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When it comes to indulgent seafood dishes, few things compare to a plate of golden, crispy fried prawns. The crunch, the juicy center, that hint of spice—it’s comfort food with a coastal flair. In this article, we’ll walk through the ultimate recipe of fried prawns, including batter secrets, frying tips, and the best sauces to serve on the side. Whether you’re preparing a party platter or a family dinner, this dish is guaranteed to shine.
Evelyn’s Story & the Start of Something Crispy
A Crunch from the Coastline
Hello, my dears! I’m Evelyn, and if there’s one thing I love more than a freshly brewed cuppa, it’s a perfectly crisp, golden fried prawn. My journey with this recipe of fried prawns began years ago on a trip to the southern coast with my Charles. We stayed at a tiny family-run inn where the matriarch cooked everything in a cast-iron pan over an open flame. Her fried prawns? Out of this world. Paper-thin crust, succulent center, and that heavenly garlic aroma filling the whole beachside kitchen.
I was so taken by that crunch and flavor that I came home determined to recreate it. Over time, I tested flour blends, spice levels, and frying oils until I got it just right. And now, I’m thrilled to share that journey with you. It’s a no-fuss recipe, yet the result tastes like something you’d order at a top seafood restaurant.
What makes it work? It’s all in the balance: the right batter, the right heat, and a few tips from cooks like the one behind Sugar Salt Magic’s crispy prawns, who emphasizes quick frying and cornstarch blends for lasting crunch. Another gem I took inspiration from is Go Healthy Ever After’s garlic fried prawns, which proves you don’t need to deep-fry to achieve restaurant quality.
Why You’ll Love This Fried Prawn Recipe
This recipe of fried prawns is fast, flavorful, and foolproof. With just a few pantry staples—flour, egg, garlic, and oil—you’ll transform fresh prawns into something truly special. You can fry them shallow or deep depending on your preference, and serve them with lemon wedges or a homemade pakora sauce that adds the perfect tang.
At home, I like pairing these prawns with a cooling side like Courgette & Pepper stir-fry for contrast. They’re also fantastic tucked into a soft roll with crisp lettuce and spicy mayo for a street-food-style sandwich.
In the next section, I’ll share the full ingredient list and walk you through how to make the best prawn batter—because yes, that’s where the magic starts.
Ingredients, Batter Tips & How to Fry Prawns the Right Way
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Fried Prawns
This recipe of fried prawns comes together with a short list of ingredients, but the real magic lies in the batter’s texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raw prawns (peeled & deveined) | 500g | Large, tail-on if possible |
| Cornflour | 1/3 cup | For extra crispiness |
| All-purpose flour | 1/3 cup | Gives structure to the batter |
| Baking powder | ½ tsp | Adds a light puff |
| Egg (beaten) | 1 | Binds the batter |
| Cold soda water | 1/2 cup (approx.) | For crisp and airy batter |
| Salt, pepper, paprika | To taste | For seasoning |
| Oil (for frying) | Enough to deep/shallow fry | Vegetable or peanut oil works best |

This blend is inspired by Olivia Oven’s frying technique, which uses cornflour and baking powder to keep the batter airy, crisp, and golden brown every time.
How to Make Crispy Fried Prawns Step-by-Step
1. Prepare the prawns
Rinse and pat prawns completely dry using paper towels. This helps the batter stick better and prevents oil splatter.

2. Make the batter
In a bowl, whisk together cornflour, flour, baking powder, and seasoning. Add the beaten egg, then slowly whisk in cold soda water until smooth but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.


3. Heat the oil
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pan to 175°C (350°F). A drop of batter should sizzle immediately without burning.

4. Coat the prawns
Dip prawns one at a time into the batter, letting excess drip off.

5. Fry in batches
Carefully lower prawns into hot oil, cooking 2–3 minutes until golden. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Transfer to paper towels.

