Craving the exquisite taste of authentic Maryland jumbo lump crab cakes but short on time? Look no further! These Easy Air Fryer Crab Cakes come together in just 15 minutes, delivering a restaurant-quality experience right in your home. Forget the mess and excessive oil of deep frying; your air fryer transforms these delectable patties into golden, crispy perfection with minimal effort. Whether you’re a long-time fan of classic Old Bay crab cakes or new to the world of seafood, this recipe is designed for simplicity, speed, and unforgettable flavor. Plus, they’re incredibly freezer-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal anytime you desire!

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here.

This recipe, originally shared in 2017, has been fully updated and optimized to bring you the very best Air Fryer Crab Cakes experience.

Easy Air Fryer Crab Cakes: Your Go-To 15-Minute Recipe for Crispy Perfection

Maryland crab cakes, seasoned with the iconic Old Bay, hold a special place in the hearts of seafood lovers worldwide. Having grown up visiting the DMV area (Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia), a trip was never complete without savoring these succulent treats. This air fryer version captures all that beloved flavor and texture, making it accessible and incredibly simple to recreate in your own kitchen.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward process. You simply combine the fresh ingredients, gently form them into patties, and let your air fryer work its magic. It’s a remarkably hands-off cooking method that yields consistently fantastic results: a crisp exterior giving way to a tender, flavorful crab filling. Even if you’re new to air frying, you’ll find this recipe surprisingly easy to master and quick enough for any weeknight meal.

While I’ve perfected these crab cakes in the air fryer, the core recipe for the patties is remarkably versatile. If you don’t own an air fryer yet, you can still enjoy these incredible flavors! Consider checking out my Crab Cake Sliders recipe, which uses essentially the same ingredient base but offers alternative cooking instructions like pan-frying or baking. However, for that undeniable crispy texture, minimal oil, and super-fast cook time, the air fryer truly shines as the superior method for preparing crab cakes.

Why Make Crab Cakes in an Air Fryer?

The air fryer has revolutionized the way we approach classic dishes, and crab cakes are no exception. Traditional methods often involve pan-frying or deep-frying, which can be messy and require a significant amount of oil. Baking is a lighter alternative, but often lacks that satisfying crispy crust. The air fryer perfectly bridges this gap, offering several compelling advantages that make it the ideal cooking method for this seafood favorite:

• Crispy Texture without Deep Frying: The rapid circulation of superheated air creates an incredibly crisp, golden-brown exterior on your crab cakes, flawlessly mimicking the results of deep frying with only a fraction of the oil. This means all the crunch, none of the guilt.
• Healthier Option: By utilizing minimal cooking oil spray, air-fried crab cakes are a significantly lighter and healthier choice compared to their oil-heavy pan-fried or deep-fried counterparts. It’s a smart way to enjoy your favorite indulgence.
• Quick Cooking Time: Crab cakes cook surprisingly fast in the air fryer, typically requiring only 10-15 minutes. This makes them an excellent option for quick weeknight dinners, last-minute appetizers, or a speedy lunch.
• Even Cooking: The consistent and uniform heat distribution within the air fryer basket ensures that your crab cakes cook evenly throughout. This prevents raw centers, overcooked edges, or any unpleasant inconsistencies in texture.
• Less Mess and Easy Cleanup: Say goodbye to sputtering oil on your stovetop and greasy pans. The air fryer basket contains most of the mess, making cleanup a breeze. Many air fryer baskets are even dishwasher-safe!

If you’ve been hesitant to make crab cakes at home due to the perceived difficulty or mess, the air fryer removes many of the common barriers, making it an accessible and enjoyable cooking experience for everyone.

Selecting the Best Crab Meat for Unforgettable Flavor

The quality of your crab meat is paramount to truly outstanding crab cakes. For this recipe, I highly recommend using jumbo lump crab meat. Here’s why, along with other important considerations for selecting your crab:

Jumbo Lump Crab Meat: This premium crab meat consists of large, pristine chunks of sweet, white meat sourced from the swimming fins of the crab. Its delicate texture and subtly sweet flavor are unmatched, allowing the crab itself to be the indisputable star of your dish. Opting for jumbo lump elevates your crab cake experience to a truly luxurious level, delivering that coveted “all killer, no filler” sensation.

