Air fryers have become an increasingly popular kitchen appliance for their ability to make foods crispy and delicious without all the oil of traditional frying Their convection heating system uses rapid air circulation to crisp up favorites like french fries, chicken wings, and more with just a tablespoon or less of oil Air fryers can also be used to prepare frozen premade crab cakes, resulting in a quick and easy crispy, golden brown exterior and tender interior.
Benefits of Cooking Premade Crab Cakes in an Air Fryer
There are several advantages to using an air fryer versus oven baking when cooking frozen premade crab cakes:
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Quick cooking time – Air fryers can cook frozen crab cakes in 8-12 minutes, while oven baking takes 20-25 minutes. The rapid air circulation crisps up the exterior faster.
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Less oil needed – Only a light mist of oil is needed in the air fryer to prevent sticking and promote browning, Oven baking requires greasing a pan with more oil
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Even crisping – The circulating air in an air fryer crisps all sides of crab cakes evenly. Oven baking can lead to soft spots.
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Simple cleanup – Air fryer baskets go right in the dishwasher after cooking. Oven baking dirtys up a sheet pan.
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Small batches – Air fryers allow cooking just a few crab cakes at a time versus heating up the whole oven.
How Long to Cook Frozen Premade Crab Cakes
Most frozen premade crab cakes require 8-12 minutes in an air fryer set to 375°F. The cooking time can vary based on the size of the crab cakes:
- Small 2-3 inch crab cakes: 8-10 minutes
- Medium 3-4 inch crab cakes: 10-12 minutes
- Jumbo 4-5 inch crab cakes: 12-14 minutes
Larger or thicker crab cakes may need an extra minute or two to fully heat through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 165°F when done.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for crispy, delicious air fried crab cakes:
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Don’t overcrowd – Allow space between crab cakes for air circulation. Work in batches to avoid steaming.
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Mist with oil – Lightly spray crab cakes with oil to promote browning and prevent sticking.
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Flip halfway – Flip crab cakes over at the halfway point to ensure even cooking on both sides.
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Check for doneness – Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm crab cakes are heated to 165°F.
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Let rest briefly – Let crab cakes rest for 2-3 minutes out of the air fryer before serving.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve your crispy air fried crab cakes with:
- Tartar sauce or remoulade for dipping
- Lemon wedges
- Coleslaw or potato salad
- Sauteed vegetables like asparagus
- A fresh green salad
Crab cakes also pair nicely with a crisp white wine or light beer.
Common Air Fryer Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes when cooking crab cakes in an air fryer:
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Not preheating – Allow the air fryer to fully preheat before adding food.
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Overcrowding – Too many crab cakes prevent proper air circulation.
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Insufficient oil – A light mist of oil is needed for browning and preventing sticking.
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Not flipping – Ensure both sides get evenly crisped by flipping halfway through.
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Uneven cooking – Some spots may cook faster than others, so flip and rotate as needed.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
While best when fresh, you can prepare air fried crab cakes in advance:
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Cook, cool, and refrigerate – Allow cooked crab cakes to cool fully, then refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.
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Reheat in air fryer – Reheat refrigerated crab cakes in air fryer at 325°F for 4-5 minutes until warmed through.
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Freeze cooked crab cakes – Freeze cooled crab cakes in single layer on tray until hard, then pack into freezer bag. Reheat frozen crab cakes in air fryer from frozen state, adding 2-3 extra minutes.
More Air Fryer Seafood Ideas
Beyond crab cakes, the air fryer can create quick and easy crisp-battered seafood:
- Fish fillets or sticks
- Shrimp
- Scallops
- Calamari
Follow the same tips of misting with oil, not overcrowding, and adjusting cook times as needed. Refer to air fryer recipe books or online guides for recommended settings.
The air fryer offers a fast and convenient way to enjoy tender, delicious crab cakes and other seafood favorites. Crisp up some premade frozen crab cakes in just 10 minutes or less for an easy appetizer, entree, or anytime treat. With the right timing and a few simple tips, you can enjoy that fried food taste without all the fat and calories.
WHAT TEMPERATURE TO AIR FRY FROZEN CRAB CAKES
The best temperature to achieve a crispy crust while the inside remains juicy, is to set the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
Lay the frozen crab cakes on the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Air fry them for about 12-14 minutes or until they reach 140 degrees F. It may take another minute or two depending on how many you’re cooking. Add more time as needed. Allow them to cool slightly before enjoying with homemade tartar sauce!
- Lay the cakes on a single layer. Laying crab cakes on top of each other will prevent them from crisping up.
- Avoid over-crowding the basket. Overcrowding with affect the time needed to cook, be sure to increase as needed if you add more cakes.
- Check them at 10 minutes and adjust as needed. Ive found that no crab cake is created equal, so you might need to add more time as needed.
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To warm, place in the air fryer or microwave until completely warmed through. About a minute or minute and a half in the microwave, and 4-5 minutes in the air fryer at 350F.
The absolute best way to cook them is in the air fryer. The air fryer allows the inside to warm completely while the outside gets nice and crispy. Simply air fry the crab cakes at 350F for about 12 minutes, depending on the size and brand you may need more time. Adjust as needed.
No, you can air fry them frozen without thawing them. The air frying process will thaw and cook them simultaneously. However, if you prefer to thaw them first, you can do so by placing them in the refrigerator overnight.
Yes, I always recommend preheating the air fryer before cooking. Preheating helps ensure even cooking and crispiness. Follow the manufacturers instructions for preheating your specific air fryer model.
Its not necessary to spray oil on the frozen crab cakes before air frying, as they usually have enough fat content to crisp up. However, if you prefer a crisper exterior, you can lightly spray the crab cakes with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil or butter.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
Tartar sauce is a must with these crispy delicious cakes! You can whip up your own using my recipe, or buy your favorite. Otherwise, a fresh squeeze of lemon is a good alternative for added brightness.
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Air Fryer Fridays: Dockside Classic Crab Cakes
FAQ
How to cook premade crab cakes in an air fryer?
How to cook premade store bought crab cakes?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the exterior is crispy. You can flip them halfway through for even heating.
How long to heat pre-made crab cakes?
Place crabcakes on a cookie sheet. Bring oven to 350° temperature. Turn oven off and place crabcakes in hot oven for approximately 10 minutes. Or, you can microwave on paper towels for approximately 60 seconds.
How to reheat cooked crab cakes in an air fryer?
Yes, an air fryer is great for reheating crab cakes until crispy. Cook at 370°F for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush with oil for extra crispiness.Feb 24, 2024