Crab cakes are a quintessential seafood dish that many people love. Their rich, sweet flavor combined with a delightful crisp exterior makes them an absolute delight. While crab cakes are often deep-fried resulting in a high-calorie dish, air frying provides a healthier cooking method while still achieving that scrumptious golden brown crust.
However, one of the most common questions that come up when preparing crab cakes in an air fryer is – what is the ideal temperature setting? Properly preheating your air fryer and cooking the crab cakes at the right temperature is key to perfectly cooked results.
In this comprehensive guide we will dive into everything you need to know about achieving flawless air fried crab cakes from the optimal temperature setting to cooking times and foolproof tips for the best texture and flavor. Let’s get cooking!
Why Air Fry Crab Cakes?
Air frying has become an increasingly popular cooking method due to its ability to create a crispy, fried texture using little to no oil. Hot air rapidly circulates around the food, mimicking deep frying. The benefits of air frying crab cakes include:
- Uses up to 80% less fat compared to deep frying, resulting in a healthier dish
- Quick and convenient cooking time
- Crispy golden exterior with a moist, tender interior
- Intensifies flavors without the greasy feel of deep frying
- Easy cleanup – no dealing with messy oils!
Air frying also allows you to cook frozen crab cakes which is a major time-saver.
Preparing Your Crab Cake Mix
While the air fryer settings are crucial, creating a well-combined crab cake mixture serves as the foundation for success. Be sure to use fresh, quality lump crab meat. Combine the crab meat gently with breadcrumbs, egg, spices like Old Bay, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, green onions, and just enough mayonnaise to bind.
Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes before forming patties to help everything firm up. This prevents the crab cakes from falling apart during cooking.
What Temperature Should You Cook Crab Cakes in an Air Fryer?
When it comes to air frying crab cakes, we recommend preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature setting will bake the crab cakes through while creating a deliciously crispy exterior.
If your air fryer only displays temperature settings in Fahrenheit, simply set it to 375°F. For a Celsius air fryer, input 190°C.
Preheating is crucial to ensure the air fryer basket gets hot enough before you add the crab cakes. Preheating for 3-5 minutes is ideal.
How Long to Cook Crab Cakes in an Air Fryer
Cooking time can vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your crab cakes. Here are general air frying guidelines:
- 1-inch thick crab cakes: Cook for 12-14 minutes
- 1.5-inch thick crab cakes: Cook for 14-16 minutes
Be sure to flip the crab cakes gently halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning.
You can also use a food thermometer to test doneness. Air fried crab cakes are perfectly cooked once the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
If cooking frozen crab cakes, add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time. Watch closely near the end to avoid overcooking.
5 Foolproof Tips for Perfect Air Fried Crab Cakes
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Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – Leave at least 1 inch between crab cakes for the hot air to circulate evenly.
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Spritz lightly with oil – A light coating of oil helps achieve a crispy crust without excessive greasiness.
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Try unique seasonings – Jazz up your crab cake mix with cajun spices, fresh herbs, hot sauce or minced veggies for flavor.
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Let rest before serving – Allow crab cakes to rest 5 minutes after cooking for easier slicing and serving.
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Pair with fun dipping sauces – Serve alongside remoulade, tartar sauce, cocktail sauce or aioli for maximum enjoyment.
Achieving Crab Cake Greatness
Cooking crab cakes in your air fryer may seem daunting if you’ve never tried it before. However, by following this guide, you’ll be able to achieve flawlessly cooked crab cakes bursting with sweet seafood flavor.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Allow a well-chilled crab cake mixture to cook for 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway. Confirm doneness with a food thermometer and enjoy! Crispy, golden crab cakes are just minutes away thanks to your air fryer.
So turn on your air fryer, mix up some crab cakes, and get ready to be amazed at how quick and easy it is to achieve this traditional dish with a healthier twist! Your family and friends will be begging you to make them again and again.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions are on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Lump crab meat: The main ingredient, providing rich flavor and texture. I recommend using lump crab meat instead of claw meat for optimal results.
- Red bell pepper and green onion: not typical crab cake ingredients, but I like adding them for a pop of color and flavor.
