Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your Air Fryer Crab Cakes, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh crab meat (or canned crab meat, drained)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or any seafood seasoning)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Olive oil spray (for a crispy finish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
- Tartar sauce or aioli (optional, for dipping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crab Meat
If you’re using fresh crab meat, be sure to pick through it for any shells. If you’re using canned crab meat, make sure it’s well-drained. Place the crab meat in a large mixing bowl. - Make the Mixture
Add the breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together gently. The key here is to combine the ingredients without overworking the crab meat, as you want to keep it tender and light. - Form the Crab Cakes
Once the mixture is ready, use your hands to form small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. You should be able to make about 6 crab cakes from this mixture, depending on how big you want them. - Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps ensure that the crab cakes cook evenly and achieve that crispy, golden texture. - Air Fry the Crab Cakes
Lightly spray the crab cakes with olive oil for an extra crispy finish. Place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spaced out and not touching each other. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. - Serve and Enjoy!
Once your crab cakes are perfectly crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve them with a side of lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or aioli. These crab cakes are perfect for a party appetizer, a weeknight meal, or even as a light lunch.
Tips for the Perfect Crab Cakes
- Don’t Overmix: When mixing the crab cakes, be gentle. Over-mixing can lead to dense crab cakes that lose their delicate texture.
- Freezing for Firmness: If you have time, you can freeze the crab cakes for about 15 minutes before cooking them in the air fryer. This will help them hold their shape better while cooking.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Old Bay seasoning is traditional, but you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, or swap the parsley for fresh dill for a different flavor profile.
- Alternative Dipping Sauces: While tartar sauce is classic, you can also serve these crab cakes with a spicy sriracha mayo or a creamy lemon aioli for an added punch of flavor.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Crab Cakes are a game-changer in the kitchen. They offer all the crispy goodness of traditional crab cakes without the excess oil, and the air fryer makes them quick and easy to prepare. With a few simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes of cook time, you’ll have a delicious, seafood-filled dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a dinner party or enjoying them as a cozy weeknight meal, these crab cakes are sure to impress.
Pages: 1 2