Air-Fried Crab Balls: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Crab balls, or crab cakes as they are sometimes called, are a delicious snack or meal that can be made in an air fryer with minimal mess and fuss. The key to a good crab cake is allowing the flavour of the crab to shine through, so be sure to use a good quality crab meat and don't overload the mixture with too many other ingredients.

Choosing the right crab meat

Type of Crab Meat

The type of crab meat you choose will depend on your preference and budget. For crab balls, it is best to use a blend of crab meat that includes some lump crab meat to give your crab balls a meaty texture. You can find canned "crab cake blend" in the refrigerated fish section of your supermarket. This blend is pasteurized and needs to be kept cold before use. If you want to splurge, you can opt for the top-of-the-line lump crab or jumbo lump crab meat, which will give your crab balls a rich flavour and texture. However, it is more expensive.

Freshness and Quality

When selecting crab meat, always choose high-quality, fresh crab meat for the best flavour and texture. Check the packaging and use-by dates to ensure the crab meat is fresh. If you are buying crab meat from a fish counter, ask for advice on the freshest options. Pick over the meat to remove any shells or cartilage before using it.

Amount of Crab Meat

Crab balls are at their best when they are packed with crab meat. Look for recipes that include lots of crab meat in proportion to other ingredients. This will ensure that your crab balls have a strong crab flavour and a satisfying texture.

Storage and Preparation

When storing crab meat, keep it refrigerated until you are ready to use it. If you are not using the crab meat immediately, check that it can be frozen and defrosted safely before using it. Some crab meat needs to be kept chilled before use, so always follow the storage instructions on the packaging.

Mixing the ingredients

• Prepare your ingredients: Gather all the ingredients you'll need for your crab balls, including crab meat, breadcrumbs or crackers, an egg, mayonnaise, mustard, seasoning, and any optional ingredients like peppers, parsley, or onions.
• Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients, such as breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs, with your chosen seasonings. You can use a fork or a whisk to mix everything together evenly.
• Add wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients, including the egg, mayonnaise, and mustard. Whisk them together until they form a smooth, cohesive mixture.
• Combine crab meat and wet ingredients: In the same bowl as your wet ingredients, add the crab meat. Gently fold the crab meat into the wet mixture, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much. You want to retain some nice chunky pieces of crab in your mixture.
• Mix dry and wet ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the bowl with the crab meat and wet ingredients. Combine everything gently until all the ingredients are incorporated. You can use a spatula or a large spoon for this step.
• Adjust seasoning: Once all the ingredients are combined, taste a small amount of the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to suit your preference.
• Chill the mixture: Before forming the crab balls, it's a good idea to chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up and makes it easier to shape into balls.

Now that your ingredients are mixed, you're ready to form the crab mixture into balls and place them in the air fryer!

Forming the crab balls

Forming crab balls is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to ensure they hold together and cook evenly. Here is a detailed guide on forming crab balls for air frying:

Firstly, gather your crab meat and other ingredients. Most recipes call for lump crab or jumbo lump crab meat, but claw meat is also an option and tends to be more affordable. You can also use imitation crab meat, which is a blend of white fish and starches, but be sure to drain it well if using canned crab.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat with your desired seasonings and binders. Common seasonings include Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, parsley, green onions, and black pepper. For binders, you can use eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, or a combination of these. Some recipes also include breadcrumbs, crushed saltines, or almond flour to help bind and add texture.

Gently mix all the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much, as you want to keep those delicious lumps intact. You can use your hands or a spatula for this step.

Once your mixture is ready, it's time to form the crab balls. Use a scoop or your hands to portion out the mixture into evenly sized balls. Squeeze them together gently to ensure they hold their shape, but be careful not to pack them too tightly. Aim for a light and gentle squeeze.

Place the formed crab balls on a plate or tray. Some recipes recommend chilling the crab balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them firm up and hold together better during air frying.

Finally, arrange the crab balls in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for even cooking. Brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking, and you're ready to start cooking!

Remember to cook your crab balls at the recommended temperature and time for your chosen recipe. Enjoy your delicious, golden, and crispy crab balls!

Cooking the crab balls

Now that you have your crab mixture ready, it's time to shape them into balls. Take some of the mixtures and gently form them into balls, slightly smaller than golf balls. Place them on a plate or tray. You should get around 12-15 crab balls from the mixture.

Once all the crab balls are shaped, place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to chill and firm up. This will help them hold their shape better during cooking.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 370°F (187°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or brush with oil. You can also line the basket with parchment paper or an air fryer liner for easier cleanup.

Place the crab balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for even cooking. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook the crab balls for 6-8 minutes at 370°F (187°C). For a crispier texture, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

When the crab balls are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate. Serve them with your favourite dipping sauce, such as remoulade, spicy mayo, or tartar sauce, and some fresh lemon wedges on the side.

These crab balls are best served fresh, but you can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 4-5 minutes to regain their crispy texture.

Serving suggestions

Crab cakes are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, main course, or even a sandwich. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Snack or Appetiser

Crab cakes can be served as bite-sized snacks or appetisers. They can be served with various dipping sauces such as remoulade, aioli, or tartar sauce. For a simple yet elegant presentation, serve them with fresh lemon wedges on the side, allowing your guests to squeeze a bit of lemon over the crab cakes before taking a bite.

As a Main Course

Crab cakes can be a delicious main course, served with a side of coleslaw and boiled corn on the cob. For a heartier meal, serve them as a sandwich on a buttery, toasted bun with lettuce and tomato, and a spread of mayonnaise.

As a Brunch Option

For a tasty brunch option, serve crab cakes with a fried egg and some avocado on top. You can also pair them with an arugula salad with a lemony dill dressing.

Reheating and Storage

Leftover crab cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, reheat the crab cakes in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes to regain their crispy texture.

Enjoy experimenting with different serving options, and feel free to customise the crab cakes with your favourite ingredients and seasonings!

Frequently asked questions