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–+ servings
An overhead image of a bowl of mini crab cakes.

Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Little bites of crab bliss air fried until crispy and golden on the outside but tender on the inside. These air fryer crab cakes require just a handful of ingredients and cook up quickly in the air fryer. A great appetizer for sharing with guests, this recipe makes about 24 mini crab cakes, serving about 8 people.
4 from 1 vote
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Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 119 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 air fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces lump crab meat  picked over for any shell fragments
  • 1 cup seasoned panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup tartar sauce plus more for dipping
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For garnish

  • Sea salt
  • Chopped parsley
  • Sliced chives

For serving

  • 1 lemon cut into wedges
  • Tartar sauce

Instructions
 

  • Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees.
  • Add crab, panko crumbs, tartar sauce, beaten egg or egg substitute, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper to a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
  • Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scooper, scoop the crab cake mixture into your hand, roll into a ball, squishing together gently as you roll. Place each bite onto a large piece of parchment paper or large plate.
  • Spray or wipe your air fryer with high heat cooking oil, like sunflower or canola. Add the crab cakes to the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching each other. You’ll likely need to do this in two batches. Spray the tops of your crab cakes with cooking oil after you’ve placed them in the basket.
  • Cook crab cakes for 6-8 minutes until golden brown, timing will vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your cakes. Check them at 6 minutes.
  • Remove from air fryer and place bites onto a serving platter. Sprinkle with sea salt, parsley and chives. Serve with lemon wedges and additional tartar sauce for dipping.

Notes

This recipe can easily be doubled to serve more guests. 
Use panko crumbs - do not substitute regular bread crumbs as the crab cakes won't be as crispy. 

Nutrition

Calories: 119kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 12gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 630mgPotassium: 169mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 70IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Air Fryer Crab Cakes
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