Understanding Other Crab Meat Grades:

• Lump Crab Meat: A step down from jumbo lump, this grade is a combination of broken jumbo lumps and large flakes of body meat. It still offers excellent quality and a delightful texture, making it a fantastic alternative if jumbo lump is unavailable or slightly beyond your budget.
• Backfin Crab Meat: Comprising smaller flakes of white body meat, backfin is often used for crab dips, stuffings, or soups. While it can technically be used in crab cakes, it will yield a less “meaty” and more shredded texture compared to lump or jumbo lump.
• Claw Crab Meat: This meat comes from the claws and is darker in color with a stronger, more robust flavor. It’s best reserved for dishes where the crab flavor is meant to be pronounced and can stand up to other strong ingredients, such as in gumbos, bisques, or certain pasta sauces. It’s generally not recommended for delicate crab cakes.

Where to Buy and What to Avoid:

Always opt for fresh, pasteurized crab meat. You’ll typically find it in the refrigerated seafood section of your grocery store, often near the butcher counter. Don’t hesitate to ask your butcher for recommendations or if they have a fresh shipment. It usually comes in plastic tubs or sealed cans that require constant refrigeration.

I strongly advise against using imitation crab meat or shelf-stable canned crab meat. Imitation crab is typically made from pollock (a whitefish) and artificial flavorings, lacking the authentic taste, texture, and nutritional benefits of real crab. Shelf-stable canned crab, while technically real crab, often has a metallic taste and a mushy texture that simply won’t do justice to your homemade crab cakes. For truly exceptional results, investing in good quality, fresh-tasting crab is key.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Crab Cakes

Beyond the star ingredient – the luscious crab meat – a few essential components come together harmoniously to create the classic flavor and perfect texture of these air fryer crab cakes. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in binding, seasoning, and enhancing the overall experience:

• Old Bay Seasoning: This iconic Maryland spice blend is virtually non-negotiable for achieving an authentic, deeply savory crab cake flavor. Its unique and proprietary mix of celery salt, paprika, red pepper, and other secret spices provides that signature zesty, savory, and slightly spicy kick that defines a true East Coast crab cake. If you find yourself without Old Bay, don’t worry; you can create a very close substitute with a few common spices (see recipe notes for details).
• Breadcrumbs: These act as a gentle binder, helping to hold the delicate crab cakes together without overwhelming the star flavor of the crab. I used whole wheat breadcrumbs for a slightly healthier profile, but panko breadcrumbs are also an excellent choice if you desire an even crispier, lighter texture. Regular plain breadcrumbs will work adequately as well. The key is to use just enough to bind, not to create a bread-heavy cake.
• Mayonnaise: Adding a touch of mayonnaise (I prefer reduced-fat for a lighter touch, but full-fat works just as well) contributes essential moisture and richness to the crab cakes. It helps to bind the ingredients together while ensuring the patties remain tender, juicy, and flavorful from the inside out.
• Egg: A medium-sized, lightly beaten egg is another crucial binder in this recipe. It helps to emulsify the mixture and provides the necessary structure to prevent the crab cakes from crumbling or falling apart during the air frying process.
• Red and Green Bell Peppers: Finely diced, these colorful bell peppers add a subtle crunch, a hint of fresh, vibrant flavor, and a beautiful visual appeal to the crab cakes. They contribute to the classic crab cake aesthetic and add a layer of freshness.
• Lemon Juice: A generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice is indispensable. Its bright, zesty acidity cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and beautifully complements the sweet flavor of the seafood, elevating all the other ingredients.
• All-Purpose Flour (for dusting): A very light dusting of all-purpose flour on the exterior of the formed patties is a simple yet effective trick. It helps to create an even crispier crust in the air fryer and provides a subtle barrier that prevents sticking to the basket.
• Cooking Oil Spray: Essential for achieving that coveted golden-brown crispness in the air fryer without the need for excessive amounts of liquid oil. Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray are both excellent choices and create a lovely finish.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Making these delicious crab cakes is incredibly simple and straightforward. Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time:

