Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Recipe Print

Turn fresh crab meat into the most juicy, delicious, golden brown crab cakes using the air fryer! Air Fryer Crab Cakes are easy to make, packed with flavor, and make the perfect appetizer or seafood lover’s dinner.

air fryer crab cakes on a plate, viewed from close up.

Air Fryer Crab Cakes Recipe

You are really going to love this recipe for restaurant-worthy crab cakes that you can make at home, in your air fryer! These Air Fryer Crab Cakes are simple to make with this easy recipe and completely delicious.

I tried this air fried crab cakes recipe a few different ways and finally landed on this one, and it’s pretty darn perfect!

They aren’t overly seasoned so they taste like crab, only better.

There are breadcrumbs in the recipe to hold everything together, but not too many that the crab cakes are mushy or bready.

And they’re made with fresh lump crab meat, just like your favorite seafood restaurant uses. That and all the rest of the fresh ingredients come together to make the best-ever air fryer crab cakes! Love Old Bay Seasoning? Adapt this Old Bay crab cake recipe to be made in the air fryer!

The ingredients for air fryer crab cakes, all in separate bowls.

Ingredients In Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Crab Meat – Look for fresh lump crab meat at your grocery store fish counter, or in the refrigerated section. This is a must, no imitation crab meat here.

Bread Crumbs – Unseasoned Panko bread crumbs are the right type for this recipe. They are extra crispy, and won’t weigh down the crab and make it mushy. If your breadcrumbs are seasoned, be sure to leave out the salt from the recipe.

Egg – One beaten egg works with the breadcrumbs to bind the mixture together.

Mustard – For the best flavor, use stone-ground mustard. Dijon mustard is also a good option.

Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed, please! Make sure to have extra lemons, sliced into wedges, for serving.

Worcestershire Sauce, Old Bay Seasoning, and Salt – To get that classic crab cake flavor.

Red Bell Pepper and Fresh Parsley – These veggies add flavor and color.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below and I will get back to you ASAP

a collage of six images showing how to make crab cakes from scratch in the air fryer

How to Make Air Fryer Crab Cakes

In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, egg, stone ground mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay Seasoning, salt, red bell pepper, and parsley.
Then gently fold the lump crab and panko breadcrumbs in, being sure not to break up the meat too much. Mix until well combined.
Form the mixture into 8 patties. Place them on a plate, and cover with plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Then place the crab cakes in the basket, and spray the tops of them with more oil.
Air fry for 12-14 minutes at 370°F/190°C, or until golden brown all over.
Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.

These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions for making crab cakes in the air fryer, please see the recipe below.

an air fryer crab cake, cut in half to show the flaky interior

Air Fryer Crab Cakes Recipe Tips

This recipe is easily made gluten free by substituting gluten free panko breadcrumbs.
For best results use fresh crab meat that you find in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. This recipe will not be nearly as delicious made with canned crab or imitation crab meat.
Check for bits of shells in the crab meat before mixing up the patties.
It’s important to refrigerate the patties before cooking them. Chilling gives the breadcrumbs time to soak up any liquid and means that your crab cakes won’t fall apart while they’re cooking.
You don’t need to smoosh the crab mixture together too much! Just lightly form the patties with your hands to keep the texture light.
To keep the crab cakes from sticking to the air fryer basket, spray it with non-stick spray first. For super simple clean up, you can also use a perforated air fryer parchment paper liner, and also spray that with cooking spray.
Have leftover crab meat? Try this recipe I found for creamy crab dip!

What To Serve With Air Fryer Crab Cakes

A savory, creamy dipping sauce like a remoulade or tartar sauce is a must with these crab cakes!

Enjoy them as an appetizer, or serve them as the main dish, with your favorite air fryer sides.

If you’re hosting a dinner party or otherwise feeding a crowd, plan to serve a few different hot air fried appetizers, like Air Fryer Calamari and Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms.

You can use more than one air fryer (I have several!), or serve each dish as it’s ready, cooking one appetizer at a time.

FAQs

What kind of crab should I buy to make crab cakes?

You have options when it comes to buying crab, and my recommendation is that you buy the highest quality fresh crab meat that you can to make this crab cake recipe. Look for fresh lump crab meat at the seafood counter, or packaged in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. You should see large pieces of cooked crab meat that are white and meaty.

Can I use frozen crab meat for this recipe?

Yes, since crab meat freezes well, you can use frozen crab. Allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before making your crab cakes.

Can I freeze air fryer crab cakes?

It’s best to freeze the crab cakes before cooking them. They can be frozen for up to 2 months if wrapped well.

How do I make a simple remoulade sauce?

There are many ways to make a spicy remoulade, but the most simple version can be made with 1 cup of mayo 1/4 cup of mustard, 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun or Creole Seasoning, and some hot sauce. You can add prepared horseradish, pickle juice, and minced garlic too!

a rectangular plate of crab cakes with dipping sauce and lemons, next to an air fryer basket.

Pro Tips

More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes

If you love to eat fish and seafood, you should know that the air fryer can cook almost any kind, and it does it well, and quickly!

If you like crispy breaded fish, try our Air Fryer Tilapia or Air Fryer Catfish recipes.

You can also make Mahi Mahi, Salmon, Cod, or even Tuna Steaks in the air fryer!

Shrimp lovers will go nuts for how juicy and tasty these Air Fryer Shrimp are, and don’t forget about making Scallops in the Air Fryer too for a delicious seafood dinner.

Have you made this recipe? Please leave a comment AND rating below! It helps other readers!

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