Some dishes prove that great flavour does not require long ingredient lists or complicated preparation and this is one of my favourites. Perfect Pan Fried Prawns sit proudly in that category. With only garlic, salt, black pepper and fresh lemon, this dish highlights the natural sweetness of the prawns while delivering a savoury, aromatic finish that feels both comforting and elegant.
The beauty of this dish lies in its speed. Within minutes, the prawns transform from translucent to beautifully pink, releasing a gentle seafood aroma that signals they are ready. Because they cook so quickly, they make an excellent choice for busy evenings, spontaneous gatherings or light weekend lunches. At the same time, they feel refined enough to serve as a starter for a more formal meal.
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Fresh prawns should smell clean and slightly sweet, never strong or overly fishy. Larger prawns tend to stay juicier during cooking, although medium-sized ones also work very well. Garlic should be fresh and finely chopped so it releases its fragrance evenly in the oil. Black pepper provides warmth rather than sharp heat, while salt sharpens the natural flavour of the seafood. Finally, lemon wedges complete the dish with a bright citrus lift that balances the richness of the oil.
Traditionally, these prawns cook in a hot pan where the oil gently sizzles and lightly caramelises the exterior. This method creates a slight crispness on the outside while keeping the interior tender and succulent. However, modern kitchens offer another convenient option. Air frying produces equally delicious results, often with even less oil. The circulating hot air cooks the prawns quickly and evenly, giving them lightly crisp edges while preserving their juicy texture. This method also keeps preparation simple, especially when cooking for several people at once.
Because the seasoning is clean and uncomplicated, Perfect Pan Fried Prawns pair beautifully with many side dishes. Serve them alongside warm crusty bread to soak up the garlicky oil, or add them to a bowl of buttered rice for a satisfying main meal. They also complement fresh salads, roasted vegetables, pasta, or golden potato wedges. For a lighter presentation, arrange them on a platter with extra lemon wedges and a scattering of chopped herbs.
Texture is one of the dish’s greatest pleasures. Each prawn offers a delicate contrast between the lightly crisp exterior and the soft, juicy centre. The garlic adds gentle depth, the pepper introduces subtle warmth, and the lemon provides bursts of brightness that refresh the palate after every bite. Even with such a short cooking time, the flavours feel layered and complete.
Perfect Pan Fried Prawns remind us that excellent cooking often depends more on timing and attention than on complexity. Whether prepared in a traditional pan or using the modern convenience of an air fryer, this dish consistently delivers vibrant flavour with minimal effort. Sometimes, the simplest meals are the ones that leave the strongest impression.
Perfect Pan Fried Prawns
Equipment
Ingredients
- 400 g raw prawns peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium lemon cut into wedges
- 1/8 bunch parsley chopped
Instructions
Pan-Fried:
- Pat the prawns dry using kitchen paper.400 g raw prawns
- Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.2 tbsp olive oil
- Add the chopped garlic and cook for about 20–30 seconds until fragrant.3 cloves garlic
- Place the prawns in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes.
- Turn the prawns and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Sprinkle over the salt and black pepper, then toss gently.½ tsp sea salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Cook until the prawns turn pink and opaque, then remove from the heat.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and optional parsley.1 medium lemon, 1/8 bunch parsley
Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- Pat the prawns dry and toss them with the olive oil, garlic, salt and black pepper.400 g raw prawns, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, ½ tsp sea salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Place the prawns in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
- Remove once the prawns are pink and opaque.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and optional parsley.1 medium lemon, 1/8 bunch parsley