Air Fryer Crab Cakes: How Long To Cook?

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, while the inside remains moist and flavourful. With a simple list of ingredients and a short preparation time, air-fried crab cakes are an excellent choice for a quick and easy meal or appetizer.

Crab cake ingredients and preparation

Crab cakes are easy to make and are best served immediately. They can be made with a variety of ingredients, but the key is to use fresh, good-quality lump crab meat and just enough filler to bind the crab meat together. Here is a list of common ingredients used in crab cakes:

• Crab meat: Use jumbo lump crab meat, either in brine or canned. If you can't find lump crab meat, you can use imitation crab, but you may need to add some cornstarch or flour to help bind the mixture.
• Egg: Helps to bind the ingredients together.
• Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps to bind the mixture.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy flavor and helps to bind the mixture.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth.
• Old Bay seasoning: Traditional seasoning for seafood, adding spice.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy texture. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs, which have larger flakes that help keep the filling intact and make the outside crispier.
• Fresh herbs: Such as parsley or chives, offer a fresh, herbaceous note.
• Spices: Such as kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, to taste.
• Vegetables: Such as celery, red bell peppers, or green onions, finely chopped, for color and a little crunch.
• Lemon: For zest and juice, to add a tangy flavor.

To make crab cakes, simply combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, being careful not to break up the crab meat. Shape the mixture into patties and refrigerate for at least an hour to help them set.

When you are ready to cook, you can either pan-fry, bake, or air-fry the crab cakes. For pan-frying, heat some butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the crab cakes for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. For baking, preheat the oven to 200C/400F and bake the crab cakes for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

If you are using an air fryer, spray the crab cakes lightly with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook at 200C/400F for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serve crab cakes with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, remoulade, or aïoli, as well as fresh lemon wedges.

Air fryer temperature and duration

The air fryer is a great way to cook crab cakes, giving them a crispy texture without drying out the crab mixture. The temperature and duration of cooking will depend on the size of your crab cakes and the model of your air fryer.

For regular-sized crab cakes, a temperature of 360-400°F is recommended. The duration of cooking will be around 8-12 minutes, or until the crab cakes are golden brown. If you are cooking frozen crab cakes, the duration will be slightly longer at 9-11 minutes.

For mini crab cakes, the cooking time will be shorter. Check the crab cakes after 6 minutes to see if they are done to your liking.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so it is recommended to keep an eye on the crab cakes during the cooking process to ensure they do not overcook or dry out.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to ensure consistent cooking. It is also recommended to spray the crab cakes with cooking spray or olive oil to help achieve a crispy exterior.

Crab cake serving suggestions

Crab cakes are a great appetizer or party snack, and can be served as a light dinner. They are best served hot with a side dish and a dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, remoulade, or aïoli.

Sauces

• Remoulade: a classic condiment that pairs perfectly with crab cakes. It is a spicy, French sauce that typically includes mayonnaise, whole-grain mustard, ketchup, minced garlic, grated horseradish, lemon juice, chopped capers, parsley, and onions. Cajun seasoning and hot pepper sauce are added for a spicy kick.
• Tartar sauce: another classic dipping sauce for crab cakes.
• Aïoli: a garlic mayonnaise that adds a tangy twist to crab cakes.

Side Dishes

• Roasted vegetables: a healthy and delicious option. Try baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, yellow bell peppers, and asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil and add salt, pepper, and dried herbs to taste.
• Sautéed corn and bell peppers: a classic Mexican side dish that goes well with crab cakes. Sauté onions, garlic, corn, red, green, and yellow bell peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro. Add Mexican seasoning, salt, pepper, and chili flakes to taste.
• Herb-roasted potatoes: a hearty side dish that will turn your supper into a dinner. Try russet or Yukon gold potatoes for a crunchy texture. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and add chopped cilantro and garlic, turmeric powder, oregano, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Mayo potato salad: a delicious alternative to roasted potatoes. Boil potatoes with the skins on, then drain and chop into bite-sized cubes. Add olive oil, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, Dijon mustard, mixed herbs, and chopped cilantro. For an extra creamy texture, add mayonnaise and deep-fried onions.
• Fresh green salad: a healthy choice to balance the grease in crab cakes. Try a mix of lettuce, green cabbage, green bell pepper, cilantro, baby spinach, pecans, and goat cheese. For the dressing, combine olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
• Mango salsa: a sweet and spicy pairing. Chop mangoes, red onions, red bell peppers, and jalapenos into small cubes and combine. Add fresh lime juice, chili flakes, and chopped cilantro to taste.
• Tomato, peach, and corn salad: a surprising but satisfying combination. Mix crunchy sweet corn, ripe peaches, and juicy beefsteak tomatoes with a honey vinaigrette. Add fresh basil for extra flavor.
• Pineapple-pepper slaw: a colorful and crunchy side dish with just the right amount of sweetness and heat. This slaw is also great over pulled pork, and the honey dressing can be used on fish and chicken.

