Cody Casey
Crab cakes are a delicious treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare them. You can use either homemade or store-bought crab cakes, and they'll be ready in minutes. The air fryer gives crab cakes a crispy, golden crust without drying out the soft and juicy centre. You can also use the air fryer to reheat leftover crab cakes, and they'll taste just as good as when they were freshly cooked.
Cooking Pre-made Crab Cakes in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Temperature | 370-400°Fahrenheit |
| Preheat Air Fryer | Yes |
| Cooking Spray | Olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, vegetable oil |
| Crab Cake Placement | Single layer, not overcrowded |
| Basket Liner | Parchment paper or aluminium foil |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days |
| Freezing | Place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in the cooking process. It ensures your crab cakes cook evenly and helps to achieve that desirable golden crust. Depending on your air fryer model, preheat the air fryer for at least 5 minutes before placing your crab cakes inside.
It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking crab cakes, as it will give them a nice golden colour and a crispy texture without drying out the crab mixture.
If you are cooking frozen crab cakes, it is important to note that you should not thaw them before placing them in the air fryer. Cooking them from frozen will ensure the most accurate cooking time. Place the frozen crab cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket or rack, ensuring there is some space between them for the hot air to circulate.
To prevent sticking, it is advisable to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil. However, some people have reported that parchment paper can catch fire, so if you are concerned, aluminium foil is a safer option. Lightly spray the crab cakes with cooking oil or butter before placing them in the air fryer. This will help to achieve a crispy exterior and prevent sticking.
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Prepare the crab cake mixture
To prepare the crab cake mixture, you'll need crab meat, an egg, mayonnaise, mustard, seasoning, and a binding agent to hold the mixture together.
For the crab meat, opt for lump crab meat instead of claw meat for the best flavour and texture. Drain the crab meat and gently squeeze out any excess moisture.
In a large bowl, break up the crab meat with a fork. Add in your desired seasonings, such as Old Bay, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like parsley and green onion. You can also add in some Dijon mustard for a tangy flavour and Worcestershire sauce for depth. Stir everything together until well combined.
Next, you'll want to add a binding agent to help the cakes hold together. You can use breadcrumbs, cracker crumbs, or almond flour for this step. Stir in your chosen binder until the mixture is well combined.
Finally, add in an egg and some mayonnaise to help bind the ingredients and keep the crab cakes moist. Stir everything together until you have a well-combined, moistened mixture.
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Form the crab cakes
To form the crab cakes, you'll need to combine your chosen ingredients in a large bowl. Most recipes suggest using a combination of crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Some recipes also include eggs, bread crumbs, and vegetables such as bell peppers, celery, and onions.
Once you've gathered and mixed your ingredients, it's time to shape them into patties. Use your hands to form the mixture into cakes that are about 3/4 inch to 1 inch thick. If you're making mini crab cakes, keep in mind that they will cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
After forming the crab cakes, it's a good idea to chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up before cooking. This step is especially important if you're using a binder like eggs or mayonnaise, as it will help the cakes hold their shape during cooking.
If you're not planning to cook the crab cakes right away, you can also freeze them for longer storage. Place the uncooked crab cakes on a tray and freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to three months in the freezer.
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Place crab cakes in the air fryer
When you are ready to cook your crab cakes, place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between each cake. This will allow the hot air to circulate and cook them evenly. If you are using a liner, place the crab cakes on the liner before starting the air fryer. The weight of the crab cakes will hold the liner down and prevent it from flying up into the fan and heating element.
You can spray the crab cakes with cooking spray, avocado oil, olive oil, or canola oil to help achieve a crispier exterior. Alternatively, brush the crab cakes with melted butter before adding them to the air fryer for a nicely browned exterior.
Once the crab cakes are in the air fryer, close the basket and cook at 370-400°F for 8-11 minutes, or until the exterior is golden brown and the interior is hot. If you are cooking mini crab cakes, check on them after 5-7 minutes.
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Serve with sauces and garnishes
Crab cakes are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, light meal, or even a sandwich filling. When it comes to serving your air-fried crab cakes, there are several sauces and garnishes that can enhance their flavour and presentation.
One popular option is to serve crab cakes with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which adds a bright, tangy note to the dish. You can also offer lemon wedges on the side, allowing your guests to add a spritz of lemon to their taste. Another classic sauce that pairs well with crab cakes is tartar sauce or remoulade, which can be store-bought or homemade. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, chipotle sauce is a great choice to serve with crab cakes, adding a smoky kick to the dish.
If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, hollandaise or lemon butter sauce can take your crab cakes to the next level. You can also offer a variety of garnishes to sprinkle over the crab cakes, such as fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill, adding a pop of colour and a burst of freshness to the plate.
Lastly, don't forget that crab cakes are delicious on their own, with the sweet, juicy crab meat taking centre stage. So, while sauces and garnishes can enhance the dish, it's not necessary to overwhelm the natural flavour of the crab.
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Frequently asked questions
Pre-made crab cakes should be cooked in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes. If you are cooking mini crab cakes, check on them after 5-7 minutes.
To get the crab cakes crispy, spray them with a little cooking oil, like canola, vegetable, avocado, or olive oil. You can also use a cooking spray.
Pre-made crab cakes should be cooked at 370-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can store pre-made crab cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
