Cracking Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Cracking Air Fryer Crab Cakes: Seaside Flavours, No Faff!

Fancy a taste of the seaside without the actual seaside? Then these air fryer crab cakes are just the ticket.

I reckon even seaside seagulls would be jealous. Seriously, have you ever tried making crab cakes? This easy recipe is super simple, and they taste like a proper treat.

Quick Hook: Crab Cakes Made Easy

Ever wondered if you could get proper Maryland style air fryer crab cakes without all the fuss? These air fryer crab cakes deliver that golden, crispy crunch and sweet crab flavour in minutes.

Perfect for a quick bite.

Brief Overview: From Maryland to Your Kitchen

This crab cake recipe air fryer is inspired by the classic Maryland crab cake. It's way easier and faster, though.

Think: posh fish fingers, ready in under an hour. This recipe makes about eight crab cakes or four servings.

Main Benefits: Healthy Indulgence

These easy air fryer crab cakes are a healthier way to enjoy a classic. The air fryer gives you that crispy texture without loads of oil.

Plus, crab is packed with protein. Perfect for a light lunch or a fancy starter.

Why Air Fryer Crab Cakes? They're Peng!

Honestly, I was a bit sceptical about making maryland crab cakes air fryer . But trust me, the air fryer is a game changer.

These are crispy on the outside, deliciously tender on the inside. And dead easy to make, init?

Think less faff, more flavour with this air fryer crab cakes recipe healthy . No more standing over a hot pan.

The air fryer does all the hard work. I'm talking less time cooking, more time enjoying.

Using lump crab meat crab cakes air fryer is like the secret weapon. It's worth splashing out on the good stuff.

I find that you get the best flavour and texture. Oh my gosh, just thinking about those gorgeous lumps of crab.

What You'll Need to Make the Best Crab Cakes

Here's the stuff you will need for these air fryer seafood recipes .

Ingredients

• 454g lump crab meat, picked over for shells
• 30g mayonnaise
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 30g panko bread crumbs
• 30ml Dijon mustard
• 15ml Worcestershire sauce
• 15ml fresh lemon juice
• 1.25ml Old Bay seasoning
• 1.25ml black pepper
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 30ml chopped fresh parsley
• 30ml olive oil spray
• 30g all-purpose flour, for coating

What to Serve with Crab Cakes? A Right Treat!

Wondering what to serve with crab cakes ? They're fab with a simple salad and some lemon wedges. Or how about some roasted asparagus? And you absolutely have to have a best sauce for crab cakes .

Personally, I'm a sucker for homemade tartar sauce recipe . It just completes the whole meal. If you're not feeling tartar sauce, try some aioli. Now, that's the ticket, innit?

Well, that’s all, go ahead and follow the recipe and it’ll be Bob’s your uncle.

Right, let's dive into what you need to whip up these delightful air fryer crab cakes . Honestly, it's easier than you think.

We're going for that Maryland crab cakes air fryer vibe, but quick and easy.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients: The Starry Line-Up

Okay, listen up, quality counts here. For the best air fryer crab cakes , you need:

• 1 pound (454g) lump crab meat . This is the key. Look for bright white meat with a sweet smell. Avoid anything fishy or overly processed.
• 1/4 cup (30g) mayonnaise . Go for the full fat stuff, it binds everything together beautifully.
• 1 large egg , lightly beaten.
• 1/4 cup (30g) panko bread crumbs . These give the best crispy texture.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) Dijon mustard . Adds a nice tang.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce . This umami bomb brings depth.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice . Fresh is always best. It perks everything up.
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) Old Bay seasoning . Essential for that classic crab cake flavor, innit?
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper . Freshly ground is ideal.
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional). For a bit of a kick, go on, you know you want to.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) chopped fresh parsley . Adds a lovely fresh flavor and a pop of colour.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil spray . For getting that golden crisp.
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour . For coating helps them crisp up.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

Forget boring. We're building flavour.

Old Bay is your best mate here. It's a classic for a reason. Worcestershire sauce adds a lovely depth. You can swap the Old Bay for a mix of celery salt, paprika, and black pepper.

A squeeze of lemon juice is crucial for brightness. For the best sauce for crab cakes , have you considered a homemade tartar sauce recipe ?

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Don't go buying a load of stuff. You probably have most of this already!

• Air fryer . Obviously!
• Large mixing bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Rubber spatula.
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For chilling.
• Fork.

No need for fancy gadgets. If you don't have an air fryer, these could be made in the oven, but why would you want to miss out on how easy air fryer crab cakes are! Right, off you pop to the kitchen - let's get cooking.

Cracking Air Fryer Crab Cakes : Crispy Outside, Flaky Inside!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good crab cake? But the faff of deep frying? Nah, mate. These air fryer crab cakes are an absolute game changer. Think Maryland style, but healthier and way easier.

This crab cake recipe air fryer method gives you that perfect golden crust. The inside stays flaky and tender. This is a delicious way to enjoy air fryer seafood recipes .

Get Your Ducks in a Row: Prep Steps

Before we get started, let’s get organised. This is called mise en place , fancy innit?

First, get all your ingredients measured out and ready to go. Then, make sure your air fryer is squeaky clean.

