Air-Frying Crab Cakes: A Healthy, Crispy Treat?

Crab cakes are a delicious treat, but frying them can be a messy affair. Luckily, air fryers provide a convenient alternative to pan-frying, delivering tasty crab cakes with minimal clean-up. This guide will explore the benefits of air-frying crab cakes, outline a simple recipe, and offer tips for a perfect result every time.

Crab cake ingredients and preparation

Crab cakes are a delicious treat, but getting the right combination of ingredients is key. The best crab cakes are those with a crispy exterior and a moist, flaky crab centre. The good news is that crab cakes are easy to make and don't require too many ingredients.

The main ingredient is, of course, crab meat. It's best to use fresh, good-quality lump crab meat, which is usually sold in a clear plastic container in the seafood section of the grocery store. You can also use canned crab meat, but make sure it's good quality and well-drained. If you can only find jumbo lump crab meat, you may need to break up the pieces a little so that the crab cakes hold together well.

The other ingredients are there to add flavour and bind the crab meat together. You'll need an egg, which helps the cakes hold together. Some recipes suggest using two eggs, but one is usually enough. You'll also need a binder like breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice as they give a crispy texture, but regular breadcrumbs, crushed saltine crackers, or even crushed pork rinds can be used. You only need enough to bind the crab meat together, so go easy on the fillers. You can also add some mayonnaise to help bind the mixture and add moisture. A couple of tablespoons should be enough.

You can add some Dijon mustard to the mixture for a tangy flavour. A little fresh parsley will give a fresh, herbaceous note, and some Old Bay seasoning will add spice. You can also add some Worcestershire sauce for an extra savoury depth of flavour. Some recipes also suggest adding celery, red bell peppers, and green onions for colour and a little crunch.

To make the crab cakes, simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much. Then, form the mixture into patties and chill them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up. Finally, cook the crab cakes in an air fryer, pan, or oven until golden brown.

Air fryer settings and cooking times

Air-frying crab cakes is a healthier alternative to deep-frying them, as it requires very little oil. It is also a lot less messy and time-consuming.

The cooking time will depend on the type of crab cakes you are cooking. Frozen crab cakes will take longer to cook than fresh crab cakes. Frozen crab cakes should be cooked for 7-12 minutes, while fresh crab cakes will take 8-10 minutes.

The ideal temperature to cook crab cakes in the air fryer is 400°F. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 370°F or 375°F.

It is important to ensure that the air fryer is preheated before cooking crab cakes. This will help to achieve a golden-brown crust on the outside of the crab cakes.

When cooking frozen crab cakes, it is recommended to set the temperature to 375°F and let the air fryer preheat for a few minutes. Place the frozen crab cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For fresh crab cakes, the process is similar. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and place the crab cakes in the air fryer basket. Spray the crab cakes with cooking spray or lightly brush them with oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, again flipping halfway through.

It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the crab cakes from cooking evenly and getting crispy. Leave some space between the crab cakes to allow the hot air to circulate properly.

Additionally, it is recommended to use parchment paper or a silicone liner when cooking crab cakes in the air fryer, as they can be quite moist and sticky. This will help to prevent them from sticking to the basket.

Crab cake serving suggestions

Crab cakes are a delicious dish that can be served as an appetizer, light dinner, or party snack. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your crab cakes and make them even more enjoyable:

Sauces

A good dipping sauce is always a great choice when serving fried foods. Here are some sauce options that would pair well with crab cakes:

• Remoulade sauce: A classic French condiment with a spicy kick, often made with mayonnaise, whole-grain mustard, ketchup, minced garlic, grated horseradish, lemon juice, chopped capers, parsley, and onions.
• Tartar sauce: A traditional choice for fish and chips, tartar sauce can also complement crab cakes nicely.
• Spicy mayo: Mix mayonnaise with a bit of Cajun seasoning and hot pepper sauce to add a kick to your crab cakes.

