5 from 3 votes

Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Name: Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 oz lump crab meat (pick through to remove any shells); 1 egg (large); ¼ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning; ¼ tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp ground black pepper; 2 green onions (sliced)

ByStacie Vaughan On January 2, 2023July 8, 2023 Updated July 8, 2023

1 Comment

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This classic appetizer is crispy on the outside and so tender and flavorful on the inside. Air Fryer Crab Cakes are made with real crab meat and are ready in 20 minutes. They taste better than your favorite restaurant’s version!

I love homemade crab cakes and making them in my air fryer is my new favorite way to prepare them. It makes crispy crab cakes that can be served in a variety of ways. They turn out perfect every time. It’s a great recipe for even first time air fryer users.

Serve as an appetizer or as part of a main meal. Typically, crab cakes are either pan-fried or deep-fried. Using the air fryer is a game changer because they are so quick and easy to make.

I’ll take fresh crab cakes over frozen crab cakes any day! They come out of the air fryer beautifully golden brown, perfectly crisp and have amazing flavor. If you are looking for a good crab cake recipe, give this one a try!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Air fryers are one of the best and easiest ways to make crab cakes
No flipping required so less mess and less chance of the patties breaking apart
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce
Easy to find ingredients at the grocery store
Can be served as an appetizer, on a burger or with a main meal
Comes out tender and crispy every time
Ready to eat in 20 minutes

Ingredients

Lump crab meat – Make sure to pick through it to remove any shells.
Large egg
Mayonnaise
Panko breadcrumbs
Lemon juice
Worcestershire sauce
Old Bay Seasoning
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Green onions

How to Make Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Step One: Spray your air fryer basket with an oil spray. Note: don’t use aerosol cooking spray as it can damage your air fryer.
Step Two: In a medium bowl, mix together the lump crab meat, egg, mayonnaise, Panko breadcrumbs, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay Seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and green onions.

Step Three: Divide the crab mixture to form 4 patties.
Step Four: Place the patties in the air fryer tray and lightly spray the tops of the patties with oil spray.
Step Five: Air fry at 370F (Or 375F if that’s the closest temperature on your model of air fryer) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the patties are fully cooked and golden brown.
Step Six: Garnish with green onions and serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.

Equipment Needed

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What to Serve with Delicious Crab Cakes

Air fryer crab cakes on a plate with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.

Variations and Substitutions

Use canned crab meat if you don’t have lump crab meat near you. Don’t use imitation crab meat though!
Use crushed saltine crackers instead of the Panko breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed pork rinds to make it keto.
Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and/or a teaspoon of lemon zest for a zippy flavor.

Love crab? Try my Air Fryer Crab Rangoon and Crab Dip.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover crab cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Can I Freeze?

Yes, crab cakes can be frozen both cooked and uncooked. Store in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.

Can I Make Ahead?

I recommend preparing the uncooked crab cakes and then storing in the fridge for up to 1 day. Air fry them when you are ready to serve.

How to Reheat Crab Cakes in the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until your desired temperature is reached.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Real crab meat is a MUST for this recipe to work. Use lump crab meat or canned crab meat if you don’t have lump crab meat near you. Imitation crab meat will not work.
If you have time, prepare the patties and then chill in the fridge for an hour. They’ll hold their shape better and be less likely to fall apart during the cooking process.
Use an oil spray to grease the air fryer basket. I fill mine with a high heat oil like grapeseed oil. Don’t use an aerosol cooking spray like PAM. You could damage your air fryer.
Cooking time may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer. This recipe used a white Cosori 5.8 Quart Air Fryer.

Air fryer crab cakes topped with tartar sauce and green onions.

Favorite Sauces for Crab Cakes

Tartar sauce
Shrimp cocktail sauce
Remoulade sauce
Hot sauce
Sweet chili sauce

Can I Make on the Stovetop?

Yes! However, I recommend you chill the crab patties in the fridge for at least an hour before cooking. They’ll stay together better especially when you flip over.

Add 2 tablespoons of butter or extra virgin olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once heated, add the crab cakes and cook 5 minutes per side or until cooked through.

Air fryer crab cakes with a bite out of one.

Easy Air Fryer Appetizers

You’ll also like these Air Fryer Cheez It Chicken Tenders.

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If you make the recipe, rate it on the recipe card below and tag me on Instagram and use #simplystacie. I like sharing the photos on my Instagram stories!