1. **Prepare Your Air Fryer & Crab Meat:** Begin by lightly spraying the air fryer basket with cooking oil. This essential step prevents sticking and contributes to a beautiful golden crust. If your air fryer model benefits from preheating, set it to 370°F (185°C) and let it warm up for 3-5 minutes. While that’s happening, ensure your jumbo lump crab meat is picked clean of any shells and gently drained of excess moisture.
2. **Gently Combine Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, carefully combine the drained jumbo lump crab meat, Old Bay Seasoning, breadcrumbs, finely diced red bell peppers, finely diced green bell peppers, lightly beaten egg, mayonnaise, and fresh lemon juice. The key here is to mix gently and sparingly, just until all the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can break up the delicate crab lumps, which are the hallmark of a great crab cake. You want to preserve those beautiful chunks of crab.
3. **Form the Patties with Care:** Divide the crab cake mixture into four equal portions. Using a light touch with your hands, gently form each portion into a patty, aiming for a thickness of about 1-inch. Avoid compacting them too much, as a lighter hand will result in a more tender and desirable crab cake texture.
4. **Dust and Spray for Crispness:** Lightly dust both the top and bottom of each formed crab cake patty with a small amount of all-purpose flour. This thin, uniform coating is crucial for helping to create an extra crispy exterior during air frying. After dusting, lightly spray both sides of the floured crab cakes with your chosen cooking oil. This step is essential for achieving that desirable golden-brown finish and preventing a dry texture.
5. **Air Fry to Golden Perfection:** Carefully place the prepared crab cakes in the preheated air fryer basket. It is vital to arrange them in a single layer, ensuring there is sufficient space between each patty for the hot air to circulate effectively. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in two batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than crisping. Follow the temperature and time guidelines in the next section for best results.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature and Cook Time

Achieving perfectly cooked, golden, and crispy crab cakes in the air fryer requires the right combination of temperature and duration. My recommendation for the ideal air fryer temperature is 370°F (185°C). This temperature is perfectly balanced: it’s hot enough to create a beautifully crisp, golden exterior on your crab cakes without scorching them, and it allows the delicate crab meat inside to cook through gently without becoming dry.

For most air fryers and average-sized crab cakes (patties approximately 1-inch thick), a total cook time of approximately 10 minutes is ideal. However, it’s important to remember that cooking times can vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model, its wattage, and the exact thickness of your crab cake patties. To ensure consistently perfect results, consider these additional tips:

• Preheat Your Air Fryer (Highly Recommended): While some air fryers claim not to require preheating, I highly recommend preheating for 3-5 minutes at 370°F. Preheating ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired temperature before you place the crab cakes inside, helping to achieve a more consistent cook and a crispier crust right from the start.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Basket: Always cook your crab cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure there’s a small amount of space between each patty for the hot air to circulate freely and effectively. If your air fryer basket is smaller, it’s always better to cook in multiple batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming, which will result in soggy crab cakes rather than wonderfully crisp ones.
• Flip Halfway for Even Browning: For an evenly golden-brown and crispy finish on both sides, gently flip the crab cakes halfway through the cooking time (around the 5-minute mark). You can also give them another light spray of cooking oil after flipping if they appear dry to encourage further browning.
• Check for Doneness: Crab cakes are fully cooked when they are beautifully golden brown on the exterior and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The best way to confirm doneness and food safety for any meat or seafood is with an instant-read meat thermometer, although visual cues are usually sufficient for this type of dish.

Freezing and Reheating Air Fryer Crab Cakes

One of the fantastic benefits of this recipe is how well these crab cakes freeze, allowing you to prepare them in advance and enjoy a quick gourmet meal whenever you like. Whether you choose to freeze them cooked or uncooked, the air fryer makes reheating a breeze, bringing them back to their crispy glory.

Freezing Cooked Crab Cakes:

If you have leftover cooked crab cakes, or if you’re meal-prepping for future convenience, freezing them after they’ve been cooked is an excellent option:

1. **Cool Completely:** It’s absolutely crucial to ensure that the cooked crab cakes are entirely cooled to room temperature before you attempt to freeze them. Freezing warm food can lead to ice crystals forming, which can affect texture and quality.
2. **Flash Freeze for Best Results:** Arrange the cooled crab cakes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the crab cakes are solid. This “flash freezing” step prevents them from sticking together when you later store them in a bag or container.
3. **Store Properly:** Once flash-frozen, transfer the solid crab cakes to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. If you need to stack them, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from freezing into a solid block.
4. **Label and Date:** Don’t forget to clearly label the container or bag with the date. For optimal quality and flavor, frozen cooked crab cakes can be stored for up to 3 months.

Freezing Uncooked Crab Cakes:

For the freshest possible taste and texture upon serving, you can also freeze the patties before they are cooked:

1. **Form and Flash Freeze:** Form the crab cake patties as directed in the recipe instructions. Then, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until they are completely solid.
2. **Store Smartly:** Once frozen solid, transfer the uncooked patties to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Again, separate layers with parchment paper if stacking.
3. **Label and Date:** Label with the date. Uncooked frozen crab cakes can also be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Frozen Crab Cakes in the Air Fryer:

The air fryer is truly your best friend when it comes to reheating frozen crab cakes, effortlessly bringing them back to their perfect, crispy state without a mushy center:

1. **From Frozen (Cooked Crab Cakes):** Place the frozen, pre-cooked crab cakes directly into the air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F (185°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated through and have regained their desired crispiness. It’s a good idea to gently flip them halfway through the reheating process for even results.
2. **From Frozen (Uncooked Crab Cakes):** If you’re air frying uncooked frozen patties, you will need to add a few extra minutes to the initial cook time compared to fresh patties. Start with approximately 12-15 minutes at 370°F, flipping them gently halfway through. Always ensure that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to ensure food safety.

For an extra burst of flavor, I absolutely love serving these air fryer crab cakes with a homemade Chipotle Mayo. Its smoky, creamy, and slightly spicy kick perfectly complements the sweet and savory notes of the crab. You can find that delicious recipe here to complete your gourmet experience.

Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Crab Cakes

These versatile Air Fryer Crab Cakes can be the star of various meals, from elegant appetizers to satisfying main courses. Their delicate flavor and crispy texture make them a delightful addition to almost any dining occasion. Here are some delicious ideas to inspire you:

• As an Elegant Appetizer: If serving as an appetizer, consider forming smaller crab cakes (you can get more patties from the mixture). Arrange them artfully on a platter with a selection of dipping sauces such as a classic creamy remoulade, tangy tartar sauce, a zesty cocktail sauce, or my personal favorite, the smoky Chipotle Mayo. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and finely chopped parsley for a professional touch.
• Hearty Main Course: For a more substantial and satisfying meal, serve 1-2 larger crab cakes per person. They pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, steamed corn on the cob, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light pasta dish tossed with olive oil and herbs.
• Crab Cake Sandwiches or Sliders: Transform your crab cakes into a delightful sandwich or slider. Place them on toasted brioche buns, ciabatta rolls, or mini slider buns with fresh lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and a generous spread of your favorite sauce for a truly satisfying bite.
• Brunch Delicacy: Elevate your weekend brunch with crab cakes. Pair them with perfectly poached eggs and a luxurious hollandaise sauce for a unique and gourmet twist on Eggs Benedict. They also work wonderfully alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light frittata.
• Gourmet Salad Topper: For a lighter meal, crumble a freshly air-fried crab cake over a vibrant garden salad. The crispy texture and rich flavor of the crab cake will add a gourmet protein boost and make your salad an exciting main dish.

Troubleshooting Common Crab Cake Issues

While this Air Fryer Crab Cake recipe is designed to be straightforward and foolproof, sometimes minor issues can arise. Here are some common problems you might encounter and simple solutions to ensure your crab cakes turn out perfect every time:

• Crab Cakes Falling Apart: This is one of the most common issues and usually stems from too little binder (egg, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs) or insufficient chilling time.
  • **Solution:** Double-check your measurements to ensure you have enough binding ingredients. After forming the patties, consider chilling them in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes. This helps the ingredients firm up, making the patties more stable. Also, handle the patties gently during formation and when placing them in the air fryer.
• Not Crispy Enough: If your crab cakes are lacking that desirable golden-brown, crispy crust, it’s often due to overcrowding or insufficient oil.
  • **Solution:** Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the crab cakes. Ensure you’re cooking them in a single layer with ample space between each patty for proper air circulation. If your air fryer basket is small, cook in batches. Lastly, don’t skimp on the cooking oil spray – a light, even coat before and halfway through cooking is crucial for crispness.
• Dry Crab Cakes: Overcooking is the primary culprit behind dry crab cakes, as the delicate crab meat can lose moisture quickly.
  • **Solution:** Keep a close eye on the cooking time and adjust as needed for your specific air fryer. Flipping them halfway helps prevent one side from overcooking. Using high-quality, moist crab meat and the correct amount of mayonnaise (as specified in the recipe) also helps retain moisture and ensures a tender interior.
• Too Much “Filler” Taste: The goal of a great crab cake is to let the sweet crab flavor shine, not to taste like breading.
  • **Solution:** Ensure you’re using just enough breadcrumbs to bind the mixture, not to bulk it up excessively. The quality of your crab meat also plays a huge role; jumbo lump crab will inherently provide a more prominent crab flavor compared to smaller, flakier grades.

