Looking for a delicious seafood dish that’s both easy and packed with flavor? These Air Fryer Crab Cakes are just what you need! With their crispy golden outside and tender, flavorful inside, they make for an irresistible treat that the whole family will love. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again.
What Is Air Fryer Crab Cakes?
Air fryer crab cakes are a delightful take on the classic crab cake, but with the added benefit of being lighter and healthier thanks to the air frying technique. Traditionally made with lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, and a mix of seasonings, these cakes are typically fried, which can make them greasy. However, using an air fryer allows you to achieve that crispy exterior without the excess oil. They are perfect as an appetizer, light meal, or even as part of a seafood feast!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Crab Cakes
- Convenience: Quick to prepare and cook, making them a great weeknight option.
- Flavorful: The combination of fresh crab and herbs creates a taste that’s out of this world!
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
- Budget-friendly: Using canned or frozen crab meat can significantly reduce costs while still delivering great flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Quick Overview
Making Air Fryer Crab Cakes is easy and requires just a few simple steps. You’ll mix all your ingredients, form them into patties, and let the air fryer do the magic. In under 20 minutes, you’ll have delicious crab cakes ready to serve!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lump crab meat (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko works best)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon parsley (fresh or dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Directions
Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to avoid breaking the crab meat too much.
Shape the Patties: Form the crab mixture into patties, about 2-3 inches wide. You should get around 8 cakes.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
Spray the Basket: Give the air fryer basket a light spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook the Crab Cakes: Place the crab cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
Air Fry: Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, carefully remove the crab cakes and serve them hot, perhaps with a side of tartar sauce or lemon wedges!
What to Serve With Air Fryer Crab Cakes
- Fresh Salad: A light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly.
- Dipping Sauce: Tartar sauce, remoulade, or even a spicy aioli complements the crab cakes well.
- Sides: Consider serving with roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or rice pilaf.
- Drinks: A crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea makes a nice beverage choice.
- Occasions: Ideal for summer barbecues, holiday feasts, or even a cozy family dinner.
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Crab Cakes
- Substitutions: Feel free to use different types of crab meat, like imitation crab for a budget-friendly option.
- Spice Adjustments: Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you prefer a little kick.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture.
- No Air Fryer?: You can bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- Keep it Fresh: Try adding chopped green onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Place leftover crab cakes in a sealed container in the refrigerator. They are best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Freezing: You can freeze uncooked crab cakes by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in your air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, canned crab meat works just fine! Just make sure to drain it well.How can I adjust the spice level?
Adjust spices to your preference; add more Old Bay, cayenne pepper, or omit entirely.Can I prep these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crab cakes ahead and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to air fry them.What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed crackers or oatmeal as a binder instead.What’s the cook time?
They should take about 10-12 minutes in the air fryer at 375°F.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Crab Cakes are sure to impress with their delightful crunch and succulent crab filling. They’re easy to make and perfectly adaptable for any occasion. Try it tonight and let me know how it turned out!
Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to avoid breaking the crab meat too much.
- Form the crab mixture into patties, about 2-3 inches wide. You should get around 8 cakes.
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
- Give the air fryer basket a light spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the crab cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the crab cakes and serve them hot, perhaps with a side of tartar sauce or lemon wedges!