From Prep to Plate: Quick and Delicious Air Fryer Crab Cakes Recipe

Air fryer crab cakes are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that you can enjoy any time of the year. Made with fresh crab meat and a blend of seasonings, these crab cakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The best part? They are cooked in an air fryer, which means you can enjoy all the flavour without the added oil.

To prepare your crab cakes, you will need to gather a few ingredients, including crab meat, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, green onions, and seasonings. Once you have mixed your ingredients together, you can form your crab cakes into patties and place them in the air fryer. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your crab cakes, but most recipes suggest cooking them for around 8-10 minutes.

Once your crab cakes are cooked, you can serve them with your favourite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or aioli. They make a great appetizer or main course and are sure to impress your guests. So why not give air fryer crab cakes a try and see for yourself how delicious they can be?

Key Takeaways

• Air fryer crab cakes are a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional fried crab cakes.
• Preparing your crab cakes is easy and requires only a few simple ingredients.
• Cooking times may vary, but most recipes suggest cooking your crab cakes for around 8-10 minutes.

Preparing Your Crab Cakes

When it comes to making delicious air fryer crab cakes, the key is in the preparation. Here are some tips to help you get your crab cakes just right.

Selecting Ingredients

The first step in making great crab cakes is to select the right ingredients. For the best results, you'll want to use high-quality lump crab meat. You can use fresh or canned crab meat, but if you opt for canned, be sure to drain it well before using.

In addition to crab meat, you'll need a few other key ingredients, including egg, mayonnaise, mustard, green onion, salt, Old Bay seasoning, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, parsley, lemon juice, Panko breadcrumbs, black pepper, beaten egg, and milk. You can also add in some herbs for extra flavour.

Mixing and Shaping Patties

Once you have your ingredients ready, it's time to mix them together. In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, green onion, salt, Old Bay seasoning, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, parsley, lemon juice, and black pepper. Mix everything together well, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

Next, shape the mixture into patties. You can make them as big or small as you like, but be sure to make them all the same size so they cook evenly in the air fryer. Dip each patty in the beaten egg and then coat it in the Panko breadcrumbs.

Now, you're ready to cook your crab cakes in the air fryer. Follow the instructions provided by your air fryer manufacturer, but generally, you'll want to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F and then cook the crab cakes for around 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. When they're golden brown and crispy, they're ready to serve. Enjoy!

Cooking and Serving

Using the Air Fryer

Cooking crab cakes in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy this delicious appetizer without the added fat and calories of deep-frying. To start, preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Then, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil cooking spray to prevent the crab cakes from sticking. Place the crab cakes in a single layer in the basket and cook for around 8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.

It's important to check the internal temperature of the crab cakes with a thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If they need more time, cook for an additional minute or two until they reach the desired temperature.

Presentation and Accompaniments

When it comes to serving air fryer crab cakes, there are many delicious options to choose from. For a classic pairing, serve with tartar sauce or remoulade and lemon wedges. You can also add some green onions or butter lettuce for extra flavour and texture.

As for accompaniments, roasted potatoes or potato salad make a great side dish. Corn on the cob is also a tasty option. If you're serving the crab cakes as a main course, consider serving them on a brioche bun with lettuce and your favourite dipping sauce.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat them, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the air fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should you air fry frozen crab cakes?

If you're cooking frozen crab cakes in an air fryer, you should follow the instructions on the packaging. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should cook them for 2-3 minutes longer than the recommended cooking time for fresh crab cakes. This will ensure that they are heated through and cooked to a safe temperature.

What's the best way to get crispy crab cakes in an air fryer?

To get crispy crab cakes in an air fryer, you should make sure that you preheat the air fryer before adding the crab cakes. You should also lightly coat the crab cakes with cooking spray or oil to help them crisp up. Finally, you should avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can prevent the crab cakes from crisping up properly.

Can you cook crab cakes in a Ninja air fryer, and if so, how?

Yes, you can cook crab cakes in a Ninja air fryer. To do so, preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the crab cakes in the basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

Are air fryer crab cakes considered a healthier option?

Air fryer crab cakes are generally considered a healthier option than deep-fried crab cakes, as they are cooked with less oil. However, they can still be high in calories and fat, depending on the ingredients used to make them.

What's the ideal way to thaw and cook crab cakes using an air fryer?

The best way to thaw crab cakes for air frying is to place them in the refrigerator overnight. Once they are thawed, you can cook them in the air fryer according to the recipe instructions.

How do you properly reheat crab cakes in an air fryer?

To reheat crab cakes in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the crab cakes in the basket and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they are heated through. Avoid overcooking them, as this can cause them to dry out.