Salads

A bright and flavorful salad can help balance out the richness of crab cakes. Here are some salad ideas that would make great side dishes:

• Roasted Pepper-Tomato Salad with Crispy Black-Eyed Peas: This salad combines flavorful heirloom tomatoes, sweet roasted bell peppers, and crispy black-eyed peas. It can be made up to three days in advance, making it a convenient choice.
• Spring Salad with Strawberries and Bacon: This berry-laden salad provides a lovely contrast to rich, buttery crab cakes.
• Fresh Green Salad: This healthy salad includes lettuce, green cabbage, green bell pepper, fresh cilantro, baby spinach, pecans, and goat cheese. It is dressed with a simple olive oil and lime juice vinaigrette.

Vegetables

Roasted or sautéed vegetables can be a delicious and healthy side dish to accompany your crab cakes. Here are some options:

• Oven-roasted vegetables: Choose a variety of vegetables such as baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, yellow bell peppers, and asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs, and roast in the oven until tender.
• Sautéed corn and bell peppers: This classic Mexican dish combines corn, red onions, tomatoes, and cilantro with red, green, and yellow bell peppers. It's a soft and succulent yet crunchy bite that goes well with crab cakes.
• Herb-roasted potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are cut into bite-sized chunks and roasted with extra virgin olive oil, chopped cilantro and garlic, turmeric powder, oregano, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.

Other Sides

• Baked zucchini fries: A fun and tasty alternative to traditional French fries, these zucchini fries can be served with marinara sauce or a tasty seafood dip.
• Grilled corn on the cob: A classic summer side dish, corn on the cob can be served with loads of salt and butter or one of the delicious drizzles, glazes, and rubs.
• Potato salad: A versatile and delicious side dish, potato salad can be made with mayonnaise, deep-fried onions, olive oil, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, Dijon mustard, mixed herbs, and chopped cilantro.

Crab cake storage and reheating

Crab cakes are a delicate dish, and proper storage is crucial to maintaining their quality and texture. Here are some detailed instructions for storing and reheating crab cakes:

Storage:

Crab cakes should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. The ideal temperature for refrigeration is 40°F (4°C) or colder. At this temperature, cooked crab cakes can last 3-5 days, while vacuum-sealed crab cakes can last up to 7-10 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended. Wrap each crab cake individually in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Crab cakes can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating:

The best methods for reheating crab cakes are the conventional oven and the air fryer, as they provide even heat distribution and help maintain the delicate balance of a crispy exterior and a moist, tender interior. Here are some specific instructions for each method:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F-350°F (175°C). Place the crab cakes on a baking sheet or tray and cover them with aluminium foil to prevent drying out. Reheat for 10-15 minutes for refrigerated crab cakes and 18-20 minutes for frozen ones.
• 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). Reheat for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Other methods for reheating crab cakes include the stovetop, microwave, and toaster oven. However, these methods may not produce the same desirable texture as the oven or air fryer. When reheating, always ensure that the internal temperature of the crab cakes reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Crab cake recipe variations

Crab cakes are a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. Here are some variations on the classic crab cake recipe that can be made in an air fryer:

Keto Crab Cakes

For those on a keto diet, crab cakes can still be enjoyed by substituting the breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Carolyn from "All Day I Dream About Food" recommends using keto cracker crumbs, which she says adds great flavour and texture to the crab cakes. She also suggests brushing the cakes with melted butter before placing them in the air fryer to help them brown nicely.

Gluten-Free Crab Cakes

For a gluten-free option, gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko crumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs. Arman from "The Big Man's World" also suggests adding cornstarch or flour to help bind the cakes if using gluten-free alternatives.

Spicy Crab Cakes

For those who like a bit of a kick, cayenne pepper can be added to the crab cake mixture as Kathryn from "Urban Foodie Kitchen" does in her recipe. She also serves her crab cakes with a spicy aioli, made by mixing mayonnaise, shallots, vinegar, dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper.

Vegetable-Filled Crab Cakes

Some crab cake recipes include chopped vegetables such as red or green bell peppers, celery, and green onions. However, Earl and Beth, who commented on Tanya's "My Forking Life" blog, caution against including vegetables in crab cakes, arguing that crab should be the star ingredient.

Baked Crab Cakes

Although air frying or pan-frying are the most common methods for cooking crab cakes, they can also be baked in the oven. Tanya recommends baking them at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.

Frequently asked questions