Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Crab Cakes

Air Fryer Frozen Crab Cakes: Your Ultimate Guide to Crispy, Quick & Easy Seafood

Discover the simplest and most delicious way to prepare frozen crab cakes right in your air fryer! This method promises golden-brown perfection and a wonderfully crispy texture in just about 10 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a fast appetizer, a satisfying snack, or even a quick main course. Forget the mess and excessive oil of deep frying; the air fryer delivers all the delightful flavor and crunch you crave with a healthier twist. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can transform a frozen staple into a gourmet-like treat that tastes freshly made.

golden brown fried crab cakes on a small plate with parsley and lemon in front of an air fryer.

Crab cakes are incredibly versatile, offering endless possibilities for serving. You can present them elegantly as a sophisticated side dish for a dinner party, or crumble them over fresh green salads for a light yet satisfying lunch. Their tender interior and perfectly crispy exterior also make them an excellent addition to soups, adding a delightful texture and burst of flavor. Don’t forget their potential as a sandwich filling, creating a gourmet experience in a matter of minutes. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, air-fried frozen crab cakes are sure to impress with their convenience and irresistible taste.

Table of Contents

  • Why Air Frying Frozen Crab Cakes is a Game Changer
  • Simple Ingredients for Instant Deliciousness
  • Essential Equipment for Perfect Crab Cakes
  • Step-by-Step Directions to Air Fry Frozen Crab Cakes
  • Expert Tips for the Best Air Fried Crab Cakes
  • Creative Variations & Serving Suggestions
  • Storing & Reheating Leftover Crab Cakes
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Delicious Air Fryer Seafood Recipes
  • Air Fryer Frozen Crab Cakes Recipe Card

Why Air Frying Frozen Crab Cakes is a Game Changer

The magic of the air fryer truly shines when it comes to cooking frozen crab cakes. What makes this method so remarkable is the sheer convenience and the superior results it delivers. Unlike traditional frying, there’s absolutely no need to wait for your crab cakes to thaw. You can take them directly from the freezer, pop them into your air fryer, and in a mere few minutes, you’ll have a gourmet-quality party appetizer or a satisfying snack ready to devour. This minimal effort, coupled with the speed of preparation, makes them a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence.

You’ll typically find high-quality frozen crab cakes readily available in the freezer aisle or at the seafood counter of your local supermarket. Because they are already prepared and seasoned, they require virtually no prep time on your part. This means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious meal. The air fryer ensures that each crab cake develops a beautifully crispy, golden-brown crust while remaining perfectly tender and succulent on the inside. It’s a fantastic alternative to deep frying, significantly reducing the amount of oil needed and offering a lighter, yet equally flavorful, experience.

For those who appreciate quick and easy frozen seafood options, the air fryer is an indispensable kitchen tool. If you’re looking to expand your repertoire of effortless air-fried meals, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes: Air Fryer Frozen Salmon, Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp, Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Shrimp, or these crowd-pleasing Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks. Each offers the same promise of convenience, speed, and delicious results.

Simple Ingredients for Instant Deliciousness

One of the many joys of making frozen crab cakes in the air fryer is the minimal number of ingredients required. You likely already have everything you need, or it can be easily picked up during your next grocery run. The star of the show is, of course, the frozen crab cakes themselves!

Frozen crab cakes on a black plastic plate in front of the air fryer basket.
  • 1 package of frozen crab cakes: Typically, a package will contain 2-4 individual crab cakes, depending on their size. Choose your favorite brand for the best results.
  • Cooking spray or oil mister: A light coating of olive oil spray or your preferred cooking oil will help achieve that extra-crispy exterior and prevent sticking.

Optional flavor enhancer: Old Bay Seasoning. A sprinkle of this classic seafood seasoning can elevate the flavor profile of your crab cakes, adding a touch of Chesapeake Bay deliciousness.

Essential Equipment for Perfect Crab Cakes

The star appliance for this recipe is, of course, your trusty air fryer. While the instructions provided here are based on experience with a Cosori air fryer, remember that cooking times can vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model, its size, and wattage. Some air fryers run hotter than others, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your food and adjust the cooking time by 1-2 minutes if needed. Regardless of your air fryer type (basket-style or oven-style), the principles remain the same for achieving perfectly cooked, crispy crab cakes.

Consider also having a pair of silicone-tipped tongs for safely flipping the crab cakes, and a meat thermometer to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), especially if you are concerned about doneness. While not strictly necessary, an air fryer liner or parchment paper can make cleanup even easier. However, always ensure any liners used are specifically designed for air fryers and don’t block air circulation.

