These Air Fryer Crab Cakes make for a quick and easy meal! Crispy on the outside every time and the inside is never dry! 

Even though crab falls into the seafood category it’s often overlooked with the exception of crab legs because most people just aren’t familiar enough to make crab dishes at home. 

Crab meat is healthy too! It’s packed full of protein, vitamins and minerals, and omega 3s! So if you aren’t a fan of fish, you can get some of the same benefits by eating crab.

After I air fried crab cakes one time, I knew I had to share them with you guys! While this recipe serves two people, you can always double or triple it for a crowd. The downside? You may have to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. 

It’s also worth mentioning that if you don’t have an accessory kit for your air fryer you are missing out! Sometimes depending on what you are making you will need pans and gadgets and honestly the kit is cheaper than purchasing each item separately! 

More Air Fryer Recipes You May Want to Try:

• Air Fryer Kale Chips
• Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
• Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Pickles
• Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Why We Love Crab Cakes in the Air Fryer 

• Healthier. Air frying is such a better alternative to deep frying, and honestly I like the taste better
• Convenient. Using the air fryer is not only easy and quick, but there’s hardly any clean up involved which is always a win in my book! 

What You Need to Make Air Fryer Crab Cakes 

Crab meat – we are using fresh lump crab

Egg

Mayonnaise

Parsley

Chives

Dijon mustard

Lemon zest and juice

Salt and Pepper

Breadcrumbs – we recommend using breadcrumbs without a ton of seasoning so that it doesn’t overpower the taste of the crab.

How To Make Crab Cakes in the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer and spraying the basket with a little bit of oil. 

Combine all of the ingredients into a medium size mixing bowl, saving the crab to be folded in last. 

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This keeps the crab cakes from not falling apart. 

Divide the crab mixture into two cakes and place them in the air fryer. Spritz with a little oil and air fry for 10 minutes at 425 degrees. 

Serve with a lemon wedge or your favorite sauce, and enjoy! 

Is There a Certain Type of Crab Meat I Should Use? 

While we are using fresh crab, many people use imitation or frozen. The best time to buy fresh is during the summer months because that is actually when it’s in season. However, you can find imitation crab year round, but it doesn’t have the flavor that true crab meat does. 

If you choose to use some type of frozen meat, let it thaw before adding it to the seasonings. 

Can You Freeze Crab Cakes for Later?

Yes, and there are two ways to do so! 

You can freeze the crab cakes before cooking them by patting them out then placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer. It should take about 30 minutes. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you are ready to serve, add them to the air fryer and just increase the cooking time. 

If you want to freeze crab cakes after they have already been air fried, simply let them cool completely. Then add to a freezer safe container or use a vacuum sealer for extra freshness. Store in the freezer for up to two months. 

Cooking Frozen Crab Cakes

If you grab a pack of frozen crab cakes from the store, or you want to make the ones you froze before, air them at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes. To double-check the internal temperature, use a thermometer.

More Easy Seafood Recipes You Will Love: 

• Tuna Pesto Pasta Salad
• Instant Pot Shrimp
• Pesto Salmon
• Broiled Scallops
• Salmon Cakes

Air Fryer Crab Cakes

These Air Fryer Crab Cakes make for a quick and easy meal! Crispy on the outside every time and the inside is never dry!

4.34 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer, crab cake, seafood

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes minutes

Servings: 2

Author: Abbie

Equipment

• air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 egg beaten
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons chopped parsley
• 2 teaspoons chopped chives
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Zest of ½ lemon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 ounces fresh lump crab meat
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

• Preheat air fryer to 425 degrees F. Spray basket with oil spray.
• In a bowl, mix together egg, mayonnaise, parsley, chives, Dijon, zest, juice, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in the crab and breadcrumbs.
• Place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
• Divide mixture into 2 portions then place each portion in air fryer basket.
• Spray tops of crab cakes with oil spray.
• Bake for 10 to 12 minutes till lightly golden brown around edges and on top.
• Serve with lemon wedges and sauce of your choice

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