- Mayonnaise and Dijon mustard: Add moisture and help bind the mixture. Dijon provides a tangy flavor.
- Breadcrumbs – for holding the crab cakes together.
- Old Bay seasoning: Traditional seasoning for seafood, adding spice.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Ensures the crab cakes don’t stick while air frying.
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Air fryer
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Air Fryer Liners (optional)
- Spatula or spoon (for mixing and shaping the crab cakes)
- Small baking sheet or tray (to form crab cakes)
How to make Air Fryer Crab Cakes (Step-by-Step Photos)
Start by finely chopping your red bell pepper and green onion.
Next, add your crab meat, red bell pepper, green onions, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, breadcrumbs, and old bay seasoning to a bowl. Stir until combined.
Gently form 4 patties with your crab meat mixture. Don’t smoosh them together too hard. Just a light and gentle squeeze to ensure they are together.
Place them in your Air fryer basket. I use these parchment paper liners to line my basket first. It makes for easier clean up and it ensures my basket is non-stick.
If using a liner, please place the crab cakes on the liner before starting the Air Fryer. It would be best if you had the weight of the crab cake to hold the liner down so it does not fly up into the fan and heating element.
Slightly spray the top of the crab cakes with your favorite cooking oil. I used canola but vegetable, avocado, olive oil will all work.
Close your Air Fryer basket and cook on 370 degrees fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Once done, open air fryer and remove crab cakes and paper liners if using.
That’s it! So easy. I recommend this homemade remoulade sauce for the perfect dressing for this crab cake.
To store your air fryer crab cakes, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze uncooked crab cakes on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Chill the mixture: Refrigerate the crab cake mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to help it firm up and hold together.
- Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between crab cakes in the air fryer so they cook evenly and get crispy.
I love how these crab cakes are made from scratch, so you control all the ingredients.
Looking for more Air Fried Seafood Recipe appetizers? Try these out:
Find the full Video tutorial on YouTube. Don’t forget to click the thumbs-up button and Subscribe on YouTube for more recipe videos.
If you have tried this or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Air Fryer Fridays: Dockside Classic Crab Cakes
FAQ
How long do you cook crab cakes in the air fryer?
Air fry the crab cakes at 375°F for about 16 to 18 minutes. Turn the cakes halfway through the cooking process to ensure they develop a beautiful golden brown coloring on both sides.
What temperature should crab cakes be cooked at?
How to cook frozen crab cakes in an air fryer oven?
Uncooked frozen crab cakes can be cooked from frozen in the air fryer at 370°F for about 14 to 16 minutes.Apr 7, 2024
What temperature do you cook crab cakes in an air fryer?
Here comes one of the most important parts – finding the ideal air fryer temperature to achieve crunchy golden crab cakes that are cooked through. The right cooking temperature for crab cakes in an air fryer is 400°F. Cooking at 400°F gives the crab cakes enough time to heat through while getting maximally crispy and browned on the outside.
How do you know if crab cakes are cooked in an air fryer?
This ensures the cakes gain an even golden color and crispiness. Check the internal temperature: Air fryers vary, so cooking time may vary slightly. The best way to check if the crab cakes are done is by testing with a thermometer. They are done when the internal temperature is 145°F. How long do crab cakes last in an air fryer?
Can You reheat crab cakes in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can reheat crab cakes in an air fryer. Simply place the crab cakes in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Keep in mind that reheating crab cakes may affect their texture and flavor, so it’s best to cook them fresh for optimal results.
What temperature for extra crispy crab cakes?
If you prefer your crab cakes to have a golden and extra crispy exterior, you can increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) or even 425°F (220°C).
How do you thaw crab cakes for air frying?
Allow the crab cakes to thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Thawing them slightly will help with even cooking and prevent the outer layer from burning while the inside remains undercooked. Once the crab cakes are thawed, place them in the preheated air fryer basket.
Can You air Fry store-bought crab cakes?
Yes, you can air fry store-bought crab cakes. Cook them in the air fryer at 200C/400F for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through. For gluten-free crab cakes, swap out the panko breadcrumbs for either gluten-free breadcrumbs or gluten-free panko crumbs.