Golden crispy whole crayfish served with rich savory gravy in a bowl

Crispy Air Fryer Whole Crayfish with Savory Gravy

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Whole Crayfish with Savory Gravy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 4 piece Whole fresh crayfish (cleaned and gutted) - choose firm shells and fresh smell; 2 tbsp Olive oil - choose extra virgin if possible for flavor; 3 piece Garlic cloves, minced - select firm, unblemished cloves; 2 tbsp Butter - unsalted, cold; 1 tbsp All-purpose flour - for thickening gravy, use fresh without lumps; 1 piece Onion, finely chopped - small sized and fresh; 200 ml Fish stock or water - if unavailable use low sodium chicken stock; 1 tsp Paprika - sweet or smoked for extra flavor; to taste n/a Salt - to taste; to taste n/a Black pepper - freshly ground preferred; 4 piece Lemon wedges - optional for serving

Home Page / Air Fryer Cooking Recipes / Cooking Crayfish in an Air Fryer

easy

15 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs15gram

Fat8gram

Protein40gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Whole fresh crayfish (cleaned and gutted) - choose firm shells and fresh smell4 piece
Olive oil - choose extra virgin if possible for flavor2 tbsp
Garlic cloves, minced - select firm, unblemished cloves3 piece
Butter - unsalted, cold2 tbsp
All-purpose flour - for thickening gravy, use fresh without lumps1 tbsp
Onion, finely chopped - small sized and fresh1 piece
Fish stock or water - if unavailable use low sodium chicken stock200 ml
Paprika - sweet or smoked for extra flavor1 tsp
Salt - to tasteto taste n/a
Black pepper - freshly ground preferredto taste n/a
Lemon wedges - optional for serving4 piece

This easy recipe for cooking whole crayfish in an air fryer with a delicious savory gravy is perfect for seafood lovers who want a quick and tasty meal. The crayfish come out wonderfully crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside. The homemade gravy complements the dish perfectly, adding richness and depth of flavor. The total cost for the ingredients is approximately $15 (13€ / £11 / ₹1200). The dish lasts for 2 servings, with about 350 kcal per serving. This recipe suits a pescatarian diet and is of easy complexity, requiring about 30 minutes total to prepare and cook. Crucially, food safety is emphasized by ensuring crayfish reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) to be safe to eat. This recipe is beginner-friendly, requires standard kitchen equipment, and uses commonly available ingredients.

Preparation instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer

1Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Prepare the Crayfish

2Rinse the whole crayfish under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika for flavor.

Cook the Crayfish

3Place crayfish in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 200°C (390°F) for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through. The crayfish shells should be a bright reddish color and the internal temperature should reach at least 63°C (145°F) to ensure safety.

Check Internal Temperature

4Use a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the crayfish tail to confirm the internal temperature is at least 63°C (145°F). This guarantees that the crayfish are fully cooked and safe to eat.

Make the Gravy

5While crayfish cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Add Stock and Season

6Slowly whisk in the fish stock or water, continuing to stir to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, cooking for about 5 minutes until gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

7Serve the crispy crayfish hot with the savory gravy poured on the side or over the top. Add lemon wedges for an optional fresh zing.

Cooking Tips

-If fresh crayfish are unavailable, frozen ones can be used but thaw completely before cooking.

-Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crispiness.

-To avoid cross-contamination, use separate cutting boards and wash hands and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw crayfish.

-Check the gravy's consistency. If too thick, add a small amount of water or stock to thin it out.

Equipment Needed

Air fryer
Small saucepan
Cooking thermometer
Mixing spoon
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons and cups

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Whole fresh crayfish ($10) - Choose ones with firm shells and no unpleasant smell.
[ ] Olive oil ($1 for needed quantity) - Extra virgin preferred.
[ ] Garlic cloves ($0.30) - Fresh and firm.
[ ] Unsalted butter ($0.50) - Cold butter gives better gravy.
[ ] All-purpose flour ($0.10) - Fresh for best results.
[ ] Onion ($0.30) - Small and fresh.
[ ] Fish stock or low sodium chicken stock ($1) - For richer gravy.
[ ] Paprika ($0.20) - Sweet or smoked based on preference.
[ ] Salt and pepper ($0.10) - Freshly ground black pepper preferred.
[ ] Lemon wedges ($1) - Optional for serving. Total Approximate Cost: $15 Tips: Choose the freshest seafood from a reputable fishmonger; for packaged goods, check expiration dates and freshness.