Air Fryer Crab Cakes: How Long To Fry?

Crab cakes are a delicious treat, but frying them can be a messy affair. That's where the air fryer comes in. Air-fried crab cakes are not only easier to make but also healthier, as they require very little oil. You can use either fresh or canned crab meat, and the whole process, from prep to cooking, takes less than half an hour. The result is a crispy, juicy, and tender crab cake that will be the star of any meal or party.

Crab cake ingredients and preparation

Crab cakes are a delicious treat, and they're easier to make than you might think! Here's a step-by-step guide to making crab cakes with a focus on ingredients and preparation.

Ingredients:

For crab cakes, you'll need crab meat, of course! Look for fresh or refrigerated lump crab meat, which has a rich flavour and texture. You can also use canned crab, but be sure to drain it well and check the dry weight. Avoid imitation crab, as it's not as tasty and contains carbs.

In addition to crab meat, you'll need a binder to hold the cakes together. Traditional recipes use breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, but if you're going keto, you can substitute almond flour or crushed pork rinds. You'll also need an egg to help the cakes hold together.

To add flavour and moisture, you'll need mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. You can also add Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, fresh herbs like parsley and green onion, and salt and pepper to taste.

Preparation:

Start by chopping any additional ingredients like bell peppers, onions, or celery. Then, in a large bowl, combine your crab meat, binder, and other ingredients. Stir gently until everything is well combined, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much.

Next, form the mixture into patties. You can make them about 3/4 inch to 1 inch thick. Place the patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with waxed paper or parchment paper, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.

If you're using an air fryer, spray or brush the rack with oil, and brush melted butter over both sides of the crab cakes before placing them in the air fryer. Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

If you're cooking your crab cakes in a skillet, heat butter or oil in the pan over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

And that's it! You can serve your crab cakes with tartar sauce, remoulade, cocktail sauce, or lemon wedges. Enjoy your delicious, homemade crab cakes!

Air fryer settings and cooking time

Air-frying crab cakes is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, crispy, and juicy meal with minimal mess and clean-up. The air fryer's hot air circulation ensures a golden brown and crispy crust every time, without the need for deep-frying in oil.

• Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs (or a keto-friendly alternative like almond flour or crushed pork rinds), mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and any additional ingredients like celery, red bell peppers, parsley, or egg. Fold the ingredients gently until well combined, being careful not to break apart the crab meat lumps.
• Shape the crab cakes: Use your hands to form the mixture into patties. Lightly wet your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers. The patties should be about 3/4 inch to 1 inch thick. You can also place the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour to help it firm up before shaping.
• Air-fry: Lightly spray or brush the air fryer rack with oil. You can use avocado oil spray or brush melted butter over the rack. Place the crab cakes on the rack and air fry at a temperature between 350F and 400F for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the desired level of crispiness.
• Serve: Crab cakes are best served fresh and crispy. You can serve them with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce like tartar sauce, chipotle sauce, or spicy mayo.

Additionally, you can bake the crab cakes in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F and bake the crab cakes on a parchment paper-lined baking tray for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway.

Storing and reheating crab cakes

Storing crab cakes

Whether you're storing cooked or uncooked crab cakes, it's important to place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze uncooked crab cakes on a tray until they're solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating crab cakes

The best approaches for reheating crab cakes are to use a conventional oven or an air fryer. You can also use a microwave, but this is less ideal as it can make the crab cakes rubbery.

Oven

Set your oven to a moderate temperature of around 350°F (175°C to 177°C). Place a baking sheet or tray in the oven as it preheats, and then put your crab cakes on it, leaving a little space between them. Brush the crab cakes with butter or olive oil and cook for 10 to 15 minutes (or 18 to 20 minutes if frozen). For added crispiness, turn on the grill for a minute or two after baking.

Air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the crab cakes inside, leaving some space between them, and cook for 4 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Brush the crab cakes with butter or oil during cooking for extra crispness.

Microwave

Place the crab cakes on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Don't cover them. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, turning them over each time, until they're heated through. Then let them sit for a minute before serving. If you want to recrisp the crust, transfer the crab cakes to a skillet greased with butter or oil and sauté for a couple of minutes on each side.

Alternative cooking methods

Crab cakes are a delicious treat, and there are multiple ways to cook them. Here are some alternative cooking methods to an air fryer:

Pan-Frying

Crab cakes can be cooked in a pan with butter or oil over medium heat. Heat the butter or oil in the pan first, and then fry the crab cakes for around 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This method gives the crab cakes a crispy texture and is a good alternative if you don't have an air fryer. However, be careful when flipping the crab cakes over so they don't fall apart.

Baking

Baking crab cakes is another option, especially if you want to avoid using a lot of oil or butter. Preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 425-450°F (218-232°C). Place the crab cakes on a greased baking sheet or use a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crab cakes are golden brown and cooked through.

Stovetop

If you don't want to use an oven or a pan, you can also cook crab cakes on the stovetop. Simply follow the instructions for pan-frying, but be aware that stovetop cooking may require a longer cooking time, around 4 minutes per side over medium heat. This method can be a bit more hands-on, as you'll need to keep an eye on the crab cakes to ensure even cooking.

Combination Methods

You can also combine different cooking methods to get the best of both worlds. For example, you can chill the crab cakes in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking to help them firm up and hold together better. This step is especially useful if you're baking the crab cakes, as it ensures they don't fall apart during cooking. Additionally, brushing the crab cakes with melted butter before cooking, regardless of the method, adds extra flavor and helps them crisp up nicely.

Crab cake serving suggestions

Crab cakes are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, party snack, or main course. Here are some serving suggestions to make your crab cakes shine:

Sauces

A good dipping sauce is essential for fried foods, and crab cakes are no exception. A classic remoulade sauce, with its spicy and exotic flavours, pairs perfectly with the crab cakes. You can also serve them with a spicy mayo or a tangy chipotle sauce.

Salads

A fresh, zesty salad can balance out the grease of the crab cakes. Try a simple green salad with lettuce, green cabbage, bell pepper, cilantro, baby spinach, pecans, and goat cheese. Dress it with a light olive oil and lime juice vinaigrette. Another option is a spring salad with strawberries and bacon, adding a touch of sweetness to contrast the savoury crab cakes.

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a healthy and delicious option to accompany your crab cakes. Try baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and asparagus drizzled with olive oil and roasted to perfection. Sautéed corn and bell peppers are also a great choice, especially with classic Mexican seasonings.

Starch Sides

Potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be roasted, boiled, or mashed. For a hearty option, try herb-roasted potatoes with extra virgin olive oil, cilantro, garlic, turmeric, oregano, and parsley. For a lighter option, make a potato salad with parboiled potatoes, olive oil, Dijon mustard, mixed herbs, and cilantro.

Seafood Sides

Crab cakes go well with other seafood dishes. Try classic grilled corn on the cob, or get creative with baked zucchini fries or sautéed squash and zucchini.

Soups

A warm bowl of soup can round out your meal. A classic tomato gazpacho, a cold soup originating from France, pairs well with the crab cakes. For something heartier, try a slow-cooker corn chowder.

These suggestions will help elevate your crab cakes and make your meal a delicious success!

Frequently asked questions