Ditch the deep frying and make this super easy and delicious 15-minute Air Fryer Hong Kong Yum Cha Shrimp Toast 蝦多士. This high-protein shrimp toast recipe packs a crunchy bite, a healthier alternative to your favourite dim sum restaurants. It only requires a few ingredients to create a comforting and satisfying umami flavour!
> In This Post: Everything You'll Need For The Best Chinese Air Fried Toast With Shrimp Paste Recipe
This Asian Air Fryer Shrimp Toast bites recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for when you're craving dim sum snacks. Prawn toast in an air fryer results in tender insides and a crispy texture, providing exceptionally crunchy satisfaction with no excess oil. The simplicity of the process will leave you feeling confident and capable in the kitchen.
In fact, this protein-rich Asian side dish is easily customizable.
Transform it into your signature homemade prawn toast by adding your favourite garnishes. Whether it's toasted sesame, crushed chilli pepper flakes, or finely chopped spring scallions, the options are endless. This dish is a canvas for your creativity, inspiring you to experiment and create your own unique version of shrimp toast.
Check out this quick story summary of our recipe!
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What Is Prawn Toast?
Chinese prawn and sesame toast is a popular appetizer in Hong Kong cuisine. It is one of my favourite foods to order while growing up. It has that shattering crispy texture you crave! It features a mixture of minced prawns (or shrimp) spread over slices of bread, which are then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.
It's beloved for its rich, savoury flavour and contrasting textures of the crispy bread and tender prawn topping. It is the perfect excuse to get your parents to let you eat a deep-fried version because it has seafood!
Ingredients and Substitutes
Let's recreate an easy dim sum appetizer recipe that's super addictive with a few ingredients in just 15 minutes! Air frying yields healthy, tender, crispy bites with less oil and effort. You can indulge in this dish without guilt, knowing it's packed with nutrients and flavour.
Air frying is the perfect method for creating healthy, crispy prawn toast at home. It's a great way to achieve that deep-fried texture without the excess oil and potential mess. The consistent cooking temperature ensures your shrimp toast is perfectly cooked every time, making it a reliable and efficient cooking method.
Fresh Prawns (or Shrimp) - Freshly minced or blended into a paste, often seasoned with garlic powder, chicken essence powder, light soy sauce, sesame oil, ground white pepper, salt and green scallions. You can buy frozen shrimp paste from your local Asian supermarket and thaw it in the refrigerator.
Milk Bread - Thick-cut white sandwich bread with crusts removed is typically used. They are cut into triangles or rectangles. Small cubes are delightfully bite-sized and great for snacking!
Sesame Seeds - Often sprinkled on top for added flavour and crunch. Optional
Fresh Scallions - I love adding extra finely chopped green onions to my minced shrimp mixture. It adds a delicious fragrance that can't be beaten!
Fresh Eggs - Used as a binder to hold the shrimp mixture and bread together. If you have an egg allergy, opt for a vegan egg substitute.
Most dry goods ingredients, tools, and supplies can be purchased at local Asian markets, Chinese grocery stores, or Amazon Online. Amazon Prime members receive free shipping and faster delivery times.
Instructions
This Chinese air fryer toast with minced prawns and finely chopped green onions is perfect for when you're feeling snackish! It takes little preparation and can be made in bite-sized small batches or as a full-on sandwich. Enjoy this protein-rich 'air fryer toast bread' on its own, or dip it in a mala chilli spicy yogurt sauce, a tangy and spicy sauce made with yogurt, mala chilli, and a hint of garlic.
Follow our step-by-step instructions to ace this crowd-favourite dish!
Wash and pat dry green onions with paper towels. Trim both ends and finely chop into small pieces. Set aside.
Wash and pat dry fresh shrimp with paper towels. Devein shrimp.
If using frozen shrimp, first thaw it in the refrigerator.
The Shrimp Paste
Mince deveined shrimp by hand or use a food processor until a thick paste is formed. I like shrimp paste chunky with a good bouncy bite.
Fold in finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, chicken essence powder, light soy sauce, sesame oil, ground white pepper and salt into a large mixing bowl. Mix well.
