Air Fryer Crab Cake Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. They’re crispy on the outside and packed with the flavors of crab and seasonings on the inside.
These crab cake bites are then cooked in an air fryer, which uses hot air circulation to crisp them up without the need for deep frying. The result is perfectly cooked crab cake bites with a satisfying crunch on the outside and a moist, flavorful interior filled with succulent lump crab meat.
They are commonly served with various dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or a squeeze of lemon. Air Fryer Crab Cake Bites are a popular choice for appetizers at parties, gatherings, or as a delectable snack for seafood lovers.
Recipe notes:
- Choose Lump Crab Meat: It’s best to use high-quality lump crab meat for these crab cake bites. Make sure to drain it well to remove excess liquid to prevent soggy crab cakes.
- Don’t Overmix: When mixing the crab cake ingredients, be gentle and avoid overmixing. You want to keep the crab meat in chunky pieces for the best texture.
- Shape the Crab Cakes: You can shape the crab cakes into small bite-sized portions, making them perfect for appetizers or snacks. Ensure they are of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes helps ensure even cooking and crispiness. Follow your air fryer’s instructions for preheating.
FAQ:
Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned crab meat, but make sure to drain it well before use. Fresh lump crab meat is preferred for the best flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for lump crab meat if it’s not available?
You can use other types of crab meat or even imitation crab meat if necessary, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may differ.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking is recommended for more consistent results. Consult your air fryer’s manual for specific preheating instructions.
Can I use an oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the crab cake bites in a preheated oven at around 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Storage instructions:
Allow the leftover crab cake bites to cool to room temperature. Place the leftover crab cake bites in an airtight container or on a plate covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the crab cake bites. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer until they’re solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Properly stored, they can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, you can use the air fryer without thawing, but you may need to extend the cooking time.
Variations:
- Spicy Crab Cake Bites: Add a kick of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the crab cake mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy Sriracha aioli dipping sauce.
- Cheesy Crab Cake Bites: Mix in grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese into the crab cake mixture for an extra layer of richness and flavor. Cheese lovers will appreciate this variation.
- Dipping Sauces: Experiment with different dipping sauces. Try a sweet chili sauce, honey mustard, or a tangy rémoulade to complement the crab cake bites.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: 4
Net Carbs: 1 net carb per serving
What Do You Need To Make Crab Cake Bites:
8 oz. Crab meat chopped
½ C. Pork rind crumbs
1 Large egg
1 Tbsp. Mayonnaise
2 tsp. Minced garlic
½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
2 Tbsp. Dried chives
2 Tbsp. Dried parsley flakes
Squeeze of lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make Crab Cake Bites:
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and knead to combine well.
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Form the mixture into 12 evenly sized balls, and place into a well greased pan.
Cook for 5-6 minutes and then flip over and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
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Enjoy!
Air Fryer Crab Cake Bites
Ingredients
- 8 oz. Crab meat chopped
- ½ C. Pork rind crumbs
- 1 Large egg
- 1 Tbsp. Mayonnaise
- 2 tsp. Minced garlic
- ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
- 2 Tbsp. Dried chives
- 2 Tbsp. Dried parsley flakes
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and knead to combine well.
Form the mixture into 12 evenly sized balls, and place into a well greased pan.
Cook for 5-6 minutes and then flip over and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 39Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 192mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 5g
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