These Air Fryer Crab Cakes are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and made without deep frying. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer, this easy seafood recipe is ready in under 20 minutes. Learn how to make crab cakes in the air fryer with simple ingredients, pro tips, and serving ideas everyone will love. Save this healthy air fryer recipe for later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy (ready in under 20 minutes)
- Crispy without deep frying
- Budget-friendly seafood option
- Perfect for dinner or appetizers
- Customizable with spices and sauces
Ingredients
- 1 lb lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, gently mix mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and seasonings.
- Fold in breadcrumbs and parsley.
- Carefully add crab meat, mixing gently to keep chunks intact.
- Form mixture into 6–8 crab cakes.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket and crab cakes with oil.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flip gently, then cook another 4–5 minutes until golden.
- Remove and rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
Tips & Variations
- Extra crispy: Use panko breadcrumbs.
- Spicy: Add cayenne or chopped jalapeño.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches for even crisping.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with tartar sauce or garlic aioli
- Pair with coleslaw or a fresh green salad
- Add lemon wedges for brightness
- Great in sliders or crab cake sandwiches
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Crab Cakes are the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and flavorful, ideal for busy nights or impressive entertaining. Save this recipe for seafood nights when you want big flavor with minimal effort.
FAQ – Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, just drain well and gently fold to avoid breaking it up.
Can I freeze crab cakes?
Yes Freeze uncooked crab cakes up to 2 months.
Do I need to flip them?
Yes, flipping halfway ensures even browning.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prep and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
What sauce goes best with crab cakes?
Tartar sauce, remoulade, or lemon aioli all work great.