Air Fryer Crab Cakes are fantastic. It's one of our family favorites. James often makes fun of me when I make these crab cakes because I use store bought lump crab meat.
We often have fresh crabs after the kids and him have been out in the boat... but I just find it hassle free to grab a container from the store. Crab cake sandwich is my favorite, crab cakes in air fryer has got to be the best, hassle free treat I make.
I prefer for my crab cakes to taste like crab and so don't use too much crumb in the recipe. I also don't like to stir the mixture too hard before forming the crab patties otherwise that delicious lump meat will break up.
Jump to:
It's what makes these crab cakes so good. They are full of crab meat! When you take them out of the air fryer they will be quite soft. It's best to let them sit for a few minutes, it helps them bind a bit better.
🧅 Ingredients
- Jumbo Lump Crab Meat
- Red Bell Pepper
- Green Onions
- Mayonnaise
- Saltine Crackers
- Dijon Mustard
- Old Bay Seasoning
- Lemon Juice
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
🥣 Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Step 1 - Chop the Red Bell Pepper and Green Onion, nice and finely so they're not too bulky in the crab cake.
- Step 2 - Put all ingredients (except the lemon) into a medium sized mixing bowl and stir well to combine.
- Step 3 - Form four patties with the crab mixture, about the size of your hand. Place into a plastic wrap to help form better and then refrigerate for an hour. This will help the crab cakes to keep their shape.
- Step 4 - Spray non-stick cooking spray into the air fryer basket and place crab cakes in there in a single layer. Air fry - Depending on your air fryer, you might need to flip your crab cake., they need to be golden brown in color. The air fryer I'm using in this recipe is a basket type (InstantPot type).
- Step 5 - Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with fresh lemon squeezed on top and your favorite sauce.
Hint: you could make mini crab cakes with the crab mixture, to make finger food! Just reduce the cooking time a few minutes. These would be delicious dipped in a Remoulade sauce.
🔄 Substitutions and Variations
- Keto Crab Cakes - This recipe can be made into a Keto recipe real easy - all you need do is swap out the saltine crackers for a keto alternative.
- Gluten Free Crab Cakes - use gluten free crumbs instead of saltine crackers to make this gluten free
- Spicy - add chili pepper flakes or hot sauce to imbue heat into the dish, or chopped chilies
- Umami Flavor - add Worcestershire Sauce to give a wonderful tangy, savory, sweet and salty taste. Reduce some of the mayo in this case.
- Kid friendly - add crushed potato chips (ketchup chips!)
- Bread Crumbs - you could use simple bread crumbs, or panko crumbs instead of the crackers.
- Fresh Crab Meat - you could use fresh crab meat if you're lucky enough to have access to some.
- Sour Cream - add some sour cream for richness.
If you like air fryer recipes, you should try my Air Fryer Pizza Rolls - they're super easy and such fun. My Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Wings, or my Air Fryer Sausage Balls.
🔌 Equipment
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I have an Air Fryer made by Instant (makers of the instant pot). I love this particular one, as the instructions are clear, it's really easy to clean the basket after use and is visually attractive in my kitchen too! See my affiliate link in the recipe card below to see more about it.
🦀 Other Great Crab Recipes
Try my Southern Tartar Sauce Recipe with these crab cakes. It's delicious. My Instant Pot White Beans would go well with these too.
🧊 Storage
After the crab cakes have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
They can be frozen - see below;
💡 Top tip
Expert Tip: Instead of cooking these crab cakes after they are refrigerated, put them in the freezer instead and pull them out as you need to. They will cook in exactly the same method as I mention above, just add a few more minutes to the cooking time. The crab cakes will store well for up to 3 months.
If you’ve tried this Air Fryer Crab Cakes Recipe or any other great recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below, how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers!
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You can also follow me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes!
Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Air Fryer Crab Cakes are a treat in our home. They are so deliciously easy to make, with easy ingredients. Homemade crab cakes cooked healthily in the air fryer!
Ingredients
- 8oz Lump Crab Meat
- ½ Red Bell Pepper, finely diced
- 2 Green Onions, finely sliced
- 2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons Saltine Crackers, crushed
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- ½ Teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- Juice of 1 Lemon
Instructions
- Chop red bell pepper and green onions.
- Mix all remaining ingredients (except lemon) in a medium mixing bowl.
- Form crab cakes in hands (about 4 tbsp) and place into plastic wrap.
- Place crab cakes into refrigerator and chill for 1 hour.
- Unwrap crab cakes and place into the greased air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 370°F for 10 minutes.
Notes
Serve with Remoulade Sauce or Tartare.
Freeze these crab cakes and easily add to the air fryer as and when you want to cook them.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 113Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 58mgSodium 464mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 11g
Pam says
We love crab cakes but had not thought of making them in the fryer. Thanks for this!
Sarah says
YUM I love crab cakes and using my air fryer, saving for later!
Beth Sachs says
Wow, what a taste sensation these crab cakes were! Another great air fryer recipe I can call on.
Melanie Cagle says
Glad you enjoyed them Beth!
Michelle says
These crab cakes look amazing, never thought to make it in the air fryer! Thanks for sharing!
Kechi says
Love the versatility of the Air Fryer! These crab cakes look flavorful and I will love to try this recipe. YUM!!!
Beth says
These look amazing and so delicious! My daughter and I are going to absolutely love this recipe! Excited to try this soon!
Tristin says
Love the tip about freezing these crab cakes and pulling them out as needed. That is going to come in so handy on those busy weekdays!!
Cathleen says
I only recently got an air fryer for my birthday, and I am loving trying new things. Definitely giving this a go because it sounds amazing!! Thanks so much for the recipe 🙂
Melanie Cagle says
Thanks Cathleen. Hope you enjoy!
FOODHEAL says
I've never thought I could make crab cakes! this is a great idea especially for my kids who don't like the fishy smell. I'll try this recipe out.
Melanie Cagle says
Glad you like it, let me know how it goes with the kids!?
Erin says
I've never had crab cakes but I'd love to try these! I especially love that they're made in the air fryer. I just want to air fry everything these days!
Alex says
Oooh, I'm intrigued by the saltine crackers addition! My parents just love crab cakes but hate paying for them. I should make these for them whenever I get to see them again!
amycaseycooks says
These crab cakes are loaded with crab and I love that there’s only a small amount of saltines. An air fryer is such a great idea to make them too!
Melanie Cagle says
Thanks Amy, glad you liked them!
Heidy says
Your recipe for crab cakes was wonderful, and the entire family was delighted to have something new instead of the same old same old. I will be making this again soon. Have a great day!
Heidy