Air Fryer Crab Cakes
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
These air fryer crab cakes are crispy and tender on the outside and juicy on the inside. I love how they cook up in just 8 minutes.
Maryland crab cakes have always been one of my partner’s and my favorite appetizers or light dinners, but I typically only fry them up. And of course, as the self-appointed air fryer king (and with my new air fryer cookbook finally out in the world), I had to see how it would fare in the air fryer, and let me say: you’ll be impressed by how good they are.
Now, it wasn’t as simple as just throwing together my usual crab cake recipe and air frying it. I had to retest my mixture to compensate for the high, consistent heat, which still tasted like it was fried, just minus the excess oil. After a few rounds of testing, I finally landed on the perfect texture: golden and crispy on the outside, juicy and meaty in the middle. Honestly, I think my partner prefers these to my fried ones now!
Air fryer crab cake recipe highlights
- Quick. With just a few minutes of prep time and 8 minutes of cooking time, these could not be any easier.
- Healthier. Air-frying crab cakes is a healthier option than deep-frying them, as it requires barely any oil (just a spritz!).
- Less mess. Let’s be real- pan-frying crab cakes can be super messy, but not in the air fryer!
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make my air fryer crab cakes. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card.
- Crab meat. I initially tried this with leftover crab meat (from a crab boil we had) and actually preferred the finer texture of pre-packaged lump crab meat (either in brine or canned). I also experimented with imitation crab (surimi), but I’d suggest adding 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or flour to help the filling bind.
- Egg. Room-temperature eggs mix more easily into the mixture.
- Panko breadcrumbs. The larger flakes help keep the filling intact and keep the outside even crispier than standard bread crumbs.
- Mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. These are non-negotiables in my fried crab cakes, and they’re non-negotiables in this air fryer version too. They keep the crab cakes moist in the middle while adding a touch of flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce. For that fabulous umami flavor.
- Old Bay seasoning. My mom says this is the secret ingredient for delicious crab cakes. I guess it isn’t much of a secret anymore!
- Celery, red bell peppers, and parsley. Finely chopped, for color and a subtle crunch.
How to make crab cakes in the air fryer
Step 1- Prep. Mix all the ingredients, except for the bread crumbs, in a large bowl. Fold them through until combined.
Step 2- Shape. Divide the crab mixture into equal portions and shape them into cake patties. Freeze them for 5 minutes to firm up.
Step 3- Air fry. Place the crab cakes in the air fryer basket and spray them lightly with the cooking spray before cooking for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Serve with lemon and tartar sauce.
Can I bake these?
Yes, you can bake these crab cakes. To do so, preheat the oven to 200C/400F, line a baking tray or sheet with parchment paper, and proceed to step 5. Bake them for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway until baked.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Don’t over-mix the batter. Fold only till the ingredients are well combined so as not to break apart the crab. I find that a few meaty chunks throughout add to the flavor.
- Shape the crab cakes with lightly wet hands so the mixture doesn’t stick to your fingers. You can also spritz some cooking spray.
- Adjust the consistency. If the batter is too thin, sprinkle a little extra panko into the mix. If it’s too thick, add a little milk or water.
- For a low-carb option, swap the panko for crushed pork rinds.
Storage instructions
To store. Leftover cooked crab cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To reheat: I prefer reheating crab cakes back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes. This helps restore the crispy exterior while keeping the center moist. I avoid the microwave, as it tends to soften the cakes and make them a little soggy.
To freeze. Place the cooked and cooled crab cakes in a shallow container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can air fry store-bought crab cakes. Cook them in the air fryer at 200C/400F for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Absolutely. In fact, I often freeze a batch specifically for quick meals later in the week. Air fry the frozen crab cakes as directed, adding an extra 4-5 minutes to the cooking time.
Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Video
Ingredients
- 1 large egg whisked
- 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 stalk celery finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons parsley finely chopped
- 1/4 small bell pepper finely chopped
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat canned or fresh
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Add all the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, celery, parsley, bell pepper, and lump crab meat to a large bowl and mix well. Fold through the bread crumbs at the end.
- Form the mixture into eight crab cakes and place them on a plate lined with parchment paper. Freeze the plate for 5 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F.
- Grease the air fryer basket and place four crab cakes in it. Air fry for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Repeat the process until all the crab cakes are cooked.
Notes
- Leftovers: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes.
Dijon and mayonnaise together? Is that good?
Great recipe. I added sweet onion, replaced washyoursister sauce with soy sauce. Added a splash of lemon juice too. I like mine with hollandaise or lemon butter. Wife likes hers with tater and cocktail sauce!
Oh
i dont know where to buy crab in my city…
I make these air fryer crab cakes at least once a week- they are so juicy and crispy!
How good are they!!!
Best air fryer crab cakes ever!
I make your air fryer crab cakes at least once a week!
These crab cakes look so good and colorful. I can’t wait to try them. I’m not usually like that with fish or seafood. What have you done to me? Lol