Air Fryer Crab Cakes are a quick, healthy, and flavorful twist on a classic seafood favorite. Using an air fryer allows these crab cakes to achieve a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender, moist, and full of delicate crab flavor.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, an elegant appetizer, or a crowd-pleasing party dish. The combination of fresh crab, aromatic seasonings, and a touch of breading creates a perfectly balanced texture and flavor. Pair with a tangy remoulade, tartar sauce, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love Air Fryer Crab Cakes because they are healthy, quick, and absolutely delicious. Traditional crab cakes often require pan-frying in oil, which can be messy and calorie-heavy. The air fryer eliminates the extra oil while still producing a beautifully crisp exterior.
The best part is how tender and flavorful the crab remains inside—no dense, dry cakes here! Plus, it’s easy to customize with herbs, spices, or breadcrumbs to suit your taste.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Fresh and flavorful: Highlights the delicate sweetness of crab.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes from prep to plate.
- Healthy: Minimal oil required, perfect for guilt-free indulgence.
- Versatile: Works as an appetizer, main dish, or sandwich filling.
- Crowd-pleasing: Elegant enough for dinner parties, easy enough for weeknights.
Once you try it, Air Fryer Crab Cakes will become your go-to seafood recipe for speed and flavor.
Recipe Overview
- Course: Main Course / Appetizer
- Cuisine: American / Seafood
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 18–20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~250 kcal per serving
Ingredients
Crab Cakes
- 1 pound (450 g) lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, plus extra for coating
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional for Serving
- Lemon wedges
- Tartar sauce or remoulade
- Fresh salad or steamed vegetables
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Crab Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine crab meat, ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, garlic powder, salt, pepper, parsley, and lemon juice.
- Gently fold together until well combined, being careful not to break up the crab too much.
Step 3: Form Crab Cakes
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape into patties about 1-inch thick.
- Lightly coat each patty with additional panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
Step 4: Air Fry the Crab Cakes
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place crab cakes in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each cake.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and heated through.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove crab cakes from the air fryer.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or remoulade, alongside a fresh salad or vegetables.
How to Serve
- As an appetizer with a tangy dipping sauce.
- Over mixed greens or grain bowls for a light main dish.
- Inside a toasted bun for a crab cake sandwich.
- With roasted or steamed vegetables for a wholesome dinner.
Recipe Tips
- Gentle folding: Prevents the crab meat from breaking apart.
- Use fresh or high-quality crab: Flavor depends on the crab.
- Do not overcrowd the basket: Ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Check doneness: Crab cakes should be golden on the outside and cooked through inside.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko creates a lighter, crispier texture than traditional breadcrumbs.
Variations
- Spicy Crab Cakes: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture.
- Garlic Herb: Mix in minced garlic and fresh herbs like dill or chives.
- Coconut Crab Cakes: Mix shredded coconut with panko for a tropical twist.
- Cheesy Crab Cakes: Add 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan or cheddar to the mixture.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or lime zest for extra brightness and flavor.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store cooked crab cakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing:
- Freeze unbaked crab cakes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Cook from frozen in the air fryer, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Leftover reheating: Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Special Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper (optional for easier cleanup)
Conclusion
Air Fryer Crab Cakes are a quick, healthy, and indulgent way to enjoy a classic seafood favorite. Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, they are perfect for appetizers, main courses, or sandwiches.
With minimal oil, quick cooking time, and endless seasoning options, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves seafood that’s easy, elegant, and delicious. Juicy, golden, and full of flavor, these crab cakes will impress your family and guests alike.
Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Air Fryer Crab Cakes are a quick, healthy, and flavorful twist on a classic seafood favorite. Using an air fryer allows these crab cakes to achieve a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender, moist, and full of delicate crab flavor.
Ingredients
Crab Cakes
Optional for Serving
Instructions
-
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer : Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
-
Step 2: Prepare the Crab Mixture : In a large mixing bowl, combine crab meat, ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, garlic powder, salt, pepper, parsley, and lemon juice. Gently fold together until well combined, being careful not to break up the crab too much.
-
Step 3: Form Crab Cakes : Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape into patties about 1-inch thick. Lightly coat each patty with additional panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
-
Step 4: Air Fry the Crab Cakes : Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place crab cakes in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each cake. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and heated through.
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Step 5: Serve : Remove crab cakes from the air fryer. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or remoulade, alongside a fresh salad or vegetables.