Step-by-Step Directions to Air Fry Frozen Crab Cakes

Achieving perfectly crispy and tender air fryer frozen crab cakes is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering result every time:

STEP 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Before anything else, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Preheating is a crucial step that ensures your crab cakes cook evenly and develop that desirable crispy crust from the moment they enter the basket.

STEP 2: Arrange the Crab Cakes
Carefully place the frozen crab cakes into the air fryer basket. It’s essential to arrange them in a single layer, ensuring that they do not touch or overlap. Overcrowding the basket will lead to uneven cooking and prevent them from getting truly crispy. If you’re cooking a larger batch, work in batches.

Frozen golden crab cakes in the air fryer basket before being air fried.

STEP 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Cook the crab cakes in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes. During this time, the hot air circulation will transform them into beautifully golden brown, crispy delights on the outside, while ensuring they are thoroughly heated and tender on the inside. For best results, gently flip the crab cakes halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and crisping on both sides. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for food safety.

Golden crispy crab cakes in the air fryer basket with one being lifted by a white spatula.

STEP 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked to your desired crispness, carefully remove the crab cakes from the air fryer. Serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauces. Classic choices include tangy tartar sauce, zesty cocktail sauce, a hint of spicy hot sauce, or simply a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. These delectable crab cakes are ready to be savored!

Expert Tips for the Best Air Fried Crab Cakes

Mastering air-fried frozen crab cakes is simple, but a few expert tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely fantastic:

  • Don’t Skip the Preheat: Always ensure your air fryer is fully preheated to the specified temperature before adding the crab cakes. This initial blast of heat is key to achieving that perfectly crispy exterior and ensuring even cooking throughout.
  • For Extra Crispiness: If you desire an exceptionally crispy crust, lightly spray the tops of the frozen crab cakes with an oil mister (such as olive oil or avocado oil spray) just before placing them in the air fryer. This thin layer of oil helps promote browning and enhances the crunch.
  • Flavor Boosters: Enhance the natural flavors of the crab cakes with a few simple additions. A generous sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning before cooking adds a classic seafood flavor. Serving with a fresh lemon wedge allows guests to add a squeeze of bright, acidic lemon juice, which perfectly complements the rich crab. You could also serve them over a bed of fresh butter lettuce with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Cook crab cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s ample space between each one for proper air circulation. If your air fryer is too crowded, the crab cakes will steam rather than crisp, resulting in a soggy texture. Work in batches if necessary.
  • Flip for Evenness: For uniform golden-brown crispness on all sides, it’s a good practice to gently flip the crab cakes halfway through the cooking process.
  • Monitor Doneness: Air fryer models can vary. Check on your crab cakes every 5 minutes or so, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to prevent them from overcooking or burning. They should be golden brown and feel firm to the touch. For food safety, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Golden crispy crab cakes on a small white plate with a small bowl of cocktail sauce on the table for dipping.

Are you new to air fryers? If you’re just starting your air frying journey, we have a fantastic resource that demystifies this popular kitchen appliance. Check out our comprehensive article on What is an Air Fryer, where we cover everything from how it works to what amazing dishes you can create, and much more.

Looking for the BEST accessories to maximize your air frying experience? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite and most recommended Air Fryer Accessories to help you get the most out of your appliance.

Creative Variations & Serving Suggestions

While air-fried frozen crab cakes are delicious on their own, there are many ways to customize and serve them to suit any occasion or palate:

  • Seasoning Enhancements: Once your crab cakes are perfectly air-fried, you can sprinkle them with additional seasonings like fresh chopped parsley, a dash of paprika, or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a brighter finish.
  • Gourmet Sandwich or Salad Topper: Elevate a simple sandwich by crumbling the warm, crispy crab cakes onto toasted buns with some fresh lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of remoulade sauce. Alternatively, break them apart and scatter them over a vibrant salad bowl for a hearty and flavorful protein boost.
  • Elevate with Toppings: Before serving, consider adding a sophisticated touch with a spoonful of Dijon mustard mixed with finely chopped green onions, a sprinkle of flaky kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. A touch of cayenne pepper can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a little heat.
  • Dipping Sauce Extravaganza: Beyond the classic tartar and cocktail sauces, experiment with other dips. A sriracha mayo, a creamy dill sauce, or even a sweet chili sauce can offer a delightful contrast to the savory crab.
  • Mini Crab Cake Sliders: For an appetizer, serve smaller crab cakes on mini slider buns with a slice of tomato and a tiny lettuce leaf.
  • Crab Cake Benedict: For a decadent brunch, serve a crispy crab cake on an English muffin, topped with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce.

