Fried Prawns Tossed with Basil

Method

1. 1 Trim the shrimp's antennae, leaving the shells intact, then toss with salt and pepper and pat dry.
2. 2 Coat the shrimp in a very thin layer of cornstarch, then deep-fry in oil at 190 degrees for 2 minutes until the shells are crispy and ready to eat.
3. 3 Fry at 190 degrees to make the shrimp shells crispy; lower temperatures will make the shells tough and require peeling.
4. 4 Sauté minced garlic, then season with fish sauce and sugar, and simmer for 30 seconds until thickened.
5. 5 Fry the basil leaves separately for 10 seconds until crispy.
6. 6 Toss the shrimp with garlic sauce for 20 seconds, then mix in the fried basil leaves and chili peppers.

With an appliance

• Air fryer 28 min

  Replace step 2: spray evenly with oil and then steam in a hot air oven at 200 degrees for 8 minutes; the shrimp shells will be almost as crispy as when deep-fried.