Air-Fryer Crab Cakes: Frozen To Fabulous In Minutes

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook crab cakes, look no further than your air fryer! This handy kitchen appliance can cook frozen crab cakes to perfection in just 8-12 minutes, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. Not only is it a time-saver, but it's also a healthier option compared to traditional deep frying, as air frying uses significantly less oil. So, if you're short on time or want to indulge in a healthier treat, here's a simple guide on how to make frozen crab cakes in an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your crab cakes will cook evenly and efficiently. Here's a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for the perfect crab cakes:

Firstly, it is recommended that you preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding your crab cakes. This allows the appliance to reach the desired temperature and ensures optimal cooking results. The ideal temperature for cooking crab cakes is between 370°F and 400°F.

When preheating, it is important to ensure that your air fryer is clean and free of any residue from previous cooking sessions. This helps to prevent any unwanted flavours or smells from affecting your crab cakes. Additionally, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer model to ensure safe and proper use.

Once preheated, carefully place your crab cakes into the air fryer basket. It is best to use parchment paper or aluminium foil to line the basket, preventing sticking and making cleanup easier. Ensure that the crab cakes are placed in a single layer, with a little space between them to allow for even cooking.

After arranging the crab cakes, you can proceed to set the timer for cooking. Depending on the size of your crab cakes, the cooking time may vary. For larger crab cakes, a cooking time of 9-11 minutes is recommended, while mini crab cakes may only need 5-7 minutes.

During the cooking process, it is not necessary to flip the crab cakes. However, if you desire an even crispier exterior, you may carefully flip them halfway through the cooking time.

By following these steps and allowing your air fryer to preheat properly, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, perfectly cooked crab cakes with a golden-brown exterior and a moist, tender interior.

Use frozen crab cakes

Using frozen crab cakes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook them, and they'll have a crispy exterior and tender interior. It's also a healthier option than deep-frying, as it requires very little oil.

Here's how to do it:

Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or 400°F and let it preheat for a few minutes.

Prepare the Crab Cakes

Place the frozen crab cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. This will help to prevent the buildup of moisture. You can use any brand of frozen crab cakes you like, or even make your own and freeze them. Spray the crab cakes with a light coating of oil or cooking spray to help them crisp up.

Cook the Crab Cakes

Air fry the crab cakes for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. You'll know they're done when they have a golden-brown crust and their internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

Serve

Remove the crab cakes from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving. They go well with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or remoulade. You can also serve them with side dishes like lemon herb rice pilaf, crispy sweet potato fries, or a fresh garden salad.

Oil the crab cakes

Oiling the crab cakes is an important step in achieving a crispy exterior. You can use a variety of oils for this purpose, such as canola, vegetable, avocado, or olive oil. Simply spray or lightly coat the crab cakes with oil before placing them in the air fryer. This will help create a golden, crunchy texture on the outside of the crab cakes without drying out the interior.

When using an air fryer, it is essential to ensure that the oil used is in a spray form or very lightly applied. This is because air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, and if the oil is too heavy or applied too generously, it can cause the oil to drip and create a mess.

Additionally, it is recommended to use parchment paper or aluminium foil to line the air fryer basket. This will not only make the cleanup process easier but also help prevent the crab cakes from sticking to the basket, ensuring they retain their shape and texture.

Some recipes also suggest using a cooking spray or oil sprayer to help achieve an even crispier exterior on the crab cakes. This step is optional but can further enhance the texture and appearance of the dish.

By following these simple steps and techniques, you can ensure that your air-fried crab cakes have a delightful crispy coating while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.

Air fry for 8-12 minutes

Now, it's time to air fry those crab cakes! Place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Spray the crab cakes with a light coating of oil or cooking spray to help them crisp up. Close the air fryer and set the temperature to between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your crab cakes and whether they are fresh or frozen. For fresh crab cakes, air fry for about 8-10 minutes. For frozen crab cakes, they will need a little longer, around 9-11 minutes. If you are making mini crab cakes, check on them after 5-7 minutes to avoid overcooking. You are looking for a golden brown exterior and a hot interior. For extra crispy crab cakes, you can air fry for a couple of minutes longer.

Once the crab cakes are golden and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving. You don't want to burn your mouth on that delicious, crispy exterior! Now it's time to enjoy your perfectly cooked crab cakes. Don't forget to serve them with your chosen sides and sauces, such as lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or remoulade.

Serve with lemon and sauce

Lemon is a great way to add a bright, acidic flavour to rich crab cakes. You can serve the lemon in wedges, or add lemon juice to your sauce.

There are many sauces that pair well with crab cakes. Tartar sauce, remoulade, and aioli are all popular options. You can make your own aioli by mixing mayonnaise, a tiny bit of Dijon mustard, lemon juice (or lemon zest), and a bit of grated garlic. You can also add hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, or Cajun seasoning to taste. Alternatively, you can serve your crab cakes with a homemade remoulade sauce, or a simple lemon and tartar sauce.

Frequently asked questions