Air fryer crab cakes are ultra appetizing and super easy to make with juicy lump crab meat stuffed into a crispy golden-brown crust along with bell peppers, onions, and lots of flavorful seasonings.
Why this recipe works
Our air fryer crab cakes focus on the most important ingredient: crab. While you’ll find most other recipes showcase more like cakes, we believe if you’re going to spend the money on crab, it should be the star of the show – not hidden.
This oil-free air fryer method for making crab cakes takes the mess out of the process while producing a crispy crab-stuffed appetizer you’ll love without the stress of clean up afterward. Enjoy these cakes with a side of roasted potatoes and corn on the cob.
Related Recipe: Salmon Croquettes or Crab Cakes
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
CRAB – We’re using lump crab meat as the flaky texture and flavor remind us most of traditional crab cakes. You can find lump crab meat at the seafood counter of your grocery store. You may use frozen crab meat, but allow it to thaw before using. I would not suggest using canned crab meat for this particular recipe. Imitation crab will work, but it will lack in flavor compared to fresh crab meat.
You can substitute the panko breadcrumbs with pork rinds for a low-carb option as desired.
How to Make Air Fryer Crab Cakes
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Chop/shred the crab meat into fine pieces to make it easier to combine.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Make crab cakes using about 1/4 cup of mix.
- Roll into a ball in the palm of your hands and flatten into a patty shape, about 1/2 inch in thickness.
- Set into the grate lined air fryer basket. Bake at 370F for 10 minutes. At the 5 minute mark, spray with cooking spray to help achieve the golden brown color. No need to flip.
- Serve with an easy spicy mayo dip, cocktail sauce, or yum yum sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
I would suggest prepping your crab cakes the day you plan to serve them. Prep them into patties in the morning or afternoon and store them on a baking sheet in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap.
Yes, place the uncooked crab cake patties on a baking sheet in the freezer for an hour or until they’re firm to touch. Once partially frozen, wrap the individual crab cakes in plastic wrap and place them inside a Ziplock bag or air-tight container. Store in the freezer for 1 month. You can bake the crab cakes in the air fryer directly from the freezer or, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If you air fry them while frozen you may need to add additional time.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer crab cakes are an awesome party appetizer, especially when served with dipping sauces like spicy mayo dip, cocktail sauce, or yum yum sauce. Try these crab cakes along with some sides like coleslaw, asparagus, corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, or a dinner salad. Don’t forget a lemon wedge!
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Empanadas
- Air Fryer Fried Pickles
- Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Air Fryer Jalapeno Fries
- Air Fryer Fish
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Air Fryer Scallops
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Air Fryer Crab Cakes
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 16 oz lump crab meat
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ red bell pepper diced small
- ½ cup green onion
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp white pepper
- cooking spray
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- If using 8 ounces of crab meat vs. 16, cut the ingredients in half except for the egg, salt and pepper, to produce 4-5 crab cakes compared to the original 10.
- To make an easy dipping sauce combine 2 Tablespoons Mayo, 2 teaspoons hot sauce, 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning, and a squirt of lime juice.
Instructions
- Chop/shred the crab meat into fine pieces to make it easier to combine.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Make crab cakes using about 1/4 cup of mix. Roll into a ball in the palm of your hands and flatten into a patty shape, about 1/2 inch in thickness.
- Set into the grate lined air fryer basket. Bake at 370F for 10 minutes. At the 5 minute mark, spray with cooking spray to help achieve the golden brown color. No need to flip.
- Serve with an easy spicy mayo dip, cocktail sauce, or yum yum sauce.
Nutrition
Amanda Davis
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Joann Aquila says
I followed this recipe exactly and it was easy and extremely tasty! I paired it with home made coleslaw. Perfect Friday night dinner. Shared it with my neighbor and he absolutely loved it! Thank you, Amanda! I put the recipe in my favorites!
Amanda Davis says
So glad you enjoyed them!
Tanette Ristorcelli says
I’m a HORRIBLE COOK! My family absolutely dreads when I’m in the kitchen! (Not kidding) plus my meals are so boring & blah!!
I really appreciate your go to, easy, step by step meals & recipes!! It makes my life so much easier & my family are starting to trust me in the kitchen, lol!