Safety first, yeah? No one wants crab cakes tasting of last week's chips!

Cracking on with the Cooking: step-by-step Process

Right, listen up, this is how you make easy air fryer crab cakes :

1. Mix Gently: Combine crab meat, mayo, egg, panko, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay, pepper, and parsley. Don’t overmix! We want lovely lumps of crab.
2. Shape 'em Up: Gently form the mixture into eight patties. About 1/2 inch thick is about right.
3. Chill Out: Pop those maryland crab cakes air fryer candidates onto a baking sheet and chill for 30 minutes .
4. Flour Power: Lightly dredge each crab cake in flour. Shake off any excess.
5. Preheat: Heat your air fryer to 400° F ( 200° C) .
6. Air Fry Time: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the crab cakes in a single layer. Spray the tops too.
7. Cook Away: Air fry for 6- 7 minutes per side . They're done when they are golden brown.
8. Serve Immediately: Serve hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce or your favourite sauce!

Top-Notch Tips for Amazing Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Want to take these air fryer crab cakes recipe healthy up a notch? Here are a few tricks I've learned:

• Don't Overcrowd: Cook in batches. This ensures even cooking and a super crispy crust.
• Chill Time is Key: This is not a step to skip. A chilled crab cake is a happy crab cake.
• Lump Crab Meat Crab Cakes Air Fryer : Use the best crab you can afford. It makes a massive difference.

What to Serve with Crab Cakes? + Best Sauce for Crab Cakes!

These go great with a simple salad or roasted veggies. As for sauce, you can't beat a classic homemade tartar sauce recipe .

Honestly, these air fryer crab cakes are so easy and delicious. They're perfect for a quick dinner. You'll never go back to frying them the old way!

Right then, let's get cracking on these air fryer crab cakes ! Think seaside fish and chips, but a bit posh, innit?

Recipe Notes for Perfectly Golden Air Fryer Crab Cakes

So, you're about to whip up these easy air fryer crab cakes . Honestly, it's simpler than making a cuppa! But before you dive in, a few notes to make sure you nail it.

What to Serve with Crab Cakes? Plating Like a Pro

Fancy pants time! Arrange your air fryer crab cakes on a plate with a wedge of lemon. A dollop of homemade tartar sauce recipe or your best sauce for crab cakes (aioli, maybe?) looks right smart.

For sides, a simple green salad or some roasted asparagus does the trick. Wash it down with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

Sorted!

Storage Tips and Tricks

Got leftovers? Wrap them up tight and pop them in the fridge. They'll be good for 2-3 days . To reheat, use the air fryer again for a couple of minutes.

Freezing lump crab meat crab cakes air fryer isn't ideal as they can get a bit soggy. But if you must, freeze them before cooking, then air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Variations on a Theme for Your Crab Cake Recipe Air Fryer

Want to mix it up? For a gluten-free version, swap the panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs. Feeling spicy? Add a finely chopped jalapeño.

You can also swap seasonal ingredients, like some fresh dill in the summer, for a vibrant twist!

Air Fryer Crab Cakes Recipe Healthy ? Nutrition Basics

These maryland crab cakes air fryer are relatively healthy as air fryer seafood recipes . They're packed with protein and lower in fat than traditional fried ones.

Each serving has roughly 275 calories, 25g of protein, and 17g of fat. Not bad, eh? The crab is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

There you have it a few extra tips to make your easy air fryer crab cakes experience even better. Now, go on, get cooking! You'll be chuffed with the results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen crab meat to make these air fryer crab cakes?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the crab meat completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before using it. Nobody wants soggy crab cakes! Patting it dry with paper towels after thawing will help give you a crispier result in the air fryer.

My air fryer crab cakes are falling apart! What am I doing wrong?

Ah, that's a right pain, isn't it? The most likely culprit is not chilling them for long enough. Giving the crab cakes at least 30 minutes (or even longer) in the fridge before cooking helps them firm up and hold their shape.

Also, be gentle when mixing overmixing can break down the crab and make the cakes more fragile.

How long do leftover air fryer crab cakes last, and how should I store them?

Leftover air fryer crab cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to re-crisp them, or microwave them if you're in a rush, though they won't be quite as crispy that way.

Make sure they're heated through properly before serving.

Can I freeze these air fryer crab cakes?

Yes, you can! To freeze, place the uncooked crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. You can then air fry them from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

This is a great way to prep ahead for a dinner party a right time saver, innit?

I'm not a fan of Old Bay seasoning. What else can I use in my air fryer crab cakes?

No worries, it's not everyone's cup of tea. You can substitute Old Bay with a blend of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of mustard powder. You could also try using Cajun seasoning for a bit more of a kick, or even just sticking with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder to let the crab flavour really shine through!

Are air fryer crab cakes a healthy option? What's the nutritional info?

Air fryer crab cakes are generally a healthier option than traditionally fried ones, as they use significantly less oil. They're a good source of protein from the crab meat. A serving has roughly 275 calories, 25g of protein, 17g of fat, 8g of carbohydrates, 1g of fiber, and 550mg of sodium; keep in mind this is an estimate, though, and will depend on the ingredients you actually use.