As someone who loves quick and easy recipes that deliver big on flavor, I can’t get enough of these air fryer frozen crab cakes! They’re the perfect option when you’re craving seafood but don’t have the time to make everything from scratch. The air fryer makes the process incredibly simple, and the result is perfectly crispy, golden-brown crab cakes without all the frying oil. Whether it’s a snack, appetizer, or part of a main meal, this recipe is a total winner in my kitchen.
Crab cakes have always been one of my go-to comfort foods. But when you’re in a rush, frozen crab cakes can be a lifesaver. The air fryer not only cooks them to crispy perfection but also keeps them light and flavorful. With just a few minutes of prep and a quick cooking time, these crab cakes are everything you want without the hassle.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Frozen Crab Cakes: These are the star of the show. You can either use store-bought frozen crab cakes or make your own if you have some extra time. The frozen variety is perfectly convenient, and they hold up well in the air fryer, keeping that classic golden crisp on the outside while staying tender and flaky inside.
Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: A light spray of oil or a drizzle of olive oil will ensure that the crab cakes crisp up nicely in the air fryer. You can use any cooking spray you prefer, but olive oil adds a nice depth of flavor that complements the crab cakes.
Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top of the crab cakes adds a burst of acidity that balances out the richness of the seafood. It’s a small addition but makes a big difference in bringing the flavors to life.
Tartar Sauce: This classic dipping sauce pairs wonderfully with crab cakes. Its creamy, tangy flavors are the perfect complement to the savory crab filling. You can buy pre-made tartar sauce or whip up a quick homemade batch.
Ingredients list
- 4 frozen crab cakes
- Cooking spray or olive oil
- 1 lemon (for wedges)
- 1/2 cup tartar sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How to Make Air Fryer Frozen Crab Cakes
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before you begin, make sure to preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the crab cakes cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture. Preheating only takes a few minutes and is key to achieving a great result.
Step 2: Prepare the Crab Cakes
Place the frozen crab cakes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You can give them a light spray of cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to help them crisp up. Make sure they’re not overlapping so that they cook evenly on all sides.
Step 3: Air Fry the Crab Cakes
Set the air fryer to cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the crab cakes halfway through. The goal is for the crab cakes to be golden brown and crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. Keep an eye on them during the cooking process, as air fryers can vary in heat intensity.
Step 4: Serve with Lemon and Tartar Sauce
Once the crab cakes are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer. Serve immediately with wedges of fresh lemon and a side of tartar sauce for dipping. The lemon adds a burst of flavor, and the tartar sauce offers that creamy contrast to the crispy crab cakes.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: For the crispiest crab cakes, ensure there’s enough space in the air fryer basket for air to circulate around each crab cake. Overcrowding can cause uneven cooking.
- Adjust the cooking time: Depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Check the crab cakes towards the end of cooking to make sure they are golden brown and heated through.
- Homemade crab cakes: If you prefer homemade crab cakes, you can easily make them ahead of time and freeze them. Just follow your favorite crab cake recipe, form them into patties, freeze them, and then cook them in the air fryer when you’re ready.
FAQs
Can I use fresh crab cakes instead of frozen ones?
Yes! If you have fresh crab cakes, you can absolutely cook them in the air fryer. Just reduce the cooking time slightly, and be sure to check the crab cakes for doneness before serving.
How can I tell when the crab cakes are fully cooked?
The crab cakes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Can I make this recipe without tartar sauce?
Yes! Tartar sauce is optional, but it’s a classic pairing. If you don’t have tartar sauce or prefer something different, you could try a simple dipping sauce like aioli, cocktail sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick.