Sharing is caring!

These air fryer crab cakes are the perfect summertime dish! Great served on a bed of greens or stuffed onto a soft bun. Any way you eat these crab cakes you’ll be sure to enjoy it!

Are you craving a delicious and easy crab cake recipe?

Well, look no further than this air fryer crab cake recipe!

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 air fryer.

The biggest thing to remember is to use FRESH lump crab meat. It really does make a huge difference!

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 air fryer is basically a tabletop convection oven.

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 air fryer.

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 air fryer can cook up to 12 wings, 2-4 servings of french fries, etc. which works well for my household.

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 air fryer? Try these delicious baked crab cakes!

What to serve with air fryer crab cakes

Not sure what to serve alongside your air fryer crab cakes?

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 air fryer by cooking them at 350 degrees F for around 5 minutes or until they reach your desired temperature.

You can also microwave the crab cakes for 30 seconds.

Reheating in the air fryer gives you the best results as the crab cakes will remain crispy.

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.