Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Introduction

Air Fryer Crab Cakes are a tasty and easy dish. They are crispy on the outside and packed with delicious crab meat inside. Making them in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy this classic dish with less oil and fewer calories!

Why Make This Recipe

You should make Air Fryer Crab Cakes because they are simple and quick. They are perfect for a special dinner or a fun appetizer. Plus, using the air fryer gives them a nice crunch without deep frying, making them a healthier option.

How to Make Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Ingredients:

1 lb crab meat
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 large egg
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
Oil spray (for air frying)

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, green onions, and bell pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Shape the mixture into patties, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Place the patties on a baking sheet and cover them with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to help them firm up.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the chilled crab cakes in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not touching.
Spray the tops of the crab cakes lightly with oil. Air fry for 8 minutes, flip them over, and continue to air fry for an additional 8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Carefully remove the crab cakes from the air fryer and serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.

How to Serve Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Serve your crab cakes warm. They go great with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or a spicy dipping sauce. You can also enjoy them on a bun as a crab cake sandwich!

How to Store Air Fryer Crab Cakes

If you have leftover crab cakes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Tips to Make Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Make sure to chill the crab cakes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape.
Don’t overmix the crab mixture. Be gentle so you keep the lumpiness of the crab meat.
Use fresh crab meat if possible. It tastes better than canned.

Variation (If Any)

You can add spices like cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, or swap the red bell pepper for other vegetables, like corn or diced jalapeños, for different flavors.

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat? Yes, you can use canned crab meat! Just make sure to drain it well.
How long do I cook the crab cakes? You should cook them for a total of 16 minutes in the air fryer—8 minutes on each side.
Can I freeze the crab cakes? Yes, you can freeze them before or after cooking. If freezing before, make sure to chill and then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.