Air-Fried Crab Cakes: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Crab cakes are a delicious meal, appetiser, or snack, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare them. Air-fried crab cakes are less messy, require minimal prep time, and are faster than other cooking methods. They also have a crispy, golden crust and a tender, juicy, and flavourful interior. This introduction will cover how to cook crab cakes in an air fryer, including the ingredients, method, and serving suggestions.

Crab cake ingredients

Crab cakes are a delicious treat, and air frying them is a quick and easy way to cook. The key to a good crab cake is the crab meat, and it is recommended to use high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavour and texture. However, this can be an expensive option, so claw meat or imitation crab are also used.

The other ingredients in crab cakes are there to bind the mixture, add moisture, and provide flavour and seasoning. A traditional binder is breadcrumbs, but crushed crackers or even cornstarch or flour can be used. An egg also helps bind the mixture and adds moisture, as does mayonnaise. For flavour, you could add Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh herbs such as parsley and green onion.

Some recipes suggest adding sliced bell peppers, celery, and lemon juice. It is also important to season the crab cakes, and Old Bay Seasoning is the traditional choice, but you could also use Cajun seasoning or fish seasoning.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking crab cakes in an air fryer depend on whether the crab cakes are fresh or frozen, and whether they are mini crab cakes or full-sized.

If you are cooking fresh crab cakes, preheat your air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the crab cakes in the air fryer basket, preferably lined with parchment paper or aluminium foil to avoid sticking, and cook for 8 to 11 minutes. The crab cakes are ready when the exterior is golden brown and the interior is hot.

If you are cooking frozen crab cakes, you do not need to defrost them first. Simply preheat your air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and place the frozen crab cakes in the air fryer basket. Cook for 7 to 11 minutes, until the exterior is golden brown and the interior is heated through.

Mini crab cakes will take less time to cook, so start checking on them after about 6 minutes. If you are cooking fresh crab cakes that are on the smaller side, 6 to 8 minutes should be sufficient.

For a crispy exterior, spray the crab cakes with cooking spray or olive oil before placing them in the air fryer. Alternatively, brush the crab cakes with melted butter to help them brown nicely.

How to prepare the crab cakes

Preparing crab cakes for the air fryer is a simple process. First, gather your ingredients. You will need crab meat, egg, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, a binder such as breadcrumbs or crackers, and seasoning. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, celery, and parsley for extra flavour and colour.

Once you have your ingredients, break up the crab meat with a fork in a medium-sized bowl. Add in the rest of your ingredients and mix until well combined. Be gentle during this step, as crab meat is fragile and can break apart easily. You can also add milk, salt, and pepper to the crab meat before adding the other ingredients, to coat the crab.

Next, form the mixture into patties. Use your hands to shape the crab cakes, and place them on a plate lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Refrigerate the crab cakes for at least 30 minutes to firm them up before cooking. If you want to freeze them for later, place the plate in the freezer for 5 minutes, then transfer the crab cakes to a freezer bag and store them for up to three months.

Finally, brush the crab cakes with melted butter and lightly spray them with cooking spray. This will help the exterior of the crab cakes brown nicely and give them a crispy texture. Now your crab cakes are ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

How to cook the crab cakes

Crab cakes are a delicious and easy meal to make in an air fryer. The air fryer helps create a nice crust on the outside, without drying out the crab mixture, and they cook in minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook crab cakes in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Crab meat (lump crab meat is recommended for the best flavour and texture, but claw meat or imitation crab can also be used)
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh parsley
• Old Bay seasoning (or other seafood/Cajun seasoning)
• Egg
• Panko or regular breadcrumbs
• Non-stick cooking spray or oil (canola, vegetable, avocado, or olive oil)
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Bell peppers (optional)
• Green onions (optional)

Method:

Firstly, combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, egg, and breadcrumbs in a large bowl. You can also add lemon juice, bell peppers, and green onions if desired. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much.

Next, form the mixture into 4-8 patties, depending on your preferred size. Place the patties on a plate and cover or refrigerate until firm, for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

Now, it's time to cook the crab cakes. Preheat your air fryer to 370-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a piece of parchment paper, aluminium foil, or a silicone liner in the air fryer basket, and then place the crab cakes inside, leaving some space between them to ensure even cooking.

Spray the crab cakes lightly with cooking spray or oil, which will help them achieve a crispy exterior. Close the air fryer basket and cook for 8-11 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The crab cakes are done when the exterior is golden brown and the interior is hot and juicy.

Serve the crab cakes with your favourite sauce, such as tartar sauce, aioli, or remoulade, and a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy!

Storage:

Crab cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen, either cooked or uncooked, for up to 3 months.

How to store crab cakes

Storing crab cakes is a simple process, but it's important to do it properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here is a detailed guide on how to store crab cakes both before and after cooking:

Storing Uncooked Crab Cakes

If you've made a batch of crab cakes and want to store them before cooking, it's best to refrigerate them. First, form the crab cakes into patties, then cover them and place them in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This helps the crab meat set and prevents the cakes from falling apart during cooking. You can also prepare the crab cake mixture up to 24 hours in advance, as long as you keep it covered and refrigerated. When you're ready to cook, simply pan-fry, bake, or air fry the crab cakes as per your chosen recipe.

Storing Cooked Crab Cakes

If you have leftover cooked crab cakes, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To extend their shelf life, you can freeze cooked crab cakes. However, it's best to freeze them uncooked as they will last longer. If you choose to freeze cooked crab cakes, ensure they are fully thawed before reheating and consuming.

Food Safety Considerations

It's important to handle crab cakes safely to prevent foodborne illnesses. When storing uncooked crab cakes in the refrigerator, aim to cook them within two to three days to ensure freshness and quality. If you won't be cooking them within this timeframe, it's best to freeze them. Additionally, avoid refreezing crab cakes that have been previously frozen, as this can compromise their freshness and safety.

Frequently asked questions