Lay a slice of bread on a clean surface or plate. Scope a spoonful of the shrimp paste and spread it on the slice of bread. A thin layer of shrimp paste simply will not do. Ensure there is a nice thick layer.
Add another slice of bread on top.
Cut the Chinese Shrimp Toast sandwich in half or cut it into cubes or triangles.
In a small bowl, beat two eggs together.
Brush a thin layer of beaten eggs with a basting brush along the sides of the shrimp toast.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Pro Tip: Use air fryer parchment paper and line the bottom of the basket for easy cleanups.
Place prepared Chinese toast with prawns into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Air fry the prawn toast at 360°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Flipping halfway.
One of the best things about using an air fryer is avoiding getting burned from hot oil and reducing excess oil used when deep frying in a large skillet or pot. Plus, the cooking temperature is very consistent. It never drastically changes in an air fryer!
I've tried several large air fryers over the years, but I love THIS one!
Remove the crispy and delicious shrimp toast carefully with kitchen tongs and transfer to a cooling rack. Let rest for 5 minutes.
Serve and enjoy hot.
Variations
If you're looking to add a twist to your shrimp toast, try making an open-face crispy shrimp toast. Simply spread the shrimp paste on a slice of bread, sprinkle sesame seeds on top, and air fry as usual. This variation adds a unique texture and flavor to your dish.
Accompaniments may include sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, or a tangy dipping sauce. We like making a spicy mala yogurt dipping sauce!
How To Meal Prep Chinese Prawn Toast Recipe
You can efficiently incorporate this Chinese Shrimp Toast Air Fryer recipe into your healthy family meal prep ideas for the week. Whether making freezer meals, making ahead for one, or batching, store the meal-prepped shrimp paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Once you are ready for a light lunch or meal, spread them on a slice of bread like jam.
You can reheat prawns on toast in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 375°F.
FAQ:
Can you make Chinese shrimp toast in the oven or air fryer?
Yes, I've tested both methods of cooking this shrimp toast recipe in the convection oven and the air fryer. There was an obvious winner! The baked shrimp toast needed to be more crispy than the air fryer toast!
How Do You Make Shrimp Toast Without Oil?
Sure, you can make crispy dim sum shrimp toast the traditional Cantonese way by deep frying them in hot oil, but it is much oilier than making them in the air fryer! The air fryer method is straightforward, quick and healthy!
Other Easy Recipes With Prawns You'll Love
If you love this addicting dim sum recipe, you may also like these easy prawn recipes on our blog. They're a total change of texture and flavour, but they're readers' favourites!
This Chinese Crispy Shrimp Toast recipe is so easy you do not need to go to your local dim sum restaurant!
- 15-minute Air Fryer Din Tai Fung Green Beans with Shrimp
- Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp 椒鹽蝦
- Easy Chinese Poached Spot Prawns 白灼蝦
What To Serve With Chinese Shrimp Toast
This Shrimp Toast Recipe is a flavourful side dish. It's the perfect mid-day snack or a fabulous party appetizer for a Traditional Lunar New Year fare at home.
Complete the meal with the following delicious dishes.
- Air Fried Chinese BBQ Pork 氣炸鍋蜜汁叉燒
- Chinese Steamed Chicken With Shiitake Mushrooms 冬菇蒸雞
- Instant Pot Braised Chinese Mushrooms 髮菜炆冬菇食譜
- Microwave Soy Sauce Chicken Wings 豉油雞翅微波爐
- Chinese Tomato Egg Stir-fry 番茄炒蛋
After eating lots of heavy, rich, and deep-fried foods, a great way to reduce bloating and heat is with a bowl of this liver-detoxing Chinese Sweet Mung Bean Soup 綠豆沙 or Hawthorn Goji Berry Tea Digestion Tea 山楂杞子茶 that aids digestion.
I'd love to see how you've used my recipes! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @INSTANOMSS #INSTANOMSS.
