Air Fryer Indonesian Sambal Matah Prawn Parcels

AF-200 Crew Seafood Recipe

Air Fryer Indonesian Sambal Matah Prawn Parcels

Sambal matah is Bali's raw relish of shallot, lemongrass, chilli and lime leaf. Sealed around prawns, it releases a bright, fragrant steam rather than a heavy sauce. Banana leaf gives the best perfume, but baking parchment inside foil makes the parcels reliable in any basket. Open them at the table and let the aroma do the talking.

Air Fryer Indonesian Sambal Matah Prawn Parcels
Air Fryer Indonesian Sambal Matah Prawn Parcels preparation stage

You’ll Need

For the Sambal Matah
4 banana shallots, very finely sliced
2 lemongrass stalks, tender centres finely sliced
4 makrut lime leaves, very finely shredded
2 red chillies, finely sliced
1 garlic clove, finely grated
Juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
1 tsp shrimp paste
1/2 tsp sea salt

For the Parcels
650g raw peeled king prawns
200g sugar snap peas, halved
4 squares baking parchment
4 squares foil or softened banana leaf

Optional but dangerous
Steamed rice
Extra lime
Crispy shallots

Method

Mix all the sambal matah ingredients and leave for 10 minutes.

Divide the prawns and sugar snap peas between the parchment squares.

Spoon the sambal over the prawns and fold the parchment into sealed parcels.

Wrap each parcel loosely in foil or softened banana leaf.

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C.

Air fry the parcels for 9-11 minutes.

Open one carefully and check the prawns are opaque and piping hot.

Rest the sealed parcels for 2 minutes so the aromatic steam settles.

Serve with rice and let everyone open their own parcel.

Lad Tip: Slice the lemongrass from the pale tender heart only. Tough green rings do not soften in ten minutes; they remain tiny scented cable ties.

Get the free weekly recipe + weekend challenge.

Free weekly recipe. Weekend challenge. No nonsense.

By joining, you agree to receive AF-200 Crew emails, including occasional offers or affiliate recommendations. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy policy.