Tandoori Shrimp (Tandoori Prawns)

5 from 38 votes

Tandoori shrimp is a delicious appetizer that showcases succulent shrimp coated in a marinade of yogurt and aromatic spices. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, it can be paired with a variety of accompaniments such as naan bread or flavored rice. In this recipe, I am sharing how to make tandoori prawns in an air fryer, oven, grill, and skillet. Tandoori shrimp is the perfect dish for summer cookouts, picnics, potlucks, and dinner parties.

Prep Time30

Cook Time10

Total Time40

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Indian

Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Low Salt

Servings:

Calories: 160kcal

Author: Shilpa Kerur

Equipment

Air fryer
Oven mitts
Skewers (wooden or metal)

Ingredients

2 lb shrimps shelled, deveined, tail on. (30 pieces)
1 tablespoon cilantro
½ lemon or lime

For marination:

¼ cup yogurt (use thick plain yogurt or Greek yogurt)
1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
1 teaspoon garam masala powder (use store-bought or homemade garam masala)
½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust as per taste)
1 teaspoon Kasoori methi (dry fenugreek leaves)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt (adjust as per taste)

Instructions

Prep and marinate the shrimp:

Clean and devein the shrimp. Pat dry well them using a paper towel.
In a mixing bowl, take all the marination ingredients - yogurt, ginger garlic paste, garam masala, chili powder, kasuri methi, oil, and salt.
Mix well making sure there are no lumps.
Add the prawns to it and mix well. Cover and let it marinate for 20-30 minutes.
Once the shrimp is marinated, thread them into a wooden skewer or metal skewer. (If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes).

Air Fryer Instructions:

Preheat the air fryer to 350 F (180 C) for 2 minutes.
Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Air fry at 350 F for about 5-6 minutes. Take care not to overcook them.
Place on a serving plate and top with cilantro and lemon juice. Serve hot.

Oven Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the skewers on the baking sheet in a single layer. Baste them with oil or butter.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the shrimps are cooked well.
Top with cilantro and lemon before serving.

Grilling Instructions:

Preheat the grill on high heat.
Grill for 2 to 3 minutes on both sides or until the prawns are cooked through.

Notes

Allow the shrimp to marinate for the right amount of time. Ideally, marinate them for 20-30 minutes.

Soak wooden skewers in water for 10-15 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning.

Ensure that your air fryer, grill, or oven is preheated before cooking the tandoori shrimp. This step ensures proper cooking and allows the shrimp to develop a nice char or tender texture.

Prawns cook quickly, so it is crucial to avoid overcooking them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and lose their tenderness. Keep a close eye on the shrimp while cooking and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Allow the cooked shrimp to rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful shrimp.

Nutrition