No deep frying for these Air Fryer prawn crackers or cassava crackers!
You can make prawn crackers or cassava crackers in the air fryer and they puff up just like when deep-fried — but with far fewer calories. Ready to learn how? Let’s get into the bistro kitchen.
Table of Contents
Can You Cook Prawn Crackers In An Air Fryer?
Yes — an air fryer is perfect for making prawn crackers (krupuk). The hot circulating air causes the dehydrated crackers to expand quickly, and a light spray of oil can mimic the texture and flavor of deep-frying without the heavy calories.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Making prawn crackers in the air fryer requires just a few simple items. Prepare these before you start:
- Uncooked prawn crackers — available in Asian supermarkets; look for raw, dehydrated krupuk.
- Cassava crackers — a plant-based alternative if you want a vegetarian or vegan option.
- Cooking spray or a little vegetable oil (optional) — a light coating gives a closer result to deep-fried crackers, but it’s not required.
How To Cook Air Fryer Prawn Crackers
Follow these steps for crisp, puffed crackers from the air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer for about 4 minutes to 390°F (198°C).
- Choose oil-free or lightly oiled: for an oil-free version, add a handful of crackers to the basket. To get a more fried-like finish, drizzle ½ to 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over the uncooked crackers and toss gently to coat.
- Place the crackers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you have a lid or mesh cover for the basket, use it — the light crackers can lift and drift toward the heating element.
- Air fry for 3 minutes for small crackers, or 4–5 minutes for larger pieces. Shake the basket halfway through to promote even puffing.
- Remove the crackers and let them cool for a couple of minutes — they crisp up further as they cool.
- Serve immediately as a snack or a side with your meals.
What Is The Difference Between Prawn Crackers And Cassava Crackers?
Prawn crackers are typically made from shrimp or prawn mixed with tapioca flour, seasonings, then dried into thin slices. When fried or air-fried, the moisture rapidly expands the starches and the pieces puff up.
Cassava crackers are a vegetarian alternative made from cassava (yuca) and tapioca flour with spices and sometimes chilies. They behave the same way when cooked, so cassava versions are a great substitute if you avoid seafood.
Tips For Cooking Air Fryer Prawn Crackers
Here are practical tips to ensure consistent results:
- Watch the cooking time closely — crackers puff quickly and can brown fast if overcooked.
- If the air fryer isn’t hot enough, crackers may take longer to puff and could absorb more oil; preheating helps prevent this.
- Shake or stir the basket halfway through to achieve even puffing and color.
- If you don’t have a lid, tent the basket with aluminum foil to keep lightweight crackers from flying up and touching the heating element.
How To Store Air Fryer Prawn Crackers
Prawn crackers are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer, but you can store leftovers if needed. Allow them to cool completely before packing.
- Room temperature: keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days to preserve crispness.
- Freezer: for longer storage, use a freezer-safe container; defrost and re-crisp gently if desired.
Do You Need Oil To Prepare Prawn Crackers In Air Fryer?
No — oil is optional. The crackers will puff in the air fryer without oil, but a light spritz or brief toss with ½ teaspoon of oil yields a slightly richer, more fried-like finish.
Where Can You Buy Uncooked Prawn Crackers?
Raw krupuk is commonly sold at Asian supermarkets in bags (often 200–250 g). They’re usually made with tapioca or tilapia flour and many varieties include shrimp, which is why they’re called prawn crackers. For a vegan-friendly option, choose cassava crackers that contain no seafood.
How To Store Raw Prawn Crackers?
Store unopened raw prawn crackers in a cool, dry pantry and check the best-by date. Once opened, use them within a few months for best texture. If past the date, try cooking a small batch — if they puff and taste fine, they’re safe to eat; otherwise discard.
More Air Fryer Snacks To Try
If you enjoy air-fried snacks, try other simple recipes like air fryer potato chips, tortilla chips, pita chips, nachos, or roasted nuts for easy, satisfying bites.
Easy Air Fryer Prawn Crackers
4
3 minutes
4 minutes
1 minute
8 minutes
Air fryer prawn crackers need no deep frying. Pop the raw crackers into a hot air fryer and they will puff up just like in oil. Serve as a snack or alongside Asian dishes.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup raw prawn crackers
- ½ teaspoon vegetable oil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer for 4 minutes to 390°F / 198°C.
- For oil-free crackers, add a handful directly to the basket. Otherwise, drizzle ½–1 teaspoon vegetable oil over the raw crackers and toss to coat.
- Place crackers in the basket, covering or using a lid if possible to prevent them from flying up.
- Air fry small crackers for about 3 minutes, larger ones for 4–5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Remove and let cool for a couple of minutes to crisp up, then serve.
Notes
- If you don’t have a lid for the basket, tent it with aluminum foil to keep crackers from hitting the heating element.
- Prawn crackers can also be prepared quickly in the microwave if you prefer a different method.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 85
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 107mg
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 1g
Please note: Nutrition information is provided for informational purposes and may not be completely accurate.