Popular Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re loving the convenience and incredible results of air frying, be sure to explore more delicious and easy recipes to expand your culinary repertoire:

Air Fryer CheeseburgersAir Fryer French FriesAir Fryer Sweet Potato FriesAir Fryer Fried Pickles
Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich
Air Fryer Hush Puppies

More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes for Your Menu

The air fryer is a game-changer for cooking seafood, ensuring quick, perfectly cooked, and often crispy results every time. Discover these other fantastic seafood dishes:

Air Fryer Bang Bang ShrimpAir Fryer SalmonShrimp Egg RollsAir Fryer Catfish
Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
Air Fryer Scallops

More Delicious Crab Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings

If you’re a true crab enthusiast and can’t get enough of this delightful crustacean, don’t miss these other incredible recipes that showcase crab in various irresistible forms:

Shrimp and Crab Quiche
Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Seafood Crab Salad
Crab Stuffed Salmon
Crab Rangoon Dip
Hot Baked Crab Dip
Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
Baked Crab Legs
Instant Pot Crab Legs
Air Fryer Crab Legs

Pin this recipe for later here.

Print
Pin

5 from 24 votes

Air Fryer Crab Cakes

These Easy Air Fryer Crab Cakes are incredibly quick to make, taking only 15 minutes from start to finish! If you love authentic Maryland jumbo lump crab cakes, you’ll adore this recipe. They’re also perfect for freezing and can be reheated easily from frozen for a delicious meal anytime.

Save this recipe here.Saved!

Course Appetizer, dinner, lunch

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer crab cakes, air fryer crab rangoon

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 160kcal

Author Brandi Crawford

Cook Mode

Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• Cooking oil spray (e.g., olive or avocado oil)
• 8 ounces jumbo lump crab meat, picked clean of shells and drained
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or panko recommended)
• ¼ cup red bell peppers diced very small
• ¼ cup green bell peppers diced very small
• 1 medium egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (reduced-fat or full-fat)
• ½ lemon, juice of
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour (for dusting)

Instructions

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil, or line with air fryer parchment paper. If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat to 370°F (185°C) for 3-5 minutes.
• In a large bowl, gently combine the jumbo lump crab meat, Old Bay Seasoning, breadcrumbs, diced red peppers, diced green peppers, beaten egg, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Mix just until combined, being careful not to break up the crab lumps.
• Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and gently form them into patties, about 1-inch thick. Lightly dust both sides of each patty with flour.
• Place the floured crab cakes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd. Lightly spray the tops of the crab cakes with cooking oil.
• Cook in the air fryer at 370°F (185°C) for 10 minutes, flipping gently halfway through (at 5 minutes). Cook until golden brown and heated through.
• Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with your favorite sauces and garnishes.

Video

Notes

**Old Bay Seasoning Substitute:** If you don’t have Old Bay Seasoning, you can create a similar flavor profile using a combination of 1 teaspoon celery salt, ½ teaspoon paprika, ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon dried nutmeg. Adjust to your taste preferences.
**For Gluten-Free Crab Cakes:** If you need gluten-free crab cakes, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free all-purpose flour for dusting. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
**For Keto/Low-Carb Crab Cakes:** To make this recipe keto or low-carb friendly, omit the breadcrumbs and use a small amount of almond flour or finely crushed pork rinds as a binder. Ensure your mayonnaise is sugar-free to maintain the low-carb profile.

Recipe Tools Used in this RecipeAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cosori Air Fryer

Air Fryer Oil Spray Bottle

Air Fryer Parchment Paper

Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)

Serving: 1crab cakes | Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 8g

Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Air Fryer?Check out our Air Fryer Accessories List for the best tools!

Tried this recipe? Mention @Stay_Snatched or tag #StaySnatched! The recipe instructions noted here are the property of Stay Snatched and subject to copyright. Please do not screenshot and share this recipe on social.

Join our Air Fryer and Instant Pot Facebook GroupClick here to join our Facebook Group!

Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelCheck out our YouTube Channel!

Nutrition DataMacros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.