Air-Fried Crab Cakes: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Crab cakes are a delicious treat, but frying them can be messy and time-consuming. Luckily, air fryers provide a quick and easy alternative that doesn't sacrifice taste or texture. Air-fried crab cakes are crispy, tender, and juicy, with a golden crust and a flavourful, moist interior. You can make them with simple ingredients like crab meat, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, and they only take about 10 minutes to cook. Plus, there's less cleanup! So, if you're craving crab cakes, don't be afraid to break out the air fryer and give it a try.

Crab cake ingredients and preparation

Crab cakes are a delicious, golden-brown, and juicy treat that can be made in an air fryer with minimal mess and maximum taste. Here is a detailed list of ingredients and step-by-step preparation instructions to make crab cakes in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or refrigerated) - the main ingredient providing flavour and texture.
• Mayonnaise - adds moisture and tanginess while helping to bind the mixture.
• Dijon mustard - for a tangy flavour and binding.
• Worcestershire sauce - adds depth of flavour.
• Egg - helps bind the ingredients together.
• Breadcrumbs (Panko or regular) - gives a crispy texture.
• Old Bay seasoning - traditional seafood seasoning for added spice.
• Fresh parsley - for a fresh, herbal flavour.
• Salt and pepper - for seasoning.
• Hot sauce - for an extra kick.
• Lemon juice - brightens the rich flavours.
• Cooking spray - to prevent sticking and aid browning.
• Butter (optional) - for brushing over the crab cakes before air frying.

Preparation:

• Start by finely chopping any additional ingredients like red bell pepper, green onion, or celery.
• In a large bowl, combine the crab meat with the mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, egg, breadcrumbs, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, salt and pepper, and any additional ingredients. Stir until well combined, being careful not to break up the crab meat lumps.
• Gently form the mixture into patties. The number of patties will depend on the desired size, but typically, a pound of crab meat will yield 4-6 crab cakes.
• Place the crab cakes on a plate or baking sheet. If the mixture is too soft, refrigerate for about 30 minutes to an hour to help it firm up and hold together.
• Lightly spray or brush the air fryer rack with oil or melted butter. You can also brush the tops of the crab cakes with butter for extra flavour.
• Place the crab cakes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Air fry at temperatures between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-18 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. The cakes are ready when they are golden brown, and the centres reach an internal temperature of 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and your favourite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or remoulade.

Air fryer settings and cooking times

The cooking time for crab cakes in an air fryer varies depending on the model and the number of cakes being cooked. However, the general cooking time is between 8 to 18 minutes.

For instance, crab cakes can be cooked in an air fryer at 350F for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Similarly, crab cakes can be cooked at 370F for 10 minutes.

If you are cooking at 400F, the cooking time is reduced to 8 minutes. For this setting, it is recommended that you flip the crab cakes halfway through the cooking time.

If you are cooking at 375F, the cooking time is between 14 to 18 minutes.

When cooking crab cakes in an air fryer, it is important not to overcrowd the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the crab cakes in batches.

Additionally, it is recommended that you spray the crab cakes with cooking spray or brush them with melted butter before placing them in the air fryer. This helps to brown the exterior and prevent sticking.

Crab cake serving suggestions

Crab cakes are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your air fryer crab cakes:

As an Appetizer

Crab cakes can make a delicious and elegant appetizer for a dinner party or special occasion. Serve them in smaller portions, perhaps with a dipping sauce such as remoulade, spicy mayo, or lemon butter. This allows your guests to enjoy the delicate flavour of the crab without filling up before the main course.

As a Main Course

For a heartier meal, serve your air fryer crab cakes as the main event. Accompany them with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, salads, or grains. Here are some specific side dish suggestions:

• Salads: A bright and colourful salad can complement the richness of the crab cakes. Try a strawberry and bacon spring salad, a tomato, peach, and corn salad, or a classic cucumber and tomato salad with a twist of Vidalia onion.
• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus with a cheese sauce and herb breadcrumbs, or roasted Brussels sprouts with Parmesan, can add a sophisticated touch to your meal. For a simpler option, try air fryer roasted okra or air-fried sweet potato fries.
• Grains: For a more substantial side, consider a pasta salad with field peas and fresh herbs, or lemon vinaigrette pasta salad. Alternatively, a simple side of Parmesan roasted potatoes or Kristen's roasted potatoes can round out the meal.
• Soups: A warm bowl of soup can be a comforting accompaniment to crab cakes. Try a classic corn chowder or a refreshing white gazpacho made with cucumbers and grapes.

