Benefits of making air fryer scampi
Using an helps to cook the seafood evenly while keeping the coating crunchy. It is a much faster alternative than heating a whole oven for a small portion of food. Since the heat is concentrated, the scampi comes out perfectly cooked every single time. It also uses less oil which makes the whole process much cleaner.
A step-by-step guide to air fryer scampi
Preparation: Preheat your to 200C for about two minutes. Remove the frozen scampi from the packaging and ensure the basket is clean. You do not need to defrost the seafood before cooking.
Arranging: Place the breaded pieces into the basket in a single layer. Do not stack them on top of each other so the air can circulate freely. This step is essential to ensure the scampi becomes crispy.
Cooking: Set the timer for 10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, take the basket out and give it a gentle shake to turn the pieces over. This helps them brown evenly on all sides.
Serving: Check that the coating is golden brown and the middle is piping hot. Carefully remove them from the basket using tongs. Serve your meal immediately with fresh lemon wedges and a side of tartar sauce.
The best tips for air fryer scampi
For the best scampi, try not to overlap the pieces in the basket. If you are cooking a large amount, it is better to work in batches to maintain the heat. Shaking the basket halfway through is essential for an even crunch. You do not usually need to add extra oil as frozen breaded products already contain enough for browning.
If you like them very crunchy, you can leave them in for an extra minute or two. Always serve them immediately while the coating is at its crispest. Fresh lemon juice squeezed over the top adds a lovely brightness to the dish. You can also serve them with chips and peas for a traditional pub style meal at home.
You can find more inspiration in
air fryer baby potatoes,
air fryer frozen chicken nuggets or
air fryer smashed potatoes.
