Air Fryer Crab Cakes: Cooking Time Perfection

Crab cakes are a delicious dish, but how long do they take to cook in an air fryer? The answer is, not long! Most sources suggest cooking crab cakes in an air fryer for around 8-10 minutes. However, some sources suggest cooking them for as little as 5 minutes, while others suggest up to 11 minutes. The key to getting the perfect crab cake is to ensure the exterior is golden brown and crispy, while the interior is moist and juicy. To achieve this, it is recommended to use a high-quality crab meat, such as lump crab meat, and to spritz the crab cakes with cooking spray or oil before air frying.

Crab cake ingredients and preparation

Crab cakes are a delicious and easy-to-make meal, perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. The key to a good crab cake is in its ingredients and preparation.

Firstly, choose your crab meat carefully. The best crab cakes use fresh, good-quality lump crab meat, which includes both crab meat and claws. This can be found in the seafood section of your grocery store, usually in a clear plastic container. It is expensive, but one pound is enough for six generous crab cakes. If you're on a budget, you can use refrigerated crab meat, which is more readily available, or even canned crab meat. You could also use imitation crab meat, but you may need to add cornstarch or flour to help bind the cakes. Be sure to check the meat for any hard and sharp cartilage and remove it before adding the crab to your mixture.

Next, you'll want to gather your other ingredients. These typically include eggs, mayonnaise, mustard (usually dijon), breadcrumbs or crackers, and seasoning. For seasoning, most recipes suggest using Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley, lemon zest, and hot sauce to taste. Some recipes also include bell peppers, celery, and green onions for added colour and flavour.

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to prepare the mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, beaten egg, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning. Add the crab meat, being careful not to break it up too much, then gently fold in the breadcrumbs, herbs, and other remaining ingredients. You can shape the mixture into 6-8 crab cakes, using about 1/3 cup of the mixture for each cake. Place the cakes on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour to help them set.

Finally, you're ready to cook your crab cakes! You can either fry them in a pan with a little oil, bake them in the oven, or cook them in an air fryer. If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray the crab cakes with cooking spray, then place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Serve with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or your favourite dipping sauce.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy, and juicy crab cakes to enjoy.

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. However, on average, it takes around 8 to 10 minutes to cook crab cakes in an air fryer.

For example, one source recommends cooking crab cakes in an air fryer at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes without flipping them. Another source suggests cooking them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a total of 8 to 10 minutes, turning them halfway through.

If you are cooking frozen crab cakes, the cooking time may be slightly shorter, around 7 to 8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the crab cakes and the specific air fryer model, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on them while they are cooking to avoid overcooking.

Additionally, some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the crab cakes, which can help ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.

How to serve crab cakes

Crab cakes are a delicious treat, and there are many ways to serve them. You can serve them as an appetizer, or as a light meal. You can even put them in a burrito bowl!

If you're looking for a classic, you can serve crab cakes on a soft bread bun with lettuce and tomato. The soft, buttery flavour of the bun complements the crab meat, while the lettuce and tomato add a refreshing bite. If you want to skip the bun, you can serve the crab cake with a side of potatoes or fries, or a salad.

For a more unique take, you can serve crab cakes with a sauce like tartar, cocktail sauce, or remoulade. You could also try a punchy combo of sour cream, mayonnaise, and horseradish, or a chilled soup like gazpacho. If you're feeling creative, make a silky, sweet, pureed corn soup and serve the crab cakes on top.

If you're serving a crowd, you can make mini crab cakes to serve on brioche bread or buns with spicy mayo and kimchi. Or, if you want to keep things simple, serve them with a side of broiled asparagus or red cabbage slaw.

And don't forget, crab cakes can be cooked in an air fryer in just a few minutes! So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious treat, an air fryer is a great option.

How to store crab cakes

Crab cakes are best served immediately after cooking. However, you can shape the patties a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Then, cook them right before serving.

If you have leftover crab cakes, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Reheat them on the stove when you're ready to enjoy them again.

For longer storage, freeze uncooked crab cakes. Spread them out on a tray and place them in the freezer until they are solid. Then, transfer the crab cakes to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to three to six months.

Alternative cooking methods

Crab cakes are a delicious, easy-to-make treat, and there are several ways to cook them. While air frying is a popular option, you can also cook crab cakes in a skillet, bake them in an oven, or even reheat them in a microwave.

Skillet

Cooking crab cakes in a skillet is a common method. It involves heating a skillet to medium heat and coating it with oil. Once the oil is hot, place the crab cakes in the pan and cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This method gives crab cakes a crunchy golden crust, which is half of what makes crab cakes so iconic.

Oven

You can also bake crab cakes in an oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or a baking sheet. Place the crab cakes on the tray and bake for 8 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway, until they are golden brown. Baking is a good option if you are making a large batch of crab cakes, as it allows you to cook multiple crab cakes at once.

Microwave

While not ideal for freshly cooked crab cakes, you can use a microwave to reheat leftover crab cakes. However, it is recommended to avoid using a microwave, as it can affect the taste and texture of the crab cakes. Instead, reheat leftover crab cakes in a hot pan with some oil for a few minutes on each side.

Air Fryer

Air frying is a popular choice for cooking crab cakes, as it is quick, easy, and results in crispy and juicy crab cakes. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (187°C) or 400°F (200°C), depending on the recipe. Lightly spray the crab cakes with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Frequently asked questions