Crab cake storage and reheating

Crab cakes are a delicate dish, and storing them properly is crucial to maintaining their quality. Before cooking, it is best to keep crab cakes refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth. If you plan on freezing them, wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn, which can negatively affect their texture and flavour.

When it comes to reheating crab cakes, the goal is to preserve their crispy exterior and moist interior. Here are some tips for reheating and storing your crab cakes:

Storing Crab Cakes

• Refrigeration: Place crab cakes in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Keep your refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F (4°C) to effectively slow bacterial growth and preserve freshness.
• Freezing: For longer-term storage, freezing crab cakes can help preserve their taste and prevent spoilage. Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Wrap each crab cake individually in plastic wrap or aluminium foil before placing them in the freezer bag or container. Label the container with the date to track storage time.

Reheating Crab Cakes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C-177°C) for a gentle reheat. Line a baking sheet with foil and space out the crab cakes evenly. Covering the crab cakes with foil for most of the reheating process can help prevent them from drying out. Remove the foil towards the end for a quick broil to restore crispness.
• Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F and reheat for a few minutes. Preheating is crucial to ensure the crab cakes start cooking immediately. Arrange them in a single layer in the basket, leaving space for air circulation. Cooking spray is optional but can help maintain moisture. Reheat for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through for even heating.
• Microwave: While quick, the microwave is less ideal for maintaining texture. Place crab cakes in a microwave-safe container and cover loosely with a damp paper towel to promote moisture retention. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet with a lid and add a small amount of butter or olive oil. Place over medium heat and add crab cakes in a single layer. Covering the skillet helps trap steam and keep the crab cakes moist. Monitor the temperature and adjust as needed to prevent burning. Flip the crab cakes halfway through for even heating.

Air fryer crab cakes vs. pan-fried crab cakes

Air fryer crab cakes are a quick, easy, and delicious alternative to the traditional pan-fried method. With just a few minutes of prep time and a short cooking time, you can enjoy crispy and juicy crab cakes with less mess and stress. Here's a detailed comparison between air fryer crab cakes and pan-fried crab cakes:

Taste and Texture

Both air fryer and pan-fried crab cakes offer a delicious combination of flavours and textures. However, air fryer crab cakes are known for their crispy and golden-brown crust, achieved through the even circulation of hot air. The air fryer method also results in a juicy interior, ensuring every bite is flavourful and tender.

Health Considerations

Air-frying crab cakes is generally considered a healthier option than pan-frying. This is because air frying requires minimal oil, often just a light spritz, compared to the larger amount of oil typically used in a pan. As a result, air fryer crab cakes can be a more nutritious choice, with less added fat.

Ease of Preparation

One of the biggest advantages of air fryer crab cakes is the reduced mess and cleanup. Pan-frying crab cakes can be a messy endeavour, with oil splatters and the need for constant monitoring. In contrast, air frying contains the cooking process within the air fryer basket, resulting in less mess and a more relaxed cooking experience.

Customisation

Both air fryer and pan-fried crab cakes offer opportunities for customisation. You can add various ingredients to the crab cake mixture, such as celery, red bell peppers, parsley, or green onions. Additionally, the type of crab meat used can be adjusted based on your preference and budget. Lump crab or jumbo lump crab meat is typically recommended for the best flavour and texture, but imitation crab or claw meat can also be used.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover crab cakes, whether air-fried or pan-fried, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. They can also be frozen for longer-term storage. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes, and they'll be as good as new.

Air fryer crab cakes offer a convenient, mess-free, and healthier alternative to traditional pan-fried crab cakes without sacrificing taste or texture. With a short prep and cooking time, you can enjoy delicious crab cakes with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. So, the next time you're craving crab cakes, consider giving your air fryer a try!

Frequently asked questions