Air-Fried Crab Puffs: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Crab puffs are a delicious, easy-to-make appetiser that can be prepared using an air fryer. Crab puffs are essentially Crab Rangoon, which is a wonton wrapper filled with crab meat and cream cheese, but in a puff pastry form. They are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. This recipe is a great option for a party or get-together and can be enjoyed guilt-free as it is a healthier alternative to frying.

Choosing your crab meat

Crab puffs are a type of Crab Rangoon, which is a wonton wrapper filled with crab meat and cream cheese. Crab Rangoon is usually made with imitation crab meat, but you can also use real crab meat.

When choosing your crab meat, there are a few options to consider. Imitation crab meat is made from pollock and has a firmer texture and sweeter flavour than real crab meat. It is also usually less expensive. If you opt for real crab meat, you can choose between lump crab meat or claw meat. Lump crab meat will give you larger pieces of crab in your crab puffs, while claw meat is less expensive and free of shells. You can also use snow crab legs, which are sweeter and saltier than other types of crab meat.

When buying crab meat, it is important to consider the source to ensure the best quality. If you are using imitation crab meat, look for a product that contains crab extract for added flavour.

In addition to the type of crab meat, you can also choose between canned or fresh crab meat. If you are using canned crab meat, be sure to flake it before adding it to the other ingredients. Fresh crab meat will break up on its own when mixed with the other ingredients.

When preparing crab puffs, it is important not to overfill the wonton wrappers, as this can cause them to leak or explode during cooking. Be sure to seal the wrappers tightly and remove any excess air to prevent them from bursting.

Preparing the filling

Start by roughly chopping the crab meat into small pieces. If you are using imitation crab meat, it will break up on its own when mixed with the other ingredients. For shrimp, you will need to sauté and chop them into small pieces beforehand. Ensure that any seafood you use is safe to eat as-is, and if it needs to be cooked, do so before adding it to the filling.

Next, add the room-temperature cream cheese to the chopped seafood. You can use either low-fat or full-fat cream cheese, depending on your preference. Mix these ingredients thoroughly.

Now, it's time to add the remaining ingredients to the mixture. Finely chop the green onions or scallions and add them to the bowl. You can also use garlic powder or minced garlic cloves for extra flavour. Additionally, include the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning. If you want to add some spice, incorporate horseradish or hot sauce. Don't be afraid to adjust the quantities of these ingredients to suit your taste.

Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, mix them well until they are fully combined. And that's it! Your crab puff filling is now ready to be used. Remember to taste the filling as you go along to ensure it suits your preferences, and feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your unique crab puffs.

Folding the crab puffs

Step 1: Prepare the Work Surface

Before you start folding, it is important to prepare your work surface. Lay out your wonton wrappers on a cooling rack or a clean, flat surface. The cooling rack is ideal as it allows any moisture from the sealing process to drip through, preventing your wonton wrappers from becoming too wet.

Step 2: Fill and Seal the Crab Puffs

Place a scoop of the crab mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the crab puffs to leak during cooking. Use a pastry brush or your finger to apply a small amount of water to the edges of the wrapper. This will help seal the crab puffs.

Step 3: Folding Technique

Now it's time to fold your crab puffs into their distinctive shape. There are a few different techniques you can use:

• The 4-Pointed Star Method: This method involves bringing the opposite corners of the wonton wrapper together and pinching them closed near the filling. Then, bring one of the remaining corners to the center and crimp it closed. Finally, bring the last corner to the center and seal it.
• The Triangle Method: This is a simpler folding technique. Simply fold the wonton wrapper diagonally across to form a triangle. You can then bring the two opposite corners of the triangle together and seal them.
• The Traditional Wonton Shape: This method involves crimping the wrapper corners upwards to meet in the center to form dumplings.

Step 4: Finalize and Cook

Once you have folded all your crab puffs, it's time to cook them. Place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray the tops with oil and cook according to your recipe instructions.

And that's it! You now know how to fold crab puffs for air frying. With these techniques, you can create delicious, crispy, and perfectly shaped crab puffs every time.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for crab puffs in an air fryer will vary depending on the specific model and brand of the appliance. However, in general, you should preheat your air fryer to a high temperature, typically between 350-385°F, for about 5-10 minutes.

Once the air fryer is preheated, you can place the crab puffs inside and cook them for about 5-10 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispness and browning. It is important to note that you should not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can limit airflow and affect the cooking process. If needed, cook the crab puffs in batches to ensure even cooking.

During the cooking process, you may need to flip or turn the crab puffs to ensure even browning on all sides. Additionally, spraying the crab puffs with oil before placing them in the air fryer can help enhance the crispness and texture.

When cooking crab puffs in an air fryer, it is crucial to monitor them closely to prevent overcooking or burning. The cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on them and adjust the temperature or timing as needed.

For frozen crab puffs, you can cook them directly from frozen in the air fryer, but be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through.

Serving suggestions

Crab puffs are a great appetizer or party snack and are delicious when served with a dip. They are best served immediately, as they tend to get soggy if left uneaten for too long.

If you're looking for a dip to serve with your crab puffs, a sweet and sour sauce is a great option. You can make this yourself by mixing pineapple with sweet and sour sauce. Alternatively, you could serve your crab puffs with a simple dip made from soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sesame seeds and red pepper flakes.

If you want to serve your crab puffs as part of a larger meal, they can be paired with a number of dishes. Some suggestions include:

• Hot & Sour Soup
• Shrimp Egg Roll in a Bowl
• Air Fried Cauliflower with General Tso's Sauce
• Chicken Chop Suey
• Homemade Egg Rolls
• Cauliflower Fried Rice
• Hawaiian Fried Rice

If you're making crab puffs as a snack, you might want to serve them with some drinks. They would go well with a cold beer or a glass of white wine.

Frequently asked questions