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In the world of seafood cuisine, few dishes evoke the same level of indulgence and satisfaction as crab cakes. Renowned for their luxurious flavor and appealing texture, these delightful morsels can elevate any meal, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings. Traditionally, crab cakes are a labor of love, requiring careful attention to detail in both preparation and cooking. However, thanks to the innovation of air fryers, making crispy, golden crab cakes has become simpler and healthier, allowing seafood lovers to enjoy this classic dish with less guilt.

Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Get ready to impress your guests with these Crispy Air Fryer Crab Cakes! This delightful seafood recipe combines fresh lump crab meat, flavorful spices, and panko breadcrumbs for a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for any occasion, these easy-to-make crab cakes are golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor. Click through to discover step-by-step instructions and start creating this mouthwatering dish today!

Ingredients
  

1 pound lump crab meat, picked through for shells

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 large egg, beaten

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much; you want some nice chunks in your cakes.

    Once well mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the cakes easier to form.

      Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

        After the mixture has chilled, use your hands to form the crab mixture into round patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. You should have about 8 crab cakes.

          Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the crab cakes in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. You may need to do this in batches depending on your air fryer size.

            Lightly spray the tops of the crab cakes with cooking spray as well.

              Cook the crab cakes in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.

                Once cooked, remove the crab cakes from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the crab cakes on a bed of mixed greens with a wedge of lemon on the side. Drizzle a bit of sriracha mayo or tartar sauce for an extra touch of flavor.