Air-Fried Crab Cakes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Crab cakes are a delicious treat, but frying them can be messy and time-consuming. Fortunately, air fryers provide a simple solution to this problem. Air-fried crab cakes are quick and easy to make, with less mess and cleanup, but with no sacrifice to taste. They are also healthier than deep-fried crab cakes, as they require barely any oil. This introduction will cover the benefits of using an air fryer to make crab cakes, as well as a simple recipe to get you started.

Crab cake ingredients and quantities

Crab cakes are a tasty treat, and making them in an air fryer is a healthier option than deep-frying them. Here is a list of ingredients and quantities to make crab cakes in an air fryer:

• Crab Meat: Use lump crab meat, which will provide a rich flavour and texture. You can also use jumbo lump crab meat, either in brine or canned. If you can't find lump crab meat, you can use imitation crab, but the cakes may need some cornstarch or flour to help bind them.
• Egg: This will help bind the ingredients together. Use it at room temperature.
• Mayonnaise: This adds moisture and a little tanginess to the crab cakes, and helps keep the inside moist and the outside crispy.
• Dijon Mustard: This adds some zing to the flavour.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This adds umami depth and a fabulous savoury flavour with a bit of tang.
• Old Bay Seasoning: This is the secret ingredient for any good crab cake. It is a traditional seasoning for seafood.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These add a crispy texture. The larger flakes help keep the filling intact and the outside crispy.
• Fresh Herbs: You can use fresh parsley to offer a fresh, herbaceous note, and green onions to add colour and a bit of sharpness.
• Salt and Pepper: Use these to season, but go easy on the salt as other ingredients may already be quite salty.
• Other Vegetables: You can add finely chopped celery, red bell peppers, and sliced green onions for colour and texture.
• Binder: If you are making keto crab cakes, you can use almond flour or crushed pork rinds as a binder instead of breadcrumbs.

Once you have your ingredients, simply mix them together, shape them into patties, and cook them in your air fryer!

How to mix crab cake batter

Mixing crab cake batter is a simple process, but it's important to do it gently to avoid breaking up the crab meat too much. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to mix crab cake batter:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Firstly, you'll need to gather all the ingredients for your crab cakes. The exact ingredients may vary depending on your recipe, but typically you'll need crab meat, mayonnaise, an egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay or other seafood seasoning, breadcrumbs or crackers, and some chopped vegetables such as red bell pepper, celery, or green onion.

Step 2: Prepare the Crab Meat

Start by draining the crab meat and removing any excess moisture by gently squeezing it. You can use a fork to break up the crab meat slightly, but try to keep the lumps intact as much as possible.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, combine the wet ingredients: beat an egg, then add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and any other wet ingredients your recipe calls for. Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined and form a thick, creamy mixture.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

To the wet mixture, add your dry ingredients: breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs, Old Bay or seafood seasoning, and any chopped vegetables or herbs. Stir everything together gently, being careful not to break up the crab meat lumps. You may also want to add a small amount of flour or cornstarch at this stage if your mixture seems too thin.

Step 5: Mix in the Crab Meat

Finally, gently fold the crab meat into the mixture. Try to keep the lumps of crab meat as intact as possible while still ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined. You can use your hands for this step to ensure the mixture stays light and airy.

Step 6: Chill the Batter

Once your crab cake batter is mixed, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help the batter firm up and make it easier to form patties.

Now your crab cake batter is ready to be formed into patties and cooked in your air fryer!

Crab cake shaping and freezing

Shaping crab cakes is a delicate process, as you want to keep the crab meat lumps intact. Combine the crab meat with the other ingredients, then use your hands to form the mixture into patties. Be sure to handle the mixture gently, as over-shaping can make the cakes dense and cause the crab meat to break apart.

Once you've shaped your crab cakes, place them on a plate lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer for 5-30 minutes to firm up before cooking. This will help them hold their shape during the cooking process.

If you're not planning to cook the crab cakes right away, you can store them in the freezer for up to two months. Place the crab cakes in a shallow container and freeze them. When you're ready to cook the frozen crab cakes, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook them for 2-3 minutes to reheat them thoroughly.

Air-frying the crab cakes

Air-frying crab cakes is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, crispy, and juicy dish with minimal mess and cleanup. Here is a step-by-step guide to air-frying crab cakes:

Step 1: Prepare the Crab Cake Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and any other desired ingredients such as parsley, green onions, or bell peppers. Gently mix the ingredients until well combined, being careful not to break up the crab meat lumps too much. You can use a fork or your hands to mix the crab cake mixture gently.

Step 2: Form the Crab Cakes

Use your hands to shape the crab mixture into equal-sized patties. Lightly wet your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers. Place the formed crab cakes on a plate lined with parchment paper. You can also chill the crab cake mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping to help it firm up and hold together better.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350-400°F (180-200°C). Greasing the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil is also recommended to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Air Fry the Crab Cakes

Place the crab cakes in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Lightly spray or brush the tops of the crab cakes with oil or melted butter. Air fry for about 5-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. The crab cakes are done when they are crispy and golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your air-fried crab cakes with your favourite dipping sauces, such as remoulade, aioli, or tartar sauce, and fresh lemon wedges. You can also sprinkle some chopped green onions or parsley on top for added freshness and colour. Enjoy your delicious and crispy crab cakes!

Storing and reheating crab cakes

When it comes to storing and reheating crab cakes, there are a few important tips to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Firstly, always allow your crab cakes to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container, with a layer of wax paper or baking paper between each cake to prevent them from sticking together. If you have made a large batch, consider freezing some for later. Crab cakes can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh within the first 2 days.

To reheat crab cakes in your air fryer, simply place them back in the air fryer basket at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the crab cakes on a baking sheet. Heat for 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through. If they are frozen, add a few minutes to the heating time, and ensure the cakes are heated thoroughly.

For frozen crab cakes, you can cook them directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time. In the air fryer, set them at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through, flipping them halfway through. In the oven, preheat to 375–400°F and cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until hot all the way through. You can also defrost them first and then reheat using the methods above.

Crab cakes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be successfully stored and reheated, making them a versatile dish. Always ensure they are heated thoroughly before serving, and consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a tangy sauce to freshen up the flavors. With these simple tips, you can enjoy delicious crab cakes any time!

Frequently asked questions