Emilie Meyer
Crab cakes are a delicious and easy-to-make treat, especially when cooked in an air fryer. With an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy exterior without drying out the crab mixture inside. The air fryer also means less mess and less cleanup than traditional frying methods. You can cook store-bought crab cakes in an air fryer in just a few simple steps.
Cooking store-bought crab cakes in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350F-400F |
| Cooking time | 5-11 minutes |
| Spray | Cooking spray, oil, or avocado oil spray |
| Flip | Yes, halfway through |
| Parchment paper/aluminum foil | Optional |
| Basket | Leave space between crab cakes |
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What You'll Learn
Crab cake ingredients and preparation
Crab cakes are a culinary staple in Maryland, and for good reason—they're absolutely packed with crab meat and made with very little filler, so the crab flavour shines. The best crab cakes are loaded with crab meat, baked or broiled to perfection, and perfectly light and moist.
The key to a great crab cake is to use fresh, good-quality lump crab meat. Look for fresh-off-the-boat crab meat, which is usually sold in a clear plastic container, resting on ice in the seafood department. It's expensive, but one pound is enough to make six generous crab cakes (or 12 mini ones). If fresh crab meat is not available, you can use refrigerated crab meat.
When preparing your crab cakes, be sure to check the meat for any hard and sharp cartilage. Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to shred or break up the lumps, as you want them to remain intact. You can use a rubber spatula to gently combine the mixture. Shape the crab cakes with lightly wet hands so the mixture doesn’t stick to your fingers. If the batter is too thin, sprinkle in a little extra panko, and if it’s too thick, add a little milk or water.
To add flavour and help bind the mixture, whisk together mayonnaise, egg, mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined. Then, gently fold in the crab meat and panko breadcrumbs. You can also add sliced green onion, cooked potato, tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra flavour.
Once your crab cakes are shaped, place them on a prepared baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour, or even overnight, to help them set and firm up.
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Air fryer settings and cooking time
The cooking time and temperature settings for your air fryer will depend on the type of crab cakes you are cooking. For instance, the cooking time for mini crab cakes will be shorter than that of regular-sized crab cakes.
If you are cooking frozen crab cakes, it is recommended that you cook them from frozen for the most accurate cooking time. Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes, and then place the crab cakes in the air fryer basket, preferably lined with parchment paper or aluminium foil. If you are cooking mini frozen crab cakes, cook them for 5-7 minutes, checking on them until they are golden and hot in the centre. For regular-sized frozen crab cakes, cook for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through.
If you are cooking homemade crab cakes, the cooking time and temperature settings will vary depending on the recipe. Some recipes suggest cooking crab cakes at 350F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Other recipes suggest cooking at 370F for 10 minutes without flipping. A third option is to cook the crab cakes at 300F for about 5 minutes.
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How to get a crispy exterior
To get a crispy exterior on your crab cakes, you can follow a few simple steps. Firstly, ensure your air fryer is preheated to the desired temperature, usually between 350-400°F. Next, spray the crab cakes with a light coating of cooking spray, oil, or melted butter. This will help to create a crispy, golden exterior. Place the crab cakes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, as this can impact the crispiness.
Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your crab cakes, but on average, they will take around 8-10 minutes to cook through. For mini crab cakes, check on them after 5-7 minutes. You may want to flip the crab cakes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.
If you are cooking frozen crab cakes, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-11 minutes, or until heated through. You can also broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end to enhance the crispiness.
By following these steps, you should achieve a crispy exterior on your crab cakes, with a moist and juicy interior.
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Storing and reheating crab cakes
Storing crab cakes
If you have leftover crab cakes, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three to five days. For longer storage, freeze uncooked crab cakes on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Reheating crab cakes in an air fryer
To reheat crab cakes in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the crab cakes for 2 to 3 minutes. You can also reheat frozen crab cakes in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, lightly spray them with oil, and air fry at 380°F for 8 to 10 minutes or until heated through.
Reheating crab cakes in the oven
Crab cakes can also be reheated in the oven. Space them out on a baking sheet, top them with a thin slice of cold butter, and place them in a hot oven until heated through. Adding a pan of water on another rack can help prevent the crab cakes from drying out by creating a moist environment.
Reheating crab cakes on the stove
The stove is another option for reheating crab cakes. This method involves lightly steaming the crab cakes with water or frying them in oil for a crispier result.
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Keto-friendly crab cake alternatives
Crab cakes are a delicious and easy-to-make treat, especially when cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer helps you achieve a golden, crispy exterior with a juicy, tender interior in just a few minutes. While crab cakes are already a keto-friendly option, you can make them even more keto-compliant by using certain ingredients and serving them with low-carb sides. Here are some ideas for keto-friendly crab cake alternatives:
- Almond Flour or Coconut Flour: Instead of using regular wheat flour or breadcrumbs, opt for almond flour or coconut flour. These alternatives are low in carbohydrates and can give your crab cakes a wonderfully crispy texture.
- Keto Breadcrumbs: If you prefer the traditional texture of breadcrumbs, you can find keto-friendly options made from crushed pork rinds or other low-carb ingredients.
- Lump Crab Meat: Choose fresh lump crab meat for the best flavour and texture. Jumbo lump crab meat, although more expensive, will give you larger chunks of crab in your cakes.
- Mayonnaise and Dijon Mustard: These ingredients add moisture and a tangy flavour to your crab cakes. Make sure to use full-fat mayonnaise and whole eggs to keep them keto-friendly.
- Spices and Seasonings: Enhance the flavour of your crab cakes with spices like Old Bay Seasoning, garlic, kosher salt, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Fresh or dried parsley also adds a nice herbaceous note.
- Low-Carb Sides and Sauces: Serve your crab cakes with low-carb sides such as mixed greens, zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, sautéed spinach, avocado slices, or pickled vegetables. For a sauce, make a keto tartar sauce with keto mayo, pickles, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. You can also try an avocado aioli or a lemon dill sauce.
Remember, when cooking store-bought crab cakes in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 370-400°F and cook the crab cakes for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For mini crab cakes, reduce the cooking time to 5-7 minutes. Always cook them from frozen for the best results.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 8 to 10 minutes to cook store-bought crab cakes in an air fryer. If you are cooking mini crab cakes, they will take less time, around 5-7 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (around 180-200°C).
Spray the crab cakes with cooking spray or olive oil before placing them in the air fryer. You can also brush the cakes with butter for added flavor and crispness.
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil. You can also spray the basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Place leftover crab cakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-5 days. For longer storage, freeze the crab cakes in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months.
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