stick to the bread slices. Stir it in gently, making sure that everything is well combined. You should have a thick, spreadable paste that holds its shape.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency
If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of water to loosen it up. If it’s too wet, add a little more finely chopped prawn or breadcrumbs. The goal is to have a mixture that will spread easily but won’t drip off the bread.
How to Assemble the Prawn Toast
Now that the prawn mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble the delicious air fryer prawn toast recipe. Follow these simple steps to get the perfect toast:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by slicing your white bread into thick pieces, preferably around 1/2 inch thick. If you want to give the toast a more refined look, you can trim the crusts off, but that’s completely optional. Cutting the bread into triangles or rectangles will give your prawn toast a nice shape, but feel free to be creative!
Step 2: Spread the Prawn Mixture
Using a knife or a spoon, spread a generous amount of the prawn mixture onto one side of each bread slice. Be sure to spread it evenly, pressing gently so that it sticks. Don’t overload the bread, as it should still be able to crisp up in the air fryer.
Step 3: Coat with Sesame Seeds
After spreading the prawn mixture, press the top (prawn-side) of the bread into a shallow plate of sesame seeds. This adds a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor. Be sure to coat it thoroughly for an even layer.
How to Make Prawn Toast in the Air Fryer
Now comes the best part cooking the prawn toast in the air fryer. The air fryer will ensure your toast is perfectly crispy without the need for deep frying. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (360°F). Preheating the air fryer ensures that the heat is evenly distributed, giving your prawn toast the perfect crispy texture.
Step 2: Arrange the Toast in the Air Fryer Basket
Place your prepared prawn toast slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Overcrowding the basket can result in uneven cooking, so it’s best to cook the prawn toast in batches if needed.
Step 3: Air Fry the Toast
Set the air fryer to cook at 180°C (360°F) for about 10 minutes. After 5 minutes, open the air fryer and check the toast. If necessary, flip the slices to ensure both sides are golden brown and crispy. The prawn toast is done when the bread is golden and the prawn mixture is fully cooked.
Step 4: Check for Doneness
Once the toast is crisp and golden, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a cooling rack for a minute or two. This will help maintain its crispiness. If you prefer a deeper crunch, you can air fry it for an additional 1-2 minutes.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Prawn Toast
While air fryer prawn toast recipe is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right sides and dips can elevate the meal. Here are a few suggestions:
- Sweet Chili Sauce: A classic pairing for prawn toast. Its tangy, spicy sweetness complements the savory toast perfectly.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Serve your prawn toast with a side of stir-fried vegetables, like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, for a healthier option.
- Crisp Salad: A light salad with a tangy dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich prawn toast.
- Dipping Broth: A light broth or miso soup can balance out the richness of the prawn toast.
Wine Pairing:
For a wine pairing, try a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. Its refreshing acidity complements the rich, savory prawn toast beautifully.
Can You Reheat Prawn Toast?
If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), here’s how to reheat prawn toast without sacrificing its crispiness:
Reheating Tips:
- Air Fryer: Place the leftover prawn toast back in the air fryer at 180°C (360°F) for about 4-5 minutes. This will restore its crisp texture.
- Oven: You can also reheat prawn toast in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 8 minutes.
Freezing and Storing:
- Freezing: You can freeze prawn toast before cooking. Place the assembled, uncooked prawn toast on a baking tray and freeze for 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. To cook, simply air fry from frozen for about 12 minutes.
- Storing: If you have cooked leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat as described above.
Conclusion
Air fryer prawn toast recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy this crispy, delicious dish without the excess oil and calories from traditional frying. By following these simple steps, you can make prawn toast that’s just as crispy and flavorful as the original, but much healthier. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal, this recipe is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for prawn toast?
Yes! You can use whole wheat, multigrain, or even gluten-free bread. However, white bread tends to give the crispiest texture.
Can I make prawn toast in advance?
Yes, you can assemble prawn toast in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day before cooking.
Can I use cooked prawns?
For the best flavor and texture, use raw prawns. Cooked prawns may not give the same fresh, juicy results.
Can I use a different oil spray?
Yes, feel free to use any oil spray you prefer, such as olive oil or coconut oil.
Is air fryer prawn toast healthy?
Yes, air fryer prawn toast is healthier than the traditional deep-fried version since it requires little to no oil, reducing the overall fat content.