Prawns (shrimp) cooking times
How long to cook prawns: 2–3 min pan-fried, 2–3 min boiled, 2–3 min per side under the grill and 2–3 min per side on the barbecue. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook prawns
Times are for 300 g raw peeled king prawns, for 2–3.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pan-fry | 2–3 min | over a high heat | In oil or butter with garlic, turning once. |
| Boil | 2–3 min | in boiling salted water | Raw; frozen raw prawns take 3–4 minutes. Drain once they float and turn pink. |
| Grill | 2–3 min per side | under a hot grill | On skewers. |
| Barbecue | 2–3 min per side | over hot direct heat | On skewers. |
| Air fryer | 5–6 min | 200°C (400°F) | Tossed in oil; shake halfway. |
| Oven | 6–8 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Spread out on a tray with oil and garlic. |
| Deep-fry Battered | 2–3 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | Battered (tempura) or breaded. |
Before you start
Thaw frozen prawns in cold water for 10–15 minutes. Already-cooked (pink) prawns only need warming through: a minute or two.
How to tell it’s done
Pink all over and curled into a loose C. A tight O means they’re overcooked.
Food safety: Raw prawns are cooked when pink and opaque all the way through.
Questions
How long to pan-fry prawns?
2–3 min over a high heat. In oil or butter with garlic, turning once.
How long to boil prawns?
2–3 min in boiling salted water. Raw; frozen raw prawns take 3–4 minutes. Drain once they float and turn pink.
How long to grill prawns?
2–3 min per side under a hot grill. On skewers.
How long to barbecue prawns?
2–3 min per side over hot direct heat. On skewers.
How long to cook prawns in an air fryer?
5–6 min at 200°C (400°F). Tossed in oil; shake halfway.
How long to cook prawns in the oven?
6–8 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Spread out on a tray with oil and garlic.
How long to deep-fry prawns?
Battered: 2–3 min in oil at 180°C (350°F). Battered (tempura) or breaded.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.