Air Fryer Crab Cakes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Crab cakes are a delicious treat, but can you cook them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer crab cakes are an easy, quick, and tasty way to enjoy this seafood delight. With a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior, air-fried crab cakes are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, creating less mess and cleanup without sacrificing flavour. You can use store-bought or homemade crab cakes, and even make them keto-friendly or gluten-free. So, if you're looking for a simple and delicious way to enjoy crab cakes, give the air fryer a go!

Crab cake ingredients and preparation

Crab cakes are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. They are also a great option for cooking in an air fryer, as it requires minimal preparation and creates less mess compared to traditional pan-frying. Here is a guide to the ingredients and preparation steps for making crab cakes in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Crab meat: Fresh or canned lump crab meat is recommended for the best flavour and texture. Claw meat is also an option, but imitation crab meat should be avoided if possible.
• Binders: Egg and mayonnaise act as binders to hold the crab cakes together.
• Seasonings: Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper are commonly used to enhance the flavour. Fresh herbs like parsley and green onion add colour and freshness.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are preferred for their larger flakes, which help keep the filling intact and add crispiness to the exterior.
• Cooking spray: A light coating of cooking spray helps to crisp up the crab cakes in the air fryer.

Preparation:

• Combine the binders and seasonings: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Add the crab meat: Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break it up.
• Mix in the breadcrumbs: Add the panko breadcrumbs and gently combine until the mixture is cohesive.
• Form the crab cakes: Use a 1/3 cup measure to scoop and shape the mixture into 6-8 patties. Place them on a plate and cover with plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate: Chill the crab cakes for at least one hour to help them firm up and set.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Lightly coat the crab cakes: Spray the crab cakes on both sides with cooking spray.
• Air fry: Place the crab cakes in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• Serve: Crab cakes can be served with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or your favourite dipping sauce.

Air fryer settings and cooking time

Air fryer crab cakes are a quick, easy, and delicious meal to make. They are also healthier than deep-fried crab cakes as they require very little oil.

Before you start cooking, it's important to prepare your crab cakes. In a large bowl, add the crabmeat, mayonnaise, Panko, flour, egg, green onion, bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, and lemon juice. Mix together and shape the mixture into patties. Place the crab cakes on a plate, cover, and refrigerate until firm, for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This is an important step as it allows the flavours to blend and the cakes to bind so they don't fall apart when you air fry them.

Once your crab cakes are prepared, preheat your air fryer to between 360 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also preheat at a lower temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit if you prefer. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil, and place the crab cakes inside, leaving a little space between them to ensure even cooking.

Cooking time for crab cakes in the air fryer varies depending on the source, but most recipes suggest cooking for around 10 minutes, or until golden brown, flipping the crab cakes halfway through. One source suggests cooking for 5 minutes on each side, for a total of 10 minutes, while another suggests cooking for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through.

It's important to note that air fryers can vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly depending on your particular air fryer. Additionally, if you prefer your crab cakes to be well done, you may want to cook them for a little longer.

Once your crab cakes are cooked, you can serve them with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, or your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Crab cake appetizers and sides

Crab cakes are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. When served as an appetizer, crab cakes can be paired with various sides and sauces to enhance their flavour and make them even more delicious. Here are some ideas for crab cake appetizers and sides:

Appetizers:

• Mini Crab Cakes: These smaller versions of crab cakes make a perfect appetizer for a party or gathering. They can be served as a bite-sized treat, and you can even add a toothpick to each cake for easy eating. Mini crab cakes can be paired with a variety of sauces, such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or a spicy rémoulade.
• Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Bites: While larger than the mini crab cakes, these bites still make a delightful appetizer. The jumbo lump crab meat makes them a special treat, and they can be served with a simple toothpick as well.

Sides:

• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavour of crab cakes. Lemon wedges are a classic accompaniment to seafood and can be served alongside crab cakes to add a touch of acidity and freshness.
• Tartar Sauce: Tartar sauce is a traditional condiment for crab cakes and other seafood dishes. It has a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that pairs well with the crab.
• Rémoulade Sauce: For something a little different, try serving crab cakes with a spicy rémoulade sauce. This French cold sauce has many variations, but it typically includes mayonnaise, mustard, and herbs, creating a creamy and tangy flavour profile.
• Coleslaw: For a refreshing side dish, pair crab cakes with coleslaw. The crisp texture and slight sweetness of coleslaw can complement the savoury crab cakes nicely.
• Salads: Light and refreshing salads can also be served alongside crab cakes. Opt for green salads with a tangy vinaigrette or more substantial grain-based salads.

When it comes to cooking crab cakes in an air fryer, it is indeed a feasible and recommended option. Air-frying crab cakes results in a crispy and juicy texture, with a golden brown crust. The cooking time is also significantly reduced, usually taking around 8 minutes in the air fryer. Additionally, air-frying creates less mess and requires minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional pan-frying methods.

Storing and reheating crab cakes

Storing Crab Cakes

Before storing crab cakes, it is important to let them cool down completely. They can then be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you wish to store them for longer, you can freeze them. Place the cooled crab cakes in freezer bags and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crab Cakes in the Air Fryer

The air fryer is a convenient and quick way to reheat crab cakes while also adding a crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F. Lightly brush the crab cakes with oil, butter, or cooking spray. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each cake. Reheat for 5-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the crab cakes and the desired level of crispness.

Reheating Crab Cakes in the Oven

The oven is another effective method for reheating crab cakes and restoring their crispy exterior. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place the crab cakes on the prepared sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between them. Brush the tops lightly with butter or olive oil to enhance browning. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. For added crispness, you can turn on the broiler for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking.

Reheating Crab Cakes in the Microwave

The microwave is a quick option for reheating crab cakes, but it may not produce the same level of crispness as the air fryer or oven. Place the crab cakes on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel, leaving them uncovered. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, flipping the cakes occasionally, until they are heated through. If desired, transfer the reheated crab cakes to a skillet greased with butter or oil and sauté for 1-2 minutes per side to add crispness.

Pan-frying and baking crab cakes

While air-frying is a convenient and less messy option for cooking crab cakes, some people prefer the traditional method of pan-frying, and others opt for baking their crab cakes in the oven. Here is a detailed guide on how to pan-fry and bake crab cakes.

Pan-Frying Crab Cakes

To make crab cakes, you can use either fresh or canned crab meat. If you are using canned crab meat, you can improve its taste by letting it soak in milk for 20 minutes before draining it. You can also use imitation crab meat, but this may be less flavoursome. To bind the crab cakes together, you can use egg, and for additional flavour, you can add in breadcrumbs, green onion, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, and pepper.

Once you have formed your crab cakes, heat up some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. You can also use butter or a combination of butter and oil. Fry each crab cake for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. As the pan gets hotter, the cakes will cook faster, so keep an eye on them! When they are done, place the crab cakes on a platter lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

Baking Crab Cakes

To bake crab cakes in the oven, preheat the oven to 200C/400F and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Shape your crab cakes and place them on the tray. Bake them for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through until baked.

You can also use the oven to reheat crab cakes. Place them on a sheet pan with a wire rack and heat them at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions