Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Air Fryer Crab Cakes


  • Author: Miya
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Air Fryer Crab Cakes:

  • 1 lb (450g) lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or preferred seafood seasoning)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil spray (for air fryer)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Crab Meat: The star of the dish, fresh crab meat offers a tender texture and delicate seafood flavor that is a must in crab cakes. Use high-quality lump crab meat for the best result.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a light and crispy texture on the outside of the crab cakes while still allowing the crab to remain the main flavor focus.
  • Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds moisture and a creamy texture to the crab cake mixture. It helps bind the ingredients together without being overpowering.
  • Old Bay Seasoning: This classic seasoning blend is perfect for seafood dishes, adding a mix of flavors like celery salt, mustard, and paprika.
  • Lemon Juice and Fresh Parsley: These ingredients brighten up the crab cakes, balancing the richness of the crab meat with a fresh, zesty finish.

Instructions

Prepare the Crab Cake Mixture:

  1. Prepare the Crab Meat: Begin by draining the lump crab meat well and picking through it to remove any stray shells. Once drained, place it in a large bowl.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In the same bowl, add the egg, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Gently mix the ingredients together using a spoon or your hands, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
  3. Season the Mixture: Taste the crab cake mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You may want to add a little more Old Bay or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

Form the Crab Cakes:

  1. Shape the Crab Cakes: Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to shape the crab mixture into patties. Aim for about 4-6 patties, depending on the size you prefer. Gently press the mixture together so that the cakes hold their shape, but be careful not to overwork the mixture.
  2. Chill the Cakes: Place the formed crab cakes on a plate or baking sheet and refrigerate them for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps them firm up, making them easier to cook in the air fryer and ensuring they hold together during cooking.

Cook the Crab Cakes in the Air Fryer:

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  2. Spray the Crab Cakes: Lightly spray the crab cakes with olive oil or cooking spray on both sides. This ensures they will crisp up nicely during cooking.
  3. Place in the Air Fryer: Arrange the crab cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can prevent the crab cakes from cooking evenly. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  4. Air Fry the Crab Cakes: Cook the crab cakes at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The crab cakes should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
  5. Check for Doneness: To ensure the crab cakes are done, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) when checked with a food thermometer. If they need a little more time, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serve the Crab Cakes:

  1. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve your crispy crab cakes immediately while hot with a dipping sauce on the side. Tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or a lemon aioli are excellent choices.
  2. Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch, garnish the crab cakes with additional fresh parsley or a lemon wedge.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4-6
  • Calories: 250-300
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Protein: 20g