These
Are you craving a delicious and easy crab cake recipe?
Well, look no further than this
These crab cakes are flavorful, easy to make and make the perfect main course or appetizer.
I served mine over a bed of mixed greens but they go great alongside roasted vegetables, stuffed onto a roll to make a crab cake sandwich, or served on top of a salad.
I made these Crab Cakes with Sweet Corn Salsa a few years ago that are totally delicious and are the perfect example of a pan-fried crab cake.
These crab cakes are just as delicious but just a little easier to make by using an
The biggest thing to remember is to use FRESH lump crab meat. It really does make a huge difference!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for air fryer crab cakes
- Egg – helps bind the crab cakes together so they don’t fall apart.
- Mayonnaise – also acts as a binder, but it adds richness to the crab cakes as well.
- Dijon mustard – adds tanginess and bite to the crab cakes.
- Panko bread crumbs – helps keep the crab cakes together by acting as a filler.
- Old Bay seasoning – Feel free to use as much or as little seafood seasoning as you like! Personally, I’m a huge fan of Old Bay! If you aren’t, I’d recommend starting with 1/2 teaspoon.
- Parsley – adds great freshness and earthiness to the crab cakes. I highly recommend it!
- Fresh Lump crab – Make sure to use the best quality crab meat you can! I recommend looking for a good seafood market that has access to fresh seafood daily. You don’t want old crab going into your crab cakes.
What is an air fryer ?
An
It mimics the outcome of a deep fat fryer but without the use of oil. Hot hair is moved around via a fan that quickly and crisply cooks up the food.
The 2 most common air fryers you’ll see are basket style (that is what I have) or convection/toaster oven style.
There are pluses to both but I personally prefer my basket style.
What is the best air fryer to buy?
I prefer the basket-style air fryer as it’s a bit smaller and takes up less room than the toaster oven-style
My biggest tip when it comes to air fryers is to make sure you pick a style that will work the most for your family and the amount of food you will be cooking.
My large basket-style
The best crab to use
You really want to use high-quality crab meat to make crab cakes.
I recommend fresh lump crab meat that you can find at most seafood markets, higher-end grocery stores, or a trusted fishmonger.
I do not like shelf-stable or imitation crab for this recipe.
Making crab cakes ahead of time
You can prepare the crab cake patties a few hours ahead of time but I don’t recommend making them days in advance.
Again, we are working with fresh crab so we want to make sure we keep it that way. Letting fresh crab meat sit around for too long does not result in a quality product.
Craving crab cakes but don’t own an
What to serve with air fryer crab cakes
Not sure what to serve alongside your
Here are a few great options:
- Want your crab cakes to go alongside a tasty salad? Try my Grilled Sourdough Panzanella Salad.
- Love all things veggie-related? Try my Roasted On The Stalk Brussels Sprouts.
- Need an easy pasta salad side? Try my Pesto Pasta Salad.
- Craving veggies and salad? Try my Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad.
How to reheat crab cakes
You can reheat crab cakes in the
You can also microwave the crab cakes for 30 seconds.
Reheating in the
Storage and leftovers
If you have any crab cakes left over you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
This is leftover seafood so it’s best to eat it quickly so you have optimal taste and freshness.
More air fryer recipes
- Craving a fun appetizer or main course? Try my Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos.
- Love pizza? Try my Air Fryer Pizza Hot Pockets.
- Need big-time flavor? Try my Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings.
- Want super crispy chicken? Try my Air Fryer Chicken Thighs.
Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley chopped
- 8 ounces fresh lump crab meat
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard.
- Next, add the breadcrumbs, seafood seasoning, and parsley. Mix to combine.
- Finally, fold in the lump crab meat making sure not to break it up too much!
- Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper and spray it lightly with olive oil spray.
- Divide the crab cakes into your choice of patties. For dinner-sized portions, divide the mixture into 4. For crab cake sliders or appetizers, divide the mixture into 8.
- Add as many crab cakes as will fit, making sure not to overcrowd the air fryer.
- Spray the tops of the crab cakes lightly with olive oil spray and air fry at 375 degrees F for 15-17 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Closer to 12-15 minutes for mini crab cakes. Internally crab cakes should reach 145 degrees F.
- Garnish the crab cakes with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of sea salt. Serve as desired.
- I highly recommend enjoying these crab cakes on the same day they’re prepared as crab doesn’t store well.
Nutrition
Katherine
Tuesday 7th of June 2022
Such a great idea to cook these in the air fryer! So good.
Natalie
Tuesday 7th of June 2022
Delicious family-friendly recipe! My kids loved your crab cakes. I can`t thank you enough!