Frozen Crab Cakes In Air Fryer

Close-up of crispy crab cakes with a golden crust, garnished with parsley and served on a white platter.

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Quick and easy Frozen Crab Cakes in Air Fryer recipe! Perfectly crispy crab cakes, ready in 10 minutes, served with lemon wedges and garlic aioli.

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Do you ever have one of those nights where cooking feels like a chore, but takeout also feels like admitting defeat? That’s exactly where I was when I stumbled upon this little gem of a recipe. A few months back, I was digging through my freezer and found a box of frozen crab cakes I’d forgotten about. They looked promising, but the idea of heating up the oven for one box? Nope, not happening.

Enter the air fryer. I figured, why not? Ten minutes later, I was sitting down to a plate of crispy, golden crab cakes that tasted like they’d just come out of a restaurant kitchen. The best part? No greasy pans to clean and no “oops, I burned it” moments.

Now, this is my secret weapon for those nights when I want something fancy with minimal effort. They’re also a hit when I have people over—because who doesn’t love a good crab cake? Pair them with garlic aioli and a squeeze of lemon, and suddenly, dinner feels downright luxurious.

Why You’ll Love This Frozen Crab Cakes In Air Fryer Recipe?

This recipe for Frozen Crab Cakes in Air Fryer is a total game changer. Here’s why:

  • Quick and Convenient: No need to defrost—straight from the freezer to your plate in just 10 minutes.
  • Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer gives you that golden, crunchy texture without the hassle of frying in oil.
  • Low Effort, High Reward: It’s the kind of dish that looks fancy but secretly takes zero effort.
  • Minimal Cleanup: With parchment paper or foil, you’re not even dealing with a messy air fryer basket.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, these crab cakes have you covered.

Close-up of crispy crab cakes with a golden crust, garnished with parsley and served on a white platter.

Ingredient Notes:

Let’s talk about what makes this recipe so foolproof:

  • Frozen Crab Cakes: Choose a quality brand—look for ones with lots of crab meat and fewer fillers. If they’re loaded with breadcrumbs, they won’t crisp up as nicely.
  • Lemon Wedges: A little squeeze of lemon adds brightness and balances the richness of the crab cakes.
  • Garlic Aioli: This creamy, garlicky dip is the ultimate companion for crispy crab cakes. You can whip it up at home or grab a store-bought version.

Pro Tip: Using parchment paper or aluminum foil in your air fryer not only keeps things tidy but also prevents the crab cakes from sticking.

Delicious and crispy crab cakes arranged on a serving plate, garnished with herbs and served with a creamy dip.

How To Make Frozen Crab Cakes In Air Fryer?

Step 1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. It might seem like an unnecessary step, but trust me, it makes a big difference. Preheating ensures your crab cakes cook evenly and come out beautifully crispy.

Step 2. Prep the Crab Cakes
Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place the frozen crab cakes in the basket, leaving some space between them. The air needs to circulate, so don’t overcrowd them.

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Step 3. Cook the Crab Cakes
Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 9–11 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even crispiness. Keep an eye on them toward the end—they should be golden brown and heated through.

Step 4. Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the crab cakes (they’re hot!) and plate them up. Add a wedge of lemon and a dollop of garlic aioli for dipping. That’s it—you’re ready to dig in!

Golden-brown air-fried crab cakes served with a dollop of creamy tartar sauce and a slice of fresh lemon.

Storage Options:

If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

  • Refrigerate: Place any cooked crab cakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to revive that crispy exterior.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

  • Try New Sauces: Swap garlic aioli for tartar sauce, sriracha mayo, or even a yogurt-based dill dip.
  • Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some chopped parsley, chives, or cilantro over the top for a fresh twist.
  • Lime Instead of Lemon: A squeeze of lime adds a unique citrusy zing.
  • Make It a Meal: Serve with roasted veggies, a side salad, or even over a bed of rice.

Perfectly air-fried crab cakes displayed on a white dish, accompanied by fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish.

What to Serve with Frozen Crab Cakes In Air Fryer?

These crab cakes are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides:

  • Salads: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.
  • Fries: Go classic with French fries or mix it up with sweet potato fries.
  • Roasted Veggies: Think asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini.
  • Dips: Don’t limit yourself—try cocktail sauce, remoulade, or honey mustard for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I cook homemade crab cakes in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time based on their size and whether they’re frozen or fresh.

How do I know the crab cakes are done?
They should be golden brown and heated all the way through. If you’re using a thermometer, the internal temp should be 165°F.

Do I need to flip the crab cakes?
Yes, flipping them halfway ensures they cook evenly and get crispy on both sides.

There you have it—crispy, delicious Frozen Crab Cakes in Air Fryer with almost zero effort. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Have you tried this recipe yet? Let me know how you serve your crab cakes—I’m always looking for new ideas!

A plate of air-fried crab cakes paired with fresh lemon wedges and dipping sauce, ready to enjoy.

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Golden-brown air-fried crab cakes served with a dollop of creamy tartar sauce and a slice of fresh lemon.

Frozen Crab Cakes In Air Fryer

Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Enjoy perfectly crispy Frozen Crab Cakes in Air Fryer in just 10 minutes. A quick and easy dish served with lemon wedges and garlic aioli for added flavor.
2 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 frozen prepared crab cakes
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • Garlic aioli optional

Instructions
 

Preheat the Air Fryer

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy exterior.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

  1. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.

Cook the Crab Cakes

  1. Place the frozen crab cakes into the prepared basket, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow proper air circulation. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 9–11 minutes. Flip the crab cakes halfway through the cooking time to ensure an evenly crisp texture.

Serve the Crab Cakes

  1. Carefully remove the crab cakes from the air fryer using tongs. Transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and serve with garlic aioli on the side for dipping.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the frozen crab cakes you use are certified gluten-free. Check the ingredient list for any hidden gluten sources. Additionally, verify that any parchment paper or aluminum foil used is free from contamination.
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I'm Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my "About Me" page for more info!

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