Storing & Reheating Leftover Crab Cakes

Should you be fortunate enough to have any leftover air-fried crab cakes, proper storage and reheating are key to maintaining their delicious flavor and texture:

Storing Leftovers: Allow the cooked crab cakes to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze cooked crab cakes for up to 1-2 months. Wrap each individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating for Optimal Crispness: The best way to reheat crab cakes and revive their crispy exterior is, once again, in the air fryer. Place the refrigerated or thawed crab cakes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Air fry them at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 3-5 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warm and have regained their desired crispness. If reheating from frozen, this time might extend to 8-10 minutes, with a gentle flip halfway through.

Alternatively, you can reheat them in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. While the microwave is an option for quick reheating, it will likely result in a softer texture, so it’s generally not recommended if crispiness is a priority.

Golden crispy crab cake on a small plate with a fork taking a small piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to thaw frozen crab cakes before air frying?

No, one of the greatest advantages of using an air fryer is its ability to cook foods directly from the freezer without the need for thawing. This saves you valuable time and makes preparing frozen crab cakes incredibly convenient. If you do happen to thaw them beforehand, simply adjust the cooking time by a few minutes, as they will cook faster.

Can I make crab cakes from scratch in an air fryer?

Absolutely, you can! While pre-made frozen crab cakes are fantastic for their time-saving convenience, making them from scratch allows for custom flavor profiles. If you have fresh lump crab meat or even imitation crab meat, along with ingredients like eggs, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch), and your preferred seasonings, you can easily craft homemade crab cakes. Simply form them and follow specific instructions for air fryer crab cakes made from scratch to ensure they cook beautifully.

What kind of frozen crab cakes work best in the air fryer?

Most brands of frozen crab cakes will work well in an air fryer. Look for varieties with a good breading that will crisp up nicely. Whether you choose smaller appetizer-sized crab cakes or larger, entrée-sized ones, the cooking method remains largely the same, though larger cakes may require an extra minute or two.

Can I use parchment paper or aluminum foil in my air fryer?

Yes, you can use air fryer-specific parchment paper liners or small pieces of aluminum foil, but with caution. Ensure they are cut to size and only cover the area directly beneath the food, allowing sufficient airflow. Never preheat your air fryer with just parchment paper or foil, as they can fly up and hit the heating element, posing a fire risk. Always place the food on top to weigh them down.

What are some good side dishes to serve with air-fried crab cakes?

Air-fried crab cakes pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, lemon-garlic broccoli, creamy mashed potatoes, or a vibrant coleslaw. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside rice pilaf or even some crispy air-fried potato wedges.

More Delicious Air Fryer Seafood Recipes

If you’re loving the ease and incredible results of cooking seafood in your air fryer, you’re in for a treat! The air fryer is truly a game-changer for preparing a wide array of seafood dishes, delivering perfectly cooked, often crispy, and always delicious results with minimal fuss. Explore some of our other favorite air fryer seafood recipes:

Dinner

Air Fryer Scallops

Seafood

Air Fryer Shrimp

Appetizers

Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

Dinner

Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp

I genuinely love making these frozen crab cakes! They are my go-to when I’m craving a quick seafood snack or need a convenient, yet impressive, side dish. The sheer ease of cooking them straight from the freezer without any thawing makes them an absolute favorite in my kitchen. Give them a try – you won’t be disappointed!

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Golden crispy crab cake on a small white plate with a fork removing a bite and with a small bowl of cocktail sauce on the table for dipping.





5 from 2 votes
Servings: 4

Air Fryer Frozen Crab Cakes

By Becky
Air fryer frozen crab cakes are a delicious appetizer or snack, and they are done in about 10 minutes total time! Making them from frozen, you get all of the flavor and crispness, without the oil from deep frying.
Prep: 3 minutes
10 minutes
Total: 13 minutes
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Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer (Basket-style or oven-style)

Ingredients 

  • 4 frozen crab cakes
  • olive oil spray

Optional:

  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
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Instructions 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
  • Place the frozen crab cakes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer without stacking or overlapping. Lightly spray with olive oil for extra crispness if desired.
  • Air fry the crab cakes for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and heated through on the inside (internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C).
  • Serve immediately with your favorite sauces such as tartar sauce, hot sauce, a pinch of fresh lemon juice, or classic cocktail sauce.

Notes

  • Make sure to preheat your air fryer before putting in the crab cakes to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
  • If you want an even crisper exterior, try spraying the top of the frozen crab cakes with a light layer of oil (like olive oil spray) before cooking them in the air fryer.
  • For enhanced flavor, add a few drops of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning before or after cooking. Serve with a lemon wedge, or over a butter lettuce salad for a complete meal.
  • Always monitor your crab cakes, checking every 5 minutes or so, especially if it’s your first time cooking that brand or size, to prevent them from getting overcooked.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 1.5g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 570mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Calcium: 6mg, Iron: 6mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.


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