Introduction
Craving something crispy, tasty, and easy to make? Let’s talk about Air Fryer Crab Cakes! These golden, crunchy crab cakes are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside—just the way they should be. The best part? You don’t need to deep fry them. With an air fryer, you can make delicious crab cakes that are healthier and faster.
This recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just trying it for the first time, these crab cakes are a must-try. Plus, they take less than 30 minutes to make from start to finish! So, let’s get cooking.
Ingredients – Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 6–8 small crab cakes:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (about 6 oz or 170g) lump crab meat (drained well)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or regular mustard)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray (for the air fryer)
Step-by-Step Process – Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Making these crab cakes is super easy. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Cake Mix
- First, grab a large mixing bowl.
- Add the drained crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together gently using a spoon or your hands. Try not to break the crab meat too much—you want some chunks in there.
Step 2: Shape the Crab Cakes
- Take a small handful of the mixture and form it into a round patty (like a mini burger).
- You should get about 6–8 crab cakes depending on the size.
- Place them on a plate and let them chill in the fridge for about 10–15 minutes. This helps them hold their shape when cooking.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- While the crab cakes are chilling, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Air Fry the Crab Cakes
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to keep the crab cakes from sticking.
- Place the crab cakes in the basket in a single layer. Make sure they don’t touch—cook in batches if needed.
- Spray the tops of the crab cakes with a little more cooking spray.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the crab cakes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
- Serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or a simple dipping sauce.
And that’s it! Easy, quick, and super tasty.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 55 mg |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 0.8 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh crab meat instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh crab meat is great and often has a better texture. Just make sure to remove any shell bits before using it.
2. What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
You can use plain breadcrumbs or panko. Panko makes the crab cakes extra crispy.
3. How do I keep my crab cakes from falling apart?
Make sure your crab mixture is not too wet. Also, chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold their shape.
4. Can I freeze the crab cakes?
Yes, you can freeze them. Just place the uncooked patties on a tray, freeze for an hour, then store them in a freezer bag. When ready, cook straight from frozen—just add 2–3 extra minutes to the air fryer time.
5. What sauces go well with crab cakes?
Tartar sauce, lemon aioli, spicy mayo, or even a simple squeeze of lemon juice all work great.
6. Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your other ingredients to make sure they’re gluten-free too.
Final Thoughts
Crab cakes may sound fancy, but this air fryer version proves they’re easy enough to make any day of the week. With simple ingredients and no deep frying, they’re also a healthier choice. Plus, using the air fryer saves time and mess.
Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a full meal, these crab cakes are sure to impress. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, and packed with the fresh taste of crab and herbs. So next time you’re wondering what to make with that can of crab meat, try this recipe! Your taste buds will thank you.
