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Air fryer crab cakes

Crispy, golden crab cakes packed with tender lump crab and zesty seasoning, air fried to perfection.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 167
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lump crab meat fresh or refrigerated-pasteurized, drained well and picked through for shells/cartilage*
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1-2 dashes hot sauce to taste; depending on the brand you're using and your heat preferences
  • 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning depending on how zesty you like your crab cakes
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt omit if using salted crumbs or crackers
  • 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
  • ⅓ to ½ cup finely crushed saltine or butter Club crackers or Panko breadcrumbs **
  • cooking spray and/or melted unsalted butter
  • lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce for serving
  • Instructions

Equipment

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Plate or baking sheet
  • Air fryer
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt (if using), and chopped parsley.
  2. Gently fold in the crab meat.
  3. Add cracker crumbs or breadcrumbs gradually, mixing just until the mixture holds together.
  4. Form the mixture into 6 equal patties.
  5. Place patties on a plate or baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Spray both sides of the crab cakes with cooking spray.
  8. Optionally brush tops lightly with melted butter for extra flavor.
  9. Arrange crab cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
  10. Cook for 14–18 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160–165°F.
  11. Cook in batches if necessary.
  12. Serve warm with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.