Ella Walter
Crab cakes are a delicious, golden-brown, and juicy treat that can be made in an air fryer with minimal mess and stress. The air fryer's hot air circulation ensures a crispy and tender exterior with a juicy inside, and they can be cooked in as little as 8 minutes! This method is also healthier than deep-frying, requiring just a spritz of oil. You can use store-bought or homemade crab cakes, with the latter requiring some chilling time for the mixture to set. Once the air fryer is preheated, it's just a matter of placing the crab cakes inside and letting them cook to golden perfection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 8-10 minutes |
| Temperature | 360-400°F |
| Preheat time | 3-5 minutes |
| Flip halfway through | Yes |
| Reheat time | 3-5 minutes |
| Storage | Refrigerator for up to 2 days or freezer for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Crab cake ingredients and preparation
Crab cakes are a delicious and easy-to-make treat, perfect as an appetizer or a light dinner. The key to a good crab cake is to let the crab shine, so don't overload it with too many other ingredients.
The main ingredient, of course, is crab meat. It's best to use fresh, good-quality lump crab meat, which you can find fresh-off-the-boat in the seafood department of your supermarket. This is usually the most expensive option, but it will give you the best flavour and texture. If you can't get fresh crab, you can use canned crab meat, or even imitation crab meat. If you use imitation crab, add some cornstarch or flour to help bind everything together. You could also use crab meat from a clear plastic container, which is the second-best option, or go for crab meat in a can, which is a whole lot easier to come by.
You'll also need a binder to hold the crab cakes together. This can be an egg, or a combination of mayonnaise and mustard. Mayonnaise and mustard will also add moisture to your crab cakes. For a tangy flavour, use Dijon mustard. You can also add an extra egg to help bind the ingredients together.
To add flavour to your crab cakes, you can include some Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. You can also add sliced green onion, celery, red bell peppers, and lemon juice for a boost of texture and colour.
Finally, you'll need something to give your crab cakes a crispy texture. Panko breadcrumbs are a good option, but you can also use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb option.
To prepare your crab cakes, simply combine all your ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Then, form the mixture into cakes (each should be about 1/2 cup) and place them on a prepared baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to help them set.
Now you're ready to cook your crab cakes in the air fryer!
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Air fryer settings and cooking time
The cooking time for crab cakes in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the desired level of doneness. Most recipes recommend cooking crab cakes in an air fryer for around 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). However, some recipes suggest shorter cooking times, such as 6 minutes or even as little as 5 minutes, depending on the air fryer model. It's important to note that air fryers can vary in terms of cooking performance, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your crab cakes to ensure they don't overcook or burn.
For even cooking, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer for about 3 to 5 minutes, regardless of whether your specific model requires it. A consistent temperature throughout the cooking process helps the crab cakes cook evenly. Once preheated, you can lightly mist the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
When placing the crab cakes in the air fryer, it's best to arrange them in a single layer with a bit of space between each cake. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the crab cakes in batches. If you're cooking a large batch, it's a good idea to keep the cooked crab cakes warm in an oven preheated to 200°F (93°C) while you cook the remaining cakes.
During the cooking process, it's common to flip the crab cakes halfway through to ensure even cooking on both sides. Some recipes suggest spritzing the crab cakes with oil or cooking spray again after flipping to promote even browning. The crab cakes are typically done when they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
If you're cooking frozen crab cakes, the cooking time will be slightly shorter, typically around 7 to 8 minutes at 400°F (200°C). It's important to ensure that frozen crab cakes are fully warmed through before serving.
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Crab cake serving suggestions
Crab cakes are a delicious treat, and they are so easy to make in an air fryer. But what to serve with them? Well, that depends on the occasion. Crab cakes are often associated with fine dining, but they also make a great appetizer or light dinner.
If you are serving crab cakes as a main course, you could go for a classic seafood sauce, a tangy Louisiana-style remoulade, or a simple lemon wedge. A light and refreshing salad with cherry tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and feta cheese is a great choice if you want something fresh and healthy. Alternatively, a grilled vegetable dish can be personalized to suit your taste. The more colorful, the better!
If you are serving crab cakes as an appetizer, you could offer a tangy vinegar coleslaw, elote corn soup, or grilled tomatoes. A pureed red pepper soup is another light and creamy option, and you could serve it with a dollop of sour cream.
For a real fine-dining experience, you could serve crab cakes over wild salmon and a bed of rice, with a colorful salsa. Or, for a simple side, a hunk of bread and a summer soup with fresh corn is a great choice.
Whatever you choose, remember that crab cakes are often made with lots of breadcrumbs and butter, so choose sides with fresh veggies and bright flavors to complement the rich crab cakes.
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Storing crab cakes
To store crab cakes, first, allow them to cool to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. This helps to maintain their texture and flavour by keeping air out. Label the container with the date, so you can keep track of how long they have been stored.
It is important to store crab cakes in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the back of the bottom shelf, and to ensure the temperature is set to 4°C or below. This slows bacterial growth and keeps your food safe. Good air circulation also helps to keep crab cakes fresh, so ensure your fridge is not overcrowded. Return crab cakes to the refrigerator promptly after use and do not leave them at room temperature for long.
If you need to store crab cakes for longer than 5 days, consider freezing them. Frozen crab cakes can be safely stored for up to three months. To thaw frozen crab cakes, you can either leave them in the fridge overnight, which preserves the texture, or use the cold water method for faster results. Simply put the sealed package in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
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Reheating crab cakes
There are several ways to reheat crab cakes, including using an air fryer, an oven, a microwave, a stove, or a toaster oven. Reheating time will depend on the quantity and thickness of the crab cakes.
To reheat crab cakes in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to between 350°F and 370°F. Place the crab cakes in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Brush the crab cakes with melted butter or olive oil for extra crispness. Air fry for 5 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The crab cakes are fully reheated when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. They should be hot throughout and have a crispy golden exterior.
Preheat the oven to between 375°F and 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place the crab cakes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch between cakes to avoid overcrowding. Brush the tops lightly with butter or olive oil to enhance browning. Bake for 8 to 15 minutes until hot and crispy. For added crispiness, turn on the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes after baking to brown the tops.
Place the crab cakes on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Do not cover the crab cakes. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, flipping the crab cakes once, until heated through. Allow the crab cakes to sit for 1 minute before serving. If needed, transfer the crab cakes to a skillet greased with butter or oil and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes per side to recrisp the crust.
Reheating Frozen Crab Cakes
Frozen crab cakes can be cooked from frozen in an air fryer at 400°F for about 8 minutes, turning once halfway through. Alternatively, they can be defrosted overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Frequently asked questions
Crab cakes can be cooked in an air fryer in about 8-10 minutes.
To make crab cakes in an air fryer, first, chill the crab cake mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in advance. Then, preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Form the crab mixture into 3" wide and 1" thick cakes, spritz them with oil or cooking spray, and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Crab cakes should be cooked in an air fryer at 400°F.
To reheat crab cakes in an air fryer, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
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