For a Brunch Option

As mentioned by Carolyn in her keto crab cake recipe, crab cakes can make a tasty breakfast or brunch option. Try serving a crab cake with a fried egg and some avocado on top, or simply enjoy it with a dollop of spicy mayo.

With a Side of Seafood

If you're feeling extra indulgent, why not make it a seafood feast? Serve your air fryer crab cakes with a side of air fryer lemon garlic shrimp, air fryer coconut shrimp, or air fryer salmon patties.

With these suggestions, you can create a well-rounded and delicious meal centred around your air fryer crab cakes. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and don't be afraid to get creative!

Crab cake storage and reheating

Crab cakes are a delicate food, and there are a few key things to keep in mind when storing and reheating them. Firstly, it is important to consume crab cakes within a day of cooking, as they are perishable and can develop foodborne bacteria if left out at room temperature for too long. For short-term storage, place any leftover crab cakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze uncooked crab cakes on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

When reheating crab cakes, it is important to use a gentle heat source and not to overcook them, as this can toughen the crab meat and dry out the cakes. The best methods for reheating crab cakes are the oven, stovetop, air fryer, or steamer.

If using the oven, preheat to 325-350°F (175°C). Place the crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with foil and heat for 10-15 minutes for refrigerated crab cakes, or 18-20 minutes for frozen. Covering the crab cakes with foil can help prevent them from drying out, but remove the foil towards the end to maintain a crispy exterior.

For stovetop reheating, place a skillet over medium heat and add butter or olive oil. Add the crab cakes in a single layer, covering the skillet with a lid to retain moisture. Flip the crab cakes halfway through the reheating process for even heating.

To reheat crab cakes in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the crab cakes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation. Lightly spray the crab cakes with cooking spray (optional) and cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Finally, steaming is an excellent way to reheat crab cakes while maintaining their moisture. Place a steamer basket in a pot of boiling water, ensuring the water does not touch the basket. Place the crab cakes in the basket, cover, and steam for about 6 minutes or until heated through.

Crab cake recipe variations

Crab cakes are a versatile dish that can be made in an air fryer with a variety of ingredients and flavours. Here are some variations to the standard crab cake recipe:

Keto Crab Cakes

For those on a keto diet, a few simple substitutions can be made to the traditional recipe. Instead of using breadcrumbs, swap them out with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. It is also important to use real crab meat instead of imitation crab, as it contains more carbohydrates. This variation still results in crab cakes with a deliciously browned, slightly crusty outside, but are tender and moist in the middle.

Gluten-Free Crab Cakes

For those avoiding gluten, gluten-free panko breadcrumbs can be used. These are widely available and should work well in crab cake recipes.

Spicy Crab Cakes

For those who like a bit of spice, adding some cayenne pepper to the crab cake mixture will give it a kick. Additionally, serving crab cakes with a spicy aioli can add some heat to the dish.

Vegetable Crab Cakes

For those who like some extra vegetables in their crab cakes, red bell pepper and green onion can be added to the mixture. However, some purists insist that "real" crab cakes should not include vegetables.

Binders

The binder is an important component of crab cakes, as it absorbs moisture and helps the cakes hold together. While eggs are commonly used as a binder, other options include mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

Seasoning

Old Bay seasoning is a traditional choice for crab cakes, but other options include Cajun seasoning, fish seasonings, and fresh herbs such as parsley.

Cooking Methods

While air frying is a convenient and healthy way to cook crab cakes, they can also be pan-fried or baked. For pan-frying, it is recommended to chill the crab cakes before cooking to prevent them from falling apart. Baking is another option, although it may result in a less crispy texture.

Frequently asked questions