6. Serve hot
Sprinkle with flaky salt and serve immediately.

For those who prefer a gentler method, Take It Easy Chef offers a butter-fried variation that works beautifully for smaller prawns or side dishes.
I like to serve this with something fresh, like Sweet Chilli Salmon as a main course duo or pair it with Sticky Honey Chilli Chicken for a crispy party platter.
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recipe of fried prawns
This recipe of fried prawns delivers crispy, golden coating with juicy, flavorful prawns inside. Simple pantry ingredients and 3-step instructions make it ideal for weeknights or parties.
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
500g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
1/3 cup cornflour
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup cold soda water (adjust for consistency)
Salt, pepper, paprika to taste
Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut)
Instructions
1. Rinse and pat prawns dry with paper towel.
2. Mix cornflour, flour, baking powder, and seasoning in a bowl.
3. Add egg, then whisk in soda water to form a smooth, thick batter.
4. Heat oil in pan to 175°C (350°F).
5. Dip prawns into batter, allow excess to drip.
6. Fry in batches 2–3 minutes until golden.
7. Transfer to paper towel to drain and serve hot.
Notes
Do not overcrowd pan while frying.
Use chilled soda water for crispier texture.
Pair with garlic aioli, pakora sauce, or sweet chili dip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes Recipes
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Global
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 prawns
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Sauces, Side Dishes & Serving Suggestions for Fried Prawns
The Best Sauces to Serve with Fried Prawns
The joy of any recipe of fried prawns multiplies when you serve it with the right dipping sauce. Crispy coating meets creamy, tangy, or spicy contrasts—it’s all about balance. Here are some winning combos:
- Garlic aioli – rich, smooth, and garlicky
- Sweet chilli mayo – mildly spicy with a creamy finish
- Pakora sauce – tangy and yogurt-based, like this version
- Spicy tamarind dip – sweet heat with citrus zing
I often turn to a bold dipping side like the one in Doughnut Lounge’s fried prawns recipe, which pairs a light crispy shell with an umami-forward soy-lime blend. Another great take comes from Garlic Fried Prawns by Go Healthy Ever After, where garlic and chili bring brightness and depth.
Offering two sauces at the table—one creamy and one tangy—elevates your fried prawns to a guest-worthy dish.
Ideal Sides & Beautiful Ways to Serve Fried Prawns

When serving fried prawns, I always recommend light, crisp sides to avoid heaviness. Here are some pairings that have worked wonders in my kitchen:
- Courgette or stir-fried vegetables
- Herbed rice or lemon couscous
- Crispy flatbreads or naan wedges
- Fresh coleslaw or shredded cucumber salad
My family loves when I plate these prawns next to Chicken Goujons for a crunchy combo, or serve them alongside Cod with Lentils for a surf-and-earth option.
Don’t forget the garnishes: lemon wedges, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of flaky salt bring color and polish. Arrange your fried prawns on a wooden board or parchment-lined tray for a rustic, inviting look. It’s one of those dishes that tastes great hot, but looks even better fresh out of the fryer.
Doneness, Storage Tips & FAQ Answers for Fried Prawns
How to Know When Fried Prawns Are Perfectly Cooked
The secret to a great recipe of fried prawns isn’t just in the batter—it’s also in the timing. Overcooked prawns go rubbery fast, while undercooked ones are translucent and unsafe. Here’s how to nail it every time:
- Color: Raw prawns are grey and translucent. When cooked, they turn opaque and pink with a golden crust.
- Shape: Properly cooked prawns form a gentle “C” shape. A tight “O” usually means they’ve gone too far.
- Time: Fry for 2–3 minutes per batch in hot oil at 175°C (350°F). Any longer, and they risk toughening up.
Sites like Sugar Salt Magic confirm this timing sweet spot, and it matches my own kitchen tests.
You can shallow fry in a heavy-bottom pan or use butter for extra flavor, like the version at Take It Easy Chef. I love the butter option when I serve these prawns alongside something like Spanish Chicken for a Mediterranean-inspired platter.
Storing, Reheating & Making Ahead
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (they rarely last here!), store your fried prawns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat:
- Oven: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8 minutes
- Air fryer: 5–6 minutes at 160°C (320°F)
- Avoid microwaving: It ruins the crisp
You can also prep the prawns and batter separately a few hours ahead. Just keep them chilled, and fry right before serving for maximum crunch.
When I’m planning ahead, I often prepare these with Mince and Dumpling Bake as a warm, filling contrast to the crispy prawns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to make crispy fried prawns?
Use a batter made with cornflour, soda water, and baking powder. Make sure the oil is hot (175°C) and fry in small batches.
How do you make fried prawn batter?
Combine all-purpose flour, cornflour, a pinch of baking powder, and cold soda water. Add an egg for structure and season as desired.
Is it better to fry prawns in oil or butter?
Oil is better for deep or shallow frying due to its high smoke point. Butter adds flavor but should be used with care or mixed with oil to prevent burning.
How long should prawns be fried?
Prawns should be fried for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and opaque. Do not overcook—they’ll turn rubbery.