Air Fryer Prawn Toast
Ingredients:
- For the Prawn Mixture:
- 1/2 lb (225 g) raw shrimp (prawns), peeled and deveined
- 1 egg white
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
- For the Toast:
- 4 slices of white or whole wheat bread
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Prepare the Prawn Mixture:
- In a food processor, combine the raw shrimp, egg white, soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onion, and white pepper (if using). (Tip: Pulse until the mixture is smooth but still has a bit of texture; over-processing can make it too pasty.)
- Prepare the Toast:
- Lightly toast the bread slices if desired, just to make them a bit sturdier for spreading the prawn mixture. (Tip: Toasting the bread can help prevent it from becoming too soggy when you add the prawn mixture.)
- Cut each slice of bread into quarters (triangles or squares, depending on your preference).
- Assemble the Prawn Toast:
- Spread a generous layer of the prawn mixture evenly over each piece of bread. (Tip: Use the back of a spoon to spread the mixture evenly, making sure to cover the edges to prevent the toast from becoming too dry.)
- Sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro (if using). (Tip: Press the sesame seeds lightly into the prawn mixture to help them stick during cooking.)
- Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. (Tip: Preheating ensures that your prawn toast starts cooking immediately and helps achieve an even crispiness.)
- Cook:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. (Tip: Even a light coat of spray can help with easier removal and prevent the toast from sticking.)
- Place the prawn toast pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. (Tip: Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure that each piece gets evenly crispy. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.)
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the prawn mixture is cooked through and the toast is golden brown and crispy. (Tip: Flip the pieces halfway through cooking for a more even crispiness.)
- Serve:
- Serve the prawn toast hot with a side of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce. (Tip: Garnish with extra chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime for added freshness and flavor.)
Additional Tips:
- Freshness: Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor. (Tip: If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.)
- Bread Choice: Use a sturdy bread that can hold up to the prawn mixture without getting too soggy. (Tip: Day-old bread works well because it’s slightly firmer and less likely to become soggy.)
- Crispiness: If you prefer extra crispiness, you can add a light dusting of flour or breadcrumbs on top of the prawn mixture before cooking.