> Recipe Card
PrintChinese Dim Sum Shrimp Toast Air Fryer Recipe 脆皮虾吐司
Ditch the deep frying and make this super easy and delicious 15-minute Air Fryer Hong Kong Yum Cha Shrimp Toast 蝦多士. This high-protein shrimp toast recipe packs a crunchy bite, a healthier alternative to your favourite dim sum restaurants. It only requires a few ingredients to create a comforting and satisfying umami flavour!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 people 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- 4 slices White Milk Bread
The Shrimp Paste
- 1 lb Fresh Shrimp, deveined
- 1 Stalk of Green Onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Chicken Essence Powder
- ¼ tsp Ground White Pepper
- ¼ tsp Garlic Powder
- ¼ tsp Sesame Oil
- ¼ tsp Light Soy Sauce
- Salt to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 3 tbsp sesame seeds (raw and not toasted)
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry green onions with paper towels. Trim both ends and finely chop into small pieces. Set aside.
- Wash and pat dry fresh shrimp with paper towels. Devein shrimp.
- If using frozen shrimp, first thaw it in the refrigerator.
The Shrimp Paste
- Mince deveined shrimp by hand or use a food processor until a thick paste is formed. I like shrimp paste chunky with a good bouncy bite.
- Fold in finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, chicken essence powder, light soy sauce, sesame oil, ground white pepper and salt into a large mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Lay a slice of bread on a clean surface or plate. Scope a spoonful of the shrimp paste and spread it on the slice of bread. A thin layer of shrimp paste simply will not do. Ensure there is a nice thick layer.
- Add another slice of bread on top.
- Cut the Chinese Shrimp Toast sandwich in half or cut it into cubes or triangles.
- In a small bowl, beat two eggs together.
- Brush a thin layer of beaten eggs with a basting brush along the sides of the shrimp toast.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Pro Tip: Use air fryer parchment paper and line the bottom of the basket for easy cleanups.
- Place prepared Chinese toast with prawns into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry the prawn toast at 360°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Flipping halfway.
- One of the best things about using an air fryer is avoiding getting burned from hot oil and reducing excess oil used when deep frying in a large skillet or pot. Plus, the cooking temperature is very consistent. It never drastically changes in an air fryer! I've tried several large air fryers over the years, but I love THIS one!
- Remove the crispy and delicious shrimp toast carefully with kitchen tongs and transfer to a cooling rack. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy hot.
Notes
Variations
- If you're looking to add a twist to your shrimp toast, try making an open-face crispy shrimp toast. Simply spread the shrimp paste on a slice of bread, sprinkle sesame seeds on top, and air fry as usual. This variation adds a unique texture and flavor to your dish.
- Accompaniments may include sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, or a tangy dipping sauce. We like making a spicy mala yogurt dipping sauce!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 356
- Sugar: 3.6 g
- Sodium: 1735.9 mg
- Fat: 3.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 29.6 g
- Fiber: 1.8 g
- Protein: 50.9 g
- Cholesterol: 364.9 mg
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Deb says
I made these with some pan-fried, breaded shiitake mushrooms and they came out so good. It was a great combo.
Swathi says
Shrimp toast in an air-fryer is a wonderful Idea. I enjoyed making it. I am going to make it again.
Amy says
This was crazy good! We ate it so fast, we had to make another batch!
Claudia says
This shrimp toast turned out so crispy in the air fryer! The filling is flavorful, and it’s such a quick and easy appetizer to make.
Magali Mutombo says
I loove Dim Sum! They look so delicious and perfect for small bites! Thank you so sharing the recipe!
Lathiya says
The toast looks amazing..the shrimp toast in an air fryer is a must-try for its flavors and deliciousness.
Paula Marshall says
This is such a great way to make it with minimal fuss but it tastes delicious!
We will be having this again soon.
Sonja Goeden says
Any excuse to eat crunchy shrimp toast is a good excuse. Loved yours that it's seafood after all, so it must be good for us. And of course went right ahead making it. That it's made in the air fryer makes it so accessible and easy, it's perfect for those busy weeknights.
Ashley says
Yay! I'm so excited to have found this recipe. I love shrimp toast but never knew how to make it. Can't wait to try!
Liz says
So yummy and super crispy!!! I can't wait to make this shrimp toast again!
Claudia says
I’ve made this shrimp toast in the air fryer, and it turned out perfectly crispy and delicious! Such a great dim sum recipe to try at home. Great recipe!