Air Fryer Crab Cakes Recipe

These Air Fryer Crab Cakes are my new favorite way to enjoy crab. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make in the air fryer, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.

I often make these crab cakes for a light and satisfying dinner, but they’re also great as an appetizer or a party snack. They’re always a hit with my family and friends, and they’re so easy to make that even beginner cooks can master them.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Crab Cakes

• Quick and Easy: These crab cakes are incredibly easy to make in the air fryer. They’re ready in just 20 minutes!
• Crispy and Tender: The air fryer gives these crab cakes a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
• Flavorful: The combination of crab, vegetables, and spices creates a delicious and well-balanced flavor.
• Versatile: These crab cakes are perfect for a light dinner, an appetizer, or a party snack.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Here’s what I use to make these delicious crab cakes:

• Lump Crabmeat: I prefer lump crabmeat for its delicate flavor and texture.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.
• Green Onion: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Bread Crumbs: Help to bind the crab cakes and add a bit of texture.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy flavor that complements the crab.
• Old Bay Seasoning: A classic crab cake seasoning that adds a blend of herbs and spices.
• Oil for Spraying: I use olive oil or avocado oil spray to lightly coat the crab cakes before air frying.
• Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors of the crab cakes.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the crab mixture.
• Herby Twist: Mix in some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or dill.
• Panko Crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve the crab cakes with your favorite dipping sauces, like tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or remoulade sauce.

How to Make Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a medium bowl, I combine the lump crabmeat, chopped red bell pepper, green onion, mayonnaise, bread crumbs, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning. I gently stir everything together until just combined.

Step 2: Shape the Crab Cakes

I divide the crab mixture into 8 equal portions and gently form them into patties.

Step 3: Air Fry

I place the crab cakes in the air fryer basket and lightly spray the tops with oil. Then, I air fry them at 370°F for 10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve

I remove the crab cakes from the air fryer and squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top. Then, I serve them immediately with my favorite dipping sauce.

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the crab cake mixture, or the crab cakes may become tough.
• Gentle Handling: Handle the crab cakes gently when shaping them to prevent them from falling apart.
• Even Cooking: Make sure the crab cakes are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket so they cook evenly.

How to Serve

I love serving these Air Fryer Crab Cakes with:

• Remoulade Sauce: This classic Cajun sauce is a delicious pairing for crab cakes.⁴
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to these flavorful crab cakes.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts would be delicious alongside these crab cakes.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can make the crab cake mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.⁵
• Storing: Store leftover crab cakes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the crab cakes in the air fryer, oven, or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of crabmeat?
Yes, you can use jumbo lump crabmeat or even backfin crabmeat, but lump crabmeat is my favorite for this recipe.

2. Can I bake these crab cakes instead of air frying them?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

3. Can I freeze these crab cakes?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked crab cakes for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Air Fryer Crab Cakes. I hope you enjoy them!

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