This Air Fryer Crab Cakes is the best recipe, ever. Light and crispy without being loaded with grease. Sure to be a hit for lunch or dinner!
The fresh lump crab meat in this recipe truly is the star of the show. You’ll find that while this looks like a super fancy meal, it’s actually a really quick and easy dinner that adults and kids will love.
Crab Cakes in the Air Fryer
Even if you’re making this simple crab dinner because it’s delicious, there are some great health benefits to eating crab, too! Low in fat and high in protein is what makes this recipe stand above the rest.
Why I Love This Recipe
Tired of eating food that is dripping with grease? Me, too – which is why these crab cakes are perfect. Loaded with flavor and crunch without the greasy mess!
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Easy to make as a meal or appetizer
- Looks beautiful on a plate
Part of the reason that I love this simple fried crab cake recipe is that it reminds me of this Air Fryer Hamburgers recipe. Both are simple to make without hardly any leftover mess!
Ingredients
Just the few simple ingredients listed below are all that you need!
- large egg
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seafood seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 ounces fresh lump crab meat
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Substitutions
Lemon wedges: While the lemon wedges are great for serving, you can also have lime wedges as an option, too.
Cayenne Pepper: If you prefer hot crab cakes, sprinkle in a bit of this pepper to turn up the heat.
Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools
- Air Fryer
- Large Mixing Bowl
How to Make Air Fryer Crab Cakes
With just a few simple steps, you’ll have perfectly fried crab cakes in no time at all.
Step 1: Mix the ingredients
Grab a bowl and mix together the egg, mayo, and mustard in a large bowl.
Step 2: Add in the seasonings
Mix in the old bay seasoning, parsley, and breadcrumb.
Step 3: Fold in the crab
Carefully fold in the lump crab meat.
Step 4: Add to the air fryer basket
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and then add in the crab cake patties. They should be cooked in batches of about 5-6 to allow optimal air flow.
Step 5: Cook
Cook in the air fryer for 15-17 minutes. Remove, garnish and enjoy!
Variations / Options / Add-Ins
Add chopped chives or green onion: Love chives or green onion? Chop them up tiny and add them in!
Take out the parsley: Don’t care for parsley? Take it out and add in a spice that you do like – or none at all.
Use spicy mustard: Make it entirely new batch and use spicy mustard instead of Dijon.
Worcestershire Sauce: for a little more of a zing add just a dash of Worcestershire Sauce.
Toppings Suggestions
You can eat these crab cakes just as they are or top with lemon juice and even some homemade aoli.
Tips
These crab cakes are best served warm and pretty quickly right after they’re removed from the air fryer.
Don’t skimp on the lump crabmeat! For the best texture and best crab cakes, choose a quality crab meat and carefully fold it in.
To keep your parchment paper in place, you can spray the air frying basket with cooking spray.
For perfect crab cake portions, use a 5cm ice cream scoop.
FAQs
How to store Air Fryer Crab Cakes
If you have leftovers, just add them to an airtight container and keep them chilled in the fridge. You can also freeze them for about 3 months.
How to reheat Air Fryer Crab Cakes
To reheat leftover crab cooks, you can put them back in the air fryer for a few minutes or pop them in the microwave, too. There is no need to thaw them before cooking.
What goes with crab cakes?
Anything that you want! Steamed veggies are always a great choice, but so is white rice.
More Air Fryer Recipes
If you like fried food, give these recipes a try:
Air Fryer Crab Cakes Recipe
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Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1 tsp seafood seasoning
- 1 tsp freshly chopped parsley
- 8 oz lump crab meat
- lemon wedges
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk the egg, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Then add the breadcrumbs, seafood seasoning, and parsley. Mix well.
- Fold in the crab meat carefully. Line the baske in the air fryer with parchment paper and also spray it will non stick spray.
- Make the crab cakes into 4 patties. Don't overcrowd the air fryer.
- Spray the tops of the crab cakes with olive oil. Bake for 15-17 minutes at 375 degrees.
- Garnish with fresh lemon juice.
Nutrition
Need to run to the store for a few ingredients first? Don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can find it when you’re ready to cook!
Looking for some delicious Instant Pot Soups for winter? Give these a try!
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