Crab Cakes in the Air Fryer (from Frozen)

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Cooking Frozen Crab Cakes in the Air Fryer is a hassle-free and quick way to prepare a crispy and satisfying dinner or appetizer—just add them to the air fryer basket and they’re ready in 18 minutes.

crab cakes

Are you a seafood lover craving a quick and delicious meal? the delightful flavors of frozen crab cakes, offering a delightful combination of tender crab meat and a satisfying crunch.

With just a few simple steps these golden-brown, crispy treats can be prepared with ease and are perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Ingredients You Need

The package of crab cakes
  • Crab cakes: any brand of frozen crab cakes work, so use your favorite brand. Keep in mind that not all crab cakes are alike. The ones I am using are thick but you may find thinner ones are your grocery store. That will affect the cooking time.
  • Tartar sauce and lemon – Optional, for serving.

You can also try your hand at making your own crab cakes at home. We don’t have a recipe for it, but you can try this one from Once Upon A Chef. If making it at home, you’ll need lump crab meat, eggs, mayo, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, celery, parsley, panko breadcrumbs, and cooking oil.

Equipment Information

Helpful Tips

  • Don’t thaw the frozen crab cakes before adding it into the air fryer.
  • The crab cakes should reach a temperature of 165°F(75°C). 
  • If the type of crab cake you are cooking isn’t breaded, lightly spray the air fryer basket and the top of the crab cake before cooking.
  • Keep an eye on your crab cakes as cooking times can differ based on the size and thickness.
  • If they aren’t browning as they cook you can spray the tops lightly with oil.

Oven Instructions

Don’t have an air fryer? No problem!

Preheat your oven to 375° F(190°C). Place the frozen crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cook for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Enjoy with tartar sauce, cocktail sauce or lemon.

A crab cake with tartar sauce and lemon

Frozen Crab Cakes in the Air Fryer

Cooking Frozen Crab Cakes in the Air Fryer is a hassle-free and quick way to prepare a crispy and satisfying dinner or appetizer—just add them to the air fryer basket and they're ready in 18 minutes.
5 from 32 votes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 

  • 4 crab cakes

Instructions
 

  • Place 4 crab cakes into the air fryer basket leaving room for the air to circulate around each one.
  • Cook at 380° F for 15-18 minutes flipping them over half way through. Test them to make sure the center reads 165° F.

Notes

  • Don’t thaw the frozen crab cakes before adding it into the air fryer.
  • If the type of crab cake you are cooking isn’t breaded, lightly spray the air fryer basket and the top of the crab cake before cooking.
  • Keep an eye on your crab cakes as cooking times can differ based on the size and thickness.
  • If they aren’t browning as they cook you can spray the tops lightly with oil.
  • The crab cakes should reach a temperature of 165°F. 

All air fryers have different wattage and may cook at different rates. You may need to adjust the time or temp for the best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 9gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 360mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Crab cakes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

What Brand To Buy

What brand to buy will depend on your preferences and accessibility. Here are some of the popular brands available, Phillips, SeaPak, Trader Joe’s, Gorton’s, and Mrs. Paul’s. These brands can be found in most grocery stores and online retailers.

Storage & Reheating Suggestions

Air fryer frozen crab cakes are best fresh, but you can store leftovers. Once they have cooled to room temperature, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat the leftovers on 350° F in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes or until they have warmed through.

3 crab cakes with lemon

What Side Dishes to Serve?

You can serve some really easy side dishes with your main dish cooked in the Air Fryer. Sometimes, you can cook them together in the air fryer to make it even faster.

Some of our favorite side dishes to serve include:

Here are 30 more air fryer side dishes to try

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5 from 32 votes